Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Shark is going after the Dyson Ball pretty hard with the Navigator product.  It claims no loss of suction and claims its just as easy to maneuver as the Dyson Ball.  After acknowledging Dyson as the first to offer no loss of suction, they go for the throat.  They do a direct comparison to a Dyson Ball and state that they are equal in all ways (easy to maneuver, no loss of suction, 5 year warranty) but price.  For less than $200 you can get a Shark Navigator with a free steam cleaner thrown in to boot. 

I've had my mind on many things lately and haven't had time to check up on stuff in as timely a fashion as I'd like.  If the following info has already been posted, please forgive my oversight.  In any event, I hadn't been hooked up with Consumer Reports for a while but they've repeatedly sent me "We want you back" emails.  This time they proved it.  They knocked five bucks off my one-year online subscription.

CR rated the Navigator as excellent re pet hair pick up but only good for carpet cleaning.  I don't see that as a major fault one way or the other -- it's good to be good.  It also ranked nicely in regard to emissions, tool air flow and noise levels.

There were a good number of reviews for other vacuums in the $60.00 to $200 price range with nice reviews.  Thus there appears to be some hope for those facing budget crunches this year.

Best,

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hi Venson:

Very interesting.  Thanks for the info.  I'm impressed with this product so far.  Lightweight.  Price is right.  Performance is on par with the higher priced bagless.  Easy to clean/maintain 21 cyclones.  6 year warranty.  CR is high on it.  All the right stuff for a value vacuum.

Carmine D.

At least 2 major retailers are discounting the Shark navigator bagless upright this week.  Bed Bath and Beyond which now boasts that it carries a full assortment of Shark cleaning products, incluidng the Steam Mop, which garnered a decent rating friom Consumer Reports with an overall "Good", is selling the Lightweight bagless upright with Infinity technology for $179 before a 20 percent discount for a sale price of $ 143 before applicable taxes.  Frys Electronics is selling for $139.  Just to repeat salient selling points: Washable cyclones for constant suction [doesn't require high power compressor blow outs for $30-$50 a pop], pet power tool, 2 crevice tools including an extra long one for tight/deep spaces.  If I recall correctly either a 5 or 6 year warranty.

Carmine D.

Howdy,

For those of you that shop Costco, I just received this month's coupon book in the mail and a $30-off coupon is being offered for the Shark Navigator bagless upright.  It's good from August 19th to September 19th.

If you you've been seriously kicking around the idea of getting the Navigator, this coupon may help cinch the deal.  It sells at my eastcoast Costco for 160 bucks so the $30 off may make you stop and think wherever its sold.  (I am assuming the Costco price is the same across the country.)

The price break is great and the 5-year warranty still stands.

(No I have no affiliation with Costco or its subsidiaries.  They only get half my money and still don't even know my name.)

Best,

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hi Venson:

Thanks Venson.  I saw this ad in my mailer.  Interestingly, Shark Navigator is no longer on the COSTCO web site.  I suspect this is a pre-closeout sale for the item at COSTCO. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Hi Carmine,

You're right, 'tis true. (But the DC14 reamins.)  :o)

Venson

Venson wrote:

Venson;

Evidence to me at least that despite the $299 price, the dyson DC14 models are still not selling.

Carmine D.

The Shark Navigator is commonly being sold now for $139 at most big box retailers.  Its biggest plus IMO is the long warranty.  However, I would, despite the only 2 year warranty, recommend the HOOVER T series bagless WT Rewind for the same price over the Navigator.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Hi Carmine,

My local Costco has dropped it to $130.

Venson

Venson wrote:

Thanks Venson.  I see BEST BUY stores advertising and selling the T-4 HOOVER WT rewind for $139.  A $20 savings from regular retail. 

Carmine D.