Tri-Star has lots of power more suction than other vacs incl. Dyson; there the most powerful vac ever & STILL use bags.  U can fill the bag full & still have the same suction power as with a new, clean paper & cloth bag.  The pre-EXL mdl PN's (CXL) can work with a steel Vibra Groomer brush roll for even BETTER cleaning power & the Tri-Star can't be beat.  A pre-motor HEPA filter can be put on for superior filtration before the motor, keeping it clean & to protect the motor from harmful dust that can shorten its life.  Compacts & Tri-Stars are durable, long lasting vacs due to its die-cast body which OUTLASTS plastic throwaway vacs on the market; they'r worth the $$ b/c the Tri-Star can last for MANY generations.
 
I'm the proud & happy owner of 4 Compact & Tri-Star vacs but I use only the red 2 speed CXL for everyday cleaning.  Every time I vacuum with a tri-star, it pulls out YEARS of dirt left behind by other vacs; even suction only nozzle can do that with a Tri-Star.  Sometimes I use a straight suction rug nozzle or use the PN w/ brush off for quick cleanups, but I prefer to use the PN w/ brush on for the true, brute power that can't be beat.