I think the DC18 offers a fairly good compromise of features.  It's the first Dyson upright that can maneuver under furniture fairly well.   Most consumers who have the disposable income to buy a $500 vacuum are likely in the 40+ age range, and most of them are more concerned with ease of use.  While CR hasn't released a score for carpet cleaning, the video review seemed to be positive.  
 
I'm not sure why CR makes such a flippant statement about the value of the DC18 versus the Hoover Tempo, based solely on initial cost.   CR does the consumer a disservice when it fails to take into account of the estimated cost of ownership for a 4 or 5 year period and differences in features.    CR does not seem to place any value on quality/quantity of cleaning attachments.  CR also fails to reward Dyson for being the easiest bagless vacuum to maintain.   If you have to have a filthy bagless vacuum, you want one that is relatively easy to empty and maintain.  
 
The $469 price tag for the Dyson DC18, seems to be in line with the $350 Riccar Supralite, $400 Oreck XL, and the $750 Oreck XL21-700, particularly given that an additional purchase of a canister is needed for cleaning with tools for these models (perhaps a canister is included on the Orecks?).    
 
While the Hoover is certainly a great value, I'm not sure that Hoover helps its bottom line by selling a $60 vacuum that cleans as well as their $300 vacuums.  The Dyson-lite could end up being Dyson's highest rated vacuum the next time CR releases ratings.  
 

I would say that brush roll,type the angle of the brush on the brush itself,the firmness or lack of it can and does make most machines look bad or perform like a champ,personally i dont think wooden or metal dowels matter,both warp after a while,even the plastic ones go out of round[bearing type is important,].Brush speed is also important.With all the different types of carpeting today,it's very hard for the vacuum mfgs to find the right combination for everyone.It seems like uprights use the following as a base line, when cfm,airmovement is very high the weaker the bristles, on machines that dont move as much air the stiffer the bristles,although there are some that try the high air movement,tuff brush approach.
 
It's really tough to get a handle on the set up.
the best is to test drive on your rugs and carpet before buying.....
 
  O.T.

Hi Carl,dont quote me but i think that kirby offers 2 different brush options,the standard one is very stiff,I believe the other is the berber rug option.
 
Not to many dealers get involved with it as far as i know.
 
I think hoover had the nylon and natural bristle at one time.The white ones used in the uprights were the softer of the 2.
 
It seems like the dc18 brush roll  is a good compromise,and should sweep up the rug and lift the pile over the07,14,.
 
  O.T.

Quote from Carmine_Difazio on 07/07/07 at 12:54pm:

 
Can't find this review... do you mind providing a link.  You aren't quoting Mark the Oreck dealer "reviewing" the competion again are you?

Hello Carmine,
 
I recently purchased a DC-18 and have had it for several months now. So far I don't find it to be top heavy and it has never once toppled over as you describe. In fact, it appears to be very stable even on thick carpeting.  
 
I'm curious to know how a DC-18 could possibly fall over on a smooth, flat concrete garage floor? Is it possible the operater didn't correctly lock the wheels in its upright position? I've tried and tried to make mine fall over but it simply remains standing like a 200 year old cedar!  
 
I guess I must be blessed; or is this simply a continuation of your anti-Dyson false propaganda BS?  
 
Anyone frequenting this forum can easily get the answer right on the first try!