I read and follow some of the many posts on this forum and don't often post, but couldn't help to bring up the new Kirby Sentria.  I saw it yesterday only briefly.  It has a redesigned belt lifter that is round with a swing out crank handle.  The handle is now all chrome with a pronounced carrying handle.  Because of the new bumper and gray with orange accents on the bag it has a real retro look to it.  The headlight is probably the biggest change, it requires an electro static magnetic pad to avoid burning out its circuit board when working on.  The light luminates a blue hue much like the Mercedes and Lexus.  For the Kirby Fananitics, the Handi Butler is back working off of suction instead of a belt.  Its purpose is more like a Dremel Tool.  One of the things it doesn't have that the Diamond Edition had is the two speed manual switch.  I heard it was too confusing for some users so it was taken off.  I did get a chance to use the Sentria and have to say it felt as though it moved more smoothly than the previous Tech Drive Models.  I may be because of the more comfortable curved handle.  Anyone else have a chance to view Kirbys latest yet?

Thanks Vacman South.  I haven't seen it yet but I'm about to go looking.  Sounds interesting.
 
Venson

Hi Just,
 
There was no mention of the Sentria at http://www.kirby.com but I called Kirby's parts and supplies number,  1-800-437-7170. I was informed that the Sentria will be out in two weeks.
 
I think it's a shame that the two-speed switch is not a keeper.  What was there to be confused about?
 
Venson

An authorized Kirby repair shop, Topeka Vacuum, tells me the Senria will be in Topeka within a week.  However, the owner of the vac shop hasn't seen it yet.
He's also authorized to sell Kirbys through home demonstration by the Topeka distributor.  I understand the Sentria is light grey.  I'll go over to look at it as soon as it arrives in Topeka.
 
Right now I have a 1924 Regina straight suction upright in the shop.  I bought it a few weeks ago on ebay.  The vac shop has it running some of the time, but it arcs.  Also seems to have a switch problem.  Bah, humbug.

Kirby is one of the few vacuum cleaners still built for quality and to last 20 years  now they need  to update there product and I think a women should have a big part to revamp that product. From what you say nothing real new with there new model  just a face lift like the G3  to the last model  just a face lift . What they don't want to do is to change as Electrolux has done  give up there quality product  and sell there name to  Sweden .