Anyone have info on the new Kirby ?

[djtaylor]

I don't think any new model is coming out this year. I have been told that Kirby is not having a World Convention this year and they DO NOT launch a new model until AFTER a World Convention where they show it to their sales force first.
As for the idea that the next model is going to be several pounds less does not seem very likely. That would require dropping the Tech Drive, the Handle Pivot and Slide Block along with the structural supports. I can't see Kirby giving up the Tech Drive. I'd like to know where the rumor about the 'lighter weight and Burnt Orange color' came from. Kirby is pretty good at keeping secrets, I'd bet someone was given bad information.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

We`ll see who`s right .

Yes the color may be wrong but kirby`s biggest complaint is weight , is it not ? Why do you think they have been using plastic on the shampooer and now the base of the machine and a new lighter less palstic emptor? They will not get rid of techdrive . Every single time they start to make changes on the model out currently ALWAYS singnal`s a new model change . I know my Kirby brand and have been buying every new model that comes out since 1970 . Yes Kirby does TRY to keep secrets but secrets are always reveled some how some way . Watch and see ; )

 

[compactelectra]

Well

Something must be right about the name Avalir. Here is a link to the trademark registration.



http://www.trademarkia.com/avalir-76651946.html

 

[richardc1983]

Kirbyloverdan

Please can you respond to my comments above.

Thank you.

 

[richardc1983]

Just found the logo...

Many different logos for the Avalir...

http://trade.mar.cx/the_scott_fetzer_company

 

[vacman33]

Was wondering where everyone is getting their info. I was told by a Divisional Supervisor they are not getting a new kirby this year. But they are having a world conference this March in Orlando.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

richardc1983

Hello Richard
I am not sure what your local dealer would do for your trade .I love the logos you found even though some don`t beleive Kirbys comming out with a new model this year .I guess we`ll see soon enough won`t we .

 

[kirbyloverdan]

The New Avalir is on it`s way !

March will be here in 10 day`s then any day in March so will the new Kirby Avalir . Finally !

 

[vac_whisperer]

Yee-Haw! I wont be able to buy one, but sentrias wil start showing up at the salvation army.

VW

 

[djtaylor]

Where are you getting this info?

Kirbyloverdan, where are you getting your information from. Kirby does not launch a new modle before it's had a World Convension, and from what I have been told they are not having one this year. Also, a friend with connections at the factory says that they ARE NOT building a new model yet and that there are no plans as far as 'source' knows. Who are you getting your information from? You might want to tell your source to check his facts.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

My aren`t we a tad bit testy ?

Maybe your "source" doesn`t have the info I have . Warren Buffet just approved the outlay of money now that the electrical ratings are in place.The world conference was last weekend and it was spoken about. The new emptor that nobody beleive`s is real will be on the new Kirby behind the handle instead of off to the side . All Sentria`s that are in the warehouses must be sold first . Then the new model will be introduced in phases. It will be here this year ! When you love a product as much as I do , I always find out about every new Kirby that has ever been released even before many people who work at kirby even know .Hmmmm maybe I know Warren Buffet personally ????

 

[isufan11]

It could all be true

Funny that I happened to read this post today. I was working on this very thing today (yes on a Saturday, as I am very dedicated to my job) and I got back an e-mail stating that the US patent office had accepted the patent for a part that we had rejected on the new unit several times.

About a month ago we had a unit come in with a new power control on the handle. The power control is now in the switch as well as the variable speed control which had 3 speeds, as well as a bag indicator light.

The interesting about this part is that the patent abstract came in with a very specific items that the designers wanted us to test on it. The new switch takes the power of the vacuum down by up to 40% of the electricity useage without compromising the power of the motor. Now comes the more interesting part it also had built in "check and balances" to prevent the motor form over heating. It has temperature sensors which also automatically took down the power going to the motor.

All these subtle "motor control changes" are leading me to believe that they may try to market it as energy saving. As of today 2/19 all the parts on the machine that we had in the office have passed UL testing as well as patent cross checks.

I will be the first to say that my continued speculation on the timing of the release of machine has been completely wrong, and I apologize for that. This is one of the first products that I have worked with tat is not following timeline that other products are following when we see them. I will however not apologize for informing what information I can about this vacuum because it is amazing!!

P.S. The Patent for the handle has been published so I attached a link.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=EI...urce=gbs_overview_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

[twocvbloke]

Sounds like the Kirby is getting too complicated, sensors, speed controls, weird gearing for powering the brushroll, it's getting to be too much I think.... :S

Kind of makes me wonder if it'll do well in today's rather weak economy, people are more tight-fisted with their cash and don't want to buy things that are too expensive, and that Kirby looks like it'll be too expensive, especially when it breaks down and needs repair (as complicated things always do)... :S

 

[vac_whisperer]

@isufan11:Oh My GOD!

Thats what the new kirby will look like?!?!?! I would much rather see kirby DIE than go to that design!

VW

 

[kirbyloverdan]

It will be an Awsome machine .

Jon , Thanks for the great info . This Kirby has been in the works for years . They didn`t want to release it until all the bugs were worked out . They have several machines out being used and debugged so that when this is released there will be no problems as were in the Generation series in the begining. Kirby has a reputation for building a reliable machine and WILL NOT compromise that reputation. I will be buying two one to keep in the box and one to use .

 

[ohio_tuec]

I would much rather see kirby DIE than go to that design!

Maybe it won't be so bad. Truth be told, we've had 21 years of the Generation series body, and you can only dress it up so many ways. Consumers are tired of it. They've gotten more mileage out of the Sentria than any other Generation model. It's time for a change. I know Kirby would NEVER do it, but I'd like to see them offer two different models - one, a 500 series based, non power drive (with a small rug nozzle & HEPA filtration) at a lower price point, two, the new Kirby Avalir in whatever wacky colors they have picked out. Anyone care to guess which model would sell better?

- Karl

 

[richardc1983]

Energy Saving

Kirby Vacuums have always been energy saving when compared to say a Dyson or any other clean air design that run at say 1800watts!

I cant wait till it is released I just hope they havent put too much plastic on. Dont see why there is a need for all these sensors though, my kirby has never overheated before they are very resilient. If it hasnt been a problem before why change it now?

I do think a design change is needed though, as long as they keep it dirty fan suction though.

 

[luxlife]

I'm going to stop speculating until I've seen the first photo. Maybe one of you could convince your "private source" of info to get a sneak photo of this machine. Even car magazines have spy photographers who always manage to leak a photo of a new model to print. How hard could it be to get a photo of a vacuum, epsecially if "They have several machines out being used and debugged"?

 

[vacfanatic]

Welcome the changes

My view is that we should welcome the changes whatever they may be. I personally think that the plastic they use on the newer shampoo / floor care nozzle as well as the plastic base pan are not "cheap" plastics. As long as they are durable, who would not welcome the weight savings? My Sentria as it is now is kind of a beast to lug around, but I do like it.

Also, the G series have had plastic handles and attachments for years, all which rarely break. I don't think going plastic is all that bad really.

Andrew

 

[tolivac]

I have to wonder about the new design ,too-sounds just too complicated.Can envision problems with the electronics-that well,are just not needed.Kirby motors have held up fine over the years without any PWM speed controllers and temp monitors.the motors were more than adequately cooled.The discharge to the bag at the top of the fan housing-can bet there is going to be clogging here-same with the part of the hose that has a curve in it.hope they provide "trap doors" in those places so you can remove hairballs,bobby pins and such.
Handles that don't break-at the vac repair places see broken "G" series handles all of the time-the Kirby handles that truely didn't break were the older Tublar aluminum ones.
and by their direct air nature Kirbys are energy savers compared to ANY clean air vacuum.

 

[2011hoover700]

Portability

Will the new model still be convertible to the portable configuration?
Or will there be a new corded handheld vacuum model sold along side?
Thanks

 

[2011hoover700]

Another thing, will it's motor come apart for repairs like even on the sentria? Like can just it's armature (for example) be replaced if ever it goes bad.
Thanks again

 

[vac_whisperer]

OK, guys- my local kirby dealership always has a stand at the annual home improvement show. Its in about a week; well see if they have a new "avalir"

VW

 

[bisonian]

Just A Thought ....

Has anyone considered the possibility that the Avalir might not actually BE a Kirby? Remember, Scott Fetzer also sells vacs under the Douglas and ReadiVac names -- which are considerably lighter and less expensive than a Kirby. Just wondering .....

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Sorry Rick

Guess you chose not to click on many of the links that the other members have posted of actual pictures from the United States Patent office . It is in no way connected to Douglas, the machine is a Kirby Avalir .

 

[bisonian]

Nothing to apologize for...

... No need to say you're sorry, Dan. I'm not misinterpreting anything.

I have clicked on the links above and seen the patent info you refer to. There is NOTHING in those documents that says "this vacuum will be branded as a Kirby." NOTHING.

Based only on those documents, it might be a Kirby, it might be a Douglas, it might be a ReadiVac, it might be an entirely new brand. There's no reason why it couldn't be any of those. They're all under the Scott Fetzer corporate umbrella.

I'm not trying to argue with you, I'm only stating a possibility. It makes no difference to me if it is a Kirby or if it isn't. I won't be buying one until it hits the thrift shops some years from now.

I have no doubt that it will be built to Kirby standards if it is a Kirby Avalir. If it's a Douglas Avalir, it will be built to a different, lesser standard. Either way, it's an interesting design.

Have a good day.

Rick C.

 

[vac_whisperer]

No new Kirby

Same old sentria... But they had a new emptor, and it just looks... wrong

VW

 

[kirbyloverdan]

The New Kirby is being built right now .

It will be here this year . The emptor thats on the newest Sentria is a part that will be on the Kirby Avalir . The Sentria will not be here for much longer . Perfection has taken much longer than thought especially during these economic times which have not helped to sell the rest of the Sentrias that are left in the warehouses.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

Price to high

Hi All i would love Kirby to cut their prices so many more people could afford then.ILOVE Kirbys always have but they are priced WAY OUT OF LINE Doug

 

[vacman33]

Just offer the kirby guys $500 bucks for a new one, they will sell it to you. If not wait 30 days after the new model comes out you can get one on ebay for that price.