Anyone in the UK Own the Newest Model G-Tech Ram??

[honestjoe68]

Here in the USA the G-Tech Ram and hand held cordless vacuums are sold under the Bissell name, but from what I found out, are identical in specs and performance. My UK Friend Dorian just put a video on his YouTube showing his sister has both these vacuums. So I thought I’d show mine to compare to the UK G-Tech models to show they are twins except in name. They both have suction motors and with the mini attachment, both also have motorized brushrolls to get the embedded dirt up. They are somewhat messy to empty but no worse than most. I just have a second set of sponge filters so while one set is washed and drying out monthly, the fresh/dry set can be in both machines so I don’t accidentally forget and use one without a filter. (You’d visually see it had no filter, but I’m not always the swiftest LOL)

I am attaching pictures of mine for the UK members to compare and anyone in the USA that has not heard of these, it’s a great pair to have! I highly recommend them both for quick clean ups and light daily cleaning.

Thanks and any questions feel free to ask. [this post was last edited: 3/31/2018-06:55]

http://https//www.bissell.com/airram-cordless-vacuum-1984

 

[sensotronic]

I have just bought the K9 version twin pack but it's still waiting to be unboxed.

 

[honestjoe68]

@sensotronic

Hi Roger,

Excellent.. I can’t wait to see you unbox the K9 versions. They are not offered in the USA, so I’ll be glad to check them out.

Thank you!

 

[rolls_rapide]

The K9 version...

...should be this...

 

[vacfan1982]

[No message]

 

[rolls_rapide]

Gtech Pro.... Bagged machine!

This has piqued my interest...!

http://https//www.gtech.co.uk/gtech-pro

 

[sensotronic]

A bagged vacuum cleaner, how novel! I saw the advert today and they're promoting the bag as if it's a revolutionary new idea. Perhaps we will see the start of a bagged revolution in vacuum cleaners. I hope so.

http://https//youtu.be/sylvmz2Ma0A

 

[vacfan1982]

I was looking at this yesterday. I wonder if it's any good?

I like the look of the Oreck pod thingy. I hope we get it in the UK.

 

[rolls_rapide]

At least Gtech are amenable to the idea of alternative dust collection systems. Bagless designs are indeed messy, and not suitable for folk with dust allergies.

Dyson, on the other hand, said bags would never be used in a Dyson machine. In doing so, Dyson - who think they know best - shot themselves in the foot, sent their dust collection designs down the proverbial cul-de-sac, and alienated a proportion of the customer base.

 

[rolls_rapide]

I would like to see how a Dyson would perform if one of their designs had no cyclones, but instead had a high filtration dustbag and the super digital motor. I wonder what the suction power would be like?

 

[vacfan1982]

It would be significantly better. Which is why I'd like to see the new Oreck Pod Stick vac here. It's a direct air cleaner too.

 

[tolivac]

That G-Ram bagged vacuum sounds interesting!

 

[rolls_rapide]

Regarding Gtech Pro bagged...

A few customer reviews on the Gtech site suggested that there are quality issues with the product, such as a stuck on/off switch, a battery which wouldn't stay in position - possibly requiring extra force to lock it in place, and difficulties in detaching the extension tube and nozzles. Some thought the suction wasn't as good as the older bagless versions. And customer care was variable.

Quality - it has to be said - the Dyson machines are far better in that respect. They usually work properly straight out of the box.

So the question is, do you go bagless with Dyson, with Dyson-esque prices, but have a decent level of customer care; or do you go cheaper with Gtech with dust collection options, but have quality issues and have to deal with Jekyll & Hyde customer care?

 

[honestjoe68]

@rolls_rapide

Hi,

I’m sorry the UK has less than perfect customer service and I wish most companies could have the excellent customer service like Dyson. My personal experience is Apple has the number one customer service and personal care toward it’s customers and Dyson is a close second.

Now in the USA, we deal with Bissell customer care and I have had great luck with anything I have needed help with.. they were very helpful and polite and somewhat knowledgeable. The only problem is, I highly doubt we will be getting anymore G-Tech vacuums branded Bissell in the USA. My only reason for saying this, is the sales are very lack luster and never really took off like they did in the UK. We used to have G-Tech Air Ram, branded such, at the Sharper Image Stores and people could walk in and try it out and they sold a lot of them. But they have since closed ALL the stores and don’t sell G-Tech, or any good vacuums on their website anymore. So sadly, with Bissell sales slow and Bissell is to blame as I only saw a few commercials at first, then NOTHING.. they dropped all advertising and I don’t even see the Bissell Air Ram in any stores, only ordered online at Bissell.

With a few hiccups or problems or even with bad customer service.. I would definitely still order the bagged version of this cool looking G-Tech if it becomes available for USA customers.. but somehow I highly doubt we will be getting it.

I can’t say which is better, but I would say it comes down to you get what you pay for these days.. IF you’re lucky. Dyson and Apple products are expensive, but they at least give you the best in customer service. The G-Tech people were very nice to me when I contacted them (granted it was through email) and they were very helpful and explained the situation and helped me find Bissell products made with their design. The email came quickly and was polite, but I have no idea how customer service on the phone would be. I know I also have great service from Oreck, very nice ladies. I also have had excellent care when calling for Riccar or my Maytag was the best. The USA Maytag vacuum people went out of their way to help and keep me a happy and satisfied customer.

I guess I’ll never get to buy a G-Tech bagged vacuum or the Awesome Looking UK version of the Ball Animal 2 Upright... but I can and will be buying the Oreck Pod. Thanks guys and all of you in the UK, good luck with G-Tech.. I would still give it a chance if for the only reason you want a bagged vacuum. I hope that with G-Tech and Oreck.. this is a trend that will STAY and they see some customers still want and prefer Bagged Vacuums.

Thanks