I am extremely happy with my X5 and despite not being a fan of the auto adjustment on the two X1.1s
And X4 I used to own, the auto adjustment on my new X5 seems much better. It may be something to do with having different carpets or the cleaner head being heavier, but I certainly don't think it is just skimming accross the top of the carpet and although not noticable on the video, it does groom the pile.
When cleaning upstairs, (I have solid concrete floors downstairs) I can feel the vibration of the brushes on the floor behind the cleaning head, so I am satisfied that the X5 is agitating the carpet enough to do a thorough job. I also own a Sebo Professional G 1 with the manual height adjustment and even set on its lowest setting, It doesn't seem to agitate the carpet as much as the X5 with its auto adjustment.
For an upright to clean thoroughly, you need the suction of the cleaner to lift the carpet up to the baseplate, creating a cushion of air between the underlay and the top of the pile as shown in the Hoover brochures of old. I think the automatic adjustment of the Sebo achieves this effectively, as long as you go slightly slower across the carpet, which results in more efficient cleaning. In my experience of using upright cleaners, Sebo uprights have the best brushroll, with the Miele S7 coming in second. Of course the activator on the Turbopower 1's was excellent but I am talking about current models available now.
The Turbopowers brought up the pile like no other upright, but the belt did tend to stretch after a while, reducing the efficiency of agitator, something that the toothed belt of the Sebo doesn't suffer from.
As own a barely used Turbopower 1, manual height adjustment Sebo and an automatic Sebo, I will be able to compare them at some point, so look out for the video. I will say that Sebo's build quality is streets ahead of anything Hoover have produced from the early 80's to the present day and I would also rate Sebo above Miele in this regard.
When I was younger I thought Hoover was the best and I only collected Hoover and would not consider any other make. I even fell out with people if they purchased a vacuum cleaner that wasn't made by Hoover. It's ridiculous when I look back on it now, but with age hopefully comes wisdom and now I really couldn't care less what people want to spend their money on. If people ask my opinion, I will give it, but if they decide to get a Dyson or Vax, that's up to them. We are collectors and enthusiasts on this forum, so naturally we like to think we have a lot more knowledge and experience when it comes to the humble vacuum cleaner, but it seems a shame that things sometimes get a bit heated regarding which brand or model is best. I will not argue with anyone over a vacuum cleaner and accept that they are entitled to their opinion, just as I am entitled to mine. I would chose a Sebo or Miele over any Hoover cleaner, but I respect those that may think differently.
I am not having a go at anyone on Vacuumland, so please don't think I am having a sly dig. I agree and disagree with many of what's been said on this thread and many others, but I won't get into an argument over a vacuum cleaner or any other subject if I can help it, unless you're my other half who must understand that I'm always right and my word is law!
