To be fair, the problems are with a good deal of people who choose to view things through negative eyes, rather than take something at face value, or, failing that, say nothing at all. However, pack-mentality and tribalism is of course a natural instinct and in that sense it is easy to see why the internet is in the state it is.
As for the Ranger, I too thing there are other machines which compare more favourably to it, although seeing how the Powerplus range has been mentioned, I must suggest that for me, the Ranger was always superior for a number of reasons. Firstly, I always considered the metal chassis to be far more durable, though it is also fair to say I saw very few examples of later cleaners with plastic chassis that has encountered damage.
Secondly, I preferred the round, soft-grip handle. Time and again I sold replacement handles for these Seniors, as the hard plastic insert-style handles would often snap. I also felt the round handle was more comfortable.
Thirdly, Hoover did build the handle release pedal and on/off switch into one convenient foot pedal, which for upright use was jolly handy, but when using tools could be difficult and it was essential that the user gripped the handle when switching off and on, as the handle could well come crashing down, particularly when switching off, as the inflated dustbag would pull down on the freshly released handle. Indeed I do recall one woman informing me of such an incident happening in her home, the result of which was a broken ornament and broken handle, would you believe it, as both came down with a crash as the handle was released accidentally.
On the other side, I think we can all agree that the front-facing pan converter hose assembly was a much needed and much welcome change from the rear-facing hose connector. It provided more suction than older models, even when those older cleaners were running at high speed. I also much preferred the cable hooks as these were far stronger.
