Where is this thread going?
Sebo_fan, FantomVacuumFan is not my friend, but a YouTube user that I'm subscribed to. I enjoyed his videos about the various Fantom vacuums he's owned, hence his namesake. This guy is also a fan of Hoover, and has a Hoover Linx cordless stick vac, a Hoover Platinum Collection Windtunnel bagless upright and a Hoover Windtunnel Air (original model).
To clarify, on the corded Hoover Windtunnel Air, the filter located above the main shroud is a pre-motor filter, used as a second line of defense. The HEPA filter is located above the motor, and traps the carbon dust and so on.
As for the original subject about Dyson vs. Shark, I'd like to share my comments on those points:
Hard floor cleaning - the Shark includes a "Hard Floor Genie" tool which features a straight suction opening with a microfiber pad, which allows for vacuuming AND dusting hard floors. I agree, the Dyson is more convenient. Plus, with the active base plate, it'll pick up better on hard floors. Shark's dusting pad will have to be washed periodically.
Suction at the head - The majority of vacuuming is done with the main head, and that's where suction matters most. More suction allows for cleaner carpets.
Above floor cleaning - I think the Lift-Away feature and canister caddy are very cool, but I don't find them to be that convenient. I'd rather have the Dyson's instant release wand, even if it's plastic and lacks a handle.
Swivel steering - Dyson's Ball turns a full 90 degrees, whereas the Shark, with its wheeled power head, can't turn very well. But again, I don't find the Powered Lift-Away feature to be very convenient.
Head width and edge cleaning - The Shark doesn't clean edges well, due to the left edge of the power head, where the belt runs. Dyson's head is about 3 inches wider, so it gets the job done faster.
Warranty and longevity - Yes, both the Dyson and Shark are easy to maintain. Maintenance is basically the same for both:
- Empty the bin after every use or when it's full
- Rinse the filters under water every 3 months
Yes, the Shark does seem like a great value for the price! I would want to get one if I couldn't afford the Dyson.
Below is a still frame from the Dyson video, showing a comparison of the cleaner head width.
