Marcusprit, yes, Shark vacuums appear to be better values compared to Dyson.
Ralph123, I did check out the November 2014 issue of Consumer Reports at my local library. However, the Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away, NV501 (NOT the new Powered version) was evaluated at the time. Just thought you should know
Sebo_fan, much of the information I learned about the Vax/Hoover Air Cordless was from a video on YouTube. The uploader, FantomVacuumFan (who is on Vacuumland under the same name), made a video where he compared the Hoover Air Cordless to the original Windtunnel Air and demonstrated it. It's lengthy, at nearly half an hour long! The guy points out all of the changes and drawbacks of the Cordless machine.
Rob, I respect your opinion. The new Shark offers the best of both worlds with the Powered Lift-Away feature and canister caddy. I consider the Shark a jack of all trades.
Scott, yes, I have downloaded the Shark Rotator Pro Lift-Away manual from the Shark website, and it appears that the brush roll can't be removed, so removing tangles can be difficult. Plus, with the brush ends melting as you've said above, you'll probably have to buy a brand new cleaner head, which costs $69.95 on
http://www.sharkclean.com/rotator/professional-lift-away-nv500/parts-and-accessories/
Super-sweeper, this makes me wonder why some vacuums are so overpriced! The Hoover Windtunnel T-Series UH70120 could do the same job at $100. However, these cheaper vacuums generally have less features, such as shorter hoses and rubber belts that stretch and break.
Here is said video of the Hoover Air Cordless.