Clearing up Confusion on Riccar Tandem Air Uprights

[s2_82]

Ok, so I've been really debating on whether I should replace either my Kirby G3 or Hoover Self Propelled (going on 10 years as my daily driver vac) with either a Riccar Radiance Premium, or Brilliance R30.
I'm just confused on some of the features, and whether or not it's worth to spend close to almost $500.00 more for features that aren't that big of a deal.

The first major thing is the Dirt Sensor Amber lights on the Radiance.. I'm guessing they're nice but not absolutely necessary, which I'm fine without.
But.. One of the other major things that I noticed, is that the the brushroll on the Brilliance has two strips (chrome steel), yet the brushroll on the Radiance has 3 strips, and a rather different looking design (estruded aluminum, more cheveron style??). I guess my main question here is: Does three rows of brush strips mean a better vacuum; and or a cleaner carpet?

Another thing that I have heard is that the direct air motor on the Radiance is a bit more powerful than on the Brilliance. Does anybody know if this is true or not?

I did hear also that Riccar's Uprights have been redesigned for better performance on Smart Strand Silk carpet etc, any other improvements?
I'm just curious as to what you all think, and whether or not the upgrade from the Brilliance to the Radiance is a wise move.

Thanks!!!

 

[jkbff]

My honest opinion would be to wait until the R40 (new radiance) comes out. We have been waiting for it for a long while, we actually expected it for VDTA, they had the prototypes there. We should be getting them by June.

As it stands right now, the R30 Brilliance is more powerful than the current RAD.10 or RADP.4. The R30 has a new designed fan for the DAM that provides more air flow, has one less fin and is a bit shorter than the BRL brilliance so the fans last longer. The R30 also has a redesigned CAM so there is more hose suction on that 17' hose vs the 11 foot hose the RAD has.

The new R40 will have all of the improvements the R30 has. That 3 row brush works very well but I wouldn't recommend jumping into a new machine until the new model is out. It will be worth the wait.

The R30 was updated before the RAD because of the deal with whirlpool for the Maytag Licensing agreement.

Given how close we are for the new Radiance, I'd hate to see a purchase on an older model and have buyers remorse.

Just my two cents.

 

[miskini]

I agree

With you 100% josh. S282, I had the same questions when I purchased my rad10 radiance. The premium radiance was $400 more and the only real difference was the dirt sensors. I stuck with the radiance. If I was in your shoes, I would definitely wait for the new model.

 

[dysonman1]

I work at the factory, know all the employees who made the Tandem Air uprights. One of my best friends is the line LEADER. The new models are only prototypes at this time. From this point, until launch, it's at least a year. Remember how long it took to get the Prima/Wonder from the time I took the pictures until launch? It was two years earlier (from the time I took the pics) that the machine was in prototype form. Launching new models takes a ridiculous amount of time and effort on the entire engineering, design, and marketing staff. Then, there's the testing (at motels) and the tear downs. The treadmill room at the factory was designed to test motor life. There's two months of constant on/off running. So it won't be any time soon that a new Tandem-Air model is available.

Having used all the models Tacony makes, the Brilliance/Maytag M1200 models are my FAVORITE uprights. The new fan on the first motor (like a Kirby fan) is almost indestructible. The standard width nozzle is easy to get under things, and the vacuum is a joy to use.

With regard to the brush roller, and its job of removing sand and grit from the carpet, the Brilliance/Maytag brush roller does an outstanding job. Makes the sand jump six inches into the air, for the suction to carry away.

I like the R30P (Riccar Premium model) as well as the Maytag M1200. The Simplicity (S30P) is also an excellent machine - I just love the looks of the Riccar (so classy) and the Maytag.

If you're coming to either one of the Vacuum Cleaner Collector conventions next month, I'll be happy to let you try all of them out. We have them all in the Factory Outlet Store. And we have all types of carpets to try them on.

 

[kirbysthebest]

I have a Simplicity Synergy X9, I bought as an abused child from EBay. It is a wonderful machine. Very easy to work on, the three brush strips do groom the carpet in quick fashion. Mine evidently has a broken spring as the handle is heavy and the machines I have tried at the vac store is better balanced.

My one and only complaint, if you would call it a complaint with a vacuum; it is a bit noisy. Not harshly so, but noisier than some not as bad as others. I only mention this as it is the only machine when I use it, that family members complain "boy you're noisy". When running as just the bypass motor like when cleaning with the hose it isn't as harsh, but still louder than a canister would be.

I grew up with Kirbys, so I adjust, but only mention it for information purposes. And yes, sound is subjective so others's may not think so, sometimes it's the pitch.

 

[s2_82]

Thanks for all the great information guys..

I knew that the Radiance was due in for an update, but never knew it was already in the works. My favorite is the R30, and Riccar vacuums in general. I couldn't agree with you more, Dysonman, the Riccars are very classy/elegant machines which I love, and I'm really liking the new changes that were done with the redesigned (R30) Brilliance.

If I don't get to the VCCA, I'll definitely be visiting my local vac store soon; hopefully they'll have the R30 out on display for me to try out. As far as the Radiance goes, it'll definitely be worth the wait despite all the hard work that goes behind the scenes, trust me.

 

[s2_82]

So rumor has it..

That the new Radiance R40p is already out?!? Is this true??? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

[henrydreyfuss]

One of my favorite things about Tacony is their commitment to continually improving their products. I just found this very informative video on the updated Radiance/Synergy line. They look FANTASTIC! Looks like even the smallest qualms with the machine have been addressed completely. Good work guys!

 

[s2_82]

WOW! Looking great..

I agree, this is quite an update for sure.. NICE!