Gas Pump vs. Pistol Grip Hoses

[ocscott3085]

Hi All,
I was wondering what your preferences were in regard to hose handles - gas pump or pistol grip? I grew up in the 80's/90's and my parent's canisters were mainly pistol grip handles - Sears Best Power-mate (on/off switch on handle), a black Hoover Spirit, etc. It seems like almost all manufacturers are only making gas pump handles nowadays. I have always preferred pistol grip handles myself. It makes using the vacuum hose for above floor tasks like dusting and cleaning the sofa so much easier. I know when Hide a Hose first came out, there was an option for a pistol grip handle but I can't seem to find that part anywhere now. My parents' original hose for their central vac system was also a pistol grip. Their new hose (and the one that came with my central vac) are both gas pump. Can anyone think of a vacuum brand that sells canisters whose electric hoses have a pistol grip handle? The only machine I can think of is the bottom of the line Aerus canister. Any others?

 

[super-sweeper]

Pistol grip is my preference, less clunky and more lightweight

 

[kirbylux77]

The BOL Kenmore canisters here in Canada come with a pistol grip hose & the small PowerMate with the flat belt that is in the middle of the brushroll. Also, the Fuller Brush PT2 canisters (the previous design) & Dirt Devil Jaguar & Jag 2 canisters had electrified hoses that had a plastic pistol grip handle. It was only recently that the Jag3 came out that uses a gas pump handle.

Rob

 

[countryguy]

My preference is for the pistol grip as well...for all the same reasons that you stated. The gas pump handles are just too bulky for above the floor cleaning.

Gary

 

[eurekaprince]

This is one of the major reasons I do not like power nozzle canisters: bulky hose handles - whether pistol grip or gas pump. I prefer 2 separate vacs: suction-only canister + carpet-only lightweight upright.

I love the versatility of the Miele suction-only hoses. The handles are removable and you can attach the Universal Dusting Brush or the Mini Turbo Nozzle directly to the hose which is great for cleaning tight spaces like car interiors. You also have the option of attaching a nice long slender hose handle with suction release valve or the fancier ergonomic handle with swivel hose connection and spot-light. You really can tailor the end of the hose for any cleaning task!

 

[vacuumlad1650]

The only time i like the gas pump grip is when its the early Kenmore/Panasonic style. I prefer pistol as its lighter, and fits in smaller spaces. We always had the gas pump style growing up but when i got into Electrolux, i loved the pistol grip! They also seem more durable and the hose tends to be longer with them. Less weight too

 

[rainbowd4c]

Myself I prefer a pistol grip. I never really liked the gas pump they always seem heavy and hard to use when dusting or in tight spaces. I never upgraded my Rainbow just for that reason and I sent my Shark Powered back for the same reason plus the hose was a pain to work with.

The reality is that if you have a gas pump handle with controls if anything goes wrong with the handle controls you are kinda screwed. The hose is more expensive than the pistol grips.

 

[n0oxy]

I would vote for the pistol grip

I also think the pistol grip is easier. I do have a central vacuum electric hose, but I only use that when I want to use my mini electric brush. Otherwise, I pull out my nonelectric central vacuum hose and it has more of a pistol grip to it. I agree about the Miele nonelectric hose, I like the grip on my C1 Olympus, I have the standard handle with the suction relief valve. To answer the question if any other canisters included electric hoses that were pistol grip besides the Aerus classic, the answer is yes. The Perfect Power Team vacuum's hose is pistol grip. These are designed to be similar to the old Electrolux vacuums, and the hose does provide a switch on the hose for control of the power nozzle.

 

[countryguy]

Earlier Kenmore models were pistol grip as were Fairfax although I don't know if they are still made. I think most of the older vacs that did not have direct connect were pistol grip i.e. Filter Queen, Rainbow, Eureka, Compact/Tristar, etc.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

If I had to choose, I'd say

'pistol grip'. I'd much more prefer, though, a 'regular' grip, like on a Constellation, etc.
But.....for newer, pistol. I don't find all of the extra plastic helpful or more comfortable. I often wondered why they went that far.
John

 

[kirbylux77]

Gary

The Kenmore canister I was referencing above is still available to purchase at Sears in Canada, for $299.99. Not a very good deal though, when you consider a Panasonic MC-CG902 with much better features & a better powerhead can be had for a few dollars more.

Rob

http://www.sears.ca/product/kenmore-md-12-amp-bagged-canister-vacuum/620-000616128-23401C