Help me decide!

[danielsand]

Hey vacuum people! I am shopping for Kirbys on Christmas Eve! According to my wife that's "borderline sick". But anyway.........

There are two prospects on the horizon: G5 with all accessories (including never used carpet shampoo kit) for $80.- and a Sentria with all accessories (shampoo kit included, don't know if it was used or not) for $140.- (I am sure I can negotiate lower price on both, but that's not important).

I am leaning toward G5 for the reason of simplicity (I like simple things, that's why I'm hooked on vintage Kirbys). How much "better" is Sentria though? If you have to choose between these two, which one would it be, and why?

Thank you.

 

[fantomfan]

Well, the G5 isn't really "vintage."

The G5 was produced in the late 1990's. Both are self propelled, and are of the most recent Kirby design. I have a 2003 Ultimate G. It is not my daily driver, but as a powerful vacuum, it's excellent. I'd go for the Sentria. As long as it's in good shape, it's about a decade newer than the G5, so you'll most likely get longer service out of it. The newer Kirby brushrolls are more aggressive as well, at least in my experience. My aunt is very pleased with her 2011 Sentria. Good luck in your Kirby search! -Mitchell

 

[danielsand]

Forgot to say: G5 is for sale by original owner, living in the upscale neighborhood, and includes the instructional video, and the owners manual with purchase receipt. In mint condition, and ready to use.

Sentria is for sale in the ghetto, and the add states "vacuum was given to me by my mom, and I never used it. She told me all it needs is a belt." No manual, no receipt, and the "third party use" story (fishy). Might have issues I am not familiar how to detect/fix. Looks mint in pictures.

 

[smow69]

g5

I would go with the g5 all the way merry christmas

 

[danielsand]

Thank you Mitchell. I know neither one is "vintage", but I know you guys "in the know", own vintage and modern machines that's why I asked here. I need carpet shampoo kit mainly, and my vintage ones are just too nice to use them for that. Currently, I use Omega as a "DD", and I'd like to save it as is (mint and restored). The newer machine does not interest me as an "art object" (as the old ones do), and will be used daily in the big house with big dogs, and all abuse associated with that.

 

[sptyks]

Daniel,


 


Do you have photos of these two vacuums? The outside appearance can tell you a lot about how it was cared for. A heavily tarnished machine can mean it was stored in a damp area. You should look at the bags and check for stains, tears and frizzed edges. this will also indicate whether the machine had a rough life or not.


 


Things to consider about the vacuums themselves:


 


Both Machines have the Tech Drive self propelled transmission. There is Neutral - Drive pedal so you can disengage it if you prefer.


 


The Sentria is a much newer machine mfd. from 2006 to 2012. It has a redesigned mini emptor for increased airflow which may mean noticeable performance improvement. It is also capable of choosing a standard brushroll with softer bristles or a pet brushroll which has much stiffer bristles to deal better with pet hair.


 


Note: I have owned a preowned Sentria (built in 2009) for 2 years now and it has been my DD. I have had absolutely no problems with it thus far.


 


The G5 was made from 1995 thru 1997. In my opinion the G5 has a much more attractive color scheme than the Sentria. Other than that, there is not much different except the redesigned epmtor and brushroll choice noted above.


 


Try to determine which machine has the most hours of use on it. This will help you determine how soon the motor brushes and bearings will need to be replaced.


 


Good Luck in choosing the best machine for you. 


 


 


 

 

[danielsand]

Thank you for the responses guys! I'll try to upload pics, so you can eyeball these two contenders. AFA brushes, bearings, etc. I am not too concerned. I work on all our cars (six), three motorcycles, and an airplane. Never trained as a mechanic, but worked on my own ever since I can remember. I can service a vacuum cleaner easily.

 

[vacuumkid47]

Sentria or not to Sentria?

Well, I am leaning toward the Kirby Sentria because it is a newer model and much more improvements from the G5. I would recommend the Sentria.

 

[danielsand]

I am thinking G5. Has everything I need, and it would fit nicely in my "collection". Three Kirbys in 20 year intervals. 515 from 1955, Omega from 1975, and G5 from 1995. That would look nice together, because all three years have a special meaning for me! I can get it for 60 bucks with never used carpet shampoo kit. It's a bargain.

 

[danielsand]

It's not happening. The seller did not accept my offer. Machine needs a new handle back plate ("fixed" with a zip tie right now), and I need to drive 120 miles RT to pick it up. Still looking. Decided against Sentria (too "new"). Actively looking for G5.