How many use this as their normal machine..?

[eurekaprince]

Hey there Matt.....

I always thought that the reason the WT Ultra self-propelled did better than the others was because the hose was positioned with less curves than all the other WindTunnels. It seems to have a nice wide turnaround at the top and a nice "straightaway" down to the floor head. The cheaper basic WT's have cheaper hoses that are stored with tight curves. I did not know that the TurboPower had an identical hose.

Also I also always thought the Self-Propelled version was heavier than the others due to the power-drive mechanism, and so I thought that the vac sat more tightly on the carpet and so did a better job of cleaning. But I stand corrected if you say the Turbopower is the same basic weight.

I just think that the larger exhaust filter on the Ultra allows for better air-flow and momentum through the system, but maybe the difference is negligible. I've never actually used a TurboPower - only saw them in the Future Shop stores here in Canada when they first came out alongside the WT SP Ultra.

Brian

 

[bagintheback]

I had two Windtunnels. My frist one is the Supreme, and the other one was a Tempo. I gave the Tempo to my uncle, which I kinda miss now. The Supreme is basically my dad's now. He uses it to vacuum up kitty litter, and my parents have this thing about cat litter vacuums and carpets, so I rarely use it. It's loud but the suction is amazing.

I normally try to stay with direct-air machine for carpet, but I do sometimes use them.

 

[tolivac]

Haven't used them much-but see too many sad looking ones in dumpsters at vac shops.Overall-think the 'ole Hoover Convertable was a FAR better machine-uses much less power and just more pleasurable to use than the clunky Windtunnels.

 

[myvacsrock]

I actually disagree

I enjoy using the Windtunnel more than just about any convertible i have, and i do have quite the variety to choose from..metal, plastic, full hood, square hood, just about all, and i just find using the Windtunnel more fun.

We all have our person opinion =)

 

[suckolux]

My landlady has that machine, good power, hate the noise, really missed her Concept it replaced. Have only had to replace the power drive cable, the only repair in 14?? years, so pretty good there.

 

[ohio_tuec]

I'm not a big fan of the Windtunnel either. For a machine that's all-plastic, it's still quite heavy and IMHO a "gas guzzler." Even though today it's the industry standard, 12 amps is waaaaay too much power for a vacuum to pull, and in a green-conscious society, the VCMA should lower the amperage rating. While they don't do a bad job of cleaning, I'd take a Dial-A-Matic, a Concept, or even an Elite (soft bag) over a Windtunnel.

 

[thevacuumguy96]

I actually used to have a black Mach 4.0 that I found in the garbage and when I plugged it in and turned it on, it started smoking! Plus, the part where the cord hooks into the machine had the wires coming out of it anyways! But I also have a Mach 7.0 and it is powerful! Although I do kind of dislike that it goes by itself because it has the powerdrive feature and it is hard for me to vacuum with it going by itself. But overall, I think Hoover Windtunnels are great machines and have great suction!

 

[tolivac]

The few times I have tried Windtunnels-at vac stores-I just don't really like them-the power drive system on them is sort of clunky-and the machine is ALL plastic-I think its time to SCRAP the all plastic designs and go back to metal.Metal is more easily recycled.My main vacuums are my Kirbys I would prefer ANY Kirby over a Windtunnel.Others I like--Metal Royals,Sanitaires,Riccar Radiance and Brilliance.Since the Vacuum Cleaner Hospital out here closed-I haven't been able to help Bill anymore on vacuums and try them when he was done repairing them--Windtunnels were frequent "patients"Belt replacements,Clogs,Power drive mechanism.Now the other vacuum dealer tries to sell the prospect that brings in the broken Windtunnel a Meile vacuum.He will fix the Windtunnel if the customer insists.

 

[williamr1248]

How many use this as their normal machine

It would be one of my least favorite machines:
(1) too noisy
(2) too heavy
(3) bags smell
(4) cheaply constructed
(5) It should get the dirt out of a rug-way too aggressive on my carpets
(6) machine tipps over when I try to use the tools
(7) cheap dusting tools
(8) trouble prone-on my new one I bought in 2001,the power drive feature broke after only a few careful uses.
(9) poor filters
(10) cheap flimsy look and feel

 

[williamr1248]

How many use this as their normal machine?

On a positive note I bought an Anniversary Hoover Windtunnel and I think it is a beautiful blue color and very good value at $129.00 for a plastic upright. I did not get the power drive feature so the machine is not quite as heavy.
It is hard for me to be positive when Hoover used to build such high quality machines but that's the reality of today.
I do think my new Stainless Connie is beautiful and has a much higher quality feel and sound.

 

[thermokid]

Stainless Steel Connie

I have two of them. I use one at home and I have one at the church I clean. My favorite feature of the whole machine is the Long stretch hose.... I can leave the connie at the bottom of the basement stairs and vacuum all the way up to the top. It is great.. Now if I could just find the white and gray model I would be very happy...... Dan

 

[bimmer740]

Windtunnel

I purchased the top of the line WindTunnel Self-Propelled Turbo Power machine a few years ago and returned it 2 weeks later. While it was not terribly expensive, it was more than most plastic big box store vacuums. While it did clean well, it sounded like I was cleaning with a jet engine (so LOUD!). It seemed to be cheaply constructed using low rate plastic parts. The tools were absolutely horrid! So cheap and not designed with performance and function in mind (I only drive German cars, If you know what its like to drive one and all their attention to minor details, form, function, and performance, you will understand my gripe with Hoover's tools). The Power Drive system seems to be the same one used in the Dial-A-Matic my grandmother had when I was little from the early 70's, extremely jerky and diffucult to modulate. My Kirby Diamond Edition in power drive mode is effortless, so intuitive, it works as though you dont even know it is self propelled, its just that seamless. I would take a self propelled Kirby over a Hoover Power Drive any day! While I do think the Hoover is a good deep cleaner, its bristles are like rocks, I would never use it on an expensive Persian rug. I was even leary of using it on our berber carpet with fear that it may damage it by ripping the loops of carpet right out. Although these machines are propably the best of the current Hoover line up, give me a Kirby any day. Ultimately the machine went back to the store and I stayed with my Ultimate G Diamond Edition, I always have believed you get what you pay for, and when it comes to comparing Hoover to Kirby, it certainly is true. Just my two cents

 

[djkain2007]

i just don't like windtunnels... not a good vac in my opinion