Huge airflow differences in the recent vacuums

[jade_angel]

The Sharks do have decent agitation, which covers a lot of ills. But then, so do Royals. When I looked, the only metal Royals listed were rated Gold. I'd bet the shake-out bag versions got silver for filtration (which the Sharks do OK on, while the filters last).

 

[vacfan1982]

The commercial Royals get a Gold but the retail Royal had a silver at least the last time I looked it did.

I would have thought if you have strong agitation you will need lots of airflow to get the dirt into the bag?

 

[jade_angel]

The more airflow the better in general, but if you can shake the dirt to the surface, whatever airflow you have will get more of it - this is why good agitation "covers" poor airflow to a point. (To a point - nothing beats airflow for moving fine dust).

 

[vacfan1982]

I see. What I was thinking was if the agitation was strong and the airflow weak a lot of the dirt would become airbourne before it's pulled into the cleaner.

 

[jade_angel]

Some might, but most of what's getting bounced out of the rug is directly under or next to the brush roll, which is under the suction channel - so most of it either gets sucked up, or falls back into the rug rather than getting kicked into the air. (Though this is part of why the brush roll is on the front of the nozzle, rather than the back.)

 

[vacfan1982]

That would explain why some vacs with low airflow get good ratings then

 

[sptyks]

The Metal Royals have some of the best airflow and agitation of all upright vacuum cleaners. Now that these Royals have cloth HEPA bags available just like Kirby's, they now Join the Kirby at the top of CRI's ratings with well deserved GOLD status.


 


 

 

[mike811]

Shark cleaning well?

I am not huge Shark fan, but I have to say that they clean well for what they are. For example my Shark NV500 did the flour under the carpet test surprisingly well. Now why if the airflow is bad? Small nozzle has good airflow density (cfm per square inch). Also the brushroll is agressive greating a good agitation. In certain carpets the brushroll pulls the vacuum forward.
Here is one video of the Kirby G6 vs Nilfisk GM80 vs Shark NV500. Nilfisk airflow 106 cfm and Shark 65 cfm from the hose end. Kirby is WAY over 100 cfm.