Kirby Avalir VS Kirby Sentria II Questions

[honestjoe68]

Hi, I’m new here so forgive me if this is posted in the wrong place. My question is for those of you who are very knowledgeable on newer Kirby Vacuums. What specific (Beyond color) differences are there from the newest Avalir vs. the 2012 Sentria 2. As lovely as the newest Avalir is (even the Red trim model).. I want to buy a Sentria 2 simply because I want to own a Kirby again. The ONLY reason I want the Sentria 2 (please don’t laugh) is the beautiful tan and blue/teal color scheme! I know it sounds crazy but I LOVE that the attachment tools and trim is tan/taupe color as it’s so visually appealing to me. I currently own over 150 new/current vacuum cleaners of all (the major brands) makes and models sold in the USA but would rather not add a Kirby Avalir, simply because of the black and red design (No shade/hate intended). Lastly, besides local apps to find a person selling one from their home.. any advice do’s and dont’s on where to buy a clean (if possible Mint) Kirby Sentria 2?

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help me!

 

[sptyks]

HonestJoe68,


 


There is no difference in performance between the Avalir and Sentria II. The only advantage of owning an Avalir is that it has a far superior carpet shampoo system that also scrubs hard floors. You can purchase the Avalir shampoo system separately and it will work just fine on the Sentria II but the colors wont match.


 


Keep your eyes on ebay for used Sentria's in excellent condition.


 


 

 

[honestjoe68]

Thank you Sptyks for the helpful information. In regards to the carpet shampoo attachment tool differences and the floor buffer, I doubt that’s enough for me to either buy the black and red Avalir and dislike the appearance or even buy the mis-matched Avalir parts for the Sentria 2 that I now REALLY want to buy! I’m excited to own a Kirby again and regretted selling my Generation 3, Kirby. I don’t think I’ll even use the carpet shampoo attachment other than the brushroll to fluff my carpet nap. I prefer a wet extraction cleaning process, just my odd preference. Lol

I know it’s silly to choose a vacuum on color and appearance, but I think by far the Sentria 2 colors are stunning. Does anyone know if the rotating Zipp Brush is included with standard tools? I must have the matching tan/taupe Zipp Brush as well.

Thanks again Sptyks

 

[jscarlato]

For a Sentria 2 . . .

Take a look at greatvacs.com

 

[honestjoe68]

Thanks JSCARLATO

But after looking at the website I had red flags as some pictures showed Black (Avalir) hose and other attachments in Black that had been replaced instead of the correct matching Tan/Taupe Sentria 2 attachment tools.

I contacted the company and my reply was short, very vague and stated any tools that “fit” the unit may be sent regardless of color and that the amount of scratches, visible defects and “wear and tear” were basically the luck of the draw.. they only replace broken or cracked parts, not deeply scratched. So I could pay almost $600 for one that some evil person didn’t take care of or abused it! Now I know these are champion iron tanks as far as durability.. it’s all about the cosmetics of it. If I could, I’d pay top dollar for a brand new, never registered Sentria 2, but Kirby website informed me, sadly only Avalir are available brand new, never registered. Oh well

So thanks for the help, but I’ve got my eye on several mint looking Kirby Sentria 2 that are being sold privately on “Let Go” and my local Facebook. I’m hoping for word back on this older lady who hardly used hers and she’s asking $400 for it, including every attachment.

Thanks guys.. I cannot wait to be a happy Kirby owner again.. I LOVE the smooth sound of the motor when you adjust the brushroll down! Awesome Vacuums

 

[thunderhexed]

Greatvacs

I purchased a refurbished G4 from Greatvacs a few years ago and was thoroughly pleased with the Vacuum and the attachments. I knew going in the attachments were aftermarket (some pics show factory tools and others aftermarket). The hose was a bit longer on the aftermarket which was nice but coming from a collector standpoint, I understand the want/need for original tools. I would do business with Greatvacs again. The Kirby itself showed up looking showroom new and is still in use to this day as it was a housewarming gift for my brother. The front floor nozzle did arrive with a hairline crack in it that I noticed a few days after receiving(probably happened during the refurb/polish process) - I emailed Greatvacs, they promptly mailed me another refurbished/polished floor nozzle free of charge, no questions asked, and just told me to dump the cracked one. I'd def buy again from them. I don't think you can beat the price for the warranty/guarantee they offer plus the peace of mind in knowing that its been completely refurbed and cleaned and not showing up directly from someone elses home where it's been put through who knows what - not with the bed bug problem in this day and age!

 

[vacuumdevil]

@sptyks is right you're only getting a better shampooer Tray.

@honestjoe68 in my humble opinion the Sentria 2 is a better-looking machine! One of my favorite that Kirby's ever produced. The avalir with that gaping vagina hole in the handle has always put me off.

 

[n0oxy]

great vacs

I can also vouch for great vacs. I have bought a Miracle Mate from them, a kit to allow backpack vacuums to use an electric power nozzle and a backpack vacuum. UPS actually lost the backpack vacuum and the folks at great vacs were very helpful in getting the issue resolved. Basically this company purchases high end vacuums such as Rainbows and Kirbys, fixes them up and sells them and they seem to be quite successful. Definitely a good company to do business with.
Mike

 

[honestjoe68]

My Kirby Sentria II

Hello guys,

Thanks again for all the help and links and knowledge.

I bought my Kirby Sentria II and LOVE it, even if the Avalir has a better carpet shampoo set up, I will use my Sentria II carpet cleaner for the first time this weekend.

I also found the matching Sentria II colors Zipp Brush and it’s on the way to me now. The attachments had never been used by the previous owner, and the Kirby itself was like in mint condition.. I’m so happy and even thought the Avalir is a beattiful machine and currently the newest. (Until the Avalir 2 is released LOL). I LOVE the colors and the bag of my Sentria II.

Thanks to everyone again and I appreciate all the help and how welcome I’ve felt at Vacuumland.org from all you awesome vacuum enthusiasts and collectors!

 

[kirbyvacuum]

GREAT Vacuums

I have Bought aG3 and a Sentera2 from them they did a wonderful job on both.They ran very well and had a wonderful shine. I would buy from them again if i had to Good Luck Stay Doug The Kirby man

 

[human]

I've had a gray and orange first generation Sentria for about three years that's in like new condition with all of its original toys. I got it off of eBay for about $130, including shipping. It's the newest, most expensive vacuum I own but still an absolute bargain compared with a new Avalir. Many people want to complain that Kirby has become stagnant and its machines are outdated but perhaps the counter-argument would be that they've perfected that particular design to the point that there's little else to be done without compromising it.

 

[lesinutah]

Same

The sentria,sentria 2, avalir and avalir 2 are the same vacuum. Different color trims, different handles, different belt lifters, and that's it.
I have a sentria with an avalir nozzle. There is no real difference. The Avalir shampoo kit is much better. I have the shampoo kit from the Avalir. They work on the sentrias.
I'd sure love an avalir 2 as the color scheme is my favorite since the tradition.id also like a 100 year anniversary avalir it's got a nice design. I'm not getting either. I'd pay $175 for an avalir 2 but that's going to take a few years.
I could spray paint mine silver and blue. I don't see the point getting the same vacuum I have with different trim.
I have had 4 sentrias. I got one for free from a family friend, $65 for one, $55 for the other. I'm going to sell them with everything and atleast double my money.
Les

 

[lesinutah]

Differences

The Avalir has a higher rpm motor making it more effectient. The transmission works in reverse it was implimented on the sentria 2. The bags are different material.
The Avalir will be a little lighter and it's suppose to have higher CFMs and if it does it would be minimal. The CFMs might be the same. I'm not sure because I've never tested an avalir.
I stand corrected there's differences but I myself can't see paying a couple hundred dollars for a slightly upgraded machine. Its a tech drive Kirby so you know it's going to be a beast.
Thanks
Les

 

[kirbyg6]

The main differences I can think of are the handle shampoo system and the front wheels and of course the 100 year logo on the handle they really need to stop messing around with a 30 year old design something new and fresh like the avalir was going to be

 

[human]

The problem is that by sticking with and perfecting their design over the course of a century or more, Kirby has boxed themselves in. Any radical departure from the status quo and the machine loses its unique Kirby-ness. What can they do? Make it out of plastic? Make it bagless with clog-prone filters like every other plasticrap vac out there? You can go down to Wally World and pick that up today (and keep having to pick it up year, after year, after year...) for less than $100 a pop. Kirby can't—and shouldn't—attempt to compete in that arena. The place with the most room for innovation in Kirbyland is in its outdated and unethical sales model, based on high pressure coercion at the dealer level and plausible deniability at the corporate level.

 

[tolivac]

Bagless Kirby-They could go back to the dump bag---OR go with the Keeler device-remember that infamous device discussed here?For present G type Kirbys the dump bag brought back might not be a bad idea-would satisfy bagless folks.When I talked to the Kirby man--now he is in Atlanta-Used to be in Raleigh-he started out in Greenville.He was saying that Kirby is going to work on other sales options.rainbow dealer here in town is going strong.Like another vac place here they are allowed to continue sales because vacuums were considered required items for cleaning.I think the Kirby man could have done the same thing.