KIRBY AVALIR
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cb123
Well-known member
Now that's pure GENIUS!!!
Aerus Guardian Platinum & Kirby Avalir
When you think about it the Guardian Platinum from Aerus-Lux is not any less different or the same from its predecessors than the Kirby Avalir is from its predecessors. Both of these vacuum companies have been with us a long time. The person going for an Aerus/Electrolux would not have wanted a canister or some other weird shape; much less a bagless cyclone style. If they did, they could go buy a Dyson or a Hoover or a Eureka/AB Electrolux hybrid. There are some excellent vacuums in that lot.
But no. They are looking for an Electrolux for whatever reason: often because it was probably the vacuum in their family for a long time or they know someone who has one. All kinds of reasons.
The same is true for the Kirby. And the fact is, we still don't know what the guts of this new Avalir actually has to offer over the previous models. Think about the Sanitronic D-50. Except for the color, it looked just like its predecessors too. But it was a major step forward. So really we don't know that much yet about this machine..at least not much as been posted yet. We don't know what may be lurking below the surface of what looks like merely a color change.
When you think about it the Guardian Platinum from Aerus-Lux is not any less different or the same from its predecessors than the Kirby Avalir is from its predecessors. Both of these vacuum companies have been with us a long time. The person going for an Aerus/Electrolux would not have wanted a canister or some other weird shape; much less a bagless cyclone style. If they did, they could go buy a Dyson or a Hoover or a Eureka/AB Electrolux hybrid. There are some excellent vacuums in that lot.
But no. They are looking for an Electrolux for whatever reason: often because it was probably the vacuum in their family for a long time or they know someone who has one. All kinds of reasons.
The same is true for the Kirby. And the fact is, we still don't know what the guts of this new Avalir actually has to offer over the previous models. Think about the Sanitronic D-50. Except for the color, it looked just like its predecessors too. But it was a major step forward. So really we don't know that much yet about this machine..at least not much as been posted yet. We don't know what may be lurking below the surface of what looks like merely a color change.
Kirbyloverdan
Glad to hear you are not upset with the new model. Im not ready to buy a new vacuum as the "relic" I currently have vintage 1987 still cleans as well as the new one. I have had several demo's over the years and have the G 4, G 5 and G 6 all of which I picked up at rumage sales for a fraction of the cost new. Still using old reliable.
Todate none of the new machines sucked up any more dirt than the one I currently use daily. Not even rainbow can get any dirt out of my carpets. I have one of those as well. The water isn't even cloudy after vacuuming every square inch of carpet, flooring and furnishings.
Im sure in a year or so I can pick up several of the Avalir's at a fraction of the cost and still have a good vacuum. The tech drive is nice. However doesn't corner well with both rear wheels spinning at the same rate. If it handled cornering like the pre G series I might think about it. Even my mom (with her tendonitis doesn't like the way the new one handles.) Likes the ease of the pushing and pulling with the tech drive. Just hates steering corners with it. Mom still likes the Kirby Classic her mom bought and My mom has a the Classic Omega and still would rather use either of those machines. I gave my mom my Legend II to use while I repaired her Classic Omega and didn't like the Legend II as well as the one she has. Oh well to each his or hers own.
Glad to hear you are not upset with the new model. Im not ready to buy a new vacuum as the "relic" I currently have vintage 1987 still cleans as well as the new one. I have had several demo's over the years and have the G 4, G 5 and G 6 all of which I picked up at rumage sales for a fraction of the cost new. Still using old reliable.
Todate none of the new machines sucked up any more dirt than the one I currently use daily. Not even rainbow can get any dirt out of my carpets. I have one of those as well. The water isn't even cloudy after vacuuming every square inch of carpet, flooring and furnishings.
Im sure in a year or so I can pick up several of the Avalir's at a fraction of the cost and still have a good vacuum. The tech drive is nice. However doesn't corner well with both rear wheels spinning at the same rate. If it handled cornering like the pre G series I might think about it. Even my mom (with her tendonitis doesn't like the way the new one handles.) Likes the ease of the pushing and pulling with the tech drive. Just hates steering corners with it. Mom still likes the Kirby Classic her mom bought and My mom has a the Classic Omega and still would rather use either of those machines. I gave my mom my Legend II to use while I repaired her Classic Omega and didn't like the Legend II as well as the one she has. Oh well to each his or hers own.
jaker15
Well-known member
Honestly
I really like the look of it. It might look like a Sentria II, but it's still badass. (pardon the expression.)
I really like the look of it. It might look like a Sentria II, but it's still badass. (pardon the expression.)
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
Steve
I am just a vacuum fanatic I must have the newest Kirby been collecting since I was a kid and always buy two when they come out one to use one to keep NIB I have purchased NIB on eBay really cheap .
I got a Sentria II a month ago NIB for $199.00 all attachments plus shampooer and zip brush .
I have all the older ones but can't use them in my home as I have Frieze carpet and it's impossible to try to push a non self propelled Kirby through that carpet .
I am very excited about the Avalir sure I'd love to see a total redesign one day but I will be pleased for the next 3 years maybe the next one will be it
Dan
I am just a vacuum fanatic I must have the newest Kirby been collecting since I was a kid and always buy two when they come out one to use one to keep NIB I have purchased NIB on eBay really cheap .
I got a Sentria II a month ago NIB for $199.00 all attachments plus shampooer and zip brush .
I have all the older ones but can't use them in my home as I have Frieze carpet and it's impossible to try to push a non self propelled Kirby through that carpet .
I am very excited about the Avalir sure I'd love to see a total redesign one day but I will be pleased for the next 3 years maybe the next one will be it
Dan
cb123
Well-known member
Jaker15, I pardon you....KIRBY ROCKS....LED ZEPPELIN SUCKS!!!!!
kirbyloverdan
I too am a vacuum freek. I have been all my life I am now going on 48 in Dec of this year. I started out with the 519 that my grandmother had (started vacuuming when i was 2 1/2 to 3 yrs old.) Due to my current home of 500 sq feet I just don't have the room for to many vacuums. Sadly many of them in my collection are in a locker in the basement where they don't see the light of day. I wouldn't mind having a new one of every model if for no other reason a conversation piece.
The new Avalir has its place. I would like to see what has been done on the redesign of the shampooer. I have had a few thoughts on how to make that attachament work even better. Now had Kirby made an electrofied hose that would allow for motorized attachaments that could be used, that would be a change I would welcome.
I too am a vacuum freek. I have been all my life I am now going on 48 in Dec of this year. I started out with the 519 that my grandmother had (started vacuuming when i was 2 1/2 to 3 yrs old.) Due to my current home of 500 sq feet I just don't have the room for to many vacuums. Sadly many of them in my collection are in a locker in the basement where they don't see the light of day. I wouldn't mind having a new one of every model if for no other reason a conversation piece.
The new Avalir has its place. I would like to see what has been done on the redesign of the shampooer. I have had a few thoughts on how to make that attachament work even better. Now had Kirby made an electrofied hose that would allow for motorized attachaments that could be used, that would be a change I would welcome.
Look back in time...
I had a feeling Kirby would pull a fast one. Just look at the machines from 1982-1989. Heritage, Heritage II, Heritage II Legend, Legend II. Now take Sentria, Sentria II, Sentria II Avalir, and next will probably be the Avalir II. I predict to wait at least 5 more years for a total redesign. I admit, I was a bit disconcerted to find that we got a new G Series, but I guess the Avalir looks pretty cool in the meantime.
I had a feeling Kirby would pull a fast one. Just look at the machines from 1982-1989. Heritage, Heritage II, Heritage II Legend, Legend II. Now take Sentria, Sentria II, Sentria II Avalir, and next will probably be the Avalir II. I predict to wait at least 5 more years for a total redesign. I admit, I was a bit disconcerted to find that we got a new G Series, but I guess the Avalir looks pretty cool in the meantime.
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
No one knows
All depends when Sentria II are all sold , Kirby isn't going to offer them at a discount because a new model is on its way heck if they told me that I would just wait if I didn't know any better you may be able to negotiate but no one is supposed to know about the new model until the sales man starts selling them .
Could be a few months weeks or could be in a few days
Dan
All depends when Sentria II are all sold , Kirby isn't going to offer them at a discount because a new model is on its way heck if they told me that I would just wait if I didn't know any better you may be able to negotiate but no one is supposed to know about the new model until the sales man starts selling them .
Could be a few months weeks or could be in a few days
Dan
super-sweeper
Well-known member
I for one love the design, even if it is just a new color! look at the DS80, it had a new handle and color, and it went down in history! Looks like a fun time at that party, wonder how the new shampooer works!
Why do we need to change a design that has worked well for decades. Look at all the other options out there. Do they perform any better? Yes some have features that are nice but don't equate to clean. In some cases not much easier to use either. There will never be one vacuum that is perfect for everyone.
The Kirby as it is designed is a great vacuum for carpeting. That is it's primary function. It does perform very well as an above floor machine. Some times challenging to use as such. But none the less a very good performer all around. The biggest problem is the idea that you have to remove one part to use another. Not a difficult thing to do. Also the fact that it is a very heavy machine. Some thing that could be rectified and still keep its basic design and quality.
Kirby needs to focus on teaching the buyer how to use and assemble the machine in a hands on experience by the end user. So that they are comfortable with using it and not flusterated buy how it is set up. Not just shown by a salesman and or video. You have to be able to "feel" the corect positioning of the different attachements to mount them correctly. Some thing no book or video can accomplish. And less focus on the scare tactics of how dust mites are going to kill you. And or that you are a poor house keeper if you don't have a Kirby. Just mention Kirby and watch people cringe. All becouse of bad experiences of others with pushy salesmen and or not taking the time to learn how to use it and get all the benifits of the Kirby. For the elderly or disabled it isn't the best choice for them. But that is a small market.
The Kirby as it is designed is a great vacuum for carpeting. That is it's primary function. It does perform very well as an above floor machine. Some times challenging to use as such. But none the less a very good performer all around. The biggest problem is the idea that you have to remove one part to use another. Not a difficult thing to do. Also the fact that it is a very heavy machine. Some thing that could be rectified and still keep its basic design and quality.
Kirby needs to focus on teaching the buyer how to use and assemble the machine in a hands on experience by the end user. So that they are comfortable with using it and not flusterated buy how it is set up. Not just shown by a salesman and or video. You have to be able to "feel" the corect positioning of the different attachements to mount them correctly. Some thing no book or video can accomplish. And less focus on the scare tactics of how dust mites are going to kill you. And or that you are a poor house keeper if you don't have a Kirby. Just mention Kirby and watch people cringe. All becouse of bad experiences of others with pushy salesmen and or not taking the time to learn how to use it and get all the benifits of the Kirby. For the elderly or disabled it isn't the best choice for them. But that is a small market.
stricklybojack
Well-known member
I sorta predicted this..
I suspected Kirby would use the 100th as a way to help sell the same basic platform one more time. A complete redesign will sell itself, no need to introduce it on the 100th. The name change also helps this warm-over seem fresher. I say sorta because i didn't post this idea before the release.
So don't be too disappointed it may all go to plan yet.
For me Kirby's (and Electrolux's) are great machines...but for some reason they don't speak to me as much as other brands out there, except certain models like the Comvac or Heritage II 13". But if i find a G series really cheap i have to snap it up!
I suspected Kirby would use the 100th as a way to help sell the same basic platform one more time. A complete redesign will sell itself, no need to introduce it on the 100th. The name change also helps this warm-over seem fresher. I say sorta because i didn't post this idea before the release.
So don't be too disappointed it may all go to plan yet.
For me Kirby's (and Electrolux's) are great machines...but for some reason they don't speak to me as much as other brands out there, except certain models like the Comvac or Heritage II 13". But if i find a G series really cheap i have to snap it up!
pr-21
Well-known member
Accent color question
Quick question. Is the accent color orange or red. Cannot tell from the pictures.
Thanks,
PR-21
Quick question. Is the accent color orange or red. Cannot tell from the pictures.
Thanks,
PR-21
nycwriter
Well-known member
I think ...
... the "major" challenge of the Kirby design team is to maintain the look and integrity of the original product while finally solving the problem of how to quickly convert to the attachments.
I don't care how "streamlined" the company thinks the process is, compared to today's cheaper models with onboard attachments, using the hose on the Kirby is a freaking Broadway production.
If Kirby could figure out how to make the attachments as convenient as simply pressing a button and -- presto! -- out pops your hose -- like what I was used to with my Fantom Thunder -- they could virtually erase the hesitation to buy by nearly 90% of prospective customers.
... the "major" challenge of the Kirby design team is to maintain the look and integrity of the original product while finally solving the problem of how to quickly convert to the attachments.
I don't care how "streamlined" the company thinks the process is, compared to today's cheaper models with onboard attachments, using the hose on the Kirby is a freaking Broadway production.
If Kirby could figure out how to make the attachments as convenient as simply pressing a button and -- presto! -- out pops your hose -- like what I was used to with my Fantom Thunder -- they could virtually erase the hesitation to buy by nearly 90% of prospective customers.
jkbff
Well-known member
They probably won't update the site until end of first quarter next year or possibly beginning of the second quarter. They will get rid of the Sentria IIs first before they even update the site.
Also, the distributors that generally get the new machines first are the ones that have sold out of their stock already and order a new order...
Kirby is a COD company. They will not let the driver release the order unless it is paid in full and no one is going to sit on their old stock. They will deplete their stock first... It's in their best interest.
Now to this... Design...
Someone mentioned why make a powercast type machine since Royal has already done that?
Well that design, ideally, would be perfect for Kirby... You take Kirby's transmission, put it in a design like the power cast but instead of having a brushroll motor, you have the brush driven off of a Direct Air motor, plumb that motor to exhaust into the bag then have a small clean air motor pulling from the bag, add a diverter valve on the back that connects a hose and the direct air pathway that also disables the direct air motor when the hose is activated and Viola! you have a new Kirby..
Wait... That sounds like Tacony's Tandem-Air... Oh, except Tacony doesn't have Kirby's transmission...
Oh well, I guess I'll start pushing this new model as well... :/
Also, the distributors that generally get the new machines first are the ones that have sold out of their stock already and order a new order...
Kirby is a COD company. They will not let the driver release the order unless it is paid in full and no one is going to sit on their old stock. They will deplete their stock first... It's in their best interest.
Now to this... Design...
Someone mentioned why make a powercast type machine since Royal has already done that?
Well that design, ideally, would be perfect for Kirby... You take Kirby's transmission, put it in a design like the power cast but instead of having a brushroll motor, you have the brush driven off of a Direct Air motor, plumb that motor to exhaust into the bag then have a small clean air motor pulling from the bag, add a diverter valve on the back that connects a hose and the direct air pathway that also disables the direct air motor when the hose is activated and Viola! you have a new Kirby..
Wait... That sounds like Tacony's Tandem-Air... Oh, except Tacony doesn't have Kirby's transmission...
Oh well, I guess I'll start pushing this new model as well... :/
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
More pics
I can't wait to own this . The shampooer is a multi surface cleaner should be interesting .
Dan [this post was last edited: 10/27/2014-10:40]
I can't wait to own this . The shampooer is a multi surface cleaner should be interesting .
Dan [this post was last edited: 10/27/2014-10:40]
marcusprit
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2013
- Messages
- 1,360
If you own a Sentria you are gonna gain nothing from buying the Avalir apart from bragging rights!
rugsucker
Well-known member
the NEW Kirby rarely is
Why is anyone surprised that we now have more of the same?!
Let me first say that 'the same' is one of, if not the best upright ever.And,yes with proper use of attachments by one who can understand them it will do many jobs well.'The same' also means continuous improvement but only on only 3 different versions of the Kirby.After all the first Generation that now continues was called generation THREE.
Avilar-Does this not sound like a new medication or even the disease it would be promoted to treat??
Handle-This seems to be Kirby see,Kirby do after some recent Orecks.No matter how strong it is or how good the power drive is with less handle and the same large base unit it looks as if you have gone from pushing a brick on a stick to pushing a concrete block on a stick.
Real customers-Years ago we had a Kirby office selling the Heritage.After they left as often happens when the finance company has had enough many customers would come to me for bags.As if rehearsed every one would say"I need bags for my Kirby,I HATE it."Then the G-3 was introduced with power drive,which in addition to the bags was the best improvement ever.Sales and customer satisfaction dis seem to increase and I thought I will never find a used G-3.but it was just a matter of time until they were in the yard sales,flea market and Rainbow trade in room just as the Avilar will be.
Why is anyone surprised that we now have more of the same?!
Let me first say that 'the same' is one of, if not the best upright ever.And,yes with proper use of attachments by one who can understand them it will do many jobs well.'The same' also means continuous improvement but only on only 3 different versions of the Kirby.After all the first Generation that now continues was called generation THREE.
Avilar-Does this not sound like a new medication or even the disease it would be promoted to treat??
Handle-This seems to be Kirby see,Kirby do after some recent Orecks.No matter how strong it is or how good the power drive is with less handle and the same large base unit it looks as if you have gone from pushing a brick on a stick to pushing a concrete block on a stick.
Real customers-Years ago we had a Kirby office selling the Heritage.After they left as often happens when the finance company has had enough many customers would come to me for bags.As if rehearsed every one would say"I need bags for my Kirby,I HATE it."Then the G-3 was introduced with power drive,which in addition to the bags was the best improvement ever.Sales and customer satisfaction dis seem to increase and I thought I will never find a used G-3.but it was just a matter of time until they were in the yard sales,flea market and Rainbow trade in room just as the Avilar will be.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi rugsucker.
I'm rarely here in Contemporary, as I'm not interested in modern vacuum cleaners, I like things 1960 or older. The exception is Kirby, but even there, I don't go beyond the Classic 111. Sure I have a G-4 but that's for housecleaning only!
So why am I here now? To put an end to that growing fear that my beloved Kirby was gone forever! After touring the factory in June with those who attended the V.C.C.C. convention, I went into a tailspin! Kirby top brass were closed mouthed on the 'new model,' so, as usual, I let my mind run riot.
I have no comments on the new Avalir yet, as pictures posted here are not enough. The one thing they have done is put my fears to rest. My beloved Kirby will basically stay the same. Generally speaking I like what I see, but as to the new features? that remains to be seen.
I now know that James B. Kirby is not rolling over in his grave, and that the quality he put into his vacuum cleaners will continue.
I'm rarely here in Contemporary, as I'm not interested in modern vacuum cleaners, I like things 1960 or older. The exception is Kirby, but even there, I don't go beyond the Classic 111. Sure I have a G-4 but that's for housecleaning only!
So why am I here now? To put an end to that growing fear that my beloved Kirby was gone forever! After touring the factory in June with those who attended the V.C.C.C. convention, I went into a tailspin! Kirby top brass were closed mouthed on the 'new model,' so, as usual, I let my mind run riot.
I have no comments on the new Avalir yet, as pictures posted here are not enough. The one thing they have done is put my fears to rest. My beloved Kirby will basically stay the same. Generally speaking I like what I see, but as to the new features? that remains to be seen.
I now know that James B. Kirby is not rolling over in his grave, and that the quality he put into his vacuum cleaners will continue.
pinkge
Well-known member
REALLY....!
After visting Kirby,with the convention,and being so guarded,watched with every movement;escorted to the restrooms,moved along quickly,avoided questions as to when the new Kirby would be out.Being made to feel not welcomed...this is the best you can do!!A Sentra with black trim,a hollowed out handle and a somewhat new rug shampooer/floor cleaner.I'm trully dissapointed.And I bet the attachments are the same ole cheap looking ones as before.
Sorry,everyone,I can not get excited about it.If Kirby is going to do a total redesign,then,for god sakes do so,instead of using using up old stock,with changed trims;calling it a new name.
Guess,I'll change the trim on my car and all my other appliances and rebadge them with new names.But,in the end they are one in the same.
Michael
After visting Kirby,with the convention,and being so guarded,watched with every movement;escorted to the restrooms,moved along quickly,avoided questions as to when the new Kirby would be out.Being made to feel not welcomed...this is the best you can do!!A Sentra with black trim,a hollowed out handle and a somewhat new rug shampooer/floor cleaner.I'm trully dissapointed.And I bet the attachments are the same ole cheap looking ones as before.
Sorry,everyone,I can not get excited about it.If Kirby is going to do a total redesign,then,for god sakes do so,instead of using using up old stock,with changed trims;calling it a new name.
Guess,I'll change the trim on my car and all my other appliances and rebadge them with new names.But,in the end they are one in the same.
Michael
I'm not here
To bash Kirby, as it isn't my first true love. However, they could have kept the same design as it has been tried and true, but brought it out of the year 2000. I would have been really excited if I would have seen it lit up like a Christmas tree with LEDs and maybe controls on the handle? Automatic height adjustment would have been a nice addition as well. Not saying I wouldn't buy one on eBay if it wasn't a good price. I just thought with all the hype and suspense it would have been more. They could have done all the aforementioned and still retained the same tried and true design that people love and in the process broadened their audience to sell more machines. Even if they did all those things and it was a whole new state of the art machine, I wouldn't have bought it from Kirby, simply because the Kirby office here in Pittsburgh is questionable and scary. I went once to buy bags for my Diamond and my one person there looked professional, and then someone who clearly was shady, stopped me as I was trying to leave the parking lot and said that he had just won a machine for selling so many and he would give it to me for $700 cash only. I said no, because if I were spending the money it would have to be a legit deal, and not from the parking lot. He forced me to take his number and to call him if I found someone to buy. I'll be buying my bags online from now on!
To bash Kirby, as it isn't my first true love. However, they could have kept the same design as it has been tried and true, but brought it out of the year 2000. I would have been really excited if I would have seen it lit up like a Christmas tree with LEDs and maybe controls on the handle? Automatic height adjustment would have been a nice addition as well. Not saying I wouldn't buy one on eBay if it wasn't a good price. I just thought with all the hype and suspense it would have been more. They could have done all the aforementioned and still retained the same tried and true design that people love and in the process broadened their audience to sell more machines. Even if they did all those things and it was a whole new state of the art machine, I wouldn't have bought it from Kirby, simply because the Kirby office here in Pittsburgh is questionable and scary. I went once to buy bags for my Diamond and my one person there looked professional, and then someone who clearly was shady, stopped me as I was trying to leave the parking lot and said that he had just won a machine for selling so many and he would give it to me for $700 cash only. I said no, because if I were spending the money it would have to be a legit deal, and not from the parking lot. He forced me to take his number and to call him if I found someone to buy. I'll be buying my bags online from now on!
kirbylux77
Well-known member
To everyone who expected a totally different design....
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?! Of course Kirby wasn't going to go with the concept Avalir! Like I predicted in the past, they stuck with a tried & true design. If the concept Avalir HAD been put into production, it would have been a huge failure for Kirby! It was way too far from the qualities & features Kirby is known for today. Plus I bet there would have been design issues & premature failure of some components & features, especially if there was an electric hose port feature. The bottom line is, for anyone who still has any hope left, the concept Avalir will probably never be put into production, & Kirby will probably remain the same for many years to come. It's like frkirby560 said above "One thing he said that struck me: whatever they do, the Kirby has to look like a Kirby, sound like a Kirby, and function like a Kirby." That's the way it is with DTD brands....Rainbow, Aerus, Tristar, Filter Queen, they're all the same way....at the end of the day, they are known for their design & having certain features, & they can't deviate too far from it or they will alienate & lose customers.
One thing I am surprised nobody has commented on though - notice they ditched the Sentria II mini-emtor & returned back to the Sentria mini-emtor? I wonder if they were getting complaints on performance or some customers didn't like the way the Sentria II mini-emtor looked, or if dealer feedback prompted them to switch back to the Sentria mini-emtor. Either way, would be interesting to hear what a Kirby dealer thinks, if there is one on this board. One feature I would like to see implemented on the next Kirby though....it would be nice to see them incorporate the direct-drive brushroll that Bison had used. I think if Kirby made the parts out of all-metal instead of some parts being plastic like Bison did, & with some minor modifications, Kirby could make the design work & be reliable. This would also be key to simplifying attachment use down the road - somehow or another, they are going to have to remove the belt or change where it's located, if they want to make a hose fit on like a Royal, in the sense that you remove a cap & insert the hose, except removing the belt on a Royal to use the hose is it's achilles heel.
Either way, whether you like it or not, this is what we're stuck with for the next 3 to 4 years. I personally like it, & think it's the most stylish Kirby ever produced, besides the G4 & G6, & I like the addition of the handle built into the bag arm, that will make it easier for some people to carry up stairs.
Rob
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?! Of course Kirby wasn't going to go with the concept Avalir! Like I predicted in the past, they stuck with a tried & true design. If the concept Avalir HAD been put into production, it would have been a huge failure for Kirby! It was way too far from the qualities & features Kirby is known for today. Plus I bet there would have been design issues & premature failure of some components & features, especially if there was an electric hose port feature. The bottom line is, for anyone who still has any hope left, the concept Avalir will probably never be put into production, & Kirby will probably remain the same for many years to come. It's like frkirby560 said above "One thing he said that struck me: whatever they do, the Kirby has to look like a Kirby, sound like a Kirby, and function like a Kirby." That's the way it is with DTD brands....Rainbow, Aerus, Tristar, Filter Queen, they're all the same way....at the end of the day, they are known for their design & having certain features, & they can't deviate too far from it or they will alienate & lose customers.
One thing I am surprised nobody has commented on though - notice they ditched the Sentria II mini-emtor & returned back to the Sentria mini-emtor? I wonder if they were getting complaints on performance or some customers didn't like the way the Sentria II mini-emtor looked, or if dealer feedback prompted them to switch back to the Sentria mini-emtor. Either way, would be interesting to hear what a Kirby dealer thinks, if there is one on this board. One feature I would like to see implemented on the next Kirby though....it would be nice to see them incorporate the direct-drive brushroll that Bison had used. I think if Kirby made the parts out of all-metal instead of some parts being plastic like Bison did, & with some minor modifications, Kirby could make the design work & be reliable. This would also be key to simplifying attachment use down the road - somehow or another, they are going to have to remove the belt or change where it's located, if they want to make a hose fit on like a Royal, in the sense that you remove a cap & insert the hose, except removing the belt on a Royal to use the hose is it's achilles heel.
Either way, whether you like it or not, this is what we're stuck with for the next 3 to 4 years. I personally like it, & think it's the most stylish Kirby ever produced, besides the G4 & G6, & I like the addition of the handle built into the bag arm, that will make it easier for some people to carry up stairs.
Rob
williamr1248
Well-known member
Kirby Avialir
What a total shame. I love Kirby but.....
I don't like the new hollow handle. It looks like a Oreck handle copy. Also that black plastic round fill tube going from the machine to the bags looks cheap. In the picture of the machine, now the handle and bag almost look too small for the huge body of the motor unit. Also don't care for how the rug nozzle protection strip that takes a dip in the middle of the nozzle. It makes it look like it is sagging or has slipped down.
Didn't they just have a black model with yellow trim a few years ago?
It puts them so far behind the industry with the new Aerus and Rainbow on the market and the new Shark and Dyson designs.
Add to that, most people seem to end up with a Kirby from a high pressure sale, not seeking to buy the machine.
There must be some reason you see so many almost new Kirby's selling on Ebay for such low prices, as Dan pointed out how cheap he was able to buy a unit.
I always liked my Kirby Legend ll and used it for many years until it just got too heavy and carry around.
I sure wish them well but no matter how much more power they add to the motor I would have no reason to invest.
They would have to improve the quality of the attachments and their conversion, make them lighter weight and fix the smelling hepa bags to get my interest.
What a total shame. I love Kirby but.....
I don't like the new hollow handle. It looks like a Oreck handle copy. Also that black plastic round fill tube going from the machine to the bags looks cheap. In the picture of the machine, now the handle and bag almost look too small for the huge body of the motor unit. Also don't care for how the rug nozzle protection strip that takes a dip in the middle of the nozzle. It makes it look like it is sagging or has slipped down.
Didn't they just have a black model with yellow trim a few years ago?
It puts them so far behind the industry with the new Aerus and Rainbow on the market and the new Shark and Dyson designs.
Add to that, most people seem to end up with a Kirby from a high pressure sale, not seeking to buy the machine.
There must be some reason you see so many almost new Kirby's selling on Ebay for such low prices, as Dan pointed out how cheap he was able to buy a unit.
I always liked my Kirby Legend ll and used it for many years until it just got too heavy and carry around.
I sure wish them well but no matter how much more power they add to the motor I would have no reason to invest.
They would have to improve the quality of the attachments and their conversion, make them lighter weight and fix the smelling hepa bags to get my interest.
beerad
Well-known member
I think
This Kirby is a handsome machine with the contrasting and Classic chrome and black.
I really like the black hose and attchments
This Kirby is a handsome machine with the contrasting and Classic chrome and black.
I really like the black hose and attchments
pr-21
Well-known member
They didn't go back to the old emptor.....
Check out the photos closer. Certain ways you look, it does look like the older style emptor, but they are using the newest style on it in black.
PR-21
Check out the photos closer. Certain ways you look, it does look like the older style emptor, but they are using the newest style on it in black.
PR-21
- Status
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