Carbon fiber-nanotubes would be more expensive than the Titanium!A carbon fiber vacuum would be REALLY expensive.The Titanium would be more abrasion resistant.But don't think EITHER materials are going to find their way into vacuum cleaners anytime soon.
Kirby Complete Model Change or Just Another Color Change?
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henrydreyfuss
Well-known member
Dysonman1 and others here have proved an excellent point
The Kirby is now different-enough in its own way to carve out it's own new niche. I suppose if Hoover was still selling Concept Ones as their only machine, they would prove similarly niche, but also stand their own ground in terms of performance and reliability. Kirby is also still fully-grounded in door-to-door sales, which maintain their own sales tactics and merits, outside of most company strategies, which has tremendously helped Kirby's continued success.
Even still, I'm very ready for something bold from Kirby. They have almost 3 decades now of regular complaints from everyday customers to address (weight, bulkiness, the extra steps to use tools, etc.). A much lighter-weight machine could still (easily!) achieve the same performance as their current models. They could address all common complaints of Kirbys today, and improve upon their existing product, without dropping the reliability at all.
Although excellent carpet cleaners and rugged, during my vac shop days, whenever a customer was buying bags, I asked how they liked their Kirby. The response was always negative. Owning a Sentria II (which I got for $10 at a flea market), It's sad to see something that works so well was so quickly abandoned by their buyers, despite the steep price.
The Kirby is now different-enough in its own way to carve out it's own new niche. I suppose if Hoover was still selling Concept Ones as their only machine, they would prove similarly niche, but also stand their own ground in terms of performance and reliability. Kirby is also still fully-grounded in door-to-door sales, which maintain their own sales tactics and merits, outside of most company strategies, which has tremendously helped Kirby's continued success.
Even still, I'm very ready for something bold from Kirby. They have almost 3 decades now of regular complaints from everyday customers to address (weight, bulkiness, the extra steps to use tools, etc.). A much lighter-weight machine could still (easily!) achieve the same performance as their current models. They could address all common complaints of Kirbys today, and improve upon their existing product, without dropping the reliability at all.
Although excellent carpet cleaners and rugged, during my vac shop days, whenever a customer was buying bags, I asked how they liked their Kirby. The response was always negative. Owning a Sentria II (which I got for $10 at a flea market), It's sad to see something that works so well was so quickly abandoned by their buyers, despite the steep price.
I agree to some point
I have been a Kirby man since I was a kid. My grandmother hated them, but she loved her Royal. Why, I'll never know. At the time, the Sanitronic and her Royal were very much alike. While I love my Kirby, I have had some health problems in the last few years which have left me pretty weak, and I can't even pick up my Kirby to carry it. Luckily, I live in a single floor house, so I don't have to carry it much. While switching attachments is a little more complicated than other vacuums, one nice thing is they all pretty much go on the same way. Learn to change one, and you pretty much know how to change them all.
I have been a Kirby man since I was a kid. My grandmother hated them, but she loved her Royal. Why, I'll never know. At the time, the Sanitronic and her Royal were very much alike. While I love my Kirby, I have had some health problems in the last few years which have left me pretty weak, and I can't even pick up my Kirby to carry it. Luckily, I live in a single floor house, so I don't have to carry it much. While switching attachments is a little more complicated than other vacuums, one nice thing is they all pretty much go on the same way. Learn to change one, and you pretty much know how to change them all.
New Rainbow New Kirby?
Since rainbow finally retired the e series maybe kirby will will retire the g series. I was looking at the patents again and this would solve most of the problems some people have with kirby.
Other links: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7487569B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=2
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7690078B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=2
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8099825B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=1
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7487569B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=2
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7854038B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=1
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7694383B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=2
Since rainbow finally retired the e series maybe kirby will will retire the g series. I was looking at the patents again and this would solve most of the problems some people have with kirby.
Other links: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7487569B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=2
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7690078B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=2
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8099825B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=1
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7487569B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=2
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7854038B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=1
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7694383B2/en?inventor=Terry+L.+Zahuranec&page=2
juju93
Well-known member
I hope they changed something soon. Lord knows I don’t wanna see another sentria re-colored for the 4th/5th time. Hopefully someone in Kirby reads these forums and can take note on some of the things that we(I) would like to address on the next Kirby model. Oh and in terms of color I hope they do away with the greys and blacks and come out with a cool color scheme, kind of like the misty blue Kitchenaid with white bowl, instead it’ll be a misty blue Kirby with white accents pieces.
rivstg1
Well-known member
I'm with most previous posts on this thread
I"d like to see a 'new' Kirby....don't think, at all, there will be one in 2019. I do like the idea of a new color like green as well. I too, feel that their approach is to not change anything unless they can improve on it. Kirby is unique in the market but some of its 'cons' compared to other available's are how tall the unit is ( can't go under some furniture), the lack of on board tools and of course, the weight.
here's to hoping for a new and improved model coming....
I"d like to see a 'new' Kirby....don't think, at all, there will be one in 2019. I do like the idea of a new color like green as well. I too, feel that their approach is to not change anything unless they can improve on it. Kirby is unique in the market but some of its 'cons' compared to other available's are how tall the unit is ( can't go under some furniture), the lack of on board tools and of course, the weight.
here's to hoping for a new and improved model coming....
juju93
Well-known member
Yeah 30 years is a bit long. Plus seeing the sentria (2006) getting renamed and color over and over is really annoying. Hopefully when they do release a new platform it’ll be quieter, and lighter in weight. Because now and days more and more homes have hard floors and if you think using a Kirby on carpet was load it’s a lot louder (and it’s unbearable) on hard surface floors. A few things I would like for Kirby to change in it’s future models/ next platform would be:
1. No more looking like a sentria
2. Quieter sound
3. Lighter in weight
4.a redesign Multi Surface Shampoo System.... I say this because the current one is nice but it’s not convenient to use in hard to reach places such as under the bed or behind the toilets in the bathroom.
5. Maybe a redesign portable shampooer too
1. No more looking like a sentria
2. Quieter sound
3. Lighter in weight
4.a redesign Multi Surface Shampoo System.... I say this because the current one is nice but it’s not convenient to use in hard to reach places such as under the bed or behind the toilets in the bathroom.
5. Maybe a redesign portable shampooer too
I like the kirby design and i think changes like the new shampooer are about as radical Kirby would go and I'm honestly glad that's the case, i think the way it is now isn't that big of a deal having to change the belt and all and having a permanent head would kind of eliminate canister mode which i find very helpful i think Kirby would be wise to do things like having belts and bags available at the local grocer, I'd like to see a Motorized turbine head for the hose so i could use the kirby on canister mode to get under couches and beds where I can't use the power head undr, I'd also like to see a handi butler return, and possibly allow online sales of new machines from kirby's website, also mabye make another two speed model like the diamond as for colour I'd like either g5 red or the ultimate g grey
To replace the hose mode on the Kirby upright-they should provide a "package" that could include a Douglas based canister vacuum.This would work better than the hose mode on the Kirby-eliminate the danger of a pebble or quarter breaking a fan-and make the package easier to use-and it allows for two people to work at once if desired.The patent pictures just show the "Rube Goldberg" Kirby we have seen before-the multiple belts in one of the pictures could be a problem.That vacuum is just TOO complicated to be a good replacement for the present G platform.Figure Kirby has found something that WORKS-they would be best just to stick with it despite the complaints.Instead just use the Douglas canister to replace the hose mode.The upright would be used for the carpet vacuum and shampooer.And the Douglas could be equipped with a powernozzle for the spots the Kirby upright can't fit into.
sptyks
Well-known member
As I was told by an old friend who worked for Kirby Corporate:
The current system will remain in place until Kirby can build a completely new system that can match or improve on the performance of the current Avalir system while remaining near the current price point. So far this has not been possible, so the current design will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
The current system will remain in place until Kirby can build a completely new system that can match or improve on the performance of the current Avalir system while remaining near the current price point. So far this has not been possible, so the current design will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
juju93
Well-known member
that’s all fine and dandy. But change something that way it doesn’t look like a dang sentria, such as the headlights, the shape of the belt lifter. Those are the two main things that have had the past few models look like a 2006 sentria, which needs to be changed. I don’t care if it’s a g series, just change those two things that way it doesn’t look like a sentria. Also add some new optional accessories that can fit on the hose. And this may sound minor but bring back the video owners manual. Idk what they where thinking but not doing one for the current avalir 2, at lease put it on YouTube if your not going to sell it with the machine 
honestjoe68
Well-known member
Just a thought...
Does anyone else besides me secretly wish that Kirby would come out with a Second, Totally New from the ground up Vacuum Cleaner Option to sell along with the Avalir?
I’m talking a lightweight, still well made quality vacuum that would give Kirby buyers Two options, instead of just the one. Diversify and make it a companion Vacuum that you could own both or just one. Make it a vacuum without Tech drive but light enough you don’t need the drive assist.
Kirby could gain an entire new part of the Vacuum Market if they made a smaller, lightweight almost mini version of the Avalir and sell to those with more hardwood floors, smaller apartments, RV and Travel Trailer owners, etc. Those people who don’t have room for or the type of carpeted floors that are best for the current Kirby.
That way if Kirby offered two vacuums, everyone could be happy and find what they want without sacrificing the Avalir and it’s proven worth and great performance. Something to add to the Kirby name instead of a lesser vacuum that takes away from the current model.
Oh and YES I totally agree a Green color is long overdue. Or maybe something really wild like a bright Orange color??
Just my thoughts... anyone want to comment or give their thoughts on a second Kirby vacuum?
Thanks
Does anyone else besides me secretly wish that Kirby would come out with a Second, Totally New from the ground up Vacuum Cleaner Option to sell along with the Avalir?
I’m talking a lightweight, still well made quality vacuum that would give Kirby buyers Two options, instead of just the one. Diversify and make it a companion Vacuum that you could own both or just one. Make it a vacuum without Tech drive but light enough you don’t need the drive assist.
Kirby could gain an entire new part of the Vacuum Market if they made a smaller, lightweight almost mini version of the Avalir and sell to those with more hardwood floors, smaller apartments, RV and Travel Trailer owners, etc. Those people who don’t have room for or the type of carpeted floors that are best for the current Kirby.
That way if Kirby offered two vacuums, everyone could be happy and find what they want without sacrificing the Avalir and it’s proven worth and great performance. Something to add to the Kirby name instead of a lesser vacuum that takes away from the current model.
Oh and YES I totally agree a Green color is long overdue. Or maybe something really wild like a bright Orange color??
Just my thoughts... anyone want to comment or give their thoughts on a second Kirby vacuum?
Thanks
I would like to see them bring back the older designs
I have a DS50 and am amazed at how light it is and how easy it is to push and carry. I also have an Avalir and while it is heavier, I'm a 25-year-old in pretty good shape so it is no effort for me to push around with Tech Drive disabled. My HII Legend is effortless as well, although it is larger than my Dual Sanitronic in all dimensions.
I think that if they dusted off the plans of their 500-series/Sanitronic machines, added a fill tube (to enable the use of HEPA bags), modernized the shell, nozzle and handle fork a bit, they'd have a well performing, well built machine without the weight. I am of the belief that Tech Drive added to the bulk of the machine. If someone doesn't know how to use Tech Drive or doesn't know that it even exists, then yes, it's going to take a bit more effort to push. And, since Tech Drive Kirby machines have a few additional parts and a bit of a bigger footprint that the older ones didn't, it's going to weigh a bit more.
I actually don't want them to go to a different method to attach the hose and other tools to the power unit, since that is a hallmark Kirby design and it works well. The only way I would imagine Kirby pulling this off is to create some kind of capped inlet somewhere on the fancase or on the nozzle à la Royal. It wouldn't perform as well since I would assume some airflow would be drawn in from the floor nozzle. I know that having the hose sitting directly in front of the fan works really well as the airflow was just phenomenal when I used my Avalir to clean our vehicles. It performed better than my 6HP Shop Vac. Now, I will say that my wife and I have WeatherTech mats and leather seats in both of our vehicles but there's still some carpeting and little niches that still need vacuuming, and it does an awesome job. I know that the WeatherTech mat doesn't go all the way up the foot well and so dirt tends to gather there quite a bit. The small nozzle attachment on the hose of the Avalir effortlessly takes it all away.
I have a DS50 and am amazed at how light it is and how easy it is to push and carry. I also have an Avalir and while it is heavier, I'm a 25-year-old in pretty good shape so it is no effort for me to push around with Tech Drive disabled. My HII Legend is effortless as well, although it is larger than my Dual Sanitronic in all dimensions.
I think that if they dusted off the plans of their 500-series/Sanitronic machines, added a fill tube (to enable the use of HEPA bags), modernized the shell, nozzle and handle fork a bit, they'd have a well performing, well built machine without the weight. I am of the belief that Tech Drive added to the bulk of the machine. If someone doesn't know how to use Tech Drive or doesn't know that it even exists, then yes, it's going to take a bit more effort to push. And, since Tech Drive Kirby machines have a few additional parts and a bit of a bigger footprint that the older ones didn't, it's going to weigh a bit more.
I actually don't want them to go to a different method to attach the hose and other tools to the power unit, since that is a hallmark Kirby design and it works well. The only way I would imagine Kirby pulling this off is to create some kind of capped inlet somewhere on the fancase or on the nozzle à la Royal. It wouldn't perform as well since I would assume some airflow would be drawn in from the floor nozzle. I know that having the hose sitting directly in front of the fan works really well as the airflow was just phenomenal when I used my Avalir to clean our vehicles. It performed better than my 6HP Shop Vac. Now, I will say that my wife and I have WeatherTech mats and leather seats in both of our vehicles but there's still some carpeting and little niches that still need vacuuming, and it does an awesome job. I know that the WeatherTech mat doesn't go all the way up the foot well and so dirt tends to gather there quite a bit. The small nozzle attachment on the hose of the Avalir effortlessly takes it all away.
juju93
Well-known member
All I care about is it looking like a sentria. I mean that’s all fine and dandy that they can tweak the handle and bag to look different but they can’t do the same with the headlight and belt lifter? In previous comments/post I’ve posted what I would like to be changed and I hope the Kirby company or someone in there design departments read these post and can hopefully address these things. The main things I really would like to see changed are as followed:
1. Quieter sound
2. Lighter weight
3 no more looking like a sentria/ avalir...... it’s way time to move away from what’s called the G10 and move onwards to maybe a G11.
1. Quieter sound
2. Lighter weight
3 no more looking like a sentria/ avalir...... it’s way time to move away from what’s called the G10 and move onwards to maybe a G11.
rodknock95
Well-known member
Good Points
I seen in that patent post, something about handle controls and alerts when the bag is full, that is interesting. I too would like to see a redesign. I have always been partial to Electrolux. My grandparents had them, ,but my mom had a Classic III Kirby. Since I now have both, I have to say its almost better to have a Kirby and a Electrolux. I don't think the power nozzle has enough weight to it to properly clean my thick shag rug, and the Kirby does. But the Electrolux is more convenient when using a hose and such. So I would like to see them incorporate attachments better. Maybe have a spot on the fan case where you could plug in the hose, a suction port, so to speak. They could make it like the exhaust port on the Aerus guardian platinum, except when you pull the hose out, the door that closes automatically to shut off the suction is aluminum so it matches and is unseen. It would be easy at that point to make a electric hose for it as well. Oh and get rid of the Sentria look for juju93
I seen in that patent post, something about handle controls and alerts when the bag is full, that is interesting. I too would like to see a redesign. I have always been partial to Electrolux. My grandparents had them, ,but my mom had a Classic III Kirby. Since I now have both, I have to say its almost better to have a Kirby and a Electrolux. I don't think the power nozzle has enough weight to it to properly clean my thick shag rug, and the Kirby does. But the Electrolux is more convenient when using a hose and such. So I would like to see them incorporate attachments better. Maybe have a spot on the fan case where you could plug in the hose, a suction port, so to speak. They could make it like the exhaust port on the Aerus guardian platinum, except when you pull the hose out, the door that closes automatically to shut off the suction is aluminum so it matches and is unseen. It would be easy at that point to make a electric hose for it as well. Oh and get rid of the Sentria look for juju93
human
Well-known member
A lesson from history...
This sort of reminds me of Henry Ford and the Model T. He kept that car in production for almost 20 years and while it was wildly successful, it also almost broke the Ford Motor Company. By the time the Model T ended its production run in 1927, Ford was still selling what was essentially a 1908 car and the industry had passed them by. Henry Ford thought the Model T was the ultimate expression of the automobile and that any further innovation was little more than a gimmick but it took a completely redesigned Model A, which had all those 'gimmicks', to save the company.
From a technical standpoint, I think it's safe to say that Kirby has pretty well perfected the style of vacuum cleaner they make—and did so a couple of decades ago. There's really little left they can do to improve it functionally, and I think they realize that. The fact that design changes since mid-'90s have been more cosmetic than functional certainly bears this out. Kirby is a very conservative company, much as Ford was a century ago, and I do applaud them for sticking with that perfected design, even though the industry continues to move in a different—and not necessarily positive—direction. I would truly hate to see Kirby ditch their tried and true product in favor of something new and snazzy, just for the sake of making something new and snazzy, especially if it involved the use of self-destructing circuit boards to add useless whiz-bang features at the expense of a shorter lifespan. To my mind, that would be a huge mistake, possibly spelling the beginning of the end of the company. Fortunately, Kirby doesn't appear poised to go down that road.
This sort of reminds me of Henry Ford and the Model T. He kept that car in production for almost 20 years and while it was wildly successful, it also almost broke the Ford Motor Company. By the time the Model T ended its production run in 1927, Ford was still selling what was essentially a 1908 car and the industry had passed them by. Henry Ford thought the Model T was the ultimate expression of the automobile and that any further innovation was little more than a gimmick but it took a completely redesigned Model A, which had all those 'gimmicks', to save the company.
From a technical standpoint, I think it's safe to say that Kirby has pretty well perfected the style of vacuum cleaner they make—and did so a couple of decades ago. There's really little left they can do to improve it functionally, and I think they realize that. The fact that design changes since mid-'90s have been more cosmetic than functional certainly bears this out. Kirby is a very conservative company, much as Ford was a century ago, and I do applaud them for sticking with that perfected design, even though the industry continues to move in a different—and not necessarily positive—direction. I would truly hate to see Kirby ditch their tried and true product in favor of something new and snazzy, just for the sake of making something new and snazzy, especially if it involved the use of self-destructing circuit boards to add useless whiz-bang features at the expense of a shorter lifespan. To my mind, that would be a huge mistake, possibly spelling the beginning of the end of the company. Fortunately, Kirby doesn't appear poised to go down that road.
juju93
Well-known member
This is what I’ve notice in terms of each platform
1st generation (1935-1970) (35 years)
2nd generation (1970-1990) (20 years)
3rd generation.... 1990-present... damn near 30 years now.
My point is with each generation it takes time to perfect it before it launches to the public. Also anytime a Kirby model has the number 2 in it, it seems like (to me) that it’s a short temp model till the next new improvement comes along. For example back in 1989 we got the legend 2 and then a year later the G3 came out. Now fast forward to 2012 when the sentria 2 came out and then 2 and a half years later in 2014 we got the avalir (sentria 3) and then go even further to 2018 when we got avalir 2 (sentria 4) so hopefully within the next year or so a new model with come out, since we’re entering a new decade/era on time. For all we know Kirby could’ve had a new design in the works for a while now and they probably haven’t had it release yet till they perfected it as well as the timing of when they wanted to release it. But with the avalir 2 they didn’t really change the color let alone the pattern, so that leave me to question this. Could they have a color and pattern scheme for the new model but want to save it for a even newer model.
1st generation (1935-1970) (35 years)
2nd generation (1970-1990) (20 years)
3rd generation.... 1990-present... damn near 30 years now.
My point is with each generation it takes time to perfect it before it launches to the public. Also anytime a Kirby model has the number 2 in it, it seems like (to me) that it’s a short temp model till the next new improvement comes along. For example back in 1989 we got the legend 2 and then a year later the G3 came out. Now fast forward to 2012 when the sentria 2 came out and then 2 and a half years later in 2014 we got the avalir (sentria 3) and then go even further to 2018 when we got avalir 2 (sentria 4) so hopefully within the next year or so a new model with come out, since we’re entering a new decade/era on time. For all we know Kirby could’ve had a new design in the works for a while now and they probably haven’t had it release yet till they perfected it as well as the timing of when they wanted to release it. But with the avalir 2 they didn’t really change the color let alone the pattern, so that leave me to question this. Could they have a color and pattern scheme for the new model but want to save it for a even newer model.
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