Late 1979 Kirby Tradition

[oreck_xl]

You're looking at it more from a nostalgic eye than what most people look for in a vacuum today. Would you buy a brand new car that hadn't changed its sheet metal design since 1990!? Perhaps but if you're like most of the public probably not. It was a revolutionary step forward 28 years ago! I remember Consumer Reports calling it "robotic" in a 1990 issue. The truth is, the Tech Drive did and still does add bulk to the machine and in that way the Legend II was better. I do think as jade_angel pointed out tool conversion could be improved. Why not offer a 12 inch granny head to customers again? And for those frugal customers who don't want to spend money on bags offer a shake-out with a Sani-emtor? I'm all for keeping a design that works but R&D really should've had a new design out there a long time ago. I might be very wrong but here in New York Kirby has lost a lot of dealers. Maybe they're prolonging the G-series as long as they can because they know the end is in sight. It happened to Air-Way not all that long ago and it could happen to them too.

 

[oreck_xl]

Just for the sake of argument I went on Kirby's website looking for dealers in the New York area. Only THREE came up - One in Bellerose, Queens and two in the Bronx. Very sad. Are distributors dwindling this much in other parts of the country?

 

[kirby519]

Don't forget many people are going back to hard surface floors thru out their home. A Kirby will work in that environment how ever it was designed for carpet.

From what I have heard from a friend. The Kirby dealer doesn't recommend using a Kirby strictly as a canister/tank type vacuum. The extended use at the higher RPM will ruin the motor.

Built in central vacuums have gotten more popular with new home building as well. Which lends it's self well to a hard surface environment.

I don't foresee Kirby dropping out of sight any time soon.

That and those in the world that believe that they can't tolerate a dust mite and will die if they come in contact with one.

As I have said many times "If the Kirby doesn't meet your needs don't buy one."

The same as I wouldn't by a Dyson, Fantom or water trap vacuum. Doesn't meet my needs or expectations.

 

[oreck_xl]

I was excited as anyone the first time I laid eyes on the new Generation 3, and subsequently with the G4, G5 and so on. But my point was just proven AGAIN with the Avalir 2. It's a Generation 3 in drag. All the improvements won't make a bit of difference when the outward appearance goes on unchanged. I would love to see Kirby thrive and more distributors come about, but how can they when they keep dressing up a 28 year old vacuum? You're right in that many homes today utilize bare floor space now more than ever. A good canister or central vac is the ideal way to go. In hose mode, the Kirby is awkward at best, unless you install the small handle.

 

[kirby519]

The G3 did nothing to impress me. It wasn't until a G6 I got at a yard sale got my attention. I did recently get a Sentria. I am impressed with the improved air flow and how the newer drive tech handles. (on the Sentria that is)

 

[sillysid123]

hi guys. can anyone date my kirby tradition? H210893

cheers

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

sillysid123

You have a mid-1981 model with the ribbed foot switch button. It was one of the last ones out the door before the Heritage replaced it in September 1981.

The attachment set also had the new-style air intake guard commonly seen with the Heritage/Legend series attachment sets, rather than the older style that was actually a Crystalator.

~Ben[this post was last edited: 6/25/2020-18:09]