My new Kirby Avalir....

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Really? Well that's not my experience. I'd be interested to hear Kirby lovers views as to which Kirby is their favourite? I did have a Heritage which was a looker :-)
 
Huh? I didn't say your opinion doesn't count.Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
And yes I've used a Sentria. It's more streamlined but I wouldn't say it was better built than previous models. Not that I'm an expert on Kirbys. I did dismantle one once for fun :-)
 
Actually

The Diamond's two speed motor was it's weak point. It was a change from the norm that had been set since the 60s where Kirby automatically chose the speed for the application as in Hose or Rug nozzle.

When the choice was put in the consumer's hand they didn't adjust the speed correctly and complained that it didn't clean right or in some cases they were having burned motor claims at a higher than expected rate. Hence the two speed went away the next model.

Now as far as which model was the best. It will be debatable amongst the gang here. Some like one machine for one reason, another will like a different one.

I personally have favorites. I also have some I did not like but won't name them or give reasons as to not poke the bear.

I would love it if Kirby would give me a closed handle like on the Oreck. I have carpal Tunnel and even with the tech drive it holds my hand in a position that sometime is uncomfortable. Luckily with Tech-drive I am able to hold just the end of the handle in my palm and drive the machine pretty well.
 
Mark,


Why would you ever say that the Kirby Diamond is the best Kirby ever made? Since you don't seem to know what you're talking about, maybe you should refrain from commenting on a machine you never owned.


 


The 2 speed switch caused more problems than any other model Kirby. One of the biggest is that customers didn't realize that when the switch was lit up, it was in low speed and off for high speed. Customers were constantly returning their machines complaining that their machine was not cleaning well because they didn't read the User's manual. 


 


Another problem was that the Diamond edition actually had 4 speeds confusing users even more. The switch produced hi and low speed in carpet mode and a separate hi and low speed in hose mode.


 


No wonder Kirby discontinued the hi - low switch. It carsed so many problems.

[this post was last edited: 2/11/2015-12:02]
 
I have owned actually can't say I had a problem with the high low switch but I bow to your superiorty. We had it for a year and sold it. You're a cheeky one aren't you!Not related to Chris are you?
 
Hi,

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Thanks Ben and John, Yes I'm grateful to finally have one. I am still looking forward to seeing the new redesigned (gold rated by CRI)  multi-surface shampooer. A great piece of innovation right there! Like other things I sure they're looking in too. The new carry handle is comfortable to use as well as the better designed handle grip which is a better fit in your hand than the previous design.  It also glides and effortlessly moves around.  I love the black and red accents. Mirrors the colors of the C/R series and the 505. This is one very stylish Kirby. Even better looking in person.
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James
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[this post was last edited: 2/11/2015-13:36]
 
You're a cheeky one aren't you!Not related to Chris

Pot calling kettle black, much?

And no, we're not related. Stan thinks I'm an idiot because I'm not really a fan of Kirbys. Although clearly we sure a mutual annoyance.
 
I don't think you're an Idiot Chris. We have had many disagreements in the past, but I respect your opinions as I assume you respect mine. I think most of your posts contain very useful information about Sebo, Miele and other popular brands found in the UK. I also enjoy reading your posts regarding the European decision to reduce vacuum cleaner power levels and the testing of the new lower wattage cleaners.


 


From what I've seen from Mark, I can't say that I have the same respect for his posts.


 


 
 
Since I'm a newbie here, I have no idea "who rubs who's back" here, who is cheeky, and who knows what they are talking about.

But I know machines, and I tore apart five Kirbys in the scope of six weeks, refurbished them, and I'm using them DAILY (not all five on the same day obviously).

I have no idea who "Marcus" from Cardiff is, but I agree that Ultimate G Diamond IS the best (for me!). I also must add that I never used Sentria (I've seen one in the pawn shop, but I was not handling it at all, just looking). The wobble I have on my G4 and my Diamond, I attribute to "one connecting point" vs. two (on older Kirbys). The ones that have the pin through the handle, connect the handle fork with the motor at TWO points (one on each side). No wonder this connection will feel more positive, than one contact point in the middle of the mass of the motor unit.

This is the ONLY gripe I have with the Diamond, and I LOVE the speed switch. If someone can not tell when the machine is on reduced power, they are either deaf, blind, or high (or all of the above at the same time!).

Now,....if Sentria doesn't have the "wobbly handle syndrome" (I don't know), it would be a GREAT improvement, but the fact that it has too much plastic on (which I detest), and it looks like something Dart Wader would vacuum with, keeps me away from it.
 
R&D...

Not to reiterate what other members have posted but why change something that has been working for a company for over two decades? I have no idea what Kirby does spend on their R&D but obviously they put whatever budget they have to good use. Whereas some companies spend a fortune on R&D and those companies have more problems than Kirby. So something tells me that Kirby is doing something right, that or I must be missing something. Well other than the obvious that 80% of must vacuum companies design their vacuums to fail within 3-5 years. So for the time being I am going to side that Kirby is doing the right thing.

BTW, I do not have a single passion for Kirby. I have a passion for all different machines and have almost every brand in my possession including a Dyson (which I am currently selling), and I work in a vacuum shop, The Vacuum Authority, and I have a good feeling of what vacuums are good and those that are not so good. However to each their own. (My personal disclaimer)
 
Kirby's motto: If it ain't broke don't fix it, besides, how can you improve upon perfection...can't be done! Now, I can really see why other vacuum companies are always innovating, and the simple answer is: Because they started off with a cheap piece of plastic trash design to begin with...just saying.

James, your Avalir ROCKS...vacuum on...vacuum on my friend!!!
 

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