Oreck Rebadged As Royal

[repairman]

For all of us who were wondering if "Oreck" would ever have a classic style upright now that they're owned by TTI, it exists, except, it's a Royal. For those who aren't aware, it's a rebadged XL1 which I believe is only available in the UK.

 

[fantomlightning]

I...

Actually just ordered one of these for myself through work.
It's a pretty basic and bog standard Oreck over all. They have made some changes though. Right under the Royal logo on the front of the bag is where they moved the pocket for holding the manual, it also has velcro to secure it shut. The zipper for the outer bag looks large and robust compared to those on the current Oreck models, and appears to be what I'd assume to be brass. For some odd reason it lacks the pouch to put scent tabs in. The base plate as with newer Orecks has been fastened with Torx screws, limiting the access of most owners to the belt door. On the back there are velcro straps that help to secure and stabilize the bag against the fill tube. Oddly, they don't ship it with an extra belt stored in the base. It uses standard XL style push on bags like the commercial machines, and has a short but well made 25' cord.
Over all it's a nice machine, but cost wise for the $199 MSRP one of the commercial machines from Oreck provides a much better value. Best improvement to this over the other Oreck machines in my opinion is the velcro on the bag pocket, that way manuals and anything else stored doesn't dump out if you flip the machine over. Once I get the chance I'll be making a video on it, as Royal doesn't have much info out on it.

 

[madman]

I admit, torx screws might be a bit annoying... but doesn't everybody have a torx set in their toolbox now?

Also that Royal is shamelessly an Oreck.

 

[myles_v]

I was just talking to the guy at my local Oreck store about this machine because I noticed he had a few. He said that they wanted an entry-level machine for the Royal brand so they used the Oreck design since TTI already holds the patents for it. It's interesting that the Oreck store near my house sells this since they don't sell any other Royal machines, they only carry Oreck and Miele.

 

[broomvac]

Hi,

I made the same interesting observation as you a little while ago. This Royal reminds me of the original "CVR" type orecks since it has the boxy, plasticized bag without the bag clip trim at the bottom and without the diagonal stripe.

I think Oreck still makes at least one "even more classic" upright still--it's just a commercial model.

I wouldn't mind having either one. Although, if I had to pick, I'd probably take the Royal based on looks.

Thanks for sharing!

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?35448_12

 

[vacuumdevil]

@madman torx have been standard in the industry for years. I would say the T20 and T15 ,T10 are the majority of what's found on vacuum cleaners. I prefer Torx to Phillips any day of the week.

 

[madman]

@vacuumdevil I'm well aware, that was my point. I prefer torx over Phillips, yes, but give me a hex head any day. I've stripped out more torx head screws that I care to remember. Phillips too. Fun fact, did you know Phillips head screws are designed with the intention of the screwdriver torqueing out of it? That's how the factory workers know they tightened it enough.