Sebo or Panasonic?

[cleansweep]

Well hello everyone!

First and foremost, I probably just discovered the best site in the world. This site is nothing short of amazing! I can't believe I just found this site. Where have I been all my life?!? Like all of you I have been collecting, selling, repairing, and restoring vacuums all my life. Its kind of cool and very satisfying to know I’m not alone. I am so happy to be here surrounded by such a vast amount of knowledgeable people. Thank you all!

You see I already have a Sebo Automatic X5 and to be quite frank, I really don’t like the automatic height adjustment. I thought that it would love it and being an IT person its pretty cool to see a vacuum that has an on board computer (my two favorite things combined!). But I just cant stand that auto height adjustment anymore. Its too inconsistent. I am looking to sell my Sebo (probably eBay) and get a new vacuum. Plus I'm expecting a decent tax return so why not. I am always looking for an excuse to get a new vac!

Anyways...
I have been doing research on new vacuums for a while now and I have it narrowed down to two vacuums. The Sebo Felix 2 Premium and the Panasonic Platinum QuietForce MC-UG729. I just cant seem to decide. There both very impressive vacs. The biggest differences I see between the two is the Sebo seems more versatile with its swivel neck, telescopic handle, variable suction, and easy to remove brush roll. But it doesn’t come with any extension wands, a dusting brush, and has a somewhat short cord (31 ft). The Panasonic MC-UG729 is currently Panasonic's top of the line model. Its got a decent 35 ft. cord, two motor system with a poly-v belt (similar to the Sebo, just maybe not as good?), a bare floor brush (similar to the Sebo's parquet brush), and I think it would be a little quieter too. However, it doesn’t come with an upholstery tool, the brush roll is more involved to remove, and has a floating “automatic” height adjustment.

Price isn’t too much of a concern, but I will say that the Panasonic can be had for $330 on commercialvacuum.com and mchardyvac.com and $350 on eBay. Amazon wants $500 for it! The best price I can find on the Sebo is $620.

Sorry for writing such a long post. Congratulations and thank you if you made it this far! LOL!
Also I am all ears if you guys have any other suggestions.

Thanks so much for all your input! I owe you all big time!

Links to my research:
http://sebo.us/upright-vacuums/felix/felix-premium-kombi-best-lightweight-pet-vacuum-cleaner.aspx

http://shop.panasonic.com/home-and-...#srule=relevance&start=1&cgid=upright-vacuums

http://www.panasonic.com/ca/consumer/home-appliances/vacuum-cleaners/bagged-uprights/mc-ug729.html

http://www.commercialvacuum.com/Pan...h-Quiet-Force-Technology-MC-UG729_p_6651.html

http://www.mchardyvac.com/panasonic-mc-ug729-platinum-upright-vacuum-cleaner/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-MODEL-P...261084344883?pt=US_Vacuum&hash=item3cc9d6f233

 

[fantomlightning]

Personally...

I'd go for the MC-UG583 (link below), it's based on an older design that has been on the market for years and I really can't find any fault with it. Panasonic VS Sebo really comes down to what you're going to be doing with it, the Sebo is going to be a much more versatile machine with a lot more genuine tool selection. If you wanted more of a middle ground between the two there's always the Sebo Essential G1/2, same machine as the X4/5 series, just with different coloring and manual height adjustment.

http://shop.panasonic.com/home-and-...ht-vacuums/MC-UG583.html#start=1&cgid=vacuums

 

[fantomlightning]

Forgot...

To add, if you order from Panasonic and have a Discover card use the shop Discover portal. You'll get 5% in cash back from the order.

 

[durango159]

Panasonic Definitely!!!

A Panasonic may possibly not last as long as the Sebo in the end, however, you'll pay less in the beginning, less along the way in parts if and when they are needed and have better cleaning results.

I've used several Sebos and although they are made fairly well, I've never experienced the clean from them that I get from most several other manufacturers. For me Performance tops everything because I'm using a vacuum cleaner to accomplish a task and I want the best tool for the job!!!

From attachments, to user friendliness, cleaning power I would definitely go for Panasonic. Or if you haven't already checked it out and since you're pricing Sebo then I would ABSOLUTELY recommend checking out Riccar/ Simplicity. Great machines, Made in the USA. Riccars are high performance and very durable with a wide price range to fit several budgets and market niches.

 

[stricklybojack]

I agree.

.
Auto carpet height is a gimmick waiting to break. On the Panny it just means it is a floating head design. That basic Panasonic design comes from a number of companies, most of which are made by Tacony (as Durango mentioned): Riccar, Simplicity, CarpetPro, Powr-Flite, Fuller Brush..phew(!) the list goes on. It is really an, "open source" design vacuum if you are familiar with the term.
I posted a new $200 Tennet from Ebay recently that I would probably prefer to the Panny. It would be close price excluded because I love that black Panny. But for $200 (now sold) it beat the Panny hands down. See video at link.
I'll look again and see what I find. Nevertheless that $330 price is very good if it includes tax and shipping. [this post was last edited: 1/31/2015-10:38]

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=85114404&x-yt-ts=1422579428&v=E3m0rHQIsaM#action=share

 

[stricklybojack]

Sticking with Panasonic..

.
There is the fomer TOL Panasonic to consider, the MC-UG787. I believe you can still find it new. It may be the superior vacuum, it's MSRP was very high.
See link to an excellent discussion of it here on VL by vegassucks who i thank for the pic below.
As i point out in the link there is also a Commercial version as there is with the Panasonic you found, both of which are defintely available . Basically it means color, cord and metal. Commercial colors, longer 3 prong cord, metal on the bottom but not for the wand, and sometimes 12 amp motor vs 10 amp capped for the commercial. [this post was last edited: 1/31/2015-09:56]

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?21678

 

[turbo500]

Auto carpet height is a gimmick waiting to break.

The Felix doesn't have the computer controlled height adjustment. It has a manual selector.

The Automatic X has the auto height adjustment and even with it, it's one of the most reliable uprights on the market

 

[stricklybojack]

You did say price is not a consideration..

with me it usually is.
With that in mind did you consider the Windsor version of the Felix2, the Axcess 15? See link below. Karcher also sells a Felix among other labels no doubt.
Still no where near the bewildering array of Panny copies and clones.

http://www.windsorkarchergroup.com/ViewCategories.aspx?Pid=380

 

[marcusprit]

The X series may be reliable but I don't like the automatic height adjustment it doesn't get deep into the carpet. I'd prefer to adjust the height manually to the height I want as in the G1.As for the performance I've not used a Panasonic so I can't comment.I've used a Riccar and yes it will out clean Sebo.

 

[sebo_fan]

Id take the SEBO Essential G2

Personally if it was me, and given you're happy with the SEBO X5 already APART from the auto sensor, I agree with FantomLightning - either the SEBO Essential G2 in the U.S is available or the slightly lower motor powered Windsor S15, both models are like the X as you know, but come with the bigger 14" floor head.

The Axxcess/Felix design is a good one but it has a smaller dust bag capacity than the SEBO X.

Windsor charge $674.95 compared to SEBO U.S who are charging $599 for their domestic version. Link to SEBO U.S


http://www.sebo.us/upright-vacuums/essential-g/sebo-essential-g1-g2-best-upright-vacuum-cleaner.aspx

 

[sebo_fan]

By the way I also have an Taski-Ensign SM2, which is like a commercial UK version of the SEBO Essential G2 but in a different colour. I am impressed though having wool carpets means the model has to be left in the 3rd setting to avoid marking on my carpets. The model surges forward just like the auto sensor version but it is still just as light to push over my carpets and offers consistent cleaning.

 

[stricklybojack]

Sebo Essential vs Hoover Insight

.
VL member KirbyloverDan, who has owned both, made a case for the similiarly designed Hoover in a previous thread. I found his arguements very compelling.

*Warning* geralization ahead...
Euro vacs are often reflexively assumed to be superior but in my expiernce they have their downsides and many names are no longer built to even relatively recent high design standards that once prevailed.


http://hoover.com/products/details/ch50102/insight-15-bagged-upright/

 

[sebo_fan]

I forgot about the Insight. I suppose its a good back up consideration if you want something cheaper.

And yet despite the SEBO copy clone, the Insight is made in China. It also doesn't have much of a good write up from OTHER buyers (not collectors by the looks of it) from Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-CH50100-Insight-Vacuum-Black/dp/B006K0PR5C

 

[cleansweep]

Holy cows!

Thanks guys for the posts. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I suppose I forgot to mention that I would like to have a brush roll on/off setting if possible. Sorry about that. I feel like I took one step backwards with that on the X5. Sorry to anyone who mentioned an "always on" brush roll vac, that's not really what I'm looking for. Durango159, I have looked into Riccar/Simplicity but I am not too convinced I'm getting more vacuum over the Panasonic. stricklybojack, I have not heard of Tennent before. I'm going to look into them, as well as the Panasonic MC-UG787. Also what would be the benefit of having the Windsor or Karcher copy? they are more or less the same, no? in that case I would just get the cheapest of the three. I have to say, that Hoover Insight is sharp! Business black with orange, I like it. Too bad it doesn't have a brush on/off switch.

Thanks again everyone. I look forward to any more info you all might have.

 

[blackheart]

Insight

The shop i frequent has stopped selling them because of reliability issues. The owner told me every unit they sold came back to them. The domestic counterpart, the profile, didn't even make it off the sales floor.

 

[oliveoiltinfoil]

I would go for the felix. It is an all round fantastic vacuums. Very easy to use, excellent build quality, quiet, brilliant power-head and suction and good value for money.

 

[stricklybojack]

Shoot the works..

get the Sebo you always wanted.

http://www.commercialvacuum.com/SEBO-370-COMFORT-Upright-Vacuum-Cleaner_p_9618.html

 

[marcusprit]

You won't be disappointed with the Sebo Felix in Europe you won't find a better bagged upright.

 

[sebo_fan]

The brush roll doesn't shut off on the 370 when cleaning hard floors.

The Felix is the only one in the SEBO upright range where the brush roll switches off for hard floor cleaning. However, as I said before, the only downside is the bag capacity. Based on the Panasonic and the SEBO X which offers 5 or more litres capacity, the Felix 3.5 litre capacity is that great deal smaller.

The Karcher, Windsor and other copies don't have variable suction control, helght adjustable handle and brush roll on/off facility on the ET1 power nozzle, though this may have changed - best to check.