Some Thoughts on Rainbow E2 Black

[funeraldirector]

Hey Guys,

I have had a guy bugging me to procure his very slightly used Rainbow E2 Black machine for a few days. Went over last night and it turns out it was new in May and has the side-drive nozzle and pooer also. Used about three times by a nice young couple in a double-wide. Made me an offer I couldn't refuse and it has joined my new last year Lux Platinum/Intelligence.

I like so many of the features of the machine including the new power nozzle which picks up extremely well and is quiet and high quality. Made in USA stamped evereywhere. Quality and performance are really good, including the tools. The digital motor and LED lights are really cool and power is pretty good compared to the last one I had seen. I like the tight gap on the brush roller and the longer, fully-tufted brushes. I think it deep cleans better than the Omniflow nozzle does.

As far as the user experience, it is heavy and difficult to use in my deep cut pile carpeting compared to the Lux. Save for the fact it never loses suction power and does not use expensive bags, the water bath smells really clean and super with scents from Rainbow.

Once I shampoo my carpets I will probably offer it to one of you guys not looking to spend $1899.00 on a new one like the kid I got it from. Machine is spotless but like dragging a body in a body bag behind you all day. I never worked this hard in the Teamsters lol. However, I think it cleans REALLY well so it is worth the extra work. I see why some of you really like them.

Brian

 

[man114]

Owning a Rainbow is a consideration of its ups and downs.

The Rainbow has what I consider the inconvenience of water but it is a tradeoff for the performance.

The water is a pain at first (though you get used to it).

It doesn't lose suction though, and the newest models with brushless motors are mighty powerful. Additionally the new powerhead is IMHO fantastic.

The newest model is heavier than previous E series models.

It is made in the USA.

It can be awkward to maneuver.

It has good versatility and is easy to swtich between attachments.

The thing I like the most is my wife can use it and empty it without having asthma problems because unlike a dry bagless the dirt does not become airborn again. I think the benefits outweigh the costs, but that is up to the user to decide. There are people that buy them to upgrade one they used before, and people who don't like them. It really is almost you have to try and see.

It probably is amongst the top cleaning vacuums available.

Those are all things to consider if you plan on buying one.

 

[dysonman1]

My Rainbows get used twice a year for spring and fall cleaning only. A good friend said once that his Rainbow was his "good vacuum" but his Model L Lux was his 'everyday vac'.

 

[dave1965]

your experience is differant than mine. I have found the rainbow vacuum of any age to be the amoung the filthiest machines I have worked on and i've worked on few hundred. Yes you don't buy bags but of course now you have to buy filters (not cheap). Haven't you ever wondered if nothing gets buy the water why do you have to clean the separator after each use?

 

[kirbylux77]

Dave1965

I used to think the same way you did, when I owned my Rainbow D4 Performance Edition years ago. I was convinced it was leaking dust past the water-bath, since the Separator was getting dirty. But, think of it this way....go ahead & check your HEPA filter after a couple of years & see how clean it is. Yes, sure, the Separator does get dirty....but look at all the dust & dirt the water has captured. That explains why the HEPA filter remains fairly clean.

The way I like to think of Rainbow's water-bath is it's basically on the same par with a high-performance microfiltration bag in a normal vacuum. Except with the benefit you start clean each time & you can see the dirt & good results your Rainbow has produced for you. I used to be a skeptic, but not anymore....the HEPA filter is proof Rainbow really DOES work as they claim.

Rob

 

[williamr1248]

Some thoughts on Rainbow E2 Black

Tom Gasko really cleared up my concerns about the Rainbow and having dirt in the motor. All you have to do is change the water.
I have had my E2 for over 2 years and the heap filter is just as clean as new when I went to replace it after 2 years use. I DO change the water about every half hour.
Rainbow is NOT for everyone, but they will take a lot of abuse and still keep going. I imagine most of the machines that go in for service have been like other vacuum brands-used and abused by most owners. I also had my old SE Rainbow and the exhaust was just as clean as new after 18 years of use-but again I DID change the water. Never a foul odor or loss of air flow in all that time.
It has really helped my allergies. I would make sense to me that there is going to be some evaporation but if I can run my hand around the exhaust on a 18 year old machine and get NOTHING, it must be filtering something.
You do have to empty the water but the alternative is having to deal with the flying dust and purchasing replacement bags or spending time and money for shipping on the internet.
I do like the new design and much better than my older SE. SO much easier to use and store.

 

[williamr1248]

Some Thoughts on the Rainbow E2 Black

Brian,
I agree with you 100%. My Rainbow is hard to pull around on my cut pile carpeting too. I have learned to use it more like the Air-Way and sit it on the middle of the room which works better now that the new standard electric hose is longer.
The dolly is my least favorite part of the machine.
I also appreciate the long power cord. Sometimes I don't even mess with the dolly.
The dolly works fine on my hardwood floors and braided and wool rugs which are a lower pile.
The Rainbow would not be a good choice for an old person because of the weight.
Same reason I stopped using my Kirby. Beside the smell and dust, it was just too heavy and bulky anymore. I thought I would be the LAST person to ever admit that too!

 

[floor-a-matic]

<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">I have found the rainbow vacuum of any age to be the amoung the filthiest machines I have worked on and i've worked on few hundred</span>


</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Maybe those Rainbows have been abused/neglected; their owners probably didn't change the water often enough OR vacuumed non-wettable dirt (plaster dust, Love My Carpet & fireplace ash)</span>

 

[dave1965]

yup I agree floor o matic course I live in the real world and in the real world this is what happens.

 

[dysonman1]

Let's also consider that virtually all Rainbow owners were not in the market for a new vacuum the night they bought the Rainbow. They did not 'shop' for it. As long as the Rainbow dealer can con the prospect into signing the contract, that's all that matters. Whether or not they treated their old vacuum like hell or not is immaterial. It's all about the sale. So the woman who abused her Oreck will also abuse her Rainbow. That's the real world. And that's why most used Rainbows are in sorry shape with filthy motors, requiring a lot of repair. However, when properly cared for, they can run forever and maintain their excellent cleaning ability. It's all up to the owner. I do love my 75th Anniversary Edition Rainbow and wouldn't ever think of abusing it.

 

[man114]

I suppose "It's all about the sale" really depends on the office. As I said our local office is all about absolutely no pressure. They show the Rainbow, let the machine sell on it's merits. You are supposed to demo the machine, show what it does, tell the customer that you're done and that if they're interested they'll let you know and thats it. If they're not you leave.

It iis a stark contrast locally to what I hear a lot on here. If the customer chooses to buy then you give them the options and write it up. Since they do all service (the service guy has 25 years experience working on Rainbows), you then explain to the customer the maintnance procedures. You put a sticker on the vac with the office contact and they are encouraged to contact the office with any issues, problems etc.

The owner came in to the training the other day and said flat out if you go to an existing owner don't force the sale on them, if it needs service have them bring it in, let the customer decide what they want.

I suppose some still understand the true aspect of customer service & others don't.

 

[dysonman1]

For the average Rainbow salesman, it is all about the sale. Their time as well as gas money driving to spend time with people who do not buy is non-productive. If you don't ask selling questions, and close the sale properly, people won't just decide to spend $2400 "on their own". I sold brand new Rainbows for 3 years before becoming the training manager in a Rainbow sales office selling more than 500 per month. It all boils down to this: if you don't sell it you don't eat. So of course the average Rainbow salesperson not only wants but needs to make the sale. That's why many of them will say, do, or promise anything just to get the name on the contract. They are higher caliber in my opinion than lots of Kirby salespeople, but it still is a high pressure direct sale. If it was truly 'low pressure', you wouldn't sell enough to pay the bills. With today's economy, many people do not qualify for financing who used to qualify just a few years ago. That's a hardship for the Rainbow salesman too. To work that hard getting the sale, and then have to drive back to pick up the Rainbow. It's not a job I'd want today.

That's one reason I'm so glad we have the Sirena for vac shops. Most Rainbow owners never see the salesman again, nor the sales office. It's the rare Rainbow owner who has the advantage of a long-existing sales office (they come and go fairly quickly). She goes to the local vac shop, who CAN of course obtain the repair parts. But at higher prices than factory wholesale prices - about another third higher. That makes repairing a 20 year old Rainbow fairly expensive. The Sirena does everything a customer wants a Rainbow to do, and costs $895. With over 13 million Rainbows already 'in the field', the Sirena dealer is poised to really 'clean up'.

 

[williamr1248]

Some thoughts on the Rainbow E2 Black

Tom,
You brought up some valid points. My experience with are local Rainbow dealer over the years and my dealings with Ken Bashford were of course not like your story. I do believe they are exceptional businessmen. You could not ask for better service than what Ken offers his customers and many in the vac club.
What you describe is more the norm.
The financing point would also be a very big issue in today's economy but wouldn't a lot of customers have the same issue if they were going to spend $900.00 in a vac shop ?
We, as vacuum collectors can see the value of buying a high quality product and taking care of the equipment but I know from just the experience of visiting your vacuum store years ago that customers would drive in beautiful, expensive cars and then bitch when you suggested they needed a new belt!
As I am reading this thread, I am filling out papers for a refund on a piece of junk dehumidifier that was "made in China" and failed within just a few years. I found out it not only failed but they were causing house fires so for me, I am DONE with made in China appliances.
I would be HAPPY to pay more for a Kirby or Rainbow made in USA.
How do you like your new Sirena?

 

[dysonman1]

Rob:
The Sirena is an excellent vacuum. I was shocked to see a true horsehair brush roller on the power nozzle. Love all the attachments. The motor is identical to the one used on the Ocean Blue and the Pro-Aqua and the RoboClean. Very high quality. The fit and finish are exceptional. I really like everything about it.

 

[luxlife]

William:

You're absolutely right about Ken Bashford! I called their office last week to get pricing on a new power nozzle. They offered me a significant discount if I traded in my current nozzle when I explained that I only wanted the new nozzle head itself and I never even mentioned learning of him from Vacuumland until after the sale! That just goes to show that he would be willing to deal with anyone straight off the street or even over the phone. I'll definitely be doing all my business with him from now on. BTW, the lady who answered the phone (I think her name is Kat), spoke to me at length about the new Mini Jet accessory. She said that Ken was instrumental in developing this concept.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

I used

my Rainbow E2 Onyx today and I must say I was disgusted with all it picked up .

I did move all the furniture and vacuumed every nook and cranny .

I will be using it more through out the winter.

I have to at least try to use it every other time I vacuum if not every time .

Even cleaned the rugs but I used my Hoover Dual V for that I haven't tried my Rainbow steamer yet

Dan

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Brian

Please let me know what you want for your Rainbow I will buy it from you for my

Ocean front condo the sand is murder there .

Dan

 

[man114]

Tom-

I'm not going to argue with what a lot of Rainbow offices probably do in terms of pressure sales. I know for a fact it is true, but not all ofifices are like that. Our local office has been in business 25+ years and would be long gone if what they were doing didn't work (there were a few smaller ones that have come and gone since then, and I've heard bad stories about them).

A courtesy professional approach does in fact work. Obviously they'd be long gone if it weren't for that. Generally speaking you're taught to totally accomodate the customer in every way, being punctual, accepting, courteous and friendly at every stage. Non pressure, display the virtues of the machine.

You go into the home demo the unit, show the mertis, and upon completing demoing the unit you inform the potential customer you're done, if they want to know anything they are then free to ask, if they want one they'll let you know.

The average sales ratio is one in three using this approach, the employee can be in one of two programs, one where they're paid $12.50 an hour to do the demo plus commission or straight commission. You're guranteed $25 because you're paid for 2 hours even though you're encouraged to take one, but you'll get paid more commission only if you get the sale.

Since the sales are not high pressure the word gets out that it isn't bad if you want to see one, you simply watch. Thus you don't get a lot of people telling you no becaue they don't want high pressure salesmen in their house because the people that see it tell their friends it isn't a high pressure sale.

I'm sure you have the fly by night high pressure, no service offices, but there are exceptions too.

 

[dysonman1]

I'm very happy to know there are great Rainbow sales offices in this country. How wonderful to remove the pressure from the sale. And give the dealer $25 for their time and gas and effort even if it doesn't result in a sale.