tri star for filter queen, should i trade?

[kirbysanitronic]

i have a newer tri star (grey hammertone finish) just the canister no attachments. my friend who owns a vac + sewing machine shop (who loves compacts) about flew out of his seat when i asked if he would trade me a filter queen for my tri star, he showed me a couple filter queens, one has a clear bottom, i guess for demo pourposes, the one i like is a pinkish color, with a cord retractor, i like the looks of the filter queen (even though i am a diehard kirby guy!) should i go for it?

 

[myvacsrock]

I would..

and i only say that because i do anything to get rid of a compact/tristar...i am not a fan of them....

Go for it...FQ's are wonderful

 

[logan]

Filter Queens are good vacuums, but so are Tristar. Have you taken a look at the differences between the attachments on the Filter Queen vs. the Tristar? Tristar are by far much more user friendly than Filter Queen when it comes to attachments. The power nozzle cleans a lot better too.

The only downside to Tristar is that the bags clog with dirt very very quickly and tend to loose a lot of suction almost as soon as you start using them. Filter Queens don't do that, if you use the genuine cones in them. I am speaking from personal experience.

Honestly, there are pros and cons with any vacuums. I would keep a Tristar before I ever traded it on a Filter Queen, but that's just my personal preference.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I would say that the tri-star is a better built machine that does clean better than the filter queen, but I love filter queen as well. If it is a newer tri-star then I would trade (newer meaning exl through the current model) If it was the older ones(silver bullet dxl or older) then I would keep the tri-star.

 

[danemodsandy]

My Vote:

If your TriStar is all silver with black speckles, it's an EX-20, the last of the Interstate/Compact-based machines. After the EX-20, TriStar went to the newer style of machine it still makes. So, there's some historic interest there.

I find one claim made here to be puzzling. Logan says that his experience is that TriStars lose suction quickly. All I can say is that my experience is just the opposite. TriStars are built on a "cyclonic action" principle, where the dirt collected by the cleaner is kept away from the airflow. As much as I like my Lux Diamond Jubilee, the big drawback to Luxes is that the airflow must pass through the collected dirt, which does indeed make the cleaner lose suction rapidly. But I have not personally seen that problem with TriStars or Compacts. I have a CXL, and grew up with a Compact C-2. Could this be a problem with a clogged motor filter or something?

 

[vac-o-matic]

FQ preference

I have both, and while I like the design of the Compacts, I like the superior suction on the FQ, and would be neat to have the clear collector bin and cordwinder. As long as you use genuine FQ cones, you can go a long time before you have to dump the bin, and I've never noticed a significant drop in suction. I also use the charcoal Enviropure cone inserts as I have a dog and never have a problem with odors, even with bin full of hair. I also like the fact that your tools are on board with the FQ, something you can't do with a Compact. If you don't like the FQ tools, you can buy an adapter allowing you to use any standard friction fit tools. I personally love the FQ dusting brush, which I use quite a bit. If you do trade for the FQ, make sure to have a fresh belt and brushroller for the powernozzle, they're inexpensive but a must for it to be efficient. Just my two cents...

Rick

 

[beerad]

OMGGGGG The Filter Queen..

Go for the filter Queenn .. you will love it,, and BTW is there any way you can find out foe mw where that person got the clear bottom for the F/Q from?? I would soo love to have one.... and make a youtubbe vid.....

 

[kirbyboy1]

Go for filter queen and dont look back.

If you can find a good filter queen with attachments go for it. YOU willl love it. I have now soon 5 and I use every one. The ones with straight suction are great for short pile and also bare floors if you are wanting a mahcine for rugs look at a 33 or 31 with the old power nozzle. I do agree with many people abouth the majestic power nozzle. It is like pushing a box around the house. But then some people complain about emptying it. IYs very easy. JUst take a plastic walmart bag and stretch it over the top. Flip it over and the cone and dirt are in the bag. Also Tri Stars in my use have lost suction. We have to shelties whcich i have pictures of in thread here. But The compact we would change the bag everyday and we vacuum everyday. But the filter queen we change once a month. So all in all go for the filter queen. Get the clear bottom one. It would be cool. Just my opinion.
Evan Strittmatter

 

[logan]

Hey Sandy - I'm not trying to talk badly about Tristar or Compact. I think they are wonderful machines and I have two of them. The only problem I have always found is that the bags are paper thin and regardless of the air-flow the bags clog very quickly. I dunno it's just from personal experience. Maybe we are picking up different types of dirt? It's possible. Anyways, I would still choose a Tristar/Compact over a Filter Queen just because of the ease of use.

 

[xraytech]

I think you should trade for the filter queen, I have a filterqueen majestic model 95 and a Compact Electra Anniversary Edition. I think that the filterqueen is a much better vacuum. I would go for the clear one

 

[kirbysanitronic]

my tri star is a DLX, i think i will trade for the filter queen because i still have my moms old compact C5-PB 24th anniversary edition, (i even have the trunk that it came in!) so a filter queen good addition to my collection. now i was wondering does the filter queen have metal attachments? and did they ever have the cloth over rubber type hoses? these filter queens are growing on me i like the looks of them alot! i hope my kirbys will forgive me!

 

[danemodsandy]

Logan:

I didn't think you were trying to bad-mouth TriStars- I was just puzzled that you have had the experience you had. It's just very different to my own.

Two TriStars? What models?

I finally completed my TriStar only today, with a new dusting brush insert, more bags (a year's supply), and the metal rug tool. I hate that cheap "rug shoe" that TriStar tried to foist off on people; it's a piece that clips onto the bottom of the floor tool and is supposed to convert it for rug use. All it does is fall off every chance it gets, and it can damage the floor tool's bristles if you don't put it on juuuuuuuuuust right. Having the dedicated rug tool saves a lot of frustration.

It was a very nice morning's vacuuming, easy and thorough. Using this TriStar brought back all kinds of memories.

 

[beerad]

then clear bottom

what about the clear botom?? where didi you get that from? I would like one.

 

[danemodsandy]

beerad:

The rug shoe came with my machine. You might try calling TriStar at 1-800-854-6185. I don't have a part number for you, but they should know what you're talking about. If they don't have it or won't help you for some reason, also try TriStar Canada at 1-866-874-2532. If the toll-free number doesn't work in your area, their main number is 905-950-5550. A link to their Website is below.

However, you might want to know that the rug shoe is the biggest PITA you ever saw in actual use. I'm keeping mine only because I want this machine absolutely complete and original. You have to be extremely careful putting the shoe on the floor tool- if you're not, it can damage the bristles on the tool. Also, the shoe tends to fall off when you lift the floor tool. Just know that it's not the most practical design ever.

http://https//www.tristarvacuumscanada.com/

 

[danemodsandy]

beerad:

I just tried to order some parts through TriStar here in the U.S.- they weren't too helpful, referring me to a vac shop here in Georgia, where they told me they'd have to order the parts from TriStar- they weren't in stock. I called TriStar Canada, and they had everything in stock and dealt with me direct.

So, it looks like TriStar Canada is a good way to go.

 

[kirbysanitronic]

clear bottom filter queen

my friend told me the clear bottom was for demonstration purposes, so i guess the demo models had them. i think he will give me 2 canisters, (one looks like a 33 the other one is older with the clear bottom) and one set of attachments + hose. what i need to know is what type of hose did these come with? also did these have the power nozzle? and what attachments did they come with? i hope they are the metal kind!

 

[floor-a-matic]

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">I own both FQ & TriStar (CXL 2-speed & EXL with Ametek 115923 motor) & like both.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Things I like about:</span>


<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">TriStar CXL:</span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Cyclonic action "bag in a bag"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Uses 1¹/₄" tools</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Metal floor brush & rug tool</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Die-cast aluminum PN top</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Can use Wessel Werk HEB160 or Kenmore Power Mate Jr</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">TriStar EXL:</span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Cyclonic action "bag in a bag"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">One step electrical connections</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Die-cast aluminum PN housing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">MiniStar PN</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">PN/MiniStar ON/OFF switch on hose handle</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Filter Queen</span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Better than HEPA filtration (when using <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Genuine</span> FQ white filter cones)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Tools lock onto hose handle/wand</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">On-board tool storage</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Things I don't like about:</span>


<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">TriStar CXL:</span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Hose handle doesn't swivel (depends on style of hose; some hose handles DO swivel)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">No suction control</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">No headlight</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Sometimes hose disconnects at machine end</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Open bag design (good for retrieving a coin or other object inadvertently picked up; bad for messes & insects inside bag)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Tools store on wand (I tie the tool clip onto the machine handle)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">No PN ON/OFF switch on hose handle (some hose handles DO have the switch)</span></span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">TriStar EXL:</span></li>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">No headlight</span></li>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Open bag design (good for retrieving a coin or other object inadvertently picked up; bad for messes & insects inside bag)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Hose handle bulky for some applications (vacing the car)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Reverse-fit tool connections (tools inside hose/wand)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Tools store on wand (I tie the tool clip onto the machine handle)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Awkward using aftermarket tools with adaptor</span></li>
</span>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Filter Queen:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Reverse-fit tool connections (tools inside hose/wand)</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">PN bulky (Majestic/88 style)</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Messy dirt disposal (if done incorrectly)</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Floor brush doesn't pick up dirt well on bare floors</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Awkward using aftermarket tools with adaptor</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</span>
</ul>