Your one favorite Kirby OF ALL TIME

[broomvac]

I know threads like this have been created before, but I figured I would make another since they are just too fun!

Now, as for where this thread should go, you all can correct me, but I figured the Vintage section would be the best seeing as how most of the Kirbys out there are considered "Vintage".

So, what is your single favorite Kirby model ever? Why?

Mine is the G6. I knew my favorite would have to be a G series vacuum, because of the cleaning performance/power (most powerful Kirbys are the G series cleaners), tech drive, bag system and filtration, serviceability, and looks (there is just something about the sharp edges, convex head light, large wheels/wide rear end, vertical exhaust, boot-like emtor, and slouching bag that I LOVE about the looks of the G series vacuums!).

Now, as far as the variations in both the looks and performance of the G series vacuums, there are minor differences, and the G6 seems to combine all of my favorite features and color scheme in one vacuum.

Things such as:

-Rounded Emptor that is compatible with the crush proof fill tube
-"Micron" outer bag material that seems softer and looser than all other previous bag materials(same material as G4 and G5, just different color). I also like the fact the bag seems to filter better than all others and has a straight zipper with fine teeth and an inner cloth strip that acts as a zipper guard.
-Twist on disposable bags
-Rounded headlight
-Transmission with return spring
-Nozzle compatible with Sentria brush rolls
-Straight handle and bag hook
-Kevlar fan

and the thing that ties it all together is the color! I LOVE the black and gold! Best Kirby color scheme ever! CLASS!

P.S. I actually do not own a G6 (so I just used a picture of one from eBay), but have used, worked on, and encountered many before. I am currently looking for one as a project, though. It should not take me long to find one.

P.P.S. My (very close) second favorite Kirby is the G3, and I do own a great example of one that I restored a while back
-Kevlar fan

 

[luxflairguy]

Dual 50!

First two speed Kirby, expanded tool set, lighted logo and the color scheme is "to die for." Follow-up is the Dual 80. And then there's the sound! Still can here it today! Hey, I'm almost 60 and these are the machines of my childhood! Greg

 

[thevacuumman]

The 510 because it was the first kirby i had restored

 

[pr-21]

Kirby 505

Mine would be the Kirby 505. Not saying by any means that it cleans the best, I just love the Black Bag on this model and the square emptor.


 


 


 


Bud Mattingly

 

[thissucks]

i would say the omega, i love the hid away rear wheels large wrap around nossle funky headlight trim and rosewood color sceme.

that and since its 6amps it can do what a modern vac can do.

 

[Sablekid]

First up would be the DS50


 


It was my first kirby (and we never forget our first!) Overall I'd say I like this one the most because:


 


As stated above, the sound the machines produce make it sound strong and sturdy
The color scheme is attractive
The big inflated bags that the older machines have are great!


They mostly look reliable, elegant, and sturdy.

Runner up would be


The 505 due to its black color scheme and I think they look even more elegant. Most items made in the 40's are attractive to me. And The Heritage 84...good color scheme and retains the big bulky look as far as the newer ones.


 


The G series just looks to sterile to me....but I use mine every day!

 

[broomvac]

Thanks for the responses you guys!

One thing I forgot to mention about ALL G series machines that I greatly appreciate is the fact that I feel they are the most practical of all of the Kirbys.

Another thing is that I doubt I am too biased, for I own a decent section of the spectrum of Kirbys throughout the ages, from the Sanitronic to the G series machines, all either fully or most of the way restored, but all fully functional. So, I own pretty much one Kirby from each "series", and the ones in between I definitely have been exposed to, used, and serviced. (I used the word "series" because saying "generation" would cause to much confusion. lol)

Kirbys in my collection:

Sanitronic VII
Classic
Classic Omega
Heritage II
Generation 3

 

[briankirbyclass]

I have to say the Kirby Classic Omega,,but only if its in brand new, A 1 condition,with the original metal fan.(If its been beat up,corroded,ready for the junk pile, forget it, that makes any Kirby look ugly)
I love the mirror finish next to the rosewood dark brown color scheme,,,the hide away back wheels, the bell shaped wrap around rug nozzle, and the fact that it will take a shag rug rake,,the Shag King! I think the Omega with the Shag King attached looks really cool,like its going to attack!,,it means BUSINESS!
Also the tone of the metal fan,,unmistake - able KIRBY at its finest!
When i was a kid,back in the early to mid 70s,
A neighbor that lived down the street had a brand new Kirby Classic Omega,,ohhh i was SOOO JELOUS!!! I wanted one SOOOOO BADLY! They would bring the Kirby out once in awhile to vacuum their car. I could hear the roar of that Kirby motor a mile away. Id have to make a trip down the street, just to get a glimps of the Kirby,,it was so beautiful.
I swore that SOMEDAY,,I would have one!! (Yes, ive had one for years,,it was sent back to the factory not long ago for a rebuild,,and its in perfect A 1 Condition!) No metal fan,,but thats OK,,it still sounds like a Kirby Classic Omega should!

 

[thissucks]

i have to post pics of my kirby omega. i got lucky with it, almost perfect shape (just oxidized) OE bag is even flawless. perfect OE metal fan too!

i need a buffer, and a lifter sticker and i will be in buisness! there is only so much you can buff by hand.

i want a kirby G3, i actually like it's bizzar muted look,and square bag, but the curvs on the omegas/ 1cb is sweet.

by the way, what model kirby was "Kirby" in brave little toaster? i have to own one!

 

[Sablekid]

Kirby seems like he would be a DS80, but only because of his green bag i suppose. And the color scheme on the DS80 to me makes it seem like it might even be a grouchy one if it had a personality


 


btw, what kirby models does every one own?


 


So far in mine:


 


2 DS 50's


561


2 518s


Heritage II


G5


Classic III

 

[broomvac]

Oxidized & Tarnished

Yep. That is the ONE thing wrong with my Classic and Classic Omega, though I am currently fixing that issue with my handy Dremel tool. Everything else is perfect.

As for The Generation 3, 'tis a beastly vacuum!

The thing I like better on the G3 than the G6 is that the flat-topped emptor actually WORKS at catching heavy objects and keeping them from potentially hurting the bag and fill tube or rolling back into the fan chamber. Not that I ever really need anything to catch things I vacuum up, because I am a very careful vacuumer. Still, its good to know it is there just in case!

The G3 bag is made of a slightly stiffer material than the rest of the G series bags, and has a spring at the top where the bag strap would normally be, along with a slanted non-removable rubber topper. This combination is arguably a better design than the cloth strap, because it secures the bag to the handle in a manner that keeps it from really moving around or twisting, but I kind of like the cloth strap because it lets the bag do its own thing, bobbing and twisting and whatever, just like on the older Kirbys.

Also, an original Generation 3 vacuum is going to be fitted with a sliding transmission block without a return spring. This is good and bad. Good things being that it can drive faster, but the bad is that if slightly more aggressive shifting bothers you or if you enjoy vacuuming in NEUTRAL, you should replace it with a sliding block with a return spring. Replacing the piece is a cinch if you know what you are doing, and no other parts need exchanging.

My Generation 3 came with the block that does not have the return spring, but I replaced the inexpensive part with its counterpart that has the attached spring. I find it to be a nice switch, but if I get tired of it, I still have the old block which is in perfect condition that I could put back in minutes.

Everything on this machine is in top notch operating and cosmetic condition, except the aluminum is slightly tarnished(but that obviously has no effect on performance or strength), but shortly my Dremel tool will make it shine like a mirror.

 

[tolivac]

Probably would have to be a 511 for me-don't have one in my collection-was the first Kirby I used-the first our family owned.I don't have one in my collection.Have both Duals,all of the G series(thanks to a Kirby dealer that went under-got rebuilt ones from her)Classic,and Tradition.A metal fan Tradition would be another favorite-again don't have one in my collection.Have the newer Tradition in my collection-liked the color.

 

[kirbylover]

If the Heritage/84 had a nicer looking belt lifter, I think it would be my favorite. The sticker on them is boring, other than that I love how the machine looks with the thicker bag (over the Tradition and previous cloth bags). I like the solid bag holder as well compared to the flimsy wire type on the older machines.

But my vote probably goes to the Tradition, love the color scheme and the shiny belt lifter. I just with it had the same style headlight hood as the Classic/CIII those were stylish!

I love the 500 and Sanitronics but they don't have anywhere near the cleaning power as the "Classic" Kirbys. (Although it will be interesting to see how my Sanitronic VII will perform with a HEPA bag and ball bearing roller brush.)

 

[gsheen]

Kirby legend ll I love the maroon color, busy restoring one right now , other wise my Kirby 508 

 

[jfalberti]

My Kirbys

I have two Kirbys in my collection. One is a Sanitronic VII. It is special to me because when I was a Kirby dealer, that is the first model Kirby I traded in. It is all original except for the bag, but at least it is a genuine replacement. The other Kirby is an Ultimate G Diamond Edition. I wanted a G Series, and liked the speed switch for delicate carpets. I don't care for the Sentria because I think it's a step backwards compared to the DE, but that is just my opinion.

 

[brandon_w_t]

My favorite would probably be my Kirby Vacuette special model C


Its STILL in the vacuum shop being restored. Called today. He has it apart and is servicing the outside then its buffing wheel time.

 

[kirbyrama]

My favorite Kirby of all time is

Model 519. It is the model my parents had which I now have, but does not look like it originally did . Ten years ago , I purchased one on Ebay ,which I use quite regularly. This model is beautiful when it is shiny and new as are all the red accessories. I wish the new Kirby would have this same color red trim. This model is easy to maneuver and not overly heavy like the later models. I am glad that parts are still available for these older machines. I always enjoyed using the Handi-Butler accessories that came with this model .The one I purchased on Ebay was modified with the Heritage II bag system and four wide black wheels. I know that technically, this makes it a "Frankenkirby", but it still looks good.

 

[vac_whisperer]

I have a favorite and a second favorite that I like equally.(Oh heck I like 'em all)


 


Firts favorite is Tradition all the way. Just the beautiful blue color perfectly compliments the chrome. A great cleaner and a very innovative one. The first to feature paper bags. Things I like about it:


 


-Paper bags


-Color


-Power


 


And, the D-50 . This was the first model to have two speeds, (for carpet+hose cleaning), and it had quite a bit of power, as well. A great cleaner. And that beautiful glowing Kirby logo on the headlite hood! It was also the first to have a carpet shampooer, I believe.


Things I like about it:


 


-Size


-Color


-Glowing Kirby logo


-First to have shampooer


 

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

My parents' and paternal grandparents' Classic IIIs.

~Ben