Bubbie

DH got met a Dyson almost 10 years ago. It's a good vacuum, BUT I would have NEVER paid that much for it. I feel they are OVER PRICED. I have used a number of the different models. I would have gotten an Oreck. If your looking for bag less, then not the Oreck. If DH had not paid as much as he did, I would go back to an Oreck in a FLASH. They are very lite weight and they have power. Worked for a cleaning service for 8 years, Oreck was what our staff used. They are easy to work on yourself if needed. They went in and out 3 to 5 homes per day 5 days a week, and took a lot of banging around in and out of cars and getting bumped around. Only had on killed outright, when one of our teams drove over it. It was DOA. Did burn out a couple, due to operator error - sucking up rugs and not turning off (don't ask) - sucking up a large dog toy but still using it on two more houses. The company (I worked for), did a study of what our vacuums did in a year. They found that our vacuums did more than most home vacuums did in over 10 years. Good luck with your hunt.

running1

Thank you everyone for all your wonderful and helpful comments!!! DH has always been a buy-brand-name type of guy... and, in some cases, I am too.... but when I look at these two machines and the only difference I can see seems to be the price, I decided to come to my friends for their input!!! I appreciate all the insight!! You, my friends, are the best!!!

Roberta

I have the Dyson Animal, my second one. I love it for the long dog hair my Borzoi has. A short time ago I had 4 Borzoi and a German Shepard and it picked up everything. I bought the "ball" model because it is easier to move around and willed my first Dyson to my daughter who has 3 cats and a dog.

carreen

I bought the dyson cordless because I have trouble lugging the 'big' vacuum around. I have 6 dogs and hardwood floors mostly. The dyson is great because it picks up all the dog hair and is easy for me to handle. It is a lot of money but I got mine at Costco and as you know, they stand behind what they sell. I knew if it was a dud, I could take it back.

Robbi5

I have a beagle and a Dyson... I have told several people that my Dyson was one of the best things I've ever bought! It's amazing the amount of dog hair it picks up. I bought a refurbished one on the Dyson site when they were reduced after Christmas a year ago.

AZ Jane

I would buy one of each, if someone would come over and use them!! LOL

matraina

My girlfriend loves her Dyson; my cleaning lady hates them.

teacherbailey

I have not tried the vacuum cleaners but I own a Shark sewing machine which sits on the shelf because it is so much trouble to use.....the bobbin jams a lot. I will not buy another Shark product....

Lori S

I have a Dyson, as you can see by my avatar I sometimes live in "fur lined" house, when he blows coat in the spring. I love the suction .... but I found out the hard way it was not a good choice for my carpet. I have a looped carpet in my living room. The dyson finds every loop and sometimes grabs one and pulls it . I have carpet yarn runs that can are over 18 inches long.... that's how much gets pulled before I can get the machine stopped. Once that pull has occurred even though I will trim it down the difference in the depth then of the loops next to the pulled area are now very likely to be new pulls the next time I vacuum.

Onebyone

I've never been a fan of expensive vacuums, just buy one on sale use it up and buy another a couple years later. I needed a new vacuum and was in Sam's Club when there was a demo of the Dyson. I weakened and bought one. It is the best I have used for non carpet. It picks up hair, dust and dirt fast and does not blow it around with the exhaust. I have used all brands over the years, even the big canisters that use water and are like moving around a tub, and so far the Dyson is the best. If it last ten years then it is a great buy for the price.