So question(s) about Kirby

All three models are great. You can date each of them by the serial number, which has the year and month encoded into the beginning of it. I believe the first digit indicates the manufacturing facility, while the second and third are the year and the fourth and fifth are the month. The G6 and Ultimate G are essentially the same machine with just a few minor cosmetic differences; however, I do like the curved zipper on the Ultimate G's bag over the G6's straight zipper as it gives better access for easier bag swaps. I actually put one on my G5. I think some of the later Ultimate G's may take the newer F-type bags and the Sentria will for sure.

Polishing one up isn't that hard. The aluminum on my G5 looked like lead when I first got it and a little Barkeeper's Friend (make a thin slurry with water and scrub with a damp rag and rinse with a sponge and clear water), followed by some Mother's Chrome and Metal Polish and a final coating of liquid car wax had it looking great with maybe two hours of work.

If there's not a huge difference in price, give each one a thorough inspection and test drive, then take the one that's in the best shape, cosmetically and mechanically, for the money, but don't cheap out too much because all those replacement parts can nickel and dime you to death. I was having lots of fun buying parts and fixing up my G5 until I realized I had over $120 sunk into my $50 vacuum.


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Post# 328722 7/6/2015 at 22:17 (3,208 days old) by adiosTor3ador ()
Checkrate/Likes So my local vacuum dealer called me a few days ago telling me that he has a few Kirby's to buy and I went and looked they are all in decent shape they just need to be polished which is easier said than done but that still leaves me with the choice of what one do I buy? I thought I'd ask here cause I'm terrible with making choices and figured that y'all could help out and help me make out my mind. The ones he has are as follows: Kirby G6 2000/2001 Limited Edition(s) Kirby Ultimate G Diamond Edition (2) Kirby Sentria (I assume 2009 but dating this model throws me off occasionally) I'm just not sure what to purchase and have a hard time deciding cause if I had it my way I'd own all of them. But any help is appreciated:) Thank You:) (Side note sorry for the GIF it seemed appropriate) View Full Size

Post# 328729 , Reply# 1 7/7/2015 at 00:05 (3,208 days old) by martin187 (Illinois)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Ultimate G* I personally would go with the Ultimate G. I have one and it has barely had any problems. Plus it also has a nice contemporary look/feel to it. But chose which ever as they are all wonderful machines.

Post# 328731 , Reply# 2 7/7/2015 at 00:51 (3,208 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes *You really can't go wrong with any of them..* All three models are great. You can date each of them by the serial number, which has the year and month encoded into the beginning of it. I believe the first digit indicates the manufacturing facility, while the second and third are the year and the fourth and fifth are the month. The G6 and Ultimate G are essentially the same machine with just a few minor cosmetic differences; however, I do like the curved zipper on the Ultimate G's bag over the G6's straight zipper as it gives better access for easier bag swaps. I actually put one on my G5. I think some of the later Ultimate G's may take the newer F-type bags and the Sentria will for sure. Polishing one up isn't that hard. The aluminum on my G5 looked like lead when I first got it and a little Barkeeper's Friend (make a thin slurry with water and scrub with a damp rag and rinse with a sponge and clear water), followed by some Mother's Chrome and Metal Polish and a final coating of liquid car wax had it looking great with maybe two hours of work. If there's not a huge difference in price, give each one a thorough inspection and test drive, then take the one that's in the best shape, cosmetically and mechanically, for the money, but don't cheap out too much because all those replacement parts can nickel and dime you to death. I was having lots of fun buying parts and fixing up my G5 until I realized I had over $120 sunk into my $50 vacuum.

Post# 328740 , Reply# 3 7/7/2015 at 07:05 (3,207 days old) by Miskini (Northville, Michigan )
Checkrate/Likes *Like many* Other members on this site, I have all the generation kirbys and the sentrias, if I had to pick one to keep, I would go with the diamond edition. Edgar, I did the same thing with a tradition that I received for free. $130 later, it's lookin sweet.

Post# 328803 , Reply# 4 7/7/2015 at 23:40 (3,207 days old) by Vacuummania ()
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Tough choice* But I'd pick the Ultimate Diamond, as well. It's a solid machine, all the great generation upgrades, AND it has the dual speed switch. Some people don't like it, but it's great for rugs (otherwise, you have to stand on the rug while vacuuming so the Kirby doesn't swallow it!). And remember, the 'fast' speed setting is the normal one (the light on the switch comes on with the 'delicate' setting).

Post# 328851 , Reply# 5 7/8/2015 at 19:46 (3,206 days old) by charleskirby66 (Manteca, CA)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Which Kirby to choose?* Of those choices, I'd go with one of the Ultimate G Diamond Editions. The delicate (half-power) switch is quite useful, and this was the only modern Kirby to ever have this function. The Sentria is newer than the Ultimate G, however I'm not a fan of the cosmetic "upgrades" over the Ultimate G Diamond. The only "good reason" to go with the Sentria over the Ultimate G Diamond is if you intend on carrying the Kirby from the handle, or if you really want the smaller Mini-Emptor, which may render the Kirby easier to maneuver in tight spaces. However, given all of this, I'd still prefer the Ultimate G Diamond. Hope that helps!