Thread Number: 5411
Kirby Lovers-Which Model,,
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Post# 60149   2/8/2009 at 21:29 (5,526 days old) by briankirbyclass (Eudora Kansas)        

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If you were allowed to only have ONE model of Kirby, which one would you chose, and why?

Id have to say the Kirby Heritage 2 Legend, or Legend 2(which are virtually the exact same model).

If you put a G Series bag tube and adaptor,and Hepa Bag,inside the outer bag,a new knurled belt, and a new 4 row brushroller (adjusted correctly) on a Heritage 2,,and assuming all of the gaskets, fan blades and motor are good,,you have one awsome cleaning machine. (and especially if the machine has been buffed and polished to a mirror finish)
Not as heavy as a G series, but almost as easy to push. Even with the G series Tech Drive on.
Ive found that as long as the belt is good, and the brush roll head is adjusted correctly, the Heritage 2 is very easy to push and manuver.
There is just something about the Heritage 2 rug nozzle, with its wing like "fin" or bell shape that spreads out over the carpet, and into the corners and up to the baseboards that is just unequal to any other Kirby,,in my humble opinion, of course.
Not only that, but you can run practically any Kirby attachment ever invented, off of an HD2, There was even a Handi Butler with the HD1, so, you could certainly run one off of a HD2.
If i had to say exactly,,,id have to chose an HD2 Legend over the LG2, it just looks a little more classy. IMHO.
But hey,,everyone is different,,,thats what makes us great!


Post# 60160 , Reply# 1   2/9/2009 at 05:34 (5,526 days old) by clarkecombi ()        
G3

My G3 has alo of memories to it and it is one of the most reliable modes ive used

Post# 60177 , Reply# 2   2/9/2009 at 16:02 (5,526 days old) by veroroger (Vero Beach, Florida)        
Toss up

Over the years, I've had a Classic III, Heritage 2, G3, G4 and G6. I really loved the Classic III for it's power and all the attachments. I used that machine both at home and at work. Too bad it had to be stolen in a robbery. The G3 was a disappointment to me - it had several breakdowns in the year that I had it before trading it in on a G4. That G4 lasted 10 years without any problems then the fan broke. The vac shop I took it to not only replaced the fan but took out the transmission and replaced it with another! It worked perfectly before I took it in, wouldn't move at all when I got it back. I had to take it to another shop to have that fixed and it didn't work right afterward.
I currently have the Heritage 2 and the G6. I'm very fond of the Heritage 2. It's not all that heavy, has a very good hose (must easier to use than the one on the G6)and actually seems to have a bit more power in attachment mode. However, trying to adjust the brushroll is something I've not been able to master (had the same problem with the Classic) and it gets very little use now. The G6 is good all around, pushes easily but doesn't seem to have the suction power of the G4 and has a really difficult hose.
I'd have to say it's a toss up for me between the Heritage 2 (if I had someone who could properly adjust that brushroll!) and the G6.


Post# 60178 , Reply# 3   2/9/2009 at 16:19 (5,526 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

I always liked the Legend II. That would be my choice.

Post# 60179 , Reply# 4   2/9/2009 at 16:22 (5,526 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Oh! Unless I'm allowed to pick a vintage model, in which case I'd go for the Model C (that's the one with the little scroll-like headlamp, right?). Someone had a beautiful example of that model at the convention last year!

Post# 60182 , Reply# 5   2/9/2009 at 17:06 (5,526 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

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Legend II all the way baby!!!

Post# 60186 , Reply# 6   2/9/2009 at 17:27 (5,526 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

The Legend is attractive, but I personally like the tech drive models. The G5 is my favorite, not only because I have one, but also because the burgandy is very elegant!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO vacuumfreeeke's LINK


Post# 60187 , Reply# 7   2/9/2009 at 17:29 (5,526 days old) by xraytech ()        

Of all of the Kirby models I own I have a Classic 1CR, a Dual Sanitronic 80, a Legend II, an a Generation 6 2000 edition. I was partial to my G6 until I got the Legend II.

I love the look and performance of my Legend II the best but The Classic has the most sentimental value because my late great-grandmother bought a pair of them new and te one I have was the one that was given to my grandmother.

Sam


Post# 60188 , Reply# 8   2/9/2009 at 17:30 (5,526 days old) by kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

I currently have only two Kirbys an Omega and a UG. I kick myself for letting the Tradition go when I bought the UG, but it was a great machine for almost 30 years and was starting to have problems. If I could choose and have only one of all the Kirbys I would almost go with a D-80 for nostalgia purposes. Then again I love the sound of the Omega, and it's like driving a cadillac. But I like the UG tech-drive, and Micron-Magic bags.
OH-I can't choose.


Post# 60194 , Reply# 9   2/9/2009 at 17:52 (5,526 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

I didn't even mean to post a link in my previous post... don't know how that happened.

I like the way the DS80 looked, and how big the bag puffed out, but the handle isn't very comfortable (though I love teh Heritage and Legend Handles... Kirby has some nice whimsical handles)!


Post# 60198 , Reply# 10   2/9/2009 at 18:24 (5,526 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        

pr-21's profile picture
Vintage would be kirby 505 new in box.......

Current models would be the Kirby G5.



Post# 60203 , Reply# 11   2/9/2009 at 19:02 (5,526 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Kirby G3 new in box.


Post# 60204 , Reply# 12   2/9/2009 at 19:04 (5,526 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

I currently have four Kirbys. I have two Sentrias and a G3 and a DE.


Post# 60232 , Reply# 13   2/9/2009 at 21:57 (5,525 days old) by normvac (COLUMBUS, OHIO)        

I like to use my Kirby Heritage II, I like the way it operates
and the handle grip. I've had 2 g-3s in the past year and have sold them to friends. They'r ok, if I had a house and
all carpet the g-3 would be great.
I have a classic, a 513, 517, and my for ever coveted
D-80, with attachments. I hope I never have to get rid of
it, for any reason. I use my Heritage II for my heavy cleaning days !! with the tubo tool. It dose an awesome
job on the car interior ! The same for when I had carpeted
steps, and for the furniture when I had a cat !!
Norm


Post# 60292 , Reply# 14   2/11/2009 at 00:38 (5,524 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        

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My favorite Kirbys would be the D-50 and the Classic III. The D-50 for it's looks and historical significance, and the Classic III for it's looks and power. The Classic III is also the most complete Kirby I have, only lacking the Handi-Butler.
Jeff


Post# 60304 , Reply# 15   2/11/2009 at 07:57 (5,524 days old) by petek (Ontario)        

I'd also have to agree on the Heritage Legend II for all the same reasons, easy to manouver thanks to those wider back wheels. Less cumbersome than the G series too even though it's not self propelled.

Post# 60306 , Reply# 16   2/11/2009 at 16:13 (5,524 days old) by briankirbyclass (Eudora Kansas)        

briankirbyclass's profile picture
I agree Petek,,,especially if there is a new 4 row brush roll and new belt installed on a Heritage 2 or Legend 2,,,and as long as the Kirby is adjusted correctly for the carpet being cleaned,,,the Heritage 2 should be very easy to push and manuver.
While i do love the G Series, i find them to be too cumbersome, and just too much machine for me.
I put a 4 row roller, new knurled belt, and a Heritage 2 handle on my factory rebuilt DS50, plus a Mini Emptor with a G series bag,,wow,,is that easy to push!
I know it dosent really look like a DS50 anymore, but hey,,,to each his own!


Post# 60332 , Reply# 17   2/12/2009 at 01:47 (5,523 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        
Hard to say!

The Legend II was being sold when I was born. I love the blue Tradition NIB, I'm partial to the Heritage II, but my 2 favorite G Series models would definitely be the G5 and the Diamond Edition. I also love the D-50, D-80, Classic Omega, Classic III and the Heritage....oh who am I kidding they are all unique in their own way, but those are some of my most favorites. I think the new Sentria is fugly!!

Post# 60347 , Reply# 18   2/12/2009 at 09:35 (5,523 days old) by swiveltop (Galveston, TX)        
Hard to choose just one

It must be my G3,it grooms the carpets well and adjusts to all carpets and bare floors well,it's even easy to push when not in drive,has the nice Kirby rumble when adjusted properly and the tranny doesn't whine, second I have to mention my Heritage Two small head model. I did an update on one of my Sanitronics like Brian did, I changed the front and rear axles also,they were a perfect fit, the original bag was missing and the original handle was bent,here it is next to my other Sanitronic that will stay original. Mark

Post# 60353 , Reply# 19   2/12/2009 at 11:50 (5,523 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)        
Very hard question

Hi All Well i must say i have many favorites. What started my love for vacuums was the 505. Years ago my best friends dad worked for Kirbywe would go in to work with him on Saturdays every so often. He did a demo for my parents, my two uncles my moms sister and best friend Well they ALL bought one he held the record for the most Kirbys sold in one day.He worked for Kirby for 25 years Sorry i guess i am off the track. One more thing that i think almost no one is aware of. One of the added features was that besides the rebuilding feature was every six months a service man would come to your home check out the vacuum change the belt ( no charge for that only)If anything was wrong after that you had to pay.That service stoped in about 1952 or so as the company made almost nothing on it Thats when the Kirby was all metal.Anyway back to the question the 505 is and always will be my baby the black big old bag with the Kirby logo all in gold the best. Some day i will find one.Then the Heritage 2. I do love the G series also i have the G 3,4,5,6. If you have a lot of carpet the G series is the only way to go. The Kirby Sentria i think is ok i really like the G 5 and 6 better. Ok all take care Doug

Post# 60372 , Reply# 20   2/12/2009 at 21:27 (5,522 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

For me, it would probably be a Heritage II Legend, since that was my first Kirby (first vacuum actually!). :)

Post# 60420 , Reply# 21   2/13/2009 at 23:38 (5,521 days old) by electroluxkirby ()        

I only have one Kirby (hopefully that will change in the future) the Legend II. My first employer had a couple of Kirby's but I don't know what models they were, neither used paper bags, and one was quite small but light but very powerful. They were the first Kirby's I had ever seen or used, that's how I got hooked on Kirby's.

Post# 60436 , Reply# 22   2/14/2009 at 04:44 (5,521 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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Kirby Heritage as its my Kirby model but I do love the Tech Drive models for ease of use.

Kirby are easily the best made and performig modern vac there is, even better than Miele or Sebo.

R


Post# 277471 , Reply# 23   4/22/2014 at 00:04 (3,628 days old) by Elektrolux ()        
1965 Dual Sanitronic 50 . . .

The Dual Sanitronic 50 by far has to be my down right favorite Kirby model.
It's unique for several things. 1st has to be the obvious dual speed. But unique is the lighted oval Kirby logo on the light hood. The 1st & last time Kirby ever did this. 3rd I like is for it's the last of the classic tube type handle & fork.
It's essentially the beauty of the original Sanitronic but with the new color scheme of the Sanitronic VII (although I do like the unique metallic copper bronze trim of the 562).
There's many more favorites for other reasons but this is mine. It's truly the 1 kirby i can be happy being left with if all I can have. It's powerful for its size & vintage as well as rather light & very maneuverable even 1 handedly. It just has that classic sound you grow up with. Even for a shaker bag it's relatively clean when maintained. But put a Legend II bag on a polished oit aluminum EmpTor of the Heritage fitted with twist lock bag top & you got a beautiful yet nice cleaning machine. I have 2. 1 modded & 1 in restored original.

Kristopher


Post# 277474 , Reply# 24   4/22/2014 at 01:09 (3,628 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
It's also hard for me to choose just one Kirby, but I could start off saying the Classic III is a favorite of mine as both my parents and paternal grandparents had one back in the day.

~Ben


Post# 277731 , Reply# 25   4/23/2014 at 01:53 (3,627 days old) by BrianKirbyClass (Eudora Kansas)        

briankirbyclass's profile picture
I know what you mean Ben. My Grandma had a DS50 when i was little,and growing up,,,BUT SHE did NOT have a fondness for it, at ALL! To her, a vacuum cleaner meant WORK,,,and my Grandma was one of those woman who would rather be visiting friends or family,,and doing what she could for them,,or attending and working in church.

That made the DS50 mine because i was the one who used it! - She only vacuumed because she HAD to,,whenever i wasnt around. So its hard for me NOT to say the DS50 is my favorite.


Post# 277752 , Reply# 26   4/23/2014 at 08:18 (3,627 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Brian,

My mom had no love for her Classic III, either... she despised it from the beginning, as it was my dad's idea to buy it.

~Ben


Post# 277771 , Reply# 27   4/23/2014 at 12:57 (3,627 days old) by Craig_1982 (Newcastle Under Lyme (England))        

craig_1982's profile picture
Hello Peeps, For me it would have to be the Heritage model, I grew up with the family's Heritage (which I have now got) so I have many memories with that machine.

Something a little different but If I could have my own custom Kirby It would have to be the Legend two model (as performance wise I think its excellent) but I'd have it in the blue Kirby tradition colours as I think this looks the nicest coloured Kirby ever made.


Post# 277823 , Reply# 28   4/23/2014 at 15:35 (3,627 days old) by kirbyrama (Pennsylvania)        

Model 519 is the best to me . l love the red color scheme. My parents had this model. If only it had a dual-speed motor as powerful and smooth sounding as a Heritage II.

Post# 278822 , Reply# 29   4/30/2014 at 21:42 (3,619 days old) by Elektrolux ()        
Dual Sanitronic 50 (DS50)

Update;my 1965 Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 in its portable hand held mode. 1 of my favorite Kirbys.

Post# 278823 , Reply# 30   4/30/2014 at 21:45 (3,619 days old) by Elektrolux ()        
Dual Sanitronic 50 (DS50)

Another cool pic of my 1965 Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 in upright mode. With motor running notice how large the bag inflates.

Post# 278825 , Reply# 31   4/30/2014 at 22:05 (3,619 days old) by kirbybag (topeka ks )        
kirby 514

kirbybag's profile picture
i like kirby 514 the best like the grey bags.its a very nice vacuum

Post# 278826 , Reply# 32   4/30/2014 at 22:08 (3,619 days old) by kirbybag (topeka ks )        
kirby 514 in up right

kirbybag's profile picture
kirby 514 in up right

Post# 278830 , Reply# 33   4/30/2014 at 23:20 (3,619 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I have 3 I'm selling.

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
I had to use an Omega at the church. One of my carpenters brough a newer model here to clean up. Something went terribly wrong, and dirt flew everywhere. He almost died... in the "house of HOOVER".
Although I'm not a Kirbylover, I appreciate those who are.


Post# 278849 , Reply# 34   5/1/2014 at 03:58 (3,619 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Kirby hip straps-would be interesting to make a "backpack-Backuum" version.

Post# 279259 , Reply# 35   5/4/2014 at 13:31 (3,616 days old) by kirbyds50 ()        

If I were forced to only have one, I would go with my Dual 80! But, I grew up with Grandma's Sanitronic 7, when I was really small (no older than 5) she would ask me to sit on the hood and hold my feet on the nozzle to weigh down the front of the vacuum so it would work better. I always got a kick out of that! I still use the 7 to this day, Gran passed away in 2002 and I made sure that it was saved!

Post# 279394 , Reply# 36   5/5/2014 at 11:38 (3,615 days old) by smow69 (Muskogee Oklahoma)        
kirby

I have a classic 3 and legend 2 i like them they were my gramas.

Post# 279432 , Reply# 37   5/5/2014 at 16:51 (3,615 days old) by adiosTor3ador ()        
My Favorites

My Tradition or my G4 I have used other ones but I like these to

Post# 279452 , Reply# 38   5/5/2014 at 20:07 (3,615 days old) by kenkart ()        
I wouldnt trade!

A D-50 or D-80 for ALL the newer ones..They are TOO HEAVY!

Post# 279456 , Reply# 39   5/5/2014 at 20:55 (3,615 days old) by smow69 (Muskogee Oklahoma)        
trash find today

my brother went to the store and to the corner of his eye appereared a kirby g6 withe everything in the box unused except the upright needs outer bag if anyone has a good used one.sorry pic isnt so good

Post# 279462 , Reply# 40   5/5/2014 at 21:52 (3,614 days old) by Anachronism ()        

The Heritage II is our machine of choice for most of the house, but the C-R I found in the trash 41 years ago still cleans the bedroom faithfully at age 80.

Post# 279463 , Reply# 41   5/5/2014 at 22:03 (3,614 days old) by Anachronism ()        

I neglected to include the "why"-- The Heritage has all the practical features we want in a simple, usable & easily maintainable form, without all the extra baggage of the later models. I admire the simple practicality of the "C", I don't have to worry about the insert bags becoming unavailable, & it is simple enough that even lost parts can be fabricated.


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