Thread Number: 7949
Any New News from Kirby?
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Post# 88327   1/6/2010 at 21:00 (5,195 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        

I hope somebody can give me some info about the upcoming Kirby's release this year. Thanks!

-Adam


Post# 88395 , Reply# 1   1/7/2010 at 13:32 (5,194 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        

I'm wondering like how soon it's going to be released, how much more it's going to cost than the Sentria and how big of a discount I can get if I trade one of my newer Kirbys in for one. Does anyone know what the name of it is going to be? I understand that it's probably going to be electric blue.

Post# 88400 , Reply# 2   1/7/2010 at 15:06 (5,194 days old) by kirbyg4 ()        
wish i knew.

following Kirby for many years now i absolutely love every product they have come out with, i have hopes that it will be a relatively new design.

Post# 88413 , Reply# 3   1/7/2010 at 16:34 (5,194 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        

I found out today that it's going to be burgundy or maroon. It's not going to be electric blue. The name is not clear but it's going to be called something like Atlantis. Not sure but that's what I heard from a friend whom I will keep anonymous.

Post# 88423 , Reply# 4   1/7/2010 at 18:25 (5,194 days old) by samotronic ()        

We saw those patent designs on here a few months ago that I recall were a blue shade. And it was great to see those in lieu of anything else, but I have a feeling it will still be quite different than what we saw here. Kirby is better than Al Qaeda at keeping their secret safe. With the possible exception of this unnamed source. LOL Chris

Post# 88424 , Reply# 5   1/7/2010 at 18:47 (5,194 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        

hahaha good one Chris

Post# 88427 , Reply# 6   1/7/2010 at 19:04 (5,194 days old) by samotronic ()        
All kidding aside...

your "contact" has more more info than any of my "contacts". Without putting you in an awkward position, did he mention a release date??

Post# 88439 , Reply# 7   1/7/2010 at 19:53 (5,194 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        

He did not sadly but I think that they must be REALLY close to releasing it because I talked to one of the engineers at Kirby once on the phone and he said that the color is the last thing they decide on for a model. So keep your fingers crossed and I hope to get one really soon Lord willing :D

Post# 88447 , Reply# 8   1/7/2010 at 20:05 (5,194 days old) by samotronic ()        
well may the first one of us to get one ....

Please post pics. Like they wouldn't.....

Post# 88449 , Reply# 9   1/7/2010 at 20:08 (5,194 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        

Believe me I will have a video up too for God and everyone else to see lol

Post# 88471 , Reply# 10   1/8/2010 at 07:41 (5,193 days old) by isufan11 (Minneapolis )        

They prototype that we were approving for electrical UL has been shipped out of our office with all parts approved except for one little part. Typically after things leave our office companies start to roll out the products within three or four months.

Post# 88502 , Reply# 11   1/8/2010 at 17:11 (5,193 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

It sounds like the new Kirby will be released sometime later this year. I can't wait!



Post# 88511 , Reply# 12   1/8/2010 at 19:05 (5,193 days old) by normvac (COLUMBUS, OHIO)        
New Kirby release !

Over the years I have watched for the new models to release.
Granted I have NO proof. My recollection is usually in the
summer. Like july, August !!
Just my thoughts
Norm


Post# 88525 , Reply# 13   1/9/2010 at 03:16 (5,193 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        

Thanks Norm, Jon and Rob! Anyone know the actual name of the machine? I've heard it starts with an A like the Kirby Atlantis or the Kirby Athena. Idk

Post# 88532 , Reply# 14   1/9/2010 at 06:42 (5,192 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

New Kirbys and other vacuums-most often introduced in the spring-like April-June.Kirby,Rainbow, and other hi end vacuums usually introduce them to a test market first-Many times the Test market is Dallas Tx-so if you are living in Dallas or nearby-keep your eyes open-test market introductions are 1-two month earlier than the routine public introductions-just a hint.

Post# 88542 , Reply# 15   1/9/2010 at 09:21 (5,192 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)        
I hope the color is blue...

kenmore81's profile picture
I love blue, and Kirby hasn't had a blue model sence the Tradition. Green would be nice to,not like the DS80 but mabe like an emerald =)

Post# 88702 , Reply# 16   1/11/2010 at 08:29 (5,190 days old) by isufan11 (Minneapolis )        

Just found out that Dallas, Des Moines, Colorado Springs, Charleston, and possibly Minneapolis will be the test markets with 1000 units rolling out in the beginning of April, the cost is going to be $1499 with everything included. Me and the three other UL testers in my area have signed up to get one. Also talking to the other 3 ULT's they have had several patents come across there desks for other companies, including, Hoover, Eureka, Bissell, Riccar, and most interesting of all one from Westinghouse.

Post# 88704 , Reply# 17   1/11/2010 at 09:56 (5,190 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)        
Westinghouse A-OK

Hi Jon Funny you should say Westinghouse this past August when my ceiling fan died after 20 + years i went to ace Hardware and was looking for a new fan the salesman said the best value is Westinghouse. He said they are makeing very good iteams. Some of their products are becoming known as THe CONTRACTORS CHOICE. So we wil have to see Take care Doug

Post# 88722 , Reply# 18   1/11/2010 at 13:51 (5,190 days old) by trebor ()        
New Kirby info?

Didn't Atlantis sink beneath the waves?

And the only blue Kirby, the Tradition, had a host of issues, like the stupid pin activated safety switch in the headlight cover.

I'd like to see a Kirby with a bigger fan, smaller, really efficient, quiet motor, light enough to push without a Tech drive, and an extra wide head available as an option

Smaller bag is an excellent idea, along with the re-introduction of the shoulder strap, shorter hose and a deluxe array of tools for above the floor dusting. AND a mini rotating brush nozzle head for stairs and upholstery. All in a separate kit

Standard included tools would be reduced to just the basic three and two straight wands

A sturdy metal belt lifter, leveraged to make it way easier to turn.

The power nozzle plug would be a welcome addition, along with an electric mini-nozzle, regular power nozzle, electric hose and wand, all as an add on kit

The blower function should use a separate hose, so the sprayer/suds gun can be included with the shampooer kit, and stop using the suction hose to pump dirt into the spray gun. Bring back the crystalator

The Hard floor kit should migrate to a separate straight suction nozzle with a glide on felt buffer in addition to the buffer head and the waxing unit. A string-trigger liquid sprayer for spray buffing no wax and laminate floors. (I spray buff all the time with a product called Enforcer, lots of no skid, non-slip SHINE!

And lastly the belt driven Handi-Butler should be brought back.

So, there would be the Kirby with the basic tools with the following add-ons.

1) Portable Accessories Kit
2) Electric Tool kit
3) Shampooer/Moth Crystalator Kit
4) Hard Floor Care Kit
5) Handi-Butler Kit

It could be priced so the more you options buy the cheaper the options are. Packaged this way, all the optional kits could be nearly the same price, so with each additional kit, the cost per kit is reduced. Incredible way to build value in the system. Most people who invest in a Kirby never really get over the learning curve and utilize all that it can do, but this way the bare bones Kirby could be priced so it is at 'rock' bottom. The salesman still makes a commission without giving away the farm, and the customer doesn't get a bunch of stuff they will not use. As a salesperson becomes more profcient he/she will get better at selling all the extras and make more money. Don't cut the price, remove options.

No one asked me, but I know how to put on-board tools on the Kirby, easily, and switch back and forth in a snap, without bending over.

Trebor



Post# 88726 , Reply# 19   1/11/2010 at 15:28 (5,190 days old) by lux1521 ()        

Did everyone forget the G4? That was blue, and only about 10 years ago. A light blue color would be nice for a change. Dark Blue has already been done twice. Red (real red, not burgandy or maroon), has not been used before. I think black, gray, and silver have been overused recently (last 25 years) so I'd be disappointed to see those colors used again. A shade of green would also be a change.

Post# 88728 , Reply# 20   1/11/2010 at 15:41 (5,190 days old) by kirbfan94 ()        

The g4 was grey.
and the Classic III was plain red.


Post# 88729 , Reply# 21   1/11/2010 at 15:48 (5,190 days old) by samotronic ()        
Red

Would you consider the Classic III to be basic red? I would also say that red was used as trim and for attachments on the 516 up to the Sanitronics. Not that I'm pushing for red now and those models were quite some time ago.

If green.., Please!.....Not Avocado again!!



Post# 88743 , Reply# 22   1/11/2010 at 19:44 (5,190 days old) by riccarlover ()        
The G4...

Was gray?
I believe mine is blue as I look at it right now.
:)
Clayton


Post# 88744 , Reply# 23   1/11/2010 at 20:26 (5,190 days old) by lux1521 ()        

I'd say the Classic III was candy apple red, and maroon if they are dirty enough (which most seem to be), and the 500 series machines still had gray bags, and they are over 50 years (wow, its 2010!) old at this point. They also did not have bags in the color of the machine, like every model since the Classic series, so I can't really consider them red.

I also have to agree about the avacado green. It's just not a good color. It still can't be as bad as the Classic / Classic Omega brown with stick on wood trim. At least the marble of the Classic III and Tradition were glossy.


Post# 88746 , Reply# 24   1/11/2010 at 21:02 (5,190 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        

Mine is not glossy on my Classic III.

Post# 88873 , Reply# 25   1/14/2010 at 12:16 (5,187 days old) by a007kirbyman (--->> Originally My Mom <<--- (now Wisconsin))        
G4 color...

a007kirbyman's profile picture
You may all see what you wanna see...

however, technically speaking, the G4 was considered "Stone Gray" speckled with "Periwinkle", per Kirby.


LOL call it 'whatever color trips your trigger'

hagd all

Bill


Post# 88878 , Reply# 26   1/14/2010 at 12:58 (5,187 days old) by kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
Tradition, had a host of issues, like the stupid pin activat

That was for one run only. The next year they went back to the front safety selector switch as in the Omega and Classic II models.

The Tradition was a fine, quality machine.



Post# 91158 , Reply# 27   2/10/2010 at 02:50 (5,161 days old) by panasoniclover ()        

I heard that the neutral/drive petal is supposed to be lime green on the Avalier. I also heard that they are in the process of making molds for the Avalier, that it may not come out until next year because of the economy. Also, it is definitely going to be electric blue.

Post# 92427 , Reply# 28   2/27/2010 at 21:07 (5,143 days old) by trebor ()        
Kirby Design

What Kirby has failed to realize is that today's homemaker/house cleaner wants a vacuum that is EASY to use. People do not really want on-board tools on their upright vacuums. Ever see an OBT upright with all the tools missing, just the hose and wand left?
THAT's what people want, an instant on wand end to grab debris inaccessible to the machine's rotating brush head. For thorough ATF cleaning, a separate canister, or a long extension hose are suitable for using attachments. (Or removing a nozzle to attach a hose) IF the hose is the dirt path from the nozzle, the longer is is, the more weight it adds, and the longer the dirt path is. A valve to divert airflow from the floor to the hose/wand is the way to go.

Of all manufacturers to get with the program, ORECK is introducing just such a model in April, called The Edge. It will have a V belt, a beefed up motor and brushroll suitable for cleaning thick plush and frieze. It will be in ORECK stores exclusively, and come with a totally revamped canister, which will be available in three versions, standard, FLASH, which will have an electrical connection for a wide straight suction tool with a U/V light, and a battery operated cordless model. Oreck and Bissell have managed to increase market share and show increases in sales during this economic downturn.

The gal who manages the local Kirby service center was totally unaware that Kirby was gearing up to introduce a new model! I saw her at the local annual home and garden show.

As someone who has had several successful stints selling Kirbys, I have seen a few new model introductions. There is always hype, hoopla, and speculation, before a model change, but the new model may turn out to be nothing more than a refinement of an already excellent design, as has happened before. If the patent drawings posted by link here on the forum are any indication, I have a hard time imagining that unit being brought to market.

Despite the economy, Kirby sales here are doing well. More sub paper is being written, to be sure, but consumer reports just published their annual report on vacuum cleaners, and once again, Kirby received a high rating for cleaning, ease of pushing, filtration, and once again was rated #1 of ALL brands for reliability. People often buy a Kirby after being sick of buying big box junk vacuums, or being unable to secure authorized service for another expensive D2D brand. I find it difficult to believe Kirby would jeopardize their enviable market position for trouble prone innovations.

We shall see...

Trebor


Post# 93059 , Reply# 29   3/7/2010 at 18:55 (5,135 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        
I have an unusual question for all the Kirby fans here....

eurekaprince's profile picture
Any reason why Kirby never thought to put a nice cord reel on their vacs? It seems that for such a high quality, heavy duty line of vacs, that would be an obvious feature that should have been included in the design years ago. Any thoughts?

Post# 93086 , Reply# 30   3/7/2010 at 22:33 (5,135 days old) by luxg ()        

The only thing I can think of is that it would add more weight to the machine.

Post# 93096 , Reply# 31   3/8/2010 at 01:25 (5,135 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Cord reels have a tendency to break-and they can limit the lenght of the cord-please Kirby DON'T go to a cord reel-the handle hooks and commerical lenght cord is fine!On most of my cordreel machines in my collection--the cords are TOO short!Except the Meiles,Riccar canisters.

Post# 93119 , Reply# 32   3/8/2010 at 16:48 (5,134 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        

I think the cord reel on my Miele Capricorn is waaay too short. My Bosch Premium has a 32 ft cord on the cord reel, but my other half took it to our townhouse in Ft. Worth and I rarely get to use it anymore.

Post# 93139 , Reply# 33   3/9/2010 at 08:25 (5,133 days old) by kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

Tolivac has it correct.
Kirby never used a cord real or winder because they break. Cord hooks are much more reliable over the long haul.



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