Thread Number: 9775
Kirby Avalier
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Post# 106750   8/23/2010 at 22:25 (4,965 days old) by djkain2007 ()        

Any news on it? From what i hear it's now a plastic kirby and the colors are 2 different versions/colors of blue and 1 verison/color of yellow

Post# 106759 , Reply# 1   8/24/2010 at 00:40 (4,965 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

I hope its not plastic-if so I won't buy.I have heard no news on new Kirbys-We just have to wait for it-probably next spring.How do we know it will be"Avalier"?I think it would be a TERRIBLE mistake if Kirby cheapens their product and makes it from plastic.BAD IDEA!!If they do that-folks might as well buy the plastic machines from WalMart.

Post# 106804 , Reply# 2   8/24/2010 at 16:44 (4,964 days old) by djkain2007 ()        

Exactly!

Post# 106829 , Reply# 3   8/24/2010 at 21:31 (4,964 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)        
No Plastic please KIRBY

i have been a loyal Kirby fan for over 50 years( boy am i old).If Kirby comes out in plastic that is it for me. i will never buy a new one again. So lets all have faith in a almost 100 year old company that they will do what is best. Here is trusting in Kirby

Post# 106830 , Reply# 4   8/24/2010 at 21:46 (4,964 days old) by joe22 ()        

they will bring out a plastic vac and sell it at walfart, a fear of mine

Post# 106832 , Reply# 5   8/24/2010 at 22:13 (4,964 days old) by djkain2007 ()        

kirby + plastic avalier = 100% F-A-I-L!

Post# 106833 , Reply# 6   8/24/2010 at 22:22 (4,964 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
THEN, TTI might scarf that up

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
too. A shame.

Post# 106836 , Reply# 7   8/24/2010 at 22:43 (4,964 days old) by jfalberti (Visalia, CA)        
Heaven forbid!!

jfalberti's profile picture
I don't think Kirby will do that. Jim Kirby would come back and haunt them all.

Post# 106857 , Reply# 8   8/25/2010 at 09:13 (4,963 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I'm sure "Boss" is twirling in his grave

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
as well.

Post# 106881 , Reply# 9   8/25/2010 at 12:07 (4,963 days old) by joe22 ()        
imho

the need to do a retro style like the sanatronic, it could be updated, nice colors, etc but still a well built cleaning machine

Post# 106896 , Reply# 10   8/25/2010 at 17:36 (4,963 days old) by sanimatic ()        
Heritage and Tradition

I just can't believe that Kirby, as it exists today, would market such a cheap or plastic product.

They are currently producing the most effective products of their history. I know some will disagree with that but regardless of your favorite Kirby model, recent Kirby's such as the later G series with the newer brush roll are generally thought to be amazing carpet cleaners.

Kirby is so heritage and tradition oriented (honestly, no pun intended) that I can't believe they would offer a cheaper or more poorly build product than in the past. Even when they changed their hose to the current type, which might appear at a quick glance to be the plastic, cheaper hoses of today, this one is of material tested by NASA and seriously is very durable and easy to use. The Tech Drive, while some argue makes it heavy to carry, is top of the line in its ease of push and pull.

I, too, would love to see the new model as a tribute to the 500 series, but with all of today's bells and whistles. And yes, definitely more light and nimble.

We just can't know for sure, right now. Kirby is like Al Qaeda at keeping their secrets safe, I want to hold out the highest hopes that Kirby's new model will blow our minds as to quality, ties to the past but most importantly, amazing innovation.





Post# 106901 , Reply# 11   8/25/2010 at 19:27 (4,963 days old) by djkain2007 ()        

hahahahahaha... i would love to the kirby make the avalier plastic, that would be an epic fail for kirby. a "new" 500ish style kirby would be nice to see.

Post# 106902 , Reply# 12   8/25/2010 at 19:39 (4,963 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

Only you would wish for the demise of a great company.

Sigh.


Post# 106903 , Reply# 13   8/25/2010 at 19:41 (4,963 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

PS, what makes you so sure the "Avalier" will even exist?

Post# 106904 , Reply# 14   8/25/2010 at 19:55 (4,963 days old) by gusherb (Chicagoland)        

I wonder how much they're gonna charge for this new "Kirby" especially if it's plastic, sure it will be a buttload of money even if it were. cough dyson all plastic and overpriced cough.

Post# 106906 , Reply# 15   8/25/2010 at 20:07 (4,963 days old) by sanimatic ()        
Stop

Let's get a grip. One person "heard" that it might be really plastic. That is what we are basing this discussion on.

Post# 106908 , Reply# 16   8/25/2010 at 20:22 (4,963 days old) by djkain2007 ()        

that's the point... it's all stipulation (or however thats spelled) at the moment

Post# 106911 , Reply# 17   8/25/2010 at 20:55 (4,963 days old) by vacman117 (Chicago, IL)        

vacman117's profile picture
I am pretty sure Kirby would not ruin their product like that, honestly. They have been making metal vacuum cleaners for a very long time, and I don't think they'd decide to change that.

Post# 106915 , Reply# 18   8/25/2010 at 21:43 (4,963 days old) by bisonian (Where the buffalo roamed! (Ocala, FL))        

Relax, folks.

Kirby, like the rest of Scott Fetzer, is a MASSIVE cash cow for Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. They're not going to do anything drastic as long as Buffett's in control.


Post# 106939 , Reply# 19   8/26/2010 at 08:17 (4,963 days old) by riccarlover ()        
Now now now...

As mother would say,
"Hate is a very strong word!"
Clayton


Post# 106957 , Reply# 20   8/26/2010 at 15:27 (4,962 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)        
Peace

DJ lets try to keep the peace .This club is not for personal fights. Nothing can be that bad you are to young to relize but take it from me at almost 65 life is short. Try to get together in the long run it is much better. Take care and lets not go to crazy about this kirby thing no matter what we all think Kirby has made their mind up i am sure. I have LOVed Kirbys since i was four years old .The Kirby 505 started my love for vacuums. Take care Doug

Post# 106985 , Reply# 21   8/26/2010 at 21:34 (4,962 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

DJ, it's not appropriate to talk to or about other members like that... you could end up getting yourself banned! Have you read the site "rules and guidelines"? We are very small group of people who share a common interest.... we are the only ones who truly "get" each other and we really need to do our best to take care of one another.

Post# 106989 , Reply# 22   8/26/2010 at 22:10 (4,962 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

Actually, you're the one who's dealing out the beef. I could care less, I have better things to do then have grudges with people who I've never met over the internet, which is the only reason why you're dishing the insults. I doubt you would say any of those comments to my face.

Now, let's get back to the topic.


Post# 106990 , Reply# 23   8/26/2010 at 22:27 (4,962 days old) by joe22 ()        

children !!!

Post# 106991 , Reply# 24   8/26/2010 at 22:35 (4,962 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

By the way.... I think if Kirby brought about their own demise by making a plastic machine, they deserve it. It would have been their stupidity that did it.

Post# 106992 , Reply# 25   8/26/2010 at 22:44 (4,962 days old) by kirbykid63 (Wilmington Delaware)        
Spoke with my Kirby Distributor in Tucson

No one knows what the new Kirby will look like,however it should still be a very high quality machine that Kirby will stand behind and only sell door to door. The new Kirby's motor shell is now made from high impact plastic but the fan housing and lower handle,and head is still metal. I am sure the new model will be the same way. Kirby spends a lot of time on R and D so I have faith it will be a great machine.

Richard Groski
new2youvacuums


Post# 106994 , Reply# 26   8/26/2010 at 23:08 (4,962 days old) by professorkiwi ()        

Sweet! I've always been pleased with Kirby. Definitely look forward to it! =)

Post# 106996 , Reply# 27   8/26/2010 at 23:44 (4,962 days old) by djkain2007 ()        

idk... we shall see what happens

Post# 106998 , Reply# 28   8/27/2010 at 01:59 (4,962 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

I too,have been using kirbys in the family since I was born-as a matter fact my parents bought a new Kirby from a "door knocker""Van campaign" salesman the year I was born.That machine was with us until 1972-when it was lost in the Rapid City flood of 1972.For the life of me can't beleive Kirby would stoop as low as building an all plastic machine.Too much plastic in them right now.Kirby--PLEASE get rid of some of the plastic and go back to metal-esp motor housings,base pans,and fans.metal wands would be nice too-since Kirby is a high end product-plastic just conveys a sign of cheapness.And locking tools to go on those metal wands.The friction tools sometimes fall off.This is something you shouldn't see on a premium high end DTD vacuum.

Post# 107002 , Reply# 29   8/27/2010 at 05:09 (4,962 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Oh yes-I was born 1951.

Post# 107014 , Reply# 30   8/27/2010 at 12:29 (4,961 days old) by kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
I hope the design change isn't too drastic

I remember all the excitement and hoopla when Royal brought out their Clean air upright, the Powercast. Heavy, overpriced, but a good performer none the less. I think they discontinued it within two to three years.

Since Kirby only makes and sells one model, I don't see them putting a lot of R&D into a machine that will kill them. I do feel they will use more plastic, because it is cheaper and lighter. Lighter mostly because that is the number one thing I hear about using a Kirby "It's so heavy"

To remain a Kirby, the new Kirby has to resemble and feel like the Kirbys of yore. If they stay true to this and don't try to become a Dyson or a Oreck; Kirby will survive.



Post# 107070 , Reply# 31   8/28/2010 at 00:53 (4,961 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

I have a couple of Powercasts-they are indeed VERY heavy-you almost need your tractor to push them.and the bag system is TERRIBLE-the bag is just too small.The Powercast was a powerhog!!-sometimes it would trip a 15A breaker with no other appliances on the circuit.The GFI breaker built into the machines cord is unuasual.Never had it trip.And the Powercasts weight caused frequent breakage-a maid service out here breifly tried them-handle breakage on the Powercasts was common.the maids also didn't like their weight-they switched to Sanitaires.I think the Sanitaire and the direct air Royal metal uprights actually performed better and with less power draw-.the Powercast needs self propell transmission-but would make it so heavy you need a forklift to lift the machine.I think Kirby could go back to a design based on the 500-compact-gets into places their other machines won't fit-lighter,no transmission needed.so the machine is easier to lift.And Kirby--go back to your tubular aluminum handle bars-so much ligter and STRONGER than the hybrid metal-plastic ones-never have seen a broken aluminum Kirby handle!

Post# 107454 , Reply# 32   9/1/2010 at 22:28 (4,956 days old) by richardc1983 (Leeds, UK)        

richardc1983's profile picture
Can you imagine if they change from direct air to clean air suction!

Post# 107458 , Reply# 33   9/1/2010 at 23:19 (4,956 days old) by joe22 ()        
Can you imagine if they change from direct air to clean air

the horror of it

Post# 107470 , Reply# 34   9/2/2010 at 08:44 (4,955 days old) by myvacsrock (USA)        

What happened to the guy whose company had a so called proto type of it? Why dont you ask him about it?

Post# 108870 , Reply# 35   9/20/2010 at 13:23 (4,937 days old) by isufan11 (Minneapolis )        
He has been on vacation

Hey guys sorry I have been traveling for the past month or so and not logged on. The company I work UL patent, has seen this machine in and out a few times in the past year, for various reason. At this point the machine is not UL listed so I doubt it will hit the market before next year. Since the original came in early in the year they have made many changes to it. I am not at liberty to say much more than that but I can say that it is not plastic, it is aluminum, there are several new plastic parts on it however including the handle and the brush roll.

Post# 108872 , Reply# 36   9/20/2010 at 13:51 (4,937 days old) by kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
. . .and the brush roll.

Oh Saints Preserve us.

Post# 108879 , Reply# 37   9/20/2010 at 15:38 (4,937 days old) by whirlpolf ()        
not detail-obsessed enough

While I think that Kirby vacs do the best job on carpet cleaning (and I am a big fan of Kirby) I do tend to utter that Kirby has lost track of time.

While the standard setup (metal cleaner and metal front brush roll nozzle) is finest what you can get, the accessories and some details of the machine are just lousy to what comes to my mind:

The accessory caddy is a joke: a lousy throw-in-and-forget type of PE plastic box. What is that? No easy access once you exceed the standard set of tools? A clutter inside, the sprayer and the zip brush fighting away each other? A joke.
A velcro strip to hold the hose.... (velcro! nuff said...)

From G3 to G4 and G5 sooner or later the metal base plate of the floor nozzle had gone. Why?

A good idea: Let a Kirby have a decent metal telescopic wand (don't remember our member's name, but this is more than true) - instead there is offered: two flimsical plastic rods, no click-on connector but a mediveal turn&twist hope-it-holds connection.

The zip brush: Good idea to have the inner rim of the brush insert divert the air stream to the turbine blades, but why is it that there is only this ridiculous brass-type bushing instead of a good ball bearing? Have used so many zipbrushes, most of them rattling along and vibrating, not even capable to hold initial speed after just a few years just because the bushing is worn out and has some "play" (e.g. wobbling some fractions of a millimetre inside the socket? answer: unnecessary wear, thoughtless engineering). Greasing will do away with that for some weeks, then the game repeats itself.

O-rings done the wrong way: The connection from blower housing to the bag/mini emptor is a perfect example of NO thinking: From G3 to G4, there were only O-rings, the emptor attached with a twisting motion (meaning a great deal of rubbing between emptor socket and o-ring). This is what you learn first hand in ANY engineering class: O-rings go press-type connection only, never rub-type.
Result: From G5 to G6 Kirby went to having this revolving twist socket in the motor base (hoping to do away with friction on o-rings) but then again: the twist socket inside the blower opening had this felt-seal only (not the same HEPA-wise, if you ask me).

To top it off: A belt lifter IS a joke in the 21st century. We live in a click-on 1,2,3 society, so having to lift the light cover, then turn the belt lifter, then dismantle the nozzle, put on another attachment, tighten it, re-turn the belt-lifter, then lower the lamp case, that IS just a plain joke.
Bison made some efforts on that, yet with no success.
And besides: A friction belt can easily made into a toothed belt for better brushing power, come on! So why these alledgedly "hair-cutting" x-patterned belts instead of some real gears?

My minimum requests for a new Kirby (and you know they cost a LOT, when I pay a lot, I want a lot):

Basics:
1. Keep the original design (and the outer bag because cyclonic = cough-o-tronic) (Bagged Kirby = Real Kirby)
2. Keep as much as you can in quality (metal that is, no plastics)
(Lifetime Kirby = Real Kirby)

Basic "Kirby-isms":
Have a standard unit with a powered cleaner nozzle (brushroll)
Have a standard unit with a powered shampoo unit
Have a standard unit with a powered floor unit (polisher)
Have accessories (major upgrades needed)

Wishful thinking:
- why not make the old tip-toe control automatic? Sink down until good grooming/brushing action is attained? (could be done via suction/air stream/low pressure comparison and a chip that stops the power head from sinking down too much (e.g. too much motor torque)
changing areas (floor, shag, rug, carpet etc.) would heighten the power brush to top.

- why not have a good click-on press-to-o-ring connector on the suction opening and the blower opening as well? (using the tool hose now)

- why not have a good sani-emptor BEFORE precious family jewels enter the fan? (e.g. in the power nozzle head or just before the suction opening? why not have magnetic or other contraptions to keep objects entering the fan?)

- why not return back to GOOD bag material (before the G7, 8, 9 ultimate and what have you series)? G6 is the best to keep paper filters from tearing.

- why not re-introduce that good old Heritage swivel-elbow thing? LOVED it on the floor and wall brushes.

- have metal wands and have a ball-bearing in that darn zip brush!

- have a decent flexible hose spiral, not that run-off-the-mill stiff plastic hose of today's Kirby models. Remember Heritage/Legend? Most pliable, most easy to use!

- do away with "suds-o-gun" derivates, instead deliver a decent turbo-action foam brush for upholstery.

- Shampoo unit: WHY the heck this horrible 90° valve down there? Can't you guys just stick a tiny trigger to the top handle? Why bending down? On/off we go, by the flick of a switch! Besides: Look for a better rinsing option! Just wiping it out and up onto the tray isn't the way to go as we all know... Add some fresh water spray and wet suck-up thingy! Or a squeegee....

and so on, and so on.....
Best vacuum I know, please STAY the best, I implore you!

with a so-so tongue-in-cheek "oh well" smile
Joe


Post# 108893 , Reply# 38   9/20/2010 at 17:55 (4,937 days old) by singingrainbow (Texas)        

Well I never cared for kirbys much until I recently got A kirby tradition and it has changed my opinion on them because it just feels right when you are useing it and I hope they stick to metal or one of the last quality vacuums will die. But I have never used one of the newer kirbys, in fact the tradition is the newest one I have used, So what do I know!

Post# 108896 , Reply# 39   9/20/2010 at 18:18 (4,937 days old) by joe22 ()        
;- (

plastic brush roll...like hoover, eureka, dirt devil, bissell, i thought kirby kept better company

Post# 108900 , Reply# 40   9/20/2010 at 18:34 (4,937 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

eurekastar's profile picture
I wish I could remember where I saw it, but I stumbled across a website recently that was selling a plastic aftermarket brush roll for Kirby vacuums. I always thought that CWP was the only company that makes aftermarket brush rolls for Kirby. But I don't think this was a CWP product.

Post# 108919 , Reply# 41   9/21/2010 at 03:07 (4,937 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

With all of the publicity the "new" Kirby is getting-wouldn't be surprized if they change the design and the name.that is probably another reason for the delay of the rollout of the new version.
I suggested the metal telescope wand-and yes redo the tool kit case.The one the Heritage used was nice-a peg or whatever for each hand tool to go on.and yes-a better way to secure the hose to the case.right now my Kirby tool kits sit unused-use one of my canisters instead.Just more convenient and effective.(TriStar,or Meile)And yes-I could go along with the spiral reinforced hose like the older models.
If the "new" model Kirby has an electrified hose-guess the air powered tools will go by the wayside-just as well.And an electrified carpet power nozzle would be nice to go along with the regular nozzle-the powered one could get into places the regular Kirby can't.It would be a simple matter to put a "scrap trap" device in the hose adaptor-that way coins,nails,screws won't go into the fan-lighter dust and dirt would-and for jewery items-they could go into the trap rather than getting chopped up in the fan-and PLEASE go back to the metal fans-the plastic ones erode or break more easily.And yes-provide a SEPARATE bare floor tool with castle cut brushes instead of that stupid combo tool they provide now-its almost useless on bare floors anyway-and could scratch them.And put METAL in those tools instead of plastic.Why I like metal over plastic-better durability,more easily recycled when that time comes-and on an expensive machine like a Kirby-the plastic is tacky.And oh yes-the latching tools.No more friction fit-it falls off or worse can freeze on to where it won't come off.You can get separate metal magnetic "scrap" heads to go onto Sanitaires and Royals-wonder if they could be adapted to fit a Kirby.that way steel items don't get into the brushrolls either-the metal can tear up the roll.and lets go to a METAL brushroll with replaceable brush strips.forget the TACKY plastic ones-they have no place in an expensive vacuum like a Kirby.The wood ones are even better.I can go along with Joe on most of his points-Kirby PLEASE--STAY THE BEST.with the measures that are suggested here-Kirby will stay on top!


Post# 109465 , Reply# 42   9/27/2010 at 10:30 (4,930 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)        
Kirby 505

Hi All Any guess as far as when the new Kirby will be out?Thanks Doug

Post# 109569 , Reply# 43   9/28/2010 at 01:54 (4,930 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Would guess next spring.

Post# 200034 , Reply# 44   9/21/2010 at 15:32 (4,936 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
testing

Post# 200035 , Reply# 45   9/21/2010 at 15:33 (4,936 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
testing again

Post# 200077 , Reply# 46   9/21/2010 at 22:52 (4,936 days old) by luxg ()        

My thoughts are that the new Kirby will be just like the old Kirby's only a different color. Kirby knows they have a good machine and they aren't going to mess it up. Just my thoughts here.

Post# 313601 , Reply# 47   1/27/2015 at 21:51 (3,347 days old) by kirbyworker ()        
kirby avalier is out

hey just thought i let everyone know the the new kirby Avalier is out for its 100th anniversary came out in december.



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