I know that many of you are Kirby experts and am hoping you can answer a few Kirby-related questions.
Does the G5 have the same HEPA filtration as the G6? Also, other than color and nozzle shape, what are the differences between the G5, G6, Ultimate G and Diamond Edition? I have allergies and so my primary concern is the HEPA filtration capability.
Thanks in advance for your feedback and recommendations.
Mike
Post# 13365 , Reply# 1 5/5/2007 at 02:04 (6,194 days old) by tolivac(Greenville,NC)
The G5 CAN be equipped to have HEPA filtration by using the Kirby "Allergan reduction" filtrete bags.They will fit your G5.The G6 Kirby has a redsigned bag "boot" that goes over the fan discharge opening-it is domed in appearence instead of flat as on the G3,G4,G5.This gives greater airflow.The ultimate G is very similar to the G6 but has a diffrent brushroll.The Diamond G has the "Hi-Lo" speed switch on top of the powerplant.This allows you to shift speeds if you are using the floor nozzle or the hose.You could actually say the Diamond G is a FOUR speed Kirby-The Kirby motor is switched to a lower speed when the floor-carpet nozzle is attached.It shifts to a high speed when trhe hose is attached.the diamond G speed switch on top of the motor housing gives addiational speed settings that can be used with the hose or floor nozzle.Kirby suggests using the low speed when delicate carpets are to be vacuumed.they also suggest using the lo motor speed when the hose is used for vacuuming drapes or curtains.The motor switch lights a geen color when the low speed is selected.The switch does not glow when the normal high speed is engaged.The Hi-Lo switch on the Diamond G is the only model that has this feature.Kirby dropped the switch on the latest "Sentria" model.The Sntria model like most other Kirbys selects hi for Hose or low for the carpet-floor nozzle when they are put on the powerplant.On the front of the powerplant you can see the attachment selector switches when the attachments are removed.A peg on the back of the nozzle or hose pushes against the proper switch button when put on.The attachment switch also acts as a safety switch to prevent the Kirby from running unless the hose ,intake guard,or floor nozzle is attached.Also on the G models a bag or disharge opening safety switch is used as well.In order for G series machines to run-the bag and hose or floor nozzle must be attached.On G machines be careful in attaching the attachemnts to the machine-the switches can be broken easily and are expensive and difficult to replace.Its one unit mounted in the back of the powerplant under the motor covers-it also includes the power switch to start or stop the machine.
Post# 13368 , Reply# 2 5/5/2007 at 02:36 (6,194 days old) by buffster ()
Wow! That's a lot of great information. Thanks Rex. That helps make my decision easier... at least narrows it down to the G6, Ultimate G or Diamond G. It sounds like the Diamond G is the way to go if a person isn't buying the latest model, but looking for the most/latest features. (I found a really nice looking G5 on eBay--looks likes the seller did a great job refurbishing the unit. But, I really want the best filtration And... it sounds like the CFM is improved on the newer versions as well.)
Rex, you indicated that the brushroll on the Ultimate G is different than the earlier models. How so? Is it a noticeable improvement in your opinion?
The brushroll in the Ultimate G has the staggered brushes and softer bristles.Later Kirby models-Diamond G and Sentria-have stiffer bristles.The softer bristles were better for more delicate rugs and carpets.On my thick carpets don't notice a whole lot of diffrence.However the airflow diffrence between G5to G6 is noticable.the domed mini-Emptor boot does give a more airflow.If you do have allergies I would recommend the Allergan Filter bags for your Kirby.They seem to cut odors from debris picked up as well.I use them exclusively and I don't have allergies-they also hold more dirt than the standard Kirby paper bags for G series machines.The Filtrete bags can hold up to 3 times more dirt!I think you can also order soft brushrolls for the Kirby machines if you do have delicate carpets-or those with looped instead of cut pile-the stiffer brushes can snag the loops.
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