Thread Number: 37464
/ Tag: Brand New Vacuum Cleaners
Should I sale my Rainbow or keep it? |
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Post# 399721 , Reply# 1   10/18/2018 at 12:51 (2,009 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)   |   | |
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If you want a Kirby, go to a pawn shop. I was in a pawn shop this summer that had an Avalir for $100.
The Kirby shampooer won't help with anything that was spilled (like Pepsi) nor will it take out pet accidents. For that, you need the Rainbow.
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Post# 399755 , Reply# 4   10/19/2018 at 11:42 (2,008 days old) by sptyks (Skowhegan, Maine)   |   | |
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Post# 399765 , Reply# 6   10/19/2018 at 15:48 (2,008 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)   |   | |
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You can very often find used Rainbows at the pawn shop, but sometimes --EWWW, better to just leave it sitting. Some people don't do regular maintenance, or empty them, or clean them, or . . . |
Post# 399768 , Reply# 7   10/19/2018 at 16:41 (2,008 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)   |   | |
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so, I can speak from experience. I like them both....I haven't used my Avalir 2 yet though....its virtually brand new, but my Sentria 2 is the same....and it cleans great deep down...The rainbow is great too....no bags, no smells...cleans great, dusts even better.
fyi. I'm selling my Avalir 2 if your'e interested b/c I have too many vacs....ugh. hard decision. |
Post# 399769 , Reply# 8   10/19/2018 at 17:29 (2,008 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)   |   | |
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I have both Kirbys and Rainbows as well. I have an E2 Black, but my newest Kirby is a G6. I like both, I'd probably choose the Rainbow, largely because I tend to lean more canister than upright despite liking both. That and I don't tend to use Kirby attachments, I'll either wait till I use a canister or get out a central vac hose for that part. |
Post# 399814 , Reply# 9   10/20/2018 at 11:56 (2,007 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )   |   | |
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@tekjunkie28 keep the rainbow it has almost double the power. the rainbow also has better filtration being a sealed system.
I also find rainbows easier to use personally. Also @Ultralux88 is one of the more notable collectors I would take his advice. If I were you I'd find a used Kirby generation series you find them cheap and thrift stores and on Craigslist. Mechanically they are the same as a new avalir 2. Here's a great video on Kirby. |
Post# 399818 , Reply# 10   10/20/2018 at 13:47 (2,007 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)   |   | |
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I have a rainbow since 2006 (so mine is the gold 2 speed) In my situation, if I had a Kirby. I'd use the Kirby to vacuum my wall to wall berber and use my rainbow to dust the house. I've found no easier way to dust top to bottom than rainbow. Years ago, after I bought my Rainbow, I ordered the 14 foot non-electric hose. Best thing I ever bought for my rainbow. I can park the rainbow, slap on the dusting brush or floor/wall brush and reach places I can't with any regular vacuum. And with just the wand, you don't have those big bulky handles getting in your way trying to reach tight places to dust. It also helps when you don't have a lot of clutter. I try to stay clutter free it makes dusting a nightmare. It's crazy how long I can go without having to dust my house when I break out my rainbow and dust everything
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Post# 399837 , Reply# 14   10/20/2018 at 22:39 (2,007 days old) by Durango159 (State College, PA)   |   | |
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Both machines are very good. I would say that the Rainbow is more versatile and it will also resale for higher for the day you actually do sell it.
The Kirby technology really hasn't changed much over the years. All of the Kirbys since the G3 till now have all only seen subtle changes. The self propelled tech drive has improved since the G3, the handle is has become sleeker from the G6 to the Sentria and Sentria II and then more sleek on the Avalir. The emptor design has changed too. But the motor and general concept has stayed the same. You would not notice much if any difference in usability or cleaning whether you got a G5, G6, Sentria, Sentria II, Avalir or Avalir II. The second hand, used market is flooded with Kirbys!!! Due to that reselling any Kirby tends not to yield a very high price, despite upfront cost of buying one typically being $1000+ depending on the financing deal and negotiating taken place between that particular distributor and the end consumer. Likewise, Rainbow does not discount near as much at time of sale the way Kirby does. Rainbows retail for higher, and it sounds like you got several options with yours which puts your value even higher. With all of that said, I would check any vacuum shops in your vicinity or in your travels for a refurbished Kirby-- it is highly likely you will find one there. You can also post a wanted ad on this forum and someone may have one for sale. Otherwise there are always ones online-- Craigslist, eBay, shopgoodwill.com, offerup and more My local thrift stores seem to get a reasonably steady influx of used Kirbys too. |
Post# 399852 , Reply# 16   10/21/2018 at 09:45 (2,006 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)   |   | |
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Keep an eye on local sale sites and try searching just "kirby" rather than the exact model you're looking for, most people have no idea what they're listing for sale. Keep looking if anyone is asking more than $200, any Generation series will be just about as good as the Avalir. I'd go with a G5 or newer, the Ultimate G Diamond Edition is my favorite because of the speed control switch.
Also, vacuumdevil, In what world does a Rainbow have twice the power of a Kirby? Suction maybe, airflow no. High airflow is better than high suction, especially when it comes to carpet cleaning. |
Post# 399876 , Reply# 18   10/22/2018 at 00:34 (2,006 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)   |   | |
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Heavier vacuums over the Kirbys---How bout the Hoover Z?Some models of Dyson?and of course the Royal Powercast.These are all heavier than a Kirby-two of them are PLASTIC-NOT metal construction.And will those plastic machines still work and be useable 20,30,50 yrs from now? |
Post# 399879 , Reply# 20   10/22/2018 at 00:40 (2,006 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )   |   | |
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@Kirbysthebest only measuring CFM will give you misleading results you need inches of water lift and CFM.
Working water lift will show you this. Stay tuned I'll post a video on it for you.
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Post# 399880 , Reply# 21   10/22/2018 at 00:47 (2,006 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )   |   | |
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@myles_v Good advice saying to just generally look for a Kirby.
Why have a love affair with Kirby . they simply don't have the power of modern bypass Motors. Don't be a NPC and just look at one number. Measure your vacuums properly and look what they're picking up. Rainbows are one of the best cleaning portable home vacuums. |
Post# 399890 , Reply# 23   10/22/2018 at 10:56 (2,005 days old) by sptyks (Skowhegan, Maine)   |   | |
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Vacuumdevil: That's an interesting looking device, but suction and airflow measuring gadgets don't tell you diddly-squat about the actual effectiveness of any given vacuum cleaner!
The real performance test of ANY vacuum cleaner is actual MEASURED dirt removal from identical carpet samples. FACT: Direct Air vacuums like the later Kirby Generation series or 7 to 10 amp Royal metal vacuum cleaners excel at this type of test.
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Post# 399911 , Reply# 24   10/22/2018 at 19:20 (2,005 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )   |   | |
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@sptyks
I'm sure they do average in such test compared to any other modern vacuum. Are you a real person or just a NPC Bot that repeats the word Kirby and direct air?
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Post# 399912 , Reply# 25   10/22/2018 at 19:31 (2,005 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )   |   | |
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@tolivac yes it is a standard device that's readily available.
"WORKING VACUUM The best method to demonstrate this to consumers is a comparison of sealed vacuum to working vacuum. Using a vacuum gauge and test Y, you can measure the suction of a vacuum while air is flowing through an opening which best represents the use of a hose and attachments. While sealed vacuum is a great toold for identifying leaks in a vacuum system, working vacuum is a great way to demonstrate sustained cleaning or lack thereof. All vacuum systems have to deal with fine dust particles, and the type of filtration will largely impact how long the system can operate before these particles impact its performance. The Cyclonic action of VACUFLO outperforms competitive paper and cloth bags, meaning your customers will have better long-term suction. CLICK HERE TO GO TO vacuumdevil's LINK |
Post# 399930 , Reply# 26   10/23/2018 at 01:00 (2,005 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)   |   | |
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Vacuumdevil:Where can one obtain the working vacuum device-would like to have one with my other vacuum cleaner test gauges.I have the suction meter-came with a TriStar demo kit. |
Post# 399931 , Reply# 27   10/23/2018 at 02:03 (2,005 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )   |   | |
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Post# 399934 , Reply# 28   10/23/2018 at 02:11 (2,005 days old) by royalfan (Chicago)   |   | |
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Post# 399955 , Reply# 30   10/23/2018 at 12:29 (2,004 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)   |   | |
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I won't disagree that Rainbow makes good vacuums, but if you're only considering carpet cleaning ability then I believe the Kirby is superior. Rainbow is superior for all-around cleaning, especially above-floor and hard floor.
I've never been a huge fan of either vacuum for daily use, though. I've had around 6 Rainbows or so and I always get tired of dealing with the water, the novelty wears off quickly for me. I don't currently own one, I sold my last Rainbow for $250 on Facebook Marketplace. They do hold their resale value much better than any Kirby does. I've had even more Kirby machines than Rainbow, but now I only own one and I haven't touched it in months. I prefer my Miele for daily cleaning, it cleans and filters well. |
Post# 399963 , Reply# 31   10/23/2018 at 18:41 (2,004 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)   |   | |
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Would you buy a Sentria 2 never used. But doesn't come with Shampooer or zippbrush for $150? |
Post# 399964 , Reply# 32   10/23/2018 at 18:49 (2,004 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)   |   | |
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Correctional.. Very slightly used. Attachments look brand new. No bags or belts. Belonged to an elderly lady |
Post# 399980 , Reply# 33   10/24/2018 at 03:03 (2,004 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )   |   | |
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Post# 399996 , Reply# 34   10/24/2018 at 12:55 (2,003 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)   |   | |
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I like the Miele’s Too, I just don’t care for the repair/upkeep costs. After I saw some of the bills for repair ( parts & the complexity) & $$ for filters. That’s why, I prefer the Kirby or Rainbow to them...much much easier and cheaper to maintain it seems to me. But , I was tempted to buy one at a thrift store but it was missing the powernozzle.
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Post# 400227 , Reply# 36   10/31/2018 at 23:25 (1,996 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)   |   | |
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tekjunkie28
I'd go with option 1 or 2. If you're keeping the Rainbow then don't worry about the Kirby shampooer, the Rainbow is a much better deep cleaner because extraction is generally more effective than dry foam. I'd look out for one with all of the basic attachments; hose, extension wands, upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice, hard floor, etc. You can always buy a Zipbrush elsewhere if it's something you really want, but I've never found it useful. The upholstery tool is fine for furniture and for stairs I've always used the smaller handle attachment that converts the Kirby to a handheld machine of sorts. |
Post# 400618 , Reply# 38   11/9/2018 at 20:57 (1,987 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)   |   | |
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now your comment about water extraction not being as effective as the dry foam....thats really surprising. I"ve had good fortune with water based cleaning on cloth/carpet, I've used my kirby foam on my stairs and carpets but I didn't really notice a big difference before/after....also, b/c I did spot treating with cleaners for stains, so it masked the 'dramatic' if any, cleaning the dry foam might have done.
Its really interesting hearing your contrast of the Kirby's and Rainbow's performance in vacuuming... Like I mentioned, I have both as well, but I didn't notice such a massive difference ( even though I know the airflow/cfm is vastly superior with the Kirby). I DID notice the junk picked up by the Kirby using the dirt meter after I had used the Rainbow for so long. |