Thread Number: 37464  /  Tag: Brand New Vacuum Cleaners
Should I sale my Rainbow or keep it?
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Post# 399720   10/18/2018 at 12:27 (2,009 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)        

I do enjoy my Rainbow E2 black. Its only 2 years old and I have the carpet shampooer and the super mop set with it. I was thinking about selling it and getting the newest Kirby but would like to know everyone elses thoughts. I alreayd know I can get a Kirby for cheap from the local dealer they even talked about trading straight up for it but I think I can get a lot more money out of my Rainbow then what I would pay for the Kirby. I also have just thought about buying the Kirby and keeping the Rainbow just to ahve the best of both worlds. I have more carpet then tile. I have seen the Avalir 1 in action and its carpet shampooing abilities are far superior to rainbow just because of the dry foam. Beyond that I have no experience with the Kirby. WHat would you guys do?

Post# 399721 , Reply# 1   10/18/2018 at 12:51 (2,009 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        
Keep the Rainbow

dysonman1's profile picture
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# 399723 , Reply# 2   10/18/2018 at 13:37 (2,009 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)        

I forgot about pet stains and I have never really used the Rainbow to clean up spills from the kids. It seems likes its a real hassle to use. I feel like it takes me awhile to vacuum with my rainbow too. Any tips are much appreciated. Sounds like I will keep the Rainbow just for that. I just wish it had more suction?!?

Post# 399727 , Reply# 3   10/18/2018 at 16:09 (2,009 days old) by JUJU93 (South Georgia)        
Keep the rainbow

I say keep the Rainbow for now. Kirby hasn't changed much at all with this new Avalir 2. In fact they only change a few things in term of color on it, nothing new overall. Granite they may have done this to hold over their current platform (the G-series) till they release something new (which hopefully should be soon). Based off of kirby models that have a 2 in it, it typically means 2 years till something new happens. For example, sentria 2 came out in 2012 and then 2 years later in 2014 the avalir did, with its new updated shampoo system. If we go back even furthur in time to 1989 when the legend 2 came out, it was just a year or so till the Generation 3 (1990) came out. Now as for Rainbow they really need to come out with something new, I mean the E2 Black has appearantly been out since 2011, so its time for an upgrade/update. So hopefully KIRBYs next model will have some type of new design ,rather it be the tools/accessories or even the machine itself, they should be coming out with something. I mean they can only recolor/rename the sentria (2006- basically now) so many times before they realize enough is enough. What id like to see is a attachment that can clean and suck up pet hair. All though the zippbrush is great, it doesn't suck the hair up into the machine. Also id like to see the shampoo system get redisgn that way it doesn't foam the shampoo like a lot of other systems. However Id like to see them keep the same functions on their newer future shampooers, such as tile and grout cleaner, floor polisher, and mop, kind of like what the avalir sysem does.

Post# 399755 , Reply# 4   10/19/2018 at 11:42 (2,008 days old) by sptyks (Skowhegan, Maine)        

sptyks's profile picture

Get the Kirby Avalir. It will outclean your Rainbow because it has much better airflow and agitation than the Rainbow does.

 

 


Post# 399757 , Reply# 5   10/19/2018 at 12:07 (2,008 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)        

Well I will probably keep the Rainbow but where would the best place be to look for Kirbys. I already checked the pawnshops but not goodwill yet. Also I dont many newer ones show up on the locals sales pages. I think the newest one Ive seen is a Sentra or Sentra 2. Are they worth it at a certain price?

Post# 399765 , Reply# 6   10/19/2018 at 15:48 (2,008 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
As far as used machines.

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)        
I have both....

rivstg1's profile picture
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)        

ultralux88's profile picture

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 )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@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)        
Honestly

mark40511's profile picture
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# 399823 , Reply# 11   10/20/2018 at 15:23 (2,007 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)        

I found some Kirbys locally but they are all sentrias or older. I would like to have a Avalir or Avalir 2 as I have heard about and seen 1st hand of how they shampoo carpets. But what is y'alls opinion of it. I will keep the rainbow and keep looking for good deals on Kirbys.

How often do you guys vacuum and how fast do you vacuum over an area?? I have some high traffic areas that I vacuum 2 times a week and still get dirt out even after going over several times slow. Im trying to make the carpets last as long as I can and still look decent as I still have a 4 year old that likes to be wild.

I feel as if Im taking too long to vacuum sometimes. It can take me over an hour or 2 sometimes.


Post# 399825 , Reply# 12   10/20/2018 at 15:49 (2,007 days old) by dartman (Portland OR)        

I set a search on Craigslist for the things I want and they e mail me all the latest additions every day. I like Royal vacuums so I have a search for them and that's how I found a free top of the line Starks/Royal 5700 upright, and my 4650 Canister for 25 bucks. I get a lot of hits for Kirbys as well because they are so similar and there always are some of those too from dirt cheap to ridiculously expensive but they are out there. I don't see too many of the newest generations but it happens and if you find one you like jump on it quickly like I did when I found the 5700. He didn't list a price so I e mailed him and he said free of course and comes with extra bags and belts so I beat feet to his luckily reasonably close by house. He was happy a vacuum nut wanted it and would actually use it as he liked it a lot but they had just put down wood floors and had no use for it anymore.
You might also want to check out nextdoor.com as it is a local neighborhood type site that lets your neighbors keep up on anything local happening and they have a ads section for free and for sale items that can have quite a few cool free and cheap things in it.


Post# 399833 , Reply# 13   10/20/2018 at 21:02 (2,007 days old) by chris (WV)        
How often do I vacuum?

I'm a neat freak so I vacuum everyday(only rainbows allowed in this house) I use my SE for daily vacuuming and my E-2 Black for weekly cleaning and dusting. Now do I need to vacuum everyday? probably not but the water is dirtier than I think it should be but not dirty enough not to be able to see my hand at through it. With winter coming I'll increase my dusting to twice a week because of the woodstove. It usually takes me less than hour to vacuum a 2,400SF house. That's with dumping the water twice per floor and carrying it up and down the stairs. Sometimes I'll do upstairs in the morning and downstairs in the evening.

Post# 399837 , Reply# 14   10/20/2018 at 22:39 (2,007 days old) by Durango159 (State College, PA)        
Keep your Rainbow, get a used G series or later Kirby used.

durango159's profile picture
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# 399839 , Reply# 15   10/20/2018 at 22:50 (2,007 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
The Rainbow has almost double the power?

Are you daft man? Rainbow moves approximately 60CFM. Kirby well over 120.

I personally would not sell the Rainbow unless you need the cash. It comes down to preference and what you like. Both are quality machines that will serve you well.


Post# 399852 , Reply# 16   10/21/2018 at 09:45 (2,006 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

myles_v's profile picture
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# 399875 , Reply# 17   10/22/2018 at 00:30 (2,006 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

And "short" belt life on his Kirby---Using orig equipment belts?Nozzle height set correctly?I have had NO problems with my Kirby belts lasting more than a month-some of mine are over a year old and work fine.As others have stated-for carpet vacuuming its AIRFLOW,AIRFLOW,AIRFLOW! over "suction " like with a traditional multi fan canister.My NSS M1's do very well with their direct air design-single suction fan motors-wether it be carpets(Volt powernozzle)NSS hard floor tool,or hand tools.The NSS is easily as powerful as ANY of my central vacuums!

Post# 399876 , Reply# 18   10/22/2018 at 00:34 (2,006 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

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# 399878 , Reply# 19   10/22/2018 at 00:40 (2,006 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Used Rainbows--besides pawn shops they end up in trade in piles at vac shops.The vac shop salesman convinces the customer the Rainbow is inconvenient to use-so the customer trades in his Rainbow to the machuine the vac shop is selling--or heaven forbid--to the Kirby salesman!Have seen Rainbows in Kirby sales vans trade in piles-often those are NOT in good condition because the former owner didn't use the Rainbow correctly.A Hyla I got from the Rainbow trade in pile here was packed with long,gross dog hair!Had to change the paper bag in my NSS after using the NSS to clean out the Hyla.Also figure the former Hyla owner didn't use the machine right.

Post# 399879 , Reply# 20   10/22/2018 at 00:40 (2,006 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        
NPC #kirbyisbestvacuum

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@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 )        
NPC #kirbyisbestvacuum

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@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# 399882 , Reply# 22   10/22/2018 at 01:31 (2,006 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Is the working waterlift device a STANDARD to measure vacuum cleaners with?Is it readily available?If so would like to have one.I would pit my Kirbys,Royals,even Sanitaires against ANY clean air machine out there.These machines wORK and work well.and are really easier to maintain.

Post# 399890 , Reply# 23   10/22/2018 at 10:56 (2,005 days old) by sptyks (Skowhegan, Maine)        

sptyks's profile picture

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.

 

 


Post# 399911 , Reply# 24   10/22/2018 at 19:20 (2,005 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        
NPC #kirbyisbestvacuum

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@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 )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@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)        

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 )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@tolivac I would love to know what's in a TriStar vacuum demo kit.


A vacuflo dealer can order it for you .
I'll take some measurements with a caliber and see if I can post a how to make it 1 out of some Central vac pipe and a hose cuff


Post# 399934 , Reply# 28   10/23/2018 at 02:11 (2,005 days old) by royalfan (Chicago)        

royalfan's profile picture
@tekjunkie28 Keep the rainbow! Buy a new SEBO Felix .

Post# 399952 , Reply# 29   10/23/2018 at 11:30 (2,004 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)        

I'm hopefully picking up a brand new Sentria 2. I say brand new because apparently it has only been used a few times and it belonged to this girl's grandmother. We shall see. What would I be looking for to determine how many hours this think has been ran? She sent me a video of it and it looks clean and seems to run great. The house also looked gorgeous from what I saw.

Post# 399955 , Reply# 30   10/23/2018 at 12:29 (2,004 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        
vacuumdevil

myles_v's profile picture
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)        

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)        

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 )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@myles_v Miele for the Win !

I would rather use a Miele then either of those Vacuums ax well .

Thank for not being a NPC !


Post# 399996 , Reply# 34   10/24/2018 at 12:55 (2,003 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        

rivstg1's profile picture
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.

Post# 400031 , Reply# 35   10/25/2018 at 16:07 (2,002 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)        

So here are my current options and I would love to know yalls thoughts.

1. Sentria 2 with attachements but no zippbrush or shampooer. Attachments never have been used from what I saw. Vacuum has very little use from what I saw but I didnt have hands. Vacuum apparently belionged to the girls grandmother who only used it a few times. I have no way to test transmission but the motor works. No extra bags or belts. $150

2. Sentria at local pawnshop. Used with shampooer but no zip brush. Attachments look OK. I have not seen it in person but pics look good. No clue how many hours are on this machine but bag looks clean from pics. $130

3 "refurbished" Avalir from the local dealer. No clue what was done but it comes with shampooer, zip bursh (i think) and extra shampoo and bags. I doubt motor was serviced but I have no clue. I can get more details. shampooer is new they say. also will have 1 year warrenty with that dealer. $300

4. Wait for better offer which may or may not come.


Post# 400227 , Reply# 36   10/31/2018 at 23:25 (1,996 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

myles_v's profile picture
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# 400604 , Reply# 37   11/9/2018 at 13:57 (1,987 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)        

This Kirby is insane. The airflow with the attachments is A LOT more then my rainbow. Is that normal?

So this raises the question again... what do I have the rainbow for?? A glorified air purifier? I have a few other issues that I will make a new thread for.

I used the foam gun and a brush and did my dining room chairs. AMAZING! They are mostly clean. I have never had them come clean ever with water extraction.


Post# 400618 , Reply# 38   11/9/2018 at 20:57 (1,987 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
good to hear of updates

rivstg1's profile picture
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.


Post# 400760 , Reply# 39   11/13/2018 at 07:14 (1,984 days old) by tekjunkie28 (Western Va)        

Visually you wont see a difference because every vacuum can pick up dirt off the top of the carpet... mostly, lol. I notice my carpets looking better and feeling softer. I also noticed how much more dirt I was able to pull out of my carpets. It only took 2 weeks to fill up a bag which is kinda scary. The Kirby definately grooms the carpet better. I am really suprised at how much air flow the Kirby has in canister mode. I also do not think the vacuum is that heavy. The Rainbow can be fairly heavy especially when you have the large basin. My last upright was the Kenmore elite and it was a beast too.


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