Cons: auto adjustment , noisy, somewhat heavy, not many attachments for attachment lovers
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a vacuum which cleans well, I'd recommend the Vax x3. However, if you want something with more attachments, you need to look at the x5.
shecker's Full Review: Vax X3 Bagless Upright Vacuum
I bought the Vax x3 vacuum from Best Buy. I wanted a vacuum with filters that did not have to be replaced. Also, the Fantum Thunder I had started having problems, so I decided it was time for a new vacuum. I got the Vax x3 around Christmas, 2005. I brought it home and started putting it together. The handle was easy enough to get on, but the cord which runs to the switches was a pain to get all the way in. Eventually, it went in and I was able to secure the handle with the 4 screws provided. I fired up the unit and started cleaning. One of the first things I noticed is that the brush wasn't making contact with the floor. This vacuum has an auto adjuster for height. Upon further investigation, I figured out the hinge that allows the auto adjustment to work was a bit too tight. As a result, the brush would lift off the floor when the vacuum was moved back and forth. I had to return the vacuum and get a replacement. Fortunately, the salesperson let me assemble and test the replacement in the store and this one did not have this problem. It should be noted that there was another vacuum being displayed on the floor which had the auto adjuster problem. This would lead me to believe this is not an isolated incident. If you get this vacuum, it is a good idea to assemble and test it in the store before you take it home. Now, I can say the vacuum does a very good job at cleaning. I primarily use the unit for carpet cleaning, but occasionally use it on a hard floor in the kitchen. If you do use it on a hard floor, you will want to turn the brush off.
One of the neat features of this vacuum is the auto rewinding cord. Simply push a small foot pedal after you've unplugged the vacuum and the cord will retract into the unit. Another cool feature is the filters. They are all washable, and this includes the hepa filter at the top of the dirt container. This is particularly nice because you don't have to buy a new filter every few months. I can tell you the hepa filter is rather strong because I washed it in the dishwasher. The filter came out clean as a whistle and no damage was done. You should know the filter takes a while to dry, at least 24 hours. Although my filter came out fine, I can't guarantee this for your filter. If you decide to clean the filter in this way, do it at your own risk. There is a foam prefilter just under the hepa filter which I would not put in the dishwasher under any circumstances. Another cool feature is if something gets stuck in the brush, it will automatically stop. On most vacuums, the brush and fan run on one motor. If something gets caught, you get that familiar squealing and smell of burned rubber. With the Vax x3 and some more expensive units, the brush motor is separate from the main motor. If something gets caught, the brush motor will shut off. This has happened a couple times with me. It's easy to get it going again. Simply clean out whatever it is that got stuck (with the vacuum off, of course), push the reset button on the back of the brush motor, and when you fire up the unit, you are good to go. Another benefit to this system is the belt does not have to be replaced. There is one other feature I'd like to mention. The dirt container empties from the bottom, not the top. You will want to be aware of this for 1 reason. My neighbor borrowed the vacuum and cleaned her carpet. Then, she pulled the dirt container off. She went into the kitchen and saw the button which says release debris and gave it a push. You can guess what happened next. Lets just say a broom was required for cleanup.
As far as attachments go, this vacuum has a couple. One is the Upholstery tool and the other is a crevice tool. Other vacuums have many more attachments, but I don't use attachments much, so the extras aren't a big deal to me. However, if you like attachments, you might not be impressed. Now, if you want to spend another $50 or so, you can get the next step up, the x5, which includes a flexible wond and a turbo tool. The attachments are easy to access and are stored on the handle.
There are a couple things I don't like about this vacuum. It is noisy and slightly heavy. I know for a fact there are vacuums that are quiet and light weight compared to this one. Only thing is most of the ones I've seen aren't bagless and the filters and belts have to be replaced from time to time. Also, the cord on this unit is about 27 feet long. On most other vacuums, the cord is at least 30 feet long. Over all, I like this vacuum and would recommend it to others.
2motor System Allows You To Turn The 12amp Motor On And Turn The Brushroll On Or Off. Integrated 11 Hose Reaches Stairs And Furniture And The Bottomre...More at Target
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.