Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional White Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional White

Pros: I've used alot of vacuum, this one has to be one of the best for the money. Yes, you can buy cheeper, but thats what your getting, you can buy more expansive, but i have tried those to, this one in my opinion is better or just as good as the Dyson. I bought one, NOT HERE, and my wife loves it, GREAT investment. try one yourself, You wont be disappointed.

Cons: None that i have fount as of yet.

Other Thoughts: I use to sell the Filter Queen vacuum. that is the top rated vacuum you can buy. BUT its also around $2,000. I have tried the Tri-Star, the Kerby, (great motor, but they clean no better then a cheep vacuum) when kirby gives a demo, they use no bag. bags clog. parents had a Rainbow, and i know a friends that have the Dyson. there cheaply made and have problems. I heard about the Shark, tried one, and bought it, Next to a Filter Queen, this has been the best vacuum we have ever had.

Pros: HEPA Filtration
Lightweight Upright with Varied Accessories
Half the cost of Dyson Animal Upright / Does same job
Powerful suction
5 year Warranty
Easy to Clean

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: My wife has used this machine for 4 days nonstop. She asked the kids to pick up and move so she can go over the area again and again. She claims it is fun to vacuum now. I tried it and was impressed with the swivel action of the lower cleaning head and the incredible amount of dust and debris that it picked up even after the room had been vacuumed with the old vacuum cleaner. The old ones are on the curb now. Lightweight and powerful, The Shark has proved it is every bit as formidable as the Dyson Animal Upright and for half the price. The literature that came with the Upright model is easy to follow and order replacement parts. I was amazed at how quickly the steps to the 2nd floor were vacuumed. It took a few seconds to disassemble the lower carriage and hook up the portable hose to the canister and off she went up and down a carpeted flight of 13 stairs in less than 8 minutes. The texture carpet looked brand new again! This machine is worth every penny and the fresh air that it expels has a pleasant smell.
I give it 5 Eggs and recommend it to everyone who hates dust!

Pros: -Attractively designed, sleek white body.
-Lightweight (compared with many other vacuums), and glides across any floor effortlessly.
-Extremely powerful suction ability.
-COMPLETE SEAL technology (British Allergy Foundation seal of approval).
-Easy-empty dustbin (you can even give it a good rinse and make it look like new).
-Lifetime (washable) filters (including the HEPA, all of which you typically have to replace on other vacuums), as well as no need to replace/service a brush-roll belt.

Cons: -Super top-heavy---when using any accessories, with the handle detached, you will find yourself using both arms...one to maneuver the handle, and the other to either hold the vacuum in place or literally "hold" the vacuum (as in using it in Lift-Away mode).
-The foam filter gets dirty very quick and must either be (gently and carefully) hit against an object outside to release the dust, or simply washed. I could not wait the recommended 3-months to wash out the foam filter and wound up washing it after only 2 or 3 weeks.
-You will most likely find yourself cleaning out the brush-roll by hand, after looking closely at it and being disgusted. This was a problem with my last vacuum (the previous Navigator) and must be some flaw in the design of their brush-roll. They do advertise their unique brush-roll design, in that no hair builds up on it, but keep in mind they were talking about PET HAIR!
-I was hoping to take advantage of the suction control dial feature and finally be able to vacuum the shag rug in my downstairs bathroom. I was very disappointed when the brush-roll immediately turned off because it could not accommodate the shag. I am at least grateful for the feature of the brush-roll turning itself off before there becomes an entanglement issue.

Other Thoughts: Let me start out by letting you know I do not have much experience with many different makes and models of vacuums. I have owned a couple in my life, but I mostly judge based on other people's comments and reviews (which I read extensively). However, I do feel that I know what a good vacuum should be, and I feel confident in reporting my experience to others.
This Shark Navigator Lift-Away PRO is probably the best vacuum you can get for your money, at least in this price range. You have several options of stores to purchase this model from. The difference between stores will be a slight variation in the model number, possibly a variation in the exact tools the vacuum comes with, and sometimes a difference in the length of the warranty.
Anyway, I feel that the PROs still outweigh the CONs with this vacuum. No longer are you limited to vacuums in the "several-hundred-dollar range" to get something with "no-loss-of-suction" technology and "lifetime filters." And if you are debating between the classic lavender Lift-Away and the Lift-Away PRO models, I say go for the PRO. It's worth the few extra bucks to have the extra accessories and a dustbin that is double in size---the only downside being that it weighs a couple extra pounds.
Happy shopping (and vacuuming)!!!