Vax TBT3V1P2 Blade Ultra Stick Vacuum, 150 W, 32 V

I just got this cordless stick vacuum for my elderly parents and wanted to give my initial impressions.* Motivation *I wanted buy a vacuum that would be quick and easy to use for my parents. They have a full-sized, conventional vacuum but it can be a chore of its own taking it out and plugging it in. I've Vax uprights myself for years now: while they can be a bit clunky and not as ergonomically engineered as a Dyson can be, they do pack features and power in a compact size. After reading about the Vax Blade vacuums, my main worry was the weight. A Dyson V6 weighs 2.28kg whereas the Blade 32V Ultra weighs 3kg. I read through the reviews and it seems there are people who feel the V6 is heavy and people who feel the Blade is lightweight. Moreover, the there are a lot of reviews saying that those new Shark DuoCleans at 4kg are very light to use. My conclusion was that the Blade wouldn't probably be too heavy. I also worried about the fact that you have to manually plug in the Blade when charging whereas a Dyson comes with a charging station. However, the fact that the Blade should run a lot longer than a Dyson makes this less of a problem. Moreover, you get a less bulky wall mount and less stress on the battery which may be a good thing as the Vax doesn't seem to a have an easily replaceable battery (unlike Dyson). The main reason for not going with a Dyson was obviously the price (Blade 32v Ultra £140 vs. Vax V6 £200) and the lower running time, even though I have to admit that the some of the engineering perks of the Dyson can make life a lot easier.* First impressions *When I first had the Blade 32V Ultra in my hand fully assembled, the weight wasn't too bad. I do have to say that the weight does come an issue for my parents if they attempted to vacuum something high up with the Blade: you can hold the Blade with two hands but even then the weight would come an issue in minutes. Therefore I wouldn't say this vacuum is lightweight but light enough to do quick vacuums. I do like the Vax handle (which differs from the competition) as it makes it seem you are not holding anything heavy. Some reviewers have commented on the button placement or sensitivity, but I don't have any problems with either (in fact, I wouldn't like it any other way with this handle design). I like how the Blade informs of the charge level in very big LEDs (a feature not all stick vacuums have). Then there's the dirt container... It does open in a snappy fashion but the button for the opening mechanism should be on the other side (as you now have to reach for it, especially if emptying to a smaller trash bin inside a kitchen cabinet). Another thing to make better is the charging port placement which is almost underneath the main unit facing down. It is easy to locate without crouching down to look for it but it would've been more ergonomic to place it on the side of the main unit (although I do realize that, as it is, the charing cable isn't visible from behind the vacuum which is a good thing aesthetically). Finally, on a more superficial note, this is the best-looking stick vacuum I've seen as the the grey and metallic red go really well together and don't grab attention unlike some gold and violet vacuums.I briefly tested the vacuuming performance and I do have to say I'm pleasantly surprised: it doesn't match my Vax upright but it does beat a lot of the conventional, full-sized vacuums I've used. The noise level isn't bad either.* Further testing *I'm really impressed with the Blade. We tested it on a carpet that rarely gets vacuumed or dusted (although it's in the bedroom and we don't wear shoes inside the house). The amount of dust and dirt the Blade was able to get vacuum off of it (with Boost Mode and Brush Bar on) was truly amazing as the carpet looked clean prior to vacuuming. My elderly mother had no problems vacuuming with the Blade as the Boost Mode and the Brush Bar make it seem like the vacuum moving forwards on its own. She did find the vacuum heavy to hold when switched off or in handheld mode but she will be using it with the stick anyways.We installed the wall mount and it's super easy to attach the Blade to it. While it can be a bit bothersome to manually attach the charger cable, at least there isn't a big piece of plastic attached to the wall serving as a charging station. As for the battery life, it must have been +20 minutes with Boost Mode always on and the Brush Bar on and off.Cleaning the Blade can be a bit messy but I'd imagine that is a problem with all the bagless vacuums. The Blade, similar to my Vax upright, left a ball of dust on the side of the dirt container so that it had to be manually pulled out. Luckily, all the parts inside the container can be easily taken off and washed when needed.I'll be reporting back but I do have to again comment on how powerful this vacuum seems. It is simply mind-boggling that some of the user reviews state that this vacuum lacks in power (considering my parents have, in the past, always bought expensive full-sized vacuums (not Dyson, but brands like Miele, Nilfisk or Electrolux) and this little stick vacuum easily outperforms them all.* Final impression *My elderly mother has come to love this stick vacuum. She has no problems whatsoever with the weight as the suction makes this vacuum fly (especially when using the brush bar). The battery life (visible via four LEDs) is enough for several quick vacuum jobs and the fact that it only comes with a wall mount instead of a wall charging station is not an issue. Again, the cleaning performance is just outstanding and especially those with conventional vacuums will be surprised how much dust this Vax will get out of a carpet in just a few seconds of vacuuming. The button placement is wonderful as is the design of the handle (which is not Dyson-like) which makes you forget that you are holding the motor and the dust container underneath your hand. You cannot have everything, though, and this vacuum would be perfect if it stood upright on its own and it was lighter when used without the floor attachment (I do not recommend this or perhaps any stick vacuum if you have problems with your back or your strength and you plan on mainly vacuuming surfaces up high, furnitures or car interiors). As it is, however, I have to give this vacuum one more star to make it 5/5. It's just that great... but without the cost of a certain other brand.

Lightweight and easy to use, charges quickly. I've only used it with booster setting on so not sure how effective it is on the lower setting or how much longer the battery charge would last for using this setting, but so far the battery on full charge has been more than enough to vacuum most of 3 bed victorian terrace in one go. Bit fiddly to take apart and it would be useful if it could be stood up on its own (it comes with a bracket that can be attached to the wall). Although this is my first cordless, so I have nothing to compare it to, it seems seems to have cleaned well and as well as my corded cleaner. Did a fare bit of research prior to buying this and for its price, I think this is good value compared to the 300 or 400 quid ones (Dyson for eg) that are out there. So easy to use that I now vacuum a little each day rather than doing it all in one go. Too early to say if this will change my life but so far I've been very satisfied

First one soon fell to bits and now six months later second one has broken. Really wanted to like this. At first it seemed like a toy as it is so light but it does a good job and I was pleased with it. This replaces a henry which we will keep. Only bad point is that it is very messy to empty. and a docking point to recharge would be good, rather that having to plug in the lead. We can do our entire house on one charge, and we bought the accessory pack which has some weird pipes and brushes most of which i am not sure what to do with. It is rather messy to empty and we now take it out to the garage to empty and clean the three filters. Handle came loose and had to glue it back on after about a month. Not bad for a first attempt should of waited for the Mk 2Update handle has come loose again (Nov 20th ) let you know how Vax deal with it Amazon quickly organised a complete replacement when handle broke, After a month now it's OK but messy to empty and fills up quickly A big heavy Vacuum is better but this is much easier lighter and more conveinient. So perhaps they are to be considered as second vacuums. replacement has now broken as well Update 2 2018 Handle broken again.. Main shaft has come loose, I glued it back in. Hose to sweeping head has split Taped it up. Motor now very noisy. Anyone want theirs repaired I am getting lots of experience. In summary, buy someting else

We bought this to replace a Hoover cordless vacuum. I like this one better. It has more suction and lasts longer.We have a small dog that sheds so much hair I am surprised she's not bald. Anywho, this baby sucks all the hair up and doesn't miss a beat. Others have reported the hair getting stuck on the rollers etc. We haven't had this issue, however, we do have a short haired dog.This is a weighty item, lighter than a normal vacuum, obviously, but heavier than the Hoover it replaced. Also, unless I am doing something wrong, this doesn't stand up on its own. You need the wall mount fitted to stand it up. Or just lean it against the sofa. Hey you're a grown up you do what you want.So, so far so good. I'd recommend this, it is exactly as advertised.

Vacuum cleaner head brush melted in pieces after one a year. Wheel has seized. However, Vax has refunded me the spare part that I ordered. The frustrating bit is that they offer a 2 year warranty only if registered after 3 months from purchased. It was within one year warranty. But i hope it never happens.Other issue on this vacuum includes a rapid loose of suction due to a filter that blocks up too quickly.Other than that, it is a good vacuum cleaner, it has replaced our corded one, and does a very good job if the filter is cleaned frequently. The price is competitive, therefore three stars.