Classic III

Growing up, we had this absolute beast of a vacuum. It went through three generations and still could inhale a quarter within 3". Downsides: probably weighed 300lbs (per my recollection of trying to vacuum the stairs as a 10 year old), would try to eat its own cord if you weren't careful, and once it ripped the curtains down - rod and all. Every vacuum I have ever used gets mentally compared against this machine and always fall flat. After a bit of internet searching, I'm pretty sure it was a Kirby Classic III (now running $140 to $300). The Kirby Legend II ($100 - $350) and Kirby Heritage II Legend ($100 - $350) are generally comparable. Newer Kirby models (lighter, have push assist, shampooing, easy to find parts) that hold their own: Sentria - pure sucking power ($100-$350) Sentria II - improved 4-position pivot ($150-$325) Avalier - peak Kirby engineering & multi-surface shampooing ($150-$300) Avalier II - minor ergonomic tweaks ($200-$400) Note that pricing runs all over the place, but this is "sweet spot" pricing with lower end being private seller with perhaps not all the attachments and high end being professionally refurbished with warranty.

Can't go wrong with a cheap Kirby with that recent servicing. It'll be a bit heavy to push around (pre tech drive) but AFAIK that's the only compromise

I own one of these vacuums, and the brush tends to get stuck on the carpet. I’ve tried adjusting it multiple times, but it doesn’t seem to work. I’ve also replaced the belt a few times, but that hasn’t solved the problem. The vacuum works well, but it might be sucking too hard, which causes the brush to stop rotating on the carpet. Just my own experience.

Kirbys are great because they're so easy to fix. Every single part is user-replaceable

My first choice is Kirby. I don't understand others' posts implying they aren't reliable. Mine is 40 years old and probably has another 60 years left. Plastic crap, Dyson and Shark, is just that. Crap. Panasonic commercial vacuums have been a standard for many years.

Lesson I’ve learned in the vacuum space - I’m not going to be happy with the vacuum unless I spend at least $600. I have two 80 lbs dogs, one of which is a golden / pittie mix that sheds year round. Dyson, Shark, Roomba, Dreame, etc can’t keep up. In 2000 I bought a Kirby - and had some buyer’s regret at first, but that vacuum lasted 20 years and still had a much suction power on the day it died as it did on day 1. When the motor finally died in 2000 I recycled the cleaner. Big mistake. Wish I’d just had the motor replaced. I’m now back in the market for a Kirby or similar. I’ll happily pay 5x the cost of a cheap vacuum for one that is a trusty workhorse. The trick with Kirby is not to pay asking price - a good deal on a Kirby starts at about a 50% discount.

As well, a Kirby is probably the best carpet cleaning Vacuum made. It’s just antiquated.