Awesome thank you so much! I think that was my top choice as well ( I have long hair and so does the family member I’m buying it for and the brush roll gets so caught up so often- I like that it has that plastic brush instead)
So the timing of the vacuums goes Shark Apex > Vertex > Stratos. The main things making sure it has hair anti-tangle, duoclean, crevice tool, a brush tool, and ideally powered lift-away. The lift-away is nice because it allows you take off the vacuum to clean under furniture without the canister attached. Check out Costco, Sams Club, Bjs, etc. if any models are there.
I would recommend the [Shark AZ2002](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089TQB1RB) that's $269 since it's a powered lift-away with some accessories. This is not bifl but will usually last 8-10 years. I think the vertex models have more aftermarket accessories too, just try to get OEM filters.
i have an az2002 and the screws are all security torx screws on the power head. the soft brush doesnt spin anymore after about 2-3 years (if that) so getting it apart and servicing it is a nightmare.
Don't buy shark vacuum. I spent around 500$ for AZ2002 and used it only for 1.5 years. Its not meant for repairs. Ironically you could see the name of shark in top vaccum list in almost all reviews though.
andjayrea
