Heard of this vacuum?

[richy]

I've been researching vacuums. I want to stay under $200. I have read where CFM is more important than inches of water lift. I also called a few local vacuum repair places and they said WL is more important than CFM. The main thing I want it to do is to pull as much water out of carpets as possible. I think that lends itself to WL although I think the diameter of the hose is an important factor as well. It gets confusing. Anyway, this first unit is leading the way in terms of specs. The thing is, I have never heard of it. Has anyone here? The company is in Texas. It has 114 CFM and 100" of Water Lift. Great specs indeed! $19 to ship to Detroit. $119 on sale right now:

5 gal. polyethylene wet/dry vacuum - Powr-Flite



The other option is this one:



50" of Water Lift

169 CFM

RIDGID Professional 14-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac - WD1450 at The Home Depot

$99 at Home Depot





or this one:

50" of Water Lift (I emailed Ridgid and asked them)

RIDGID 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac - WD1851 at The Home Depot

$159 at Home Depot as well





The 1851 has almost twice as much CFM as the Powr Flite one but 1/2 the water lift. I am really unclear as to which unit would be better. The other thing to consider of course is the Ridgid is a local purchase, lifetime warranty which makes a big difference. The size of the tank is not a big deal for me.

 

[Jpostal]

I have a larger Power-Flite with stainless tank and it is fantastic. I really like the cloth filter/bag...no paper filters or disposable bags. I put the cloth filter on a five gallon bucket and blast it with the pressure washer once a week or so to clean it. The other thing I like is that Iyou can buy longer hoses that are flexible and stronger than the hose you would get with a Ridgid vac or other wet/dry vacs from home depot or wherever. Well worth the extra money for a better machine.

 

[richy]

I have a larger Power-Flite with stainless tank and it is fantastic. I really like the cloth filter/bag...no paper filters or disposable bags. I put the cloth filter on a five gallon bucket and blast it with the pressure washer once a week or so to clean it. The other thing I like is that Iyou can buy longer hoses that are flexible and stronger than the hose you would get with a Ridgid vac or other wet/dry vacs from home depot or wherever. Well worth the extra money for a better machine.

Gosh, that's great. I was hoping to hear from someone who owned a PF. Thanks for sharing your experience with it!!

 

[David Fermani]

Hey Richy - I always recommend going with a RIGID. Great machine, is very durable and has a lifetime warranty. I gaurantee you will not be disappointed.

 

[richy]

Hey Richy - I always recommend going with a RIGID. Great machine, is very durable and has a lifetime warranty. I gaurantee you will not be disappointed.

OK, thanks David. I actually ended up ordering the powr-flite one. It arrives Monday. We'll see if it lives up to its specs. IF so, it will be an impressive machine at a great price. If not, they have a money back guarantee that is very good. I will post a review of it on here after I play with it. It came down to what side I wanted the machine to excel at: CFM or Water Lift. The Rigid had almost twice as much CFM, but 1/2 the WL. I'm excited to get it and play. Big boys and their toys <grin>.