[asphaltgambler]

Dyson fan here. Bought the animal (hair) version 10 years ago. it is very good and solidly built for the price. I've had to disassemble several times to completely remove the hair left by my Chow.

I've replaced the HEPA filters which are available online, I cannot complain it's still going strong. I believe we paid in the low $500's for it at the time.

I do understand the current version of the Shark is 1-to-1 in every way with the Dyson for about half the price. But not sure over the long haul.

Biggest issue with any vacuum is not the suction ability but rather what amount of dust and other allergens are released back into the air.

You can certainly spend more and get a nicer unit but is that diminishing returns?