Shark Infinity

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Shark Infinity

by Sharif
(PA)

We got the turquoise Shark Infinity vacuum cleaner. Although it has good suction, on my first use of it I broke the belt...

Thought I could pick up a replacement from Kmart or Walmart.. Although Kmart sells their vacuums, they don't sell the replacement items.

So I decided to search Shark's site to find out info about the belt and only found that I would have to go through customer service.

I called to ask what belt number, before they could help me in anyway, they needed to take down my personal information, including name, phone number and street address, all I wanted to know was what belt model I could use and where I can pick one up from.

Guess what, you can only get it through Shark and it's $7.95 for the belt set (apparently it has 2 belts) and shipping is $4.95 for two belts.

The customer service lady asked me if I wanted to order it. I told her no, because I just got my Shark Infinity NV30 vacuum last month and used it one and the belt broke and now I have to shell out almost $13 for belts that I can only get through them so I'll probably be returning the vacuum.

At that point she offered to send me the belts free. Great!!! But then what, use it one more time and get another belt?

I'm planning to return my Infinity NV30 and get a Dyson or something. We'll see if the difference in price will make up for lack of peace of mind with the Shark.

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Shark Infinity

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Jun 16, 2009
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belts are available at Walmart
by: Anonymous

the first shark we had was similar in trying to find belts. The second one we bought at WalMart and they carry the belts so it is no big deal to pick them up.

Jun 14, 2009
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belt issues
by: Anonymous

When i read you comment, i too had the same problem with the shark, i have had to pay 40.00 twice to get a repair place to replace my belts. Now i am trying to do it myself. what a pain. george 1416-831-9735

Jan 24, 2009
Rating

trade offs on the NV31
by: House Husband Macho in Missouri

We love this vacuum. With three large long haired dogs this vacuum is indispensible. Okay that was the good. Now the ugly is that the locking nub on the wand broke loose and glue doesn't hold it and we currently have it packing taped onto the wand. Customer service at Euro Pro/Infinity is at best a challenge to deal with over the phone. Like others above the post cards promising replacement parts are back ordered, etc. kept coming and coming. 5 months later and more calls to customer service we finally received a replacement wand that doesn't fit the handle. Needless to say we can't get the old wand out of the handle anyway and it looks like we will have to order a handle as well. A new wand was ordered and the old sent back. Now we wait again. I asked them if it would be another 5 months and I did receive and apology. (That's something, I guess) I have inquired to customer service on their web site if the "new" wand will fit the present handle as well as how do we get the present wand out of the present handle as there are no directions and the product manual appears to not represent our model. There are a lot of issues concerning getting parts, but the vacuum itself is better than any of the vacuums we've used over the years and it picks up the stuff that even the commercial cleaners leave behind when they come in to shampoo the carpets twice a year. It is definitely a big step above an Oreck in its ease of use and ability clean corners, etc. on the go with the use of the detachable wand.

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Jan 24, 2009
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Submitted by: House Husband Macho in Missouri

Title

Comment
We love this vacuum. With three large long haired dogs this vacuum is indispensible. Okay that was the good. Now the ugly is that the locking nub on the wand broke loose and glue doesn't hold it and we currently have it packing taped onto the wand. Customer service at Euro Pro/Infinity is at best a challenge to deal with over the phone. Like others above the post cards promising replacement parts are back ordered, etc. kept coming and coming. 5 months later and more calls to customer service we finally received a replacement wand that doesn't fit the handle. Needless to say we can't get the old wand out of the handle anyway and it looks like we will have to order a handle as well. A new wand was ordered and the old sent back. Now we wait again. I asked them if it would be another 5 months and I did receive and apology. (That's something, I guess) I have inquired to customer service on their web site if the "new" wand will fit the present handle as well as how do we get the present wand out of the present handle as there are no directions and the product manual appears to not represent our model. There are a lot of issues concerning getting parts, but the vacuum itself is better than any of the vacuums we've used over the years and it picks up the stuff that even the commercial cleaners leave behind when they come in to shampoo the carpets twice a year. It is definitely a big step above an Oreck in its ease of use and ability clean corners, etc. on the go with the use of the detachable wand.

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Sep 18, 2008
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Loss of suction fix!
by: Anonymous

Euro Pro Shark Infinity NV29 ( Same as NV30, NV31)
by Isaac
(Addison, AL)

I bought this vacuum at a local wal-mart and cant be more pleased with the results. The suction is incredible and I could not believe the amount of dirt it picks up from carpets. Although (in my opinion) this is an excellent vacuum, there are some silly design flaws. Many people complain about their infinity vacuum losing suction, but I think I have a solution for that problem. One of the flaws (again in my opinion) is in the cyclones. The dirt that gets trapped in the cyclones isnt very easy to get out. Most people just pour water over the cyclones which makes things worse! I used my infinity vacuum 3 times, once over at my friends house (which isnt very big) once on the area rug we have, and third on my car, none of them very dirty, except for my friends house. I emptied the cycolnes every time I vacuumed and then I "back washed them. I couldnt believe the amount of dirt that came out of them! Now to back wash them, take a garden hose, with some good water pressure behind it and run water up in the ROUND hole, this forces the dirt and junk to be flushed out the opposite way it came in, then it should restore the suction power. Also the manufacturer exagerates about the amount of cleaning and maintenance on the vacuum cleaner, but hey, a lot cheaper that a dyson or other brands.

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Sep 18, 2008
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Comment
Euro Pro Shark Infinity NV29 ( Same as NV30, NV31) by Isaac (Addison, AL) I bought this vacuum at a local wal-mart and cant be more pleased with the results. The suction is incredible and I could not believe the amount of dirt it picks up from carpets. Although (in my opinion) this is an excellent vacuum, there are some silly design flaws. Many people complain about their infinity vacuum losing suction, but I think I have a solution for that problem. One of the flaws (again in my opinion) is in the cyclones. The dirt that gets trapped in the cyclones isnt very easy to get out. Most people just pour water over the cyclones which makes things worse! I used my infinity vacuum 3 times, once over at my friends house (which isnt very big) once on the area rug we have, and third on my car, none of them very dirty, except for my friends house. I emptied the cycolnes every time I vacuumed and then I "back washed them. I couldnt believe the amount of dirt that came out of them! Now to back wash them, take a garden hose, with some good water pressure behind it and run water up in the ROUND hole, this forces the dirt and junk to be flushed out the opposite way it came in, then it should restore the suction power. Also the manufacturer exagerates about the amount of cleaning and maintenance on the vacuum cleaner, but hey, a lot cheaper that a dyson or other brands.

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Aug 27, 2008
Rating

Poor design
by: The UK House husband

This products is one of the better entry levels in the market, but beware, the thought put into the design is poor; this is not a dyson (not that i recommend a dyson, i don't !!!!)

Pro's
1) Good suction for the first 4 months, then requires cleaning almost ever month.

2)Cost is good

3)Dust collection unit is well built and can handles bangs and drops quite well.

4)Power tool for the pet hair responses well and has little suction loss.

5)Light weight

Con's
1) Steering is poor, it feels like the handle will rip from it plastic holder as you navigate around the carpet, this is made worse on any flooring of long pile.(see other reviews for actual damage)

2) Access holes require the use of a screwdriver, and are not exactly well placed.

3) The lifetime filter clogs up within 4 months of use in a household with 2 pets and 2 adults.

4) center of balance is wrong, and the unit will keep falling over when using the hose.Don't use near that expense glass vase.

6)Warning light failed after six months

7) Customer service is non existent.

Overall
Would trade this in for almost any UK 240V vacuum model (a Vax in particular), if they worked over here in North America, but alas the competition over here is poor, and this is one of the better less well made vacuums.

With regards to a Dyson, the quality of the newer models reflects the move from being manufactured in the UK to the 3rd world.

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Aug 27, 2008
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Submitted by: The UK House husband

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Comment
This products is one of the better entry levels in the market, but beware, the thought put into the design is poor; this is not a dyson (not that i recommend a dyson, i don't !!!!) Pro's 1) Good suction for the first 4 months, then requires cleaning almost ever month. 2)Cost is good 3)Dust collection unit is well built and can handles bangs and drops quite well. 4)Power tool for the pet hair responses well and has little suction loss. 5)Light weight Con's 1) Steering is poor, it feels like the handle will rip from it plastic holder as you navigate around the carpet, this is made worse on any flooring of long pile.(see other reviews for actual damage) 2) Access holes require the use of a screwdriver, and are not exactly well placed. 3) The lifetime filter clogs up within 4 months of use in a household with 2 pets and 2 adults. 4) center of balance is wrong, and the unit will keep falling over when using the hose.Don't use near that expense glass vase. 6)Warning light failed after six months 7) Customer service is non existent. Overall Would trade this in for almost any UK 240V vacuum model (a Vax in particular), if they worked over here in North America, but alas the competition over here is poor, and this is one of the better less well made vacuums. With regards to a Dyson, the quality of the newer models reflects the move from being manufactured in the UK to the 3rd world.

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Jul 27, 2008
Rating

Shark Infinity - Just say no
by: Dusty

We bought the Shark Infinity in April 2008 in May the Dust cup bottom broke off at the hinge. We ordered a Dust Cup on May 18 and we still have not been able to get a replacement. The company just keeps sending post cards every three weeks telling us "Due to the large response, the item you've requested is temporarily out of stock. We have ordered new stock to cover all orders. You may expect delivery in 3-4 weeks. We apologize for the delay and inconvenience." Here we are 10 weeks later and we still do not have the part. Seems to me if they have had such a large response maybe this part of the vacuum design is flawed. (Yah think?)
Needless to say we have been forced to buy another vacuum and you can be sure it is NOT a Shark product. We should have guessed by the name of the company that they are just another predator looking for some un-expecting prey to sink their teeth into. We were bit once but NEVER again. Consumers beware of the Shark Bite!

Jul 18, 2008
Rating

two belts broke on me within 3 months of use
by: Anonymous

i see this was not an isolated incident. I thought it was just bad luck that i went through two belts in a week. i see other people have had problems the same. i purchased my infinity nv30 from walmart. it worked great for about 2 months. Until the belt broke on me then i replaced it with the extra belt and it broke on me too. with the first use. i also tried to find a replacement belt and Guess What!!!! Not Available anywhere. if you contact shark they are on backorder for 3 weeks so far. i will be bringing my vacuum cleaner back to walmart and also get a dyson. my first choice, but this was a little cheaper. Get what you pay for, NOT!!Do not buy this vacuum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! beware

Jun 04, 2008
Rating

What's Better?
by: Anonymous

To those who question the quality, which vacuum at or near the price is better? Amongst the vacuums available at the major retailers, this is clearer one of the better ones. As far as having to clean it, that's the nature of bagless vacuums. You trade off better suction and the expense of bags for having to rinse some parts. I did have the belt break but I got a generic replacement at my local vacuum store, which may be better than the one provided by Shark. Another problem solved. If you want something better, be prepared to spend at least 2 or 4 times as much. For its cost, the Shark is a versatile, powerful, and reasonably well built vacuum.

Jun 04, 2008
Rating

Take it back if you can!
by: John

Powerful but poor overall quality and design
After 6 months of light use the handle has broken off (cracked at the hole for the release button) and the wand release no longer locks the wand in the handle.Duct taped both.
The company does not respond to emails, finally I called them about a replacement handle ( the vac was 4 months old)I had to pay for the handle (20 bucks) and after 6 weeks still have not received it.
Requires a monthly teardown and cleaning (washing)to keep the suction strong and the little red light off.
Overall a poor value due to the cost, breakages, and lack of support from the company (but at least my belt did not break)

May 30, 2008
Rating

Good Value, Good Suction
by: Anonymous

I have tons of pet hair with two shedding dogs and the NV31 picked up a tremendous amount. The downside is that the collection capacity of the vacuum was a bit overwhelmed, but the user manual, which I recommend reading, talks about how to deal with this. All in all, I am finding this to be a good vacuum for the price. I also have a Dyson, which is a bit better engineered, but for half the price, I have no complaints with the NV31 so far. Its almost as though it is too powerful for the size dirt cup provided, but again, power is not a bad thing. Compared to the Dyson, it is not quite at that level. Compared to the cheap plastic alternatives at or near its price, its a level above.

May 25, 2008
Rating

clogs all the time
by: Anonymous

i have a shark that is made for pet hair, has all the attchments for pet hair has a puppy on the front and everything problem is the thing wonk pick up anything!! and when it does it clogs right away i used it for maybe the third time it stoped picking up then shut itself off when i looked at the trouble shoting guide turns out this is well known to the company when it clogs it stops running due to overheating and you have to unscrew 4 screws 2 seprate compartments with long small screwdrivers to get to the part marked on the back as access to clogs and fish out all the junk yuck!i have small kids and pets i dont have time to disasemble the vacume every time i use it ths is the worst dont buy one!!

May 09, 2008
Rating

Shark Infinity Buyer Beware
by: Anonymous

Same thing happened to me. The vacuum cleaner shark infinity nv30cn was only one month old when belt broke I bought it at Canadian Tire and they don't carry replacement belts It has been a pain from the start I will never buy shark products again!! Spread the word!