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Original poster

Shark from Argos

50 replies

TheRussianDoll · 22/03/2022 17:27

My old Bosch vacuum died. Have splashed out on a Shark. Read the great reviews and couldn’t wait to try it.

I have very a hairy dog (golden retriever) and find that the anti wrap hair feature isn’t up to the job. It also isn’t great on wooden floors. These things, I can let go, just about. The BIG problem is that it’s a cordless stick and really top heavy. Battery and collection bin is at the top of the stick so, you can’t stand it up, you’ve to prop it against something if you need to stop for any reason or lay it on the ground. The WORST aspect is the weight. As I say, all at the top. I’ve used it twice and shoved it back in its box so that I can put it away and just not think about it. The ache in your arm when using it, is horrendous. I have an old elbow injury; despite a lot of physio, it’s as healed as it’s ever going to be. I’m 60 so, not old and frail by any stretch but I cannot use it. The stick is really long so, to pull it “back” as it were, you’ve to lift elbow and shoulder quite high. I’m 5ft 5”. God knows how anyone shorter would manage.

Today, I bought a Vax. As I say, my old one died and I have to have something. Vax is Light. Easy to manoeuvre, half the price and stands upright.

What on earth do I do with the Shark? Can I take it back? Not really, I suppose. Thing is, you have to try it to know what’s what but nothing could’ve prepared me for the difficulty in using it.

OP posts:
LadyAddle · 22/03/2022 17:44

I'm sorry I can't help, but you may have saved me - Which Online really rates Sharks, and I was on the verge of ordering one. Back to the reviews to look at Vax now; I need a light vacuum because of shoulder problems, and I'm shorter than you. Could you sell your Shark on Gumtree?

Feeellostindirection · 22/03/2022 18:36

Op I got a shark cordless and found the anti hair wrap feature absolutely useless, plus was rubbish on hard floors and top heavy as you've said. I took it back to Argos for refund on the basis that it didn't live up to what it is meant to with stopping hair clogging up, I'd had it 2 days. I contacted customer services first and had them give me a return number. You could try this?

addler · 22/03/2022 18:45

Surprisingly we have a new shark to replace our old one, on the old one the anti hair wrap was rubbish but on the new one it's amazing. I've got very long hair that was constantly getting trapped in the old hoover and I haven't once had to pull hair out of the bottom anymore.

Original poster
TheRussianDoll · 22/03/2022 20:11

@Feeellostindirection… thank you for that info. DH has tried it this evening. He agreed, it’s not really a great design and said I’d look like Popeye with huge biceps if I keep using it. He had a go at the curtains with an attachment t and when I took it from him, I couldn’t hold it at that angle with one hand.

I will contact customer services. See if they can help. I don’t want a refund just something I can physically use. My little Vax is great but I do find I go through vacuums quite quickly, thanks to this…

Shark from Argos
OP posts:
Original poster
TheRussianDoll · 22/03/2022 20:15

@addler, I’m not bothered about the hair. I’ve got long hair too so, what with the cat as well, a bit of hair wrap is inevitable.

After trying it again to do the curtain, I’d be amazed if they’ve not heard this complaint before. When he stopped, DH stood it up and the bloody thing clattered to the floor. I’d forgotten to tell him to lean it on something.

OP posts:
Titsywoo · 22/03/2022 20:19

I hate my Shark hoover. I got it to replace my Miele Cat and Dog which was amazing. Wish I had got another Miele now. Fell for the Amazon reviews.

Ownedbymycats · 22/03/2022 20:22

The accessories on the Shark hoover are very poor.The bearings have gone in mine and it absolutely roars.

Original poster
TheRussianDoll · 22/03/2022 20:25

I read all the fantastic reviews too.

I ought to have read more widely. I’ve now seen some where people say it’s u wields to use and heavy to operate. Great 🙄😐

OP posts:
MrsBungle · 22/03/2022 20:28

The shark is absolutely shit. I so regret buying it. It clogs continuously with anything bigger than about 5mm.

helloisitmeyourelookingfor · 22/03/2022 20:28

I took mine back as faulty because the hair wrap was wrapped in hair!

I wouldn't have another if you gave it to me

Original poster
TheRussianDoll · 22/03/2022 20:56

I’m sorry I didn’t stick with Bosch but have to say, the Vax is better at picking up than Bosch and Shark. My girl brings in little pods from the fields and they were still crunching underfoot until I got the Vax out!

How can Shark have such an amazing reputation when the performance is lacking. Or maybe, you have to buy one at £500 rather than £300.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheRussianDoll · 23/03/2022 09:29

@Feeellostindirection, May I ask, did write to Argos or email? Or, I see there’s a Live Chat thing too.

Thank you.

OP posts:
girlmom21 · 23/03/2022 09:32

Their live chat is good.

I agree with saying it's not fit for purpose/is falsely advertised.

Magnalux · 23/03/2022 09:36

i had a shark for years and spent most of my time stopping to unclog it.. I got a Dyson last year and have never unclogged it once!

Original poster
TheRussianDoll · 23/03/2022 09:44

@Magnalux…Interesting, about the Dyson. DH would have a fit if I got a Dyson after JD voted Brexit then took all production to Singapore for cheap manufacture. Me? I just want something which does what it says.

I’ll try the Live Chat. It really is poor quality. Tried it downstairs again this morning and will need to sweep over the utility with the Vax as it’s completely missed the “pods” and little stones my golden girl brought home from her early morning walk 🙄 Waste of £300!

OP posts:
AHungryCaterpillar · 23/03/2022 09:46

When did you buy it? I bought a dyson and after a few months the handle snapped off, Argos would not let me have a refund only a new one.

MoiraNotRuby · 23/03/2022 09:51

Just take it back to the shop and explain it is faulty and you need a refund.

Feeellostindirection · 23/03/2022 10:31

@TheRussianDoll I called shark customer services on the phone and explained what was happening, they gave me some advice to unclog the hair which didn't resolve the problem, so they gave me a unique return code to take into an argos branch. So I'd give shark a call if you have a vacuum you want to return

Everydaydayisaschoolday · 23/03/2022 10:39

I have a shark, a Miele a Sebo and a Robovac. The Shark is my favourite for speed and manoeuvrability. I don't have any problems with it and I'm only 5ft 1in.

Joystir59 · 23/03/2022 10:40

My shark us great but is isn't cordless. It is heavy though

CareBear50 · 23/03/2022 13:59

I love my shark. Its a corded one though
Abhor my Dyson cordless. Load of rubbish with no suction

Branleuse · 23/03/2022 14:01

I have a corded shark i researched and researched. Its a pile of crap. Its in my garage and i am going to sell it. Maybe theres a knack to it

Fedupbuyer · 23/03/2022 14:14

The first shark we bought was absolutely brilliant,the second one which is an anti hair wrap one is useless!!

MuppetsRus · 23/03/2022 14:19

We have a Labrador (so a lot of dog hair) and the corded Shark was useless. Replaced it with a cordless Dyson animal model that is SO much better at picking up the dog hair.

Teeturtle · 23/03/2022 14:24

I got a shark about two years ago. I was constantly reading how good they are, particularly compared to a Dyson which I had been using for many years.

Well you are right OP. Not being able to stand it up is very annoying. I find the battery life quite good, I couldn’t quite finish the whole house on my cordless Dyson, well I technically could with this, but it is so heavy I am usually too tired to and need a rest anyway!

And it is definitely not anti wrap!