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General => Detailing => Topic started by: Booth11 on 17 January 2016, 18:03
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Had a good chance to fully put my new Metro Vac n Blo through its paces now so thought I’d just post a little review of it up. Well there’s nothing on the telly!
The machine is a Metro Vac Vac n Blo, a dual powered combined vacuum and air dryer. It has 4.0 Peak Horse Power, so pretty powerful and more than enough for all car detailing requirements. The body of the machine is of steel construction.
Vac n Blo
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1585/23804788694_daba38a2af_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CgxLkh)
Being a combined dryer/vacuum, initially I was a little concerned about the risk of dust particles from the vacuum function blowing back out onto the car when switching to using the dryer function. However when the machine arrived, and after close inspection, it came clear that the two functions are completely separate. One end of the machine is the vacuum and the other is the dryer. Each has its own dedicated concertina hose and nozzles. In addition when using the dryer you also unclip the dust bag and filter and set aside then clip back on after you’re finished (a matter of seconds to do). So there is no risk of cross contamination at all.
Fears allayed, I'll move onto the machine itself. Of steel construction, it's surprisingly lightweight and has a detachable webbing strap which is really useful for moving it around the car. It has very small legs but no wheels so carrying it from A to B is more convenient. The cable is reasonably long at 12 feet but an extension lead is still required.
The Vac n Blo comes with 2 6ft concertina hoses, 2 x standard extension tubes, a drying nozzle, a set of standard size hoover tools. It also comes with a set of mini tools, including mini hose and both straight and angled extension tubes. There's also an attachment for inflating airbeds etc, and a mounting bracket for attaching the machine to a garage wall. It is supplied with only 1 dust bag but these can be purchased in packs of 5 separately.
Tools
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1609/24433033265_5953de8df8_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/De4Fye)
Normal tools - crevice, brush and carpet tools
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1688/24432969025_5d53b6e944_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/De4msD)
Mini tools - mini hose, crevice, 2 x brush, mini straight and angled extension tubes
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1681/23804832514_17169719b5_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CgxZmN)
The dryer function.
Last week after washing the car, out came the Vac n Blo with the dedicated hose and tapered tube dryer nozzle attached. I was initially just going to use it to dry off the main water traps on the car - wing mirrors, fuel cap, boot lid door sills, badges etc plus the wheels. However once I was in full swing I just carried out and dried off most of the car, using microfibre towels to blot what little water remaining. The dryer power is impressive. It’s more powerful than it’s excellent little brother, the Sidekick (which I have now sold), but works in exactly the same way. Having used a Sidekick for the best part of a year, I'm familiar with the best method of using the blower - blowing the droplets the right way to avoid wetting areas of the car that are already dry. So after a quick blast around the car with it, all nice and dry! (sorry no pics of it in action)
Dryer attachment
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1702/24332923662_fa21ef3ec1_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/D5dAsA)
All dried off
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1632/24414219016_feca066561_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DcpfJC)
The vacuum function
Today I found time to give the inside a good clean. I confess the interior has not had a full clean for at least a month and was in dire need. A great opportunity to try the vacuum function and all the various tools.
I used the standard size tools to hoover dust and other debris from the inside -using the brush and crevice attachments to free the leather seats of embedded grime down the cracks, then moving onto the footwells, utilising the crevice and carpet tools in the footwells etc. The suction in phenomenal! The floor tool is especially effective and sucks up everything in it’s path with ease. It made short work of dry mud, hair leaves and other general crud brought in off winter shoes.
Next up were the mini tools. These are brilliant. There are 2 different brush attachments and a crevice tool, and all are the perfect size for a multitude of dust zapping jobs, especially for the many little narrow recesses around the cabin, and, when used with the mini hose and extension tubes, are the business for reaching right down the sides of the front seats to rid them of any detritus.
The suction of the vacuum is outstanding. Fortunately there is the ability to reduce the suction by means of an air inlet located on the neck of each hose. This is essential as in some cases the suction needs knocking back. If I have one criticism it’s that the suction is so powerful that unless turned down the floor attachment welds itself to the carpet too well and is pulled off the end of the concertina hose. But a slight adjustment to the suction remedies this.
Tools in action
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1667/24142203530_f5b7b30632_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CMn71s)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1674/23809614804_949e55decd_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CgYuY5)
Mini tools
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1455/23811034673_9f9d4a8fe1_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ch6M3z)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1691/24329553262_0282ed306b_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/D4Vjyf)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1462/23811276093_6245d01369_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ch81NZ)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1568/24411856686_a83e6ca840_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Dcc9uN)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1549/23809613484_56a1ff5163_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CgYuzj)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1497/24355379231_48c120268f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/D7cFHz)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1686/24411622216_2e47ac6f15_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DcaWNd)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1505/24142223080_8d181e3460_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CMncPw)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1687/24437843605_eea59e941d_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Deukv8)
All done
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1650/23809608844_003d8a0726_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CgYtcj)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1595/23809610354_bebc8948e5_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CgYtDm)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1504/23811004673_6eb52bec96_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ch6C8k)r
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1718/24355359801_e729f81c91_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/D7czWz)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1493/24329519032_08bfc62448_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/D4V9o5)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1565/24411590416_fe7e46d88d_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DcaMkW)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1546/24070472109_6a6b48be6c_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CF2sKP)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1465/24411608776_d320d13f97_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DcaSNu)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1537/23811023403_e785a29189_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ch6HGg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1513/23811588633_10e6a838a5_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ch9BHB)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1674/23809606894_a2be3977a0_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CgYsBG)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1562/23810174334_39e5804de7_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ch2ni9)
I can’t praise this machine enough. Though it’s quite an expensive item, at just shy of £200, I think it will prove to be a very worthwhile investment for me and anyone who likes to keep a clean and tidy car.
Thanks for reading (if you haven't already fallen asleep! :laugh:).
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Stop making me jealous Bec!!! Of both the R and the Vac and Blo!!
Another fantastic review, looks like a great product and I wish I had the expendable cash to have one myself!!!
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Some of those attachments are mint!
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Stop making me jealous Bec!!! Of both the R and the Vac and Blo!!
Another fantastic review, looks like a great product and I wish I had the expendable cash to have one myself!!!
Haha, sorry Dan. :laugh:
It's a brilliant piece of kit. Up till this arrived, I've been using a combination of our household Dyson Animal (great for houses, unwieldy for car use) and a cordless handheld Dyson (rubbish). The Vac n Blo knocks spots off the big Dyson. The suction is on another level and it cleans the interior and footwell carpet so much more efficiently and in half the time of the Dyson. And you don't have have to vigorously rub away at ingrained dirt so much less chance of the carpet getting 'fluffed' up. And then there's the blower/dryer, which is fantastic for, not just water traps, but the whole car which means even less contact with the paintwork. Double the fun!!!
I'd been thinking about getting one of these for 2 years and I now I wish just bought it back then and not spent all that time missing out on it's merits. :roll eyes: If you are OCD about your car, this is the machine for you. :afro:
Do you like the new R mats? Got them this week - custom spec and logo as impossible to find pre-logo'd ones. Think they finish off the footwell nicely what with the change to blue LEDs too.
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Some of those attachments are mint!
I love the mini tools Neil, they work a treat and there will be no excuse for stray dirt/dust now. :laugh:
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Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
(Excellent review madamoiselle, fantastic detailed pics and those attachments just blew me away! *excuse pun* that's a quality bit of kit for the certifiable amongst us, I'm genuinely impressed. Now to read it all again... )
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
:laugh: :kiss:
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Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
(Excellent review madamoiselle, fantastic detailed pics and those attachments just blew me away! *excuse pun* that's a quality bit of kit for the certifiable amongst us, I'm genuinely impressed. Now to read it all again... )
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
:laugh: :kiss:
I used to like you. :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :kiss:
I'm off to my padded cell now for a nap! :grin:
Hope you're not working a night shift tonight, cos you're never gonna stay awake after reading my bedtime story. :laugh:
:kiss: :kiss: :kiss:
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Great detail to your reviews Booth.
It sounds excellent.
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Great detail to your reviews Booth.
It sounds excellent.
It is a great piece of kit.
Probably too much detail, but if anyone was thinking of shelling out £££'s for one, it helps to know all the ins and outs of it before you decide. :smiley:
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Good write up, although I know have product envy having just bought the sidekick............. Hmmmmm, damn my OCD
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Great detail to your reviews Booth.
It sounds excellent.
It is a great piece of kit.
Probably too much detail, but if anyone was thinking of shelling out £££'s for one, it helps to know all the ins and outs of it before you decide. :smiley:
You can never have enough detail or pictures in a review.
Excellent work!
Now what to buy, vac or Nilfisk P150.2-10 X-tra pressure washer?
Decisions decisions......
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Good write up, although I know have product envy having just bought the sidekick............. Hmmmmm, damn my OCD
Sidekick is a great bit of kit. You could always get the little brother Metrovac Vav n go which is just a hoover.
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Great detail to your reviews Booth.
It sounds excellent.
It is a great piece of kit.
Probably too much detail, but if anyone was thinking of shelling out £££'s for one, it helps to know all the ins and outs of it before you decide. :smiley:
You can never have enough detail or pictures in a review.
Excellent work!
Now what to buy, vac or Nilfisk P150.2-10 X-tra pressure washer?
Decisions decisions......
Hmm, that's a tough choice!
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Could always get both but I've not stopped spending recently.
I suppose the pressure washer has a few more uses round the garden so it might get the nod.
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Could always get both but I've not stopped spending recently.
I suppose the pressure washer has a few more uses round the garden so it might get the nod.
Yes, I know that feeling, the bank account could use a rest........doubt it'll be a long one though, lol.
Get both! You know you want to ;-)
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Well I took the plunge and ordered this https://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product.asp?ID=5646
It arrived yesterday in excellent condition, not a mark on the box.
Decided to try it out on my van as my GTI is not yet here :cry:
Connected everything up and as I attempted to plug it in I noticed the sturdy moulded plug had one severly bent prong, so bent it was not even close to going in the socket.
Contacted their customer support at 3.30 today and am still waiting for a reply.
Not happy :angry:
PS
Should have bought the vac instead Rebecca.
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Well I took the plunge and ordered this https://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product.asp?ID=5646
It arrived yesterday in excellent condition, not a mark on the box.
Decided to try it out on my van as my GTI is not yet here :cry:
Connected everything up and as I attempted to plug it in I noticed the sturdy moulded plug had one severly bent prong, so bent it was not even close to going in the socket.
Contacted their customer support at 3.30 today and am still waiting for a reply.
Not happy :angry:
PS
Should have bought the vac instead Rebecca.
Kalimon, you should've bought the vac instead. :tongue:
Sorry to hear your Nilfisk woes, hope they sort it out soon.
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My thinking was that I can make use of the Nilfisk while I wait for delivery of my car where as the vac is strictly for car use.
By the time they take my faulty machine away and send me a replacement, the car will probably be here!
I shouldn't have over thought it :laugh:
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My thinking was that I can make use of the Nilfisk while I wait for delivery of my car where as the vac is strictly for car use.
By the time they take my faulty machine away and send me a replacement, the car will probably be here!
I shouldn't have over thought it :laugh:
:grin:
You need to console yourself with a new vac. :laugh:
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Just ordered a trolley jack to cheer myself up :smiley:
The list of purchase grows ever longer....
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My Metro vac & blo arrived this morning. £75 of ebay and was just missing the mini tools.
Paid £7.99 for a set of generic mini tools of ebay and they also arrived this morning.
I couldn't be happier, a proper bargain!
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Tried out the vac this morning. Holy sh!t, how powerful is the blower!!?
Thought it might strip the paint for a second :smiley: