My Parents where always Kirby people, we had about 4 different modles when I was growing up.  great at cleaning? Yes.  Heavy?  I think I was in my 20's when I weighed as much as that vacuum. 

When they got the Rainbow a few years back my sister and I tried it out, WOW!!!!!!!!!!  She got hers first. Since then I have bought 6 vacuums that are horrable!  I was worried about making the investment on a canaster vac.  I have a 5 story home so therfore ALOT of stairs. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!! The hose is way long enough, the stair attachment is amazing.  I have 2 cats and a dog.  No more hair. ...