Ryobi Cordless Pet Stick Vac Kit with Dual Roller Bar

The Ryobi Cordless Pet Stick Vac Kit with Dual Roller Bar, model PBLSV717K, has been an interesting experience for me, both in terms of its performance and some peculiarities. This cordless stick vacuum is designed for versatility, boasting features like a dual roller bar, a brushless motor, and a cyclonic filter. Here's my comprehensive take on it.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things that struck me was the build quality. The vacuum feels robust and well-made, which is consistent with Ryobi's reputation. The dual roller bar, which includes a plush roll and a brush roll, is particularly effective for different surface types. The LED lights on the floor roller are a nice touch, illuminating the cleaning path and making it easier to spot dirt. However, the vacuum is on the heavier side, especially with the 4Ah battery attached. This weight can be a bit cumbersome during extended cleaning sessions, but it also adds to the vacuum’s sturdy feel.

Performance and Suction Power

Performance-wise, this Ryobi vacuum doesn't disappoint. The brushless motor provides impressive suction power, up to 75 IOW, making it quite effective at picking up pet hair, crumbs, and other debris. The dual roller system works exceptionally well on both hard floors and carpets. I have a mix of hardwood and carpeted areas at home, and this vacuum handled both with ease. The cyclonic filtration system does a commendable job of capturing dust and allergens, which is a significant plus for households with allergy sufferers.

Battery Life and Charging

The vacuum comes with an 18V, 4Ah battery that offers up to 60 minutes of runtime. In my experience, this holds true for lighter cleaning tasks. For more intensive cleaning sessions, especially on carpet, I found that the battery life was closer to 30-40 minutes. The good news is that the battery is swappable, and if you already own other Ryobi tools, you can use those batteries as well. The vacuum also includes a fast charger, which is a lifesaver when you need to get back to cleaning quickly.

Usability and Ergonomics

Using the vacuum is generally straightforward. The maneuverability is excellent, thanks to the swivel head, and the vacuum’s turning radius is impressive. However, the placement of the power button is not ideal. I found myself accidentally turning the vacuum on and off multiple times during use. The weight distribution also makes the vacuum feel a bit unbalanced, especially when using it for extended periods or when holding it at different angles.

Dust Bin and Maintenance

The dust bin has a capacity of 0.21 gallons (0.8 liters), which is relatively small. This means frequent emptying, especially if you have a larger space or a lot of pet hair to deal with. Emptying the bin is easy, thanks to the push-button mechanism. However, some debris tends to stick inside, requiring a bit of manual intervention to fully clean it out. The cyclonic filter is easy to access and clean, which is a plus.

Noise Level

The noise level is another aspect worth mentioning. At 73 dB(A), it’s not the quietest vacuum out there, but it’s also not excessively loud. The noise is more of a low hum rather than a high-pitched whine, which makes it less annoying during extended use.

Attachments and Extras

The vacuum comes with a variety of attachments, including tools for cleaning draperies, furniture, and tight spaces. These add-ons are quite useful and add to the vacuum’s versatility. The fact that it can stand upright on its own is a minor but appreciated feature, making it easier to store and less likely to tip over.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Dual Roller Bar: Excellent for different surfaces.
• Brushless Motor: Provides strong suction.
• Cyclonic Filtration: Effective at capturing dust and allergens.
• LED Lights: Helps in spotting dirt.
• Swappable Battery: Extends cleaning time if you have extra batteries.
• Versatile Attachments: Useful for various cleaning tasks.

Cons:

• Weight: A bit heavy, especially with the 4Ah battery.
• Small Dust Bin: Requires frequent emptying.
• Power Button Placement: Easy to accidentally turn on/off.
• Noise Level: Not the quietest vacuum.
• Ergonomics: Handle could be more comfortable.

Final Verdict

After using the Ryobi Cordless Pet Stick Vac Kit with Dual Roller Bar for a substantial period, I can say that it’s a solid option for those who need a versatile and powerful vacuum, particularly for homes with pets. The build quality, strong suction, and useful attachments make it a compelling choice. However, its weight and some design quirks might be a dealbreaker for some.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, but with reservations. If you already own other Ryobi tools and batteries, this vacuum becomes an even more attractive option due to the swappable battery feature. Its performance on both hard floors and carpets is commendable, and the cyclonic filtration system is a significant plus. However, if you prioritize a lightweight and ultra-ergonomic design, you might want to explore other options.

In summary, the Ryobi Cordless Pet Stick Vac Kit with Dual Roller Bar is a robust and effective vacuum that excels in many areas but has a few drawbacks that potential buyers should consider.