Ryobi Cordless Pet Stick Vac with Dual Roller Bar

Navigating the world of cordless stick vacuums can be quite the task, especially when you're looking for a model that handles pet hair and allergens with ease. Recently, I had the opportunity to put the Ryobi Cordless Pet Stick Vac with Dual Roller Bar (model PBLSV717B) through its paces, and I'm eager to share my experiences with you.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the first thing that struck me was the lightweight design. Weighing in at just 5 lbs, the Ryobi stick vacuum is easy to maneuver around the house. The build quality, however, left me with mixed feelings. While the vacuum feels sturdy enough for regular use, the plastic components do seem a bit on the flimsy side. There were moments when I felt like I needed to handle it with extra care to avoid any potential breakages.

The vacuum head is equipped with LED lights, which proved to be incredibly useful for cleaning under furniture and in dimly lit corners. The dual roller bar—a combination of a plush roll and a brush roll—works effectively on both hard floors and carpets. This is particularly beneficial for homes with a mix of floor types.

Performance and Suction Power

Performance is where the Ryobi stick vacuum shines. The suction power is robust, rated up to 75 IOW, and it effectively picks up dirt, debris, and pet hair. My two retrievers shed quite a bit, and this vacuum handled their fur with ease. The cyclonic filtration system is another standout feature, capturing up to 99.9% of allergens, which is a boon for anyone with allergies.

One of the features I appreciated most was the ability to switch between full suction and an eco mode. The eco mode is particularly useful for lightweight rugs that might otherwise get sucked up into the vacuum, and it helps extend the battery life as well.

Battery Life and Convenience

Speaking of battery life, the Ryobi stick vacuum offers up to 60 minutes of runtime on a single charge. However, this is highly dependent on the battery you use. The vacuum is compatible with Ryobi's One+ system, which is convenient if you already own other Ryobi tools. I found that a standard 4Ah battery was sufficient for most tasks, but for larger areas, having a 6Ah battery was a game-changer.

One minor gripe I have is the positioning of the ON/OFF switch. It's quite sensitive, and I found myself accidentally turning the vacuum off a few times during use. A more mechanical switch would have been a better choice here.

Maintenance and Usability

Maintenance is straightforward with the Ryobi stick vacuum. The dust cup is easy to empty, and the rollers are simple to remove for cleaning. This is essential for pet owners, as hair can quickly wrap around the rollers. The canister capacity is 0.21 gallons (0.8 liters), which is decent but requires frequent emptying if you're tackling a large cleaning job.

However, I did encounter an issue with the dust cup gasket. It's a small component that can easily fall out during emptying, leading to a significant loss of suction if misplaced. This could be a design flaw that Ryobi needs to address, as it's an inconvenience to have to order a replacement gasket.

Noise Levels

At 73 dB(A), the noise level is on par with other stick vacuums. It's not whisper-quiet, but it's also not excessively loud. My wife found it a bit too noisy and preferred to use it on eco mode, which is quieter but still effective.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi Cordless Pet Stick Vac with Dual Roller Bar is a solid choice for pet owners and those looking for a versatile, cordless solution. It excels in suction power, ease of use, and compatibility with Ryobi's One+ battery system. The LED lights and dual roller bar make it effective on various surfaces, and the cyclonic filtration system is excellent for capturing allergens.

However, there are areas where the vacuum could improve. The build quality of some plastic components feels a bit cheap, and the sensitive ON/OFF switch can be frustrating. The issue with the dust cup gasket is also a notable drawback, as it can severely impact performance if lost.

Would I recommend the Ryobi Cordless Pet Stick Vac? Yes, but with some reservations. If you're already invested in the Ryobi One+ system and need a powerful vacuum for pet hair and allergens, this model is a good fit. Just be prepared for some minor inconveniences and handle it with care to ensure longevity. If you're looking for a vacuum with more robust build quality and fewer quirks, you might want to explore other options.