I am pretty much death on vacuums. Or, maybe its my household filled with rambunctious kids and pets (dogs and cats). Because of this, I am cursed with frequent vacuuming and it is a chore that while therapeutic at times - I have come to resent. My main "big guns" cyclonic vacuum does a good job on my carpetted floors but is less than ideal for the hard floor surfaces and is death on stairs. I was on the search for something lightweight, good for hard surfaces, cordless and portable. All searches led me to this Shark VX63 model stick vac.


About the Euro-Pro Shark VX63 Cordless Stick Vacuum
There are a lot of different Shark models out there ranging from steam mop cleaners to floor sweepers. This particular model is a 2-in-1 stick vacuum that converts to a handheld with a crevice tool. In a futuristic purple/grey color scheme with telescoping circular handle and swivel base. The dimensions are approximately 49"X11"X5" and it weighs just 6 pounds. With 2 power levels, this cordless vacuum is powered by a rechargeable battery (included with a charger). The MSRP is $99 but you can find this at places like Target for just $69!

My Experience
The Shark VX63 comes disassembled and requires you to attach the handle, vacuum head, and insert the dirt cup. It clicks together pretty intuitively and in no time. This is good because you will need to take it apart and put it back together many times if you plan on using it both as a handheld vac and a stick vac. Also, since the dirt cup is pretty small it fills quickly so you will need to empty and re-insert it often.

In addition, you need to charge up the battery for 24 hours prior to initial use.  The battery clicks into a charger which plugs into the wall and has a red-light indicator to indicate that it is charging.  When charging is completed you click the battery into the base of the Shark vacuum and then you are ready to go. Future charging is completed in just a few hours and you will know when your Shark needs to be re-charged as it will stop working/lack power.  I have heard you should let it fully discharge between charges so as not to damage the battery from too much charging. This is more inconvenient then just charging it in between use, which is tempting to do so that it is "ready to go" for next time.

There are 2 power levels on this Shark - Hi and Low. Both levels are accompanies by a deafening loud and high pitched volume level that lets everyone in your neighborhood know that you are vacuuming. My shih-tzu runs from the room making a keening sound and hides. The cats take cover wherever they can find it. My son (who has autism) and who has been afraid of vacuums since about the age of 3 cries and my 4 year old daughter covers her ears and complains that I am "ruining her show" on TV. Noise Level is definitely a concern for this one, as I use this I wish I had on ear muffs or put in ear plugs. I cannot believe how much sound this lightweight vac puts out.

The upside of all that noise is that this little vacuum has suction like like you wouldn't believe! With the pets in this house (one dog happens to be a lab mix and massive shedder) it fills up the dirt cup rather rapidly. Really, it is disgusting to see. Also, I've run it after my cyclonic vac that supposedly "got my floor clean" and was appalled to see the dirt cup fill even more. Because the dirt cup is small, you will find yourself emptying it frequently. This is supposed to be for low pile and hard floors but I have used it also on a medium pile carpet with very good results. 

Where this Shark really performs well is for stairs. There is no cord to trip on - big advantage. Also, with my other vac I am never sure to put it at the bottom, top or landing and either it falls, I fall, or it comes unplugged. So, this cordless lightweight Shark is perfect for steps. I have used it in Stick vac mode or converted it to handheld with the crevice tool. I love that I can clean my wood stairs, the tile landing and the pergo hallways in just a few minutes. Basically what used to be a real inconvenient bothersome chore has been made quick work.

The massive suction and convenience of this odd-looking vacuum win out for me over the fact that the noise level is obnoxious. If it weren't so loud I would give this vacuum 5 stars, but I have to knock it down a bit because I am sure prolonged use of this vacuum will lead to hearing loss! 

That being said, if you need a lightweight vac that has power and does the the job of a stick vac or a handheld this is a great choice. It is definitely my pick for hard flooring and stairs.

Other vacuums I've used and/or killed:
Bissell Little Green Machine
Hoover Fusion Bagless Cyclonic
General Electric 106766 Bagged Canister Vac
Hoover WindTunnel Bagless Upright
Dirt Devil Kone Handheld

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 69