Filters on my Proaction VC9230 block up regularly. I have 3 dogs so the filters block up every 7 - 10 days which causes the cleaner to lose all suction power. Cleaning the filters is an extremely messy, dusty, smelly and tedious job. When switching the cleaner on after the filters have been cleaned the whole room smells of dust. The rigid hose is quite short which causes you to stoop when using the tools.

Filter cleaning and all the associated problems reminds me of the dust bag vacuums of 20 years ago. I purchased my Proaction vacuum approximately 10 weeks ago, when my 12 year old Dyson finally gave up. I have now purchased another Dyson and will ditch the Proaction.

I bought my vacuum from Argos about 18 months ago. The first time I used it, I was fairly impressed. Compared with my tatty old cylinder hoover, it did a great job. However, it did lack the ability to hoover up to the edges, so i had to keep using the extension pipe to get up to the walls. It cleared my dogs hair admirably, and the three filters were easy to wash out and replace when they got clogged with hair and dust. I don't regret buying it. After a couple of months, because of the excessive use of the hose, the extension tube cracked, and I had to tape it together. Then the upright locking system broke, and the hoover kept falling over when I used the hose. However, with care and attention this hoover has lasted me all this time, and is only now starting to fall apart on me. I have, overall, been pleased with it as it cost less than '£50. I am looking for another hoover now, and am tempted to stay with Proaction, but an updated model with edge to edge cleaning. The old one will do admirably for cleaning the car and the shed out.