Air-Way of Charlotte, NC here..............
Air-Way makes three models of Air-Ways: The Signature Series which is the EXACT same body style used since the introduction of the model 88 in approx. 1958. Major differences are the addition of a 4th wheel, larger motor, (now 12 amp), clear ring on the swivel dome, longer cord and updated connection of the power nozzle.
The Centurion which is the same as the Signature Series except in black and white, instead of the lavendar/purple resurrected from the 55 for Air-Way's 80th birthday.
The New Century, formerly known as the Sani-Clean, which is the only model that has any resemblance to the Royal Pony. It has only 1 postion as the other two models can sit upright or horizontal. The motor is 11 amps, it has a halo for the cord, the exhaust air diffuser is different and the front comes completely off for bag changing. It is the least expensive.
ALL models use the same wood pulp cellulose bag, (introduced on the first canister model, the 55A, circa. approx. 1940 and soon to be changed to a superior 3M product), HEPA filter, charcoal filter and microbial filter. ALL models have a 25 year warranty on the motor, the only warranty of that duration in the industry. ALL models presently use the "Quiet Drive" power nozzle from Cen-Tec Systems, Inc., with a 4 position height adjuster, quick connect features, ergonomically designed handle with on/off for the power nozzle, head light and crushproof TRUE 6 ft. hose.
I believe the Air-Way product is the superior to all others. I grew with them and still use my Grandmother's Mark II 88 modified to use the current power nozzle. Air-Way has been since 1920 and still is today, recommended by allergists for those suffering from air borne issues. They "invented" the disposable paper bag in 1920 made of wood pulp cellulose and held the patent until 1946.
So, while Kirby, Hoover, Eureka and others, were shaking their dust to the world every week or month, blowing it back in the faces of the shakers, Air-Way was light years ahead keeping it all contained in a sanitary, disposable bag! And Electrolux had the nerve to coin the phrase, "Touch no dirt! Breathe no dirt! See no dirt!" Sorry, you were doing all three until Lux introduced the disposable "wrapper" on the model 60 in 1952. Air-Way already had the bag 32 years before the model 60!
Ask any posters here about their Air-Ways. I have never had negative feedback from one sale in my area. I've never read negative reviews except from those who think the design is too old.
When you want to buy the last vacuum you will ever own, that is hand assembled in the US, you buy an Air-Way.
"Air-Way.......Sanitation To The Nation Since 1920!"
