If you’re in the market for a good back pack vacuum cleaner you’d do well to road test the Numatic Ruc-Sac. Compact, convenient and comfortable – but how does it stack up against other models?
First up, it made a great first impression with its quick and uncomplicated set up: there were minimal parts to coordinate and the choice of nozzle length was made simple with three lengths of tubing to choose from. In contrast to the multiple nozzle heads that come with other models (most of which never see use anyway) the Numatic comes with one standard head and one handy all-purpose brush for smaller spaces.
After strapping it on I was pleasantly surprised to realise how comfortable it was to wear and maneouvre while using – as the name suggests, it was just like wearing a back pack. I had to fiddle with the arm straps a bit at first to get the fit right, but the wide velcro waist belt attached easily, in a snug and secure fashion. The Numatic offers two nifty start button options – one on the vacuum at the side and another via a handy remote control (this option is great for less flexible types).
The Burning Issue: Bags or Bagless?
The “bag versus bagless” debate will always rage, and both have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the question of which to choose comes down to personal preference, and needs to be weighed up with the benefits of each individual machine. The Numatic Ruc-Sac comes with a bag, which makes it less messy when it comes to emptying waste. If allergies are an issue, bag vacuums like the Numatic are ideal - another benefit is there are no pesky filters to clean. The downside is that you need to be organised enough to have extra bags on hand.
The Nitty Gritty: Stats and Specifications
So how does it compare with leading brands? The Numatic has an 1100 watt motor compared to the 1300 watt motor used in other vacuum cleaners, but you would never know the difference. The airflow through the motor is 48 litres per second compared with 39 litres per second - this is where the “oomph” comes from. It has a sightly larger drum capacity at 6 litres and has a 31.4 metre cleaning range (compared with the 18 metre range of other models). The hand control is also a unique point of difference in this market. All in all, the Numatic does everything it promises and then some.
In Summary: The Verdict
Pros: Ergonomic design makes it very comfortable to wear. Easy to access tight, awkward spaces without damage to walls or furniture. Unique hand control.
Cons: Harness straps were a bit hard to adjust at first. Cannot be used in wet environments. Weighs slightly more than similar models.
