Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I decided to do an unofficial test between this DeWalt 6.5hp vac and the VacMaster 6.5 hp vac. Both are brand new. Both are about the same price, size and weight-the DeWalt seems a bit heavier. The VacMaster has a Stainless Steel tank; The DeWalt had a hard plastic take. Neither will rust. The DeWalt's hose felt better-better quality. The DeWalt's filter is almost 1" longer-both are the same width. The DeWalt's hose snaps into place. The VacMaster's hose pushes in and then turns to lock. The DeWalt has a soft rubber "thingee" to secure the hose. Both vacs has cord storage-DeWalt has a large handle on top of the machine, VacMaster has two cord clips-one on each handle. Both rear wheels are about 8" in diameter. The DeWalt is an enclosed style and the VacMaster is an open style. Both were easy to negotiate over my newly demoed room. NOW FOR THE BIG ISSUE-WHICH VAC SUCKS THE MOST: I used a professional HVAC air indicator instrument. I could not gage FPM at the opening of the vacs or hose as it was too powerful, so I devised a simple jig that keep that instrument away by about 4 ". At the opening in the vacs the DeWalt was 360-375 FPM. At the end of the DeWalt hose it was 390-405 FPM The VacMaster at the opening in the stainless steel was 450 FPM, but it dropped to 350 at the end of the hose. I'm just spit balling here, but perhaps the DeWalt hose is smoother inside than the VacMaster. I've owned about one dozen Sears and Ridged shop vacs, many with 6.5hp ratings (for all that does you). In my opinion, either of these vacuums will suck the fur right off your cats--well maybe not. I decided to keep the DeWalt as I could see the nice SS tank of the VacMaster slowly getting all dented up over time. I also felt the DeWalt hose was more substantial and it was slightly easier to steer around. Also, The VacMaster was noticeably louder and had a squeal.