I research for several month before make this purchase and i be very happy with this vacuum . clean exceptionally well and the power paw be great for pick up cat hair . the hepa system actually work because I do not sneeze at all while vacuum and I have chronic allergy . -lrb- it make I realize how poorly my hoover upright work . and it be only 2 1\/2 year old . -rrb- yes , it be a little heavy , but every vacuum that have strong suction be . I guess it be because of the large amp motor . if you have pet , you will not be dissapoint . the only thing I wish it have be a automatic cord rewind . but for the price , I have no problem live without it . my last eureka last I 10 year , and when I finally get rid of it , it be because it be so beat-up , but it still work great . not the case with my 2 1\/2 year old Hoover . this unit be a great deal for the money .