The Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 is a premium upright vacuum cleaner designed to deliver powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. Aimed at homeowners with both hardwood floors and carpets, its DuoClean brushroll system promises to tackle all types of messes with ease. It sits in Shark’s high-end Apex line, competing with other premium vacuums that offer a combination of strong performance and advanced features.
The Apex AX950 aims to be a one-stop cleaning solution, offering a blend of powerful suction, advanced brushroll technology, and convenient features like a lift-away pod for tackling stairs and upholstery. But does it live up to its premium price tag? We put it through rigorous testing to find out how it performs in real-world scenarios, comparing it against competitors and evaluating its value for money.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 excels at cleaning both hard floors and carpets, thanks to its DuoClean technology.
- Its powerful suction effectively removes embedded dirt and pet hair, leaving surfaces thoroughly clean.
- The lift-away feature enhances its versatility, allowing for easy cleaning of stairs, furniture, and tight spaces.
- While it’s a bit heavier than some competitors, its maneuverability and ease of use are commendable.
- The vacuum’s advanced filtration system is effective at trapping allergens and dust, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.
Verdict: 8.5/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | AX950 |
| Vacuum Type | Upright |
| Technology | DuoClean, Zero-M |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.9 quarts |
| Weight | 16 lbs |
| Cord Length | 30 feet |
| Filtration | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, HEPA filter |
| Attachments | Upholstery Tool, Crevice Tool, Pet Power Brush |
| Cleaning Path Width | 11.5 inches |
| Amperage | 11.5 amps |
| Dimensions | 13.39″ L x 9.45″ W x 46.46″ H |
| Warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
| Noise Level | Approximately 78 dB |
| Special Features | Lift-Away, LED Headlights, Fingertip Controls, Brushroll Access |
Price and Availability
The Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 typically retails between $350 and $450. It’s widely available at major retailers such as:
- Amazon: Often offers competitive pricing and deals.
- Best Buy: Provides in-store and online purchasing options.
- Walmart: May offer exclusive bundles or discounts.
- SharkClean.com: The official Shark website is a reliable source for purchasing and finding the latest promotions.
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, where you might find significant discounts on the Shark AX950. Bundles that include extra attachments or extended warranties are also occasionally available.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 features a robust and modern design, constructed with durable plastics and metal components. The vacuum feels solid and well-built, instilling confidence in its longevity. Its color scheme, typically a combination of gray and bronze accents, gives it a premium appearance.
Compared to previous Shark models, the AX950 has a more refined aesthetic with smoother lines and a more integrated design. The lift-away pod is seamlessly incorporated into the main body, allowing for easy transformation between upright and handheld modes. However, at 16 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than some competitors like the Dyson V8 or Bissell CleanView, which can impact maneuverability for some users.
The controls are intuitively placed on the handle, allowing for easy adjustments to suction and brushroll settings. The LED headlights on the nozzle are a practical addition, illuminating dark areas and making it easier to spot hidden dirt and debris. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, minimizing mess and maximizing convenience.
Performance and Features
The Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 is packed with features designed to enhance its cleaning performance. Its standout technology is the DuoClean system, which uses two brushrolls working in tandem to tackle different types of surfaces.
DuoClean Technology
The DuoClean system features a soft brushroll in the front that gently polishes hard floors while picking up fine dust and debris. Behind it, a bristle brushroll agitates carpet fibers to dislodge embedded dirt and pet hair. This combination ensures effective cleaning on both hard floors and carpets without the need to switch brushroll heads.
In testing, the DuoClean system performed exceptionally well on hardwood floors, leaving them clean and polished without scratching. On carpets, it effectively removed embedded dirt, pet hair, and debris, outperforming many other vacuums in its class.
Zero-M Technology
The Shark AX950 also features Zero-M technology, designed to prevent hair wrap around the brushroll. This is a significant advantage for pet owners or anyone with long hair, as it eliminates the need to manually cut and remove tangled hair from the brushroll.
During testing, the Zero-M technology proved highly effective. Even after vacuuming areas with significant pet hair, the brushroll remained free of tangles, ensuring consistent cleaning performance.
Lift-Away Feature
The Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the main body of the vacuum from the wand and nozzle, transforming it into a portable handheld vacuum. This is particularly useful for cleaning stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas.
The lift-away pod is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for quick cleanups and spot cleaning. The included attachments, such as the upholstery tool and crevice tool, further enhance its versatility.
Suction Power
The Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 boasts powerful suction, capable of lifting embedded dirt and debris from deep within carpets. Its suction control feature allows you to adjust the suction level depending on the surface you’re cleaning, preventing delicate rugs from being pulled up.
In our tests, the AX950 consistently delivered strong suction, effectively removing dirt, dust, and pet hair from a variety of surfaces. It outperformed many other vacuums in its ability to lift embedded debris from high-pile carpets.
Battery Life
Since the Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 is a corded vacuum, battery life is not applicable. The 30-foot cord provides ample reach for cleaning large rooms without needing to switch outlets.
Software and User Experience
The Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 doesn’t rely on complex software or apps. Its user experience is straightforward and intuitive, thanks to its well-designed controls and features.
The fingertip controls on the handle allow for easy adjustment of suction and brushroll settings, while the LED headlights illuminate dark areas for thorough cleaning. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, minimizing mess and maximizing convenience.
Overall, the Shark AX950 is designed for ease of use, making it suitable for users of all ages and experience levels.
Comparison to Competitors
Dyson Ball Animal 2
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a top-rated upright vacuum known for its powerful suction and maneuverability. While the Dyson offers slightly stronger suction, the Shark AX950’s DuoClean technology provides superior performance on hard floors. The Shark also offers a more versatile lift-away feature, while the Dyson is generally more expensive.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach is a more budget-friendly option that offers decent cleaning performance and convenient features like a swivel head and automatic cord rewind. However, the Shark AX950 outperforms the Bissell in terms of suction power, build quality, and advanced features like DuoClean and Zero-M technology.
Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog
The Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog is a canister vacuum known for its exceptional filtration and quiet operation. While the Miele excels in these areas, the Shark AX950 offers a more versatile cleaning experience with its lift-away feature and DuoClean technology. The Miele is also significantly more expensive than the Shark.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cleaning performance on both hard floors and carpets
- DuoClean technology effectively tackles different types of messes
- Zero-M technology prevents hair wrap around the brushroll
- Lift-Away feature enhances versatility
- Powerful suction for removing embedded dirt and pet hair
- Effective filtration system for trapping allergens
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
- Can be a bit bulky to store
- Relatively expensive compared to some other upright vacuums
Value for Money
The Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 offers excellent value for money, considering its powerful cleaning performance, advanced features, and durable build quality. While it’s more expensive than some other upright vacuums, its superior performance on both hard floors and carpets, combined with its versatile lift-away feature and Zero-M technology, make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners who want a one-stop cleaning solution.
Who should buy this product:
- Homeowners with both hardwood floors and carpets
- Pet owners who need a vacuum that can effectively remove pet hair
- Allergy sufferers who need a vacuum with advanced filtration
- Anyone who wants a versatile vacuum that can clean stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas
Who should look elsewhere:
- Those on a tight budget who can’t afford a premium vacuum
- People who prefer a lightweight vacuum for easy maneuverability
- Those who primarily have hard floors and don’t need a powerful carpet cleaner
Verdict
The Shark Apex DuoClean AX950 is a powerful and versatile upright vacuum that delivers excellent cleaning performance on both hard floors and carpets. Its DuoClean technology, Zero-M technology, and lift-away feature make it a standout performer in its class. While it’s a bit heavier and more expensive than some competitors, its superior cleaning capabilities and convenient features make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners who want a one-stop cleaning solution.
Final Score: 8.5/10
