Dyson has just announced an updated version of its V8 wireless vacuum. V8 is one of the oldest models in the brand’s lineup, but remains its bestseller despite the first launch in 2016. The new version is called the V8 Cyclone and it contains some big upgrades over the original V8, but it also looks very similar.
I chatted with Steph Parker, a Dyson Engineer who was part of the team working on the new launch, about how they decided what to keep and what to lose.
What was most noticed to me – and what marks the V8, which is different from the rest of Dyson’s wireless vacuum lineup – is the fact that cyclones, bin and engine are arranged at a right angle to the rod. From the V11 onwards, these are all stacked in a straight line, an update introduced to improve suction efficiency.
I asked Steph why the inline configuration was not introduced on the V8 cyclone. “That’s a really good question. I think if you change the format you change a huge amount of product,” she said. “If you think about where the filter is put on the product and how your air flow goes through the product …”
“We are still trying to be the all -round vacuum cleaner with a V8, but without the kind of improvements to the design, whether it is format or the engine.”
She explained that without making that kind of major changes, you limit the amount of power you can get out of the product. “We do not achieve the same amount of air watts with our V8 everywhere near the equivalent of Gen5Detect or a Dyson V16 stamp,” she continued. “I think it’s the compromise, basically.”
The Dyson V16 stamp is the brand new flagship and Gen5Detect is the former flagship. Both are far more advanced and far more expensive than the V8 cyclone.
Steph continued to explain that the V8 is designed to fill a specific niche within the set -up. While not the best dyson vacuum according to specifications, it doesn’t mean it won’t be the perfect choice for some people.
“V8 is a great model. It satisfies many customers but it is not our most powerful machine. It’s not our most hygienic. Dyson V16 stamp is definitely our top level product but [the V8 Cyclone is] Still a great artist in the products out there in the industry. “It’s also worth pointing out that the V8 cyclone has more power than the original V8 – specifically 30% more suck.
Additional features
That is not to say that there have been no remarkable improvements in other areas. One of the most significant updates to be introduced with the V8 cyclone is for the battery. The old V8 had a fixed battery that provided up to 40 minutes of cleaning on a single charge. It is not competitive in today’s market.
The new version has up to one hour of cleaning per day. Fee, which is in line with what I would expect from the rest of the best wireless vacuum on the market these days – including them at similar pricing points for the V8 cyclone.
The fact that the battery is now removable and exchanged means you could buy a backup and warm swap it in to extend operating times. It also means that if and when the battery wears, you can replace it.
Another major change is that the V8 cyclone works via a button rather than a trigger. This is good news if you want to vacuum for extended periods and want to avoid a sore finger, even if it means you will have to have a hand game to turn it on and off.
I’ve had some practical time with the V8 cyclone and want a review live as soon as I can get a review model to test properly. So far, I think it’s a smart movement from Dyson. The brand has been busy releasing increasingly expensive flagship models, but I think the far more affordable, updated V8 is the vacuum that most people actually wanted.
