Review: Metro Full Size Vac N Blo 4.0 HP Vacuum

Corey,

Since you've had this product for a while, do you wish you had gone with the Vac & Blo Sr. instead of the lower capacity (but equally powerful) standard model? If capacity is a non-issue, do you wish you had bought the stainless, for the HEPA, so you could use it in the house, minimizing dust?

Note: I am refraining (for now) from watching your above videos. I shall defer said watching until next December. After I watched your Master Blaster video I just had to have one. In the meantime I am keeping my eye out for some thin, flexible vacuum cleaner hose that doesn't cost too much. I figure if I adapt that hose to the end of my Rigid shop vac hose, I can "pretend" there's a nice compact, wall mountable Metro on the other end. :bolt:
 
manichol said:
The bag the sell on AG:
1 Reusable Cloth Bag for Vac N’ Blo & Full Size Stainless Steel Vac

It says you don't need to buy a paper bag. The bag that comes with the vacuum is made of the same material. I was wondering if the cloth bag that comes with the vacuum can be used without disposable bags.

Sorry for the confusing question.
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No no, my fault. I follow you now. That's interesting, I don't know for sure if you can use the one that comes with it in the same manner. If the lining on the inside also looks identical I suppose so. Sorry I don't know the answer.

Rix6 said:
Corey,

Since you've had this product for a while, do you wish you had gone with the Vac & Blo Sr. instead of the lower capacity (but equally powerful) standard model? If capacity is a non-issue, do you wish you had bought the stainless, for the HEPA, so you could use it in the house, minimizing dust?

Note: I am refraining (for now) from watching your above videos. I shall defer said watching until next December. After I watched your Master Blaster video I just had to have one. In the meantime I am keeping my eye out for some thin, flexible vacuum cleaner hose that doesn't cost too much. I figure if I adapt that hose to the end of my Rigid shop vac hose, I can "pretend" there's a nice compact, wall mountable Metro on the other end. :bolt:
Click to expand...

:laughing: ROFL. That's a great idea. The flexible hose is soooooo wonderful and can't be overstated.

No, I'm extremely happy with my unit. It is large enough for me and :) and I like it doesn't take up more space than it needs. If I ran a production style detailing shop I would want the sr maybe. The s.s. is very nice and I suppose I would like it even more but I don't find myself wishing I had anything other than this one. If they were the same price and with all the same attachments no doubt I would want the ss unit instead.
 
Ok I finally got around to using the vacuum. I do have to say this thing is pretty good. Not quite as powerful as a Dyson but it is very good at half the cost of one.

I used the reusable bag and I was amazed at what came out of the carpet considering I just vacuumed not long ago with my shop vac. The shop vac is being retired to vacuuming the garage floor and the occasional water spill.

If your hesitating on buying one, don't. The power is good and the attachments are great. The Blo mode is pretty good but not great. I'll be buying the master blaster for my birthday or next December.

Overall very pleased with the Metro PRO-83BA.
 
I'm seriously considering getting one of these as a vac and to blow water out of crevices. I have a few questions:

1. What are the differences between the Regular Vac N Blo and the Senior/Jumbo? From the comparison chart, the Senior is a lot heavier. Does it just have a larger bag area?
2. While I understand this is not as powerful as the 8 HP MasterBlaster, it should be about the same as the AirForce dryer? How does it compare to a leaf blower? Is anyone using one to blow dry a car? How does it work?
3. From the videos this thing sounds pretty loud. How does the noise level compare to the Rigid (or other) shop vac?

Thanks,
Evan
 
I'm using the Metro Air Force. Which is the same as the Vac N Blo, but it's only a blower (no Vac feature).. It's much quieter than I expected, quieter than a leaf blower. It's also more powerful than a leaf blower. The blowing power of the 4 HP is not overwhelming, but I am able to dry 90% of the car with it. One thing is, the hose is very stiff. It's very difficult to maneuver the hose at all without the unit flipping over. IMHO you either need the dolly or you have to mount it on something.
 
swanicyouth said:
I'm using the Metro Air Force. Which is the same as the Vac N Blo, but it's only a blower (no Vac feature).. It's much quieter than I expected, quieter than a leaf blower. It's also more powerful than a leaf blower. The blowing power of the 4 HP is not overwhelming, but I am able to dry 90% of the car with it. One thing is, the hose is very stiff. It's very difficult to maneuver the hose at all without the unit flipping over. IMHO you either need the dolly or you have to mount it on something.
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Thanks. I'm planning on mounting the unit on the wall which should eliminate flipping, although if the data sheet is correct at 25 lbs the Jumbo would be pretty tough to flip.

Any idea what the difference is between the standard and Jumbo? Some of the blowers mention having "dual power" (whatever that is), but the vac n blo doesn't. I think the Metro Air Force has two fans? The regular Vac N Blo appears to just have a single fan, but the Jumbo seems to have two, but it's a bit confusing.
 
...bump...

Trying to make a decision during the Memorial Day Sale. Your help is appreciated!
 
I don't think the Memorial day 15% off sale would work with vacuums.
If I have the cash, I would buy the Air force blaster and a full size Vac/Blo
 
604_Snooze said:
I don't think the Memorial day 15% off sale would work with vacuums.
If I have the cash, I would buy the Air force blaster and a full size Vac/Blo
Click to expand...
Thanks.
What are you currently using for a vac and blower?
 
EPA7 said:
Thanks. I'm planning on mounting the unit on the wall which should eliminate flipping, although if the data sheet is correct at 25 lbs the Jumbo would be pretty tough to flip.

Any idea what the difference is between the standard and Jumbo? Some of the blowers mention having "dual power" (whatever that is), but the vac n blo doesn't. I think the Metro Air Force has two fans? The regular Vac N Blo appears to just have a single fan, but the Jumbo seems to have two, but it's a bit confusing.
Click to expand...

I believe all Vac N Blos have the Dual Fan and the only difference is the hold capacity. The Air Force "Commander" only has a single fan and that is another blower only that is cheaper than the Air Force, which does have 2 fans. Keep in mind if you get a Vac N Blo and use its dual purpose, you be using the same hose to blow as to vacuum. This means any dirt residual in the machine or hose may blow out on your paint. That's why I got a dedicated blower and a shop Vac.
 
swanicyouth said:
I believe all Vac N Blos have the Dual Fan and the only difference is the hold capacity.
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I am pretty sure all the 4HP Metro vacs have one motor/fan. The differences are in the bag capacity and accessories like longer hoses, dolly, etc.
 
Great review Corey!

The videos really tell the story. I'll have to pickup a new camera someday.

Very informative, clear, and fact based....Metro makes some good stuff!! :props:
 
swanicyouth said:
I believe all Vac N Blos have the Dual Fan and the only difference is the hold capacity. The Air Force "Commander" only has a single fan and that is another blower only that is cheaper than the Air Force, which does have 2 fans. Keep in mind if you get a Vac N Blo and use its dual purpose, you be using the same hose to blow as to vacuum. This means any dirt residual in the machine or hose may blow out on your paint. That's why I got a dedicated blower and a shop Vac.
Click to expand...

Swanic,
I thought of the issue with using the same unit for vacuuming and blow drying, and I think it may cause a problem, but I'm hoping to mitigate it by using separate hoses. I figure the highest risk of stuff that could damage paint getting trapped then blown back out is in the hose.

Thanks.
 
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