Customer Reviews

Factory Reconditioned Fantom BPSRLC51 Lightning Canister Vacuum Cleaner

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Here I am on the phone on hold - so far for ten minutes - for a customer service representative, because yet another part of my Fantom vacuum has broken down. Because there are features of the Fantom vacuum I really appreciate, like its light weight, Hepa filter, and easy-emptying canister that doesn't need a bag, I have actually purchased two of these machines in the past 3 years, thinking the first one might have been a lemon. In view of the fact that the second machine is now falling apart, I can't believe I was so dumb!
Between these two machines, there is not one mechanical or connecting part I can think of on the spur of the moment that has not broken down and needed repair or replacement. Too bad. It's a good idea, but in my opinion a poor product. Surely it can be made to hold up better and longer. None of my previous vacuums of other brands had a track record like this. Consumer beware!

When buying refurbished products I expect to get an item in the new-like condition. In case of this Phantom, the only thing that was clean was the HEPA filter. The body of the vacuum was severely scratched, and the whole thing was full of dust. Is it worth it for 50% of the retail price? Perhaps.

Now, the vacuum is quiet and sucks very well on both carpet and hardwood floors. It also treated my carpet with greater respect you usually get from the uprights - big plus. Attachments in the back compartment do not. Do not attach, that is. It took me forever to stick a nozzle back into the compartment for storage. I love not having a bag and being able to see all the accumulating dirt - great visual and also helps to justify the purchase. HEPA is great, especially in my "little kids" household.

Altogether, I believe that 50% of the price of the vacuum cleaner with the aforementioned characteristics is not a bad deal.

just received my fantom bpslrc51 lightening canister vacuum cleaner - bought through amazon.com. i've just tried it out briefly and came up with the conclusion that it's hellish noisy. the whole household will have to be wide awake before using this item; otherwise you will be visiting them in the cardiology intensive care ward.

my particular item was very badly scratched; meaning that the reseller totally understated the condition of the item. several of the switches were lying loose in the inner carton, as wwas the wand attachment. as i received no hand-book, it seems that another attachment may be missing from the on-board storage compartment.

i only hope that this vacuum cleaner's actual performance supercedes these negative points i have raised.

owen r. greenland
(washington, dc)

The item I purchased was $20.00 less than a new one and looks like it's vacuumed its LAST floor. I could have probably bought one of these in the same condition for $40.00 at a yard sale.
Oh well, live and learn. I,m now out of the $33.00 for shipping and handling and for what, nothing.

I purchased this vacuum when it first came out on the market. A friend let me borrow his and wow! I was impressed. I later bought one and I liked it, I still do but it is in need for engineering improvement. The power head shuts it self off when it feels like it, and the power cord sticks, and when you try to pull it from room to room or around corners it smashes into the walls. The wheels could use a better design also. It is a lot to keep emptying the canister but at least it gets it clean. I love it but I wish the design was a little more thought out before going on the market. Would I buy another? Yes.. but only when they come out with a better design.

I purchased a fantom lightning and was pleased by its performance. Then the wand broke and on the same day fantom went bankrupt. I have been searching for over a month for a replacement and guess what....no one has one! So, do I buy a new vacuum or keep up the search...in the mean time the dust of time gathers at my feet.

I purchased this vac less than 2 yrs. ago. I have been very pleased with it. I sent in my registration form. I thought I was getting the best on the market at the time. You can imagine my surprise today when I found out the company is out of business. The vac was running fine and suddenly just quit. I have no idea with is wrong. It just will not start again. I called the hot line to find a repair shop close by, but was advised on the telephone that the company has no office at this time. I am really ticked off. Now what do I do. Who out there repairs these vacuums? Response from anyone will be appreciated. Thanks for letting me air my feelings.

I bought this sweeper back in 1999 and it is now 2005 I have only had it to the shop once before now and that was to be cleaned. I have really abused this machine and it still keeps on doing a great job of cleaning my whole house. The only thing that has gone wrong is the cord retractor broke, but I just wind up the cord now instead. I was VERY sad to hear of the company's bankruptcy. They would have had a customer for life.

I purchased a used Fantom Lightning after diligent research. It met all of my specs: bagless, canister, hepafiltration. I couldn't find a new machine that met my criteria for a reasonable price. This vacuum exceeded my cleaning expectations! It is very powerful. The swivel points on the canister and the power head make it very easy to use. The smooth large wheels make it comfortable to tow around in spite of my bad back. I highly recomend this product.

I have just received my reconditioned Fantom and it looks like new! I bought it as a replacement for my old dead Fantom. I understand Fantom has gone/is going out of business. I will mourn their demise. I have 5 chhildren ranging from 1 yr to 13 yrs and this vacuum deals with their debris - no problem. It is the only bagless canister I could find when I moved here from europe and I was desperate to find a Dyson equivalent. This is it. I hope somebody else at least takes over the technology and design, otherwise I'm just going to have to buy in bulk now, while they're still avaiable.