Fantom Thunder (Upright)

I bought my Fantom Thunder in October 1997. The company went out of business in 2001, and a European company that sells el cheapo Chinese-made products bought the Fantom name. The original Fantom design and technology, however, was bought by Westinghouse. So if you're looking for the original well-made Fantom products, the closest you'll get is now manufactured under the Westinghouse name. That said, I can't say enough about my Fantom Thunder. 12 years' worth of being used several times a week, and it's needed servicing only once. It's as powerful as a shop vac. My one complaint, however, is that it's as LOUD as a shop vac. I live in an apartment, and I'm limited to using my Fantom only during daylight hours because it's so darn loud.

Initially, this seemed a good buy. Then, when I had problems, I called them, only to find out that the company folded. Then, after it was bought and seemed to be available again, their answering machine tells you to go somewhere else if you have problems. Nice! I'll never buy or recommend a Fantom - and I regret having told people how good it was when I first bought it.

my fantom does a good job but the last time we used it a small spring fell from it, request a parts layout for springs.thanks

I have mixed feelings about this vacuum. It worked great at first. Then it started giving us problems. First we had to replace the belt after two months of use and we had a hard time finding a belt for this model. Second, it clogs very easy. then you have to take it apart to unclog it. Today we had to vacuum it out with our shop-vac to unclog it. A real headache when you just want to vacuum and be done. I would warn those who buy this that it is a very touchy machine.

I really loved it the first few times I used it. Then the belt on the beater bar, kept comming off, and it's not simple to get to. You have to get a screw driver, and take it apart. I get to where I don't even want to turn it off, and try to vacume as much as I can. The belt comes off, when you turn it off and back on again. Bought it new complained to company, and they mailed me some free belts. Nice of them. Wouldn't buy another one.