I was very fortunate to have had the experience of a Kirby once, and I must say I was extremely impressed by the quality of build, then I was told the cost!
I've got two henrys, one at home and one for work, absolutely bullet proof, the work one gets some real stick, still works a treat. No idea when I bought it, 15 years ago? The wife has had various vax, dyson, black and decker, all average at best. Just bought her a new henry, happy days.