Price: $560
Capacity: 15 gal.
Weight: 36 lb.
Noise level: 60 db.
EPA compliant: Yes
HEPA filter included: Yes
Filter cleaning: No

Features This is a very quiet, no-nonsense vacuum with a small stature that belies its midsize capacity. Even though it’s only 1-1⁄4 in. dia., the 16-ft.-long hose is the best of the bunch, sliding easily over every surface without getting caught. When used as part of a tool-activated setup, this vac was able to keep a significant amount of fine dust out of the air. There also was only a small amount of air exhausted from the rear of the vacuum, which helped to keep existing dust from being blown around the job site.

Flaws I found that this vac’s filter clogged quickly compared to the other HEPA filters in this test, which gave it a significant handicap in my timed vacuuming tests. Even when used with a filter bag, the Fein took almost twice as long as the Festool (the fastest of the bunch) to perform the same task. Although Fein recently added a couple of extra wheels to its vacuum design, the wheels are still small and also get caught up in cords, hoses, and debris. The lack of a cord or hose wrap also made this a frustrating vacuum to transport between job sites.

Bottom line The Turbo II is quiet, rugged, and well made, and if the one that I already own is any indication, it will run for years and years with no problems. That said, this vac lacks the user-friendly features that you won’t know you’re missing until you try one of its newer competitors.

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