Basically there are only 3 main differences in all Oreck studs
1. Filtering. There’s the standard filtration and there’s the Oreck hypoallergenic filtration made for people with allergies who want a higher degree of filtration.
2. Styles of handles. For recent models there are really only 2 different types of handles. The straight handle and the ergonomic help handle.
3. XL2 models. This is one of the newer models and they appear to be a bit larger with larger bags which would increase airflow and filtration.
Other than that, all Orecks are basically the same when it comes to performance.
The selling point of these vacuums is that they only weigh 8 pounds and are very easy to use and vacuum. Parts are readily available. The average lifespan of an Oreck that has been properly cared for is about 12 years. The strength of this vacuum cleaner is in its rotating brush. The speed of the brush roll is a bit faster than your average vacuum, making it a very good sweeper and a great vacuum. When you’re vacuuming with one, it seems to vacuum everything in its path. This vacuum works well and is very light. Many older people use Oreck vacuum cleaners and many people who have a lot of stairs (they are very easy to transport) use them too.
I have had the Oreck XL for 12 years and use it twice a week in a 2200 square foot house in each room. In 12 years, I have spent $108 maintaining this vacuum. I’ve replaced the belt twice, replaced the beater brush twice, and had to install a new fan unit a few weeks ago. It was so old that it has the cast aluminum fan that is no longer available. I had to replace the fan because my friend vacuumed his garage with it. He said that he even picked up nails. When I got the Oreck back, it had lost most of its suction. $54 for a new fan belt and brush, and like new again. I don’t understand people who write about having problems with their Oreck. I still have my original belt in the spare belt holder under the vacuum. I keep it in case I need a replacement. Occasionally the tube will clog right where it joins the bag. You unzip the cloth bag, pull the replaceable bag out of the tube, pry the clog out with your finger, slide it into the replaceable bag, and then replace the bag. Now close the cloth bag and you’re done. This takes about 30 seconds and I’ve had to do it about 10 times in 12 years. I liked my Oreck so much that I just bought the XL 21. I compared my Oreck to my friend’s Dyson animal. I had a full bag in my Oreck and I vacuumed up a section of the carpet. He checked the same section with his Dyson and found very little. (But enough to make me skeptical of my Oreck for a spell.) I replaced the bag on my Oreck, which was way over full line, and had it vacuum a different section of carpet after I emptied the Dyson from it. I vacuumed the same section with the new bag and he got his Dyson back and now has an Oreck XL.