do I or don't I?

[HowardH]

My birthday is coming up next week and I'm considering giving myself a well deserved birthday present.  I have a CT22 that's about 10 years old.  It still works well but it's old technology compared to the CT26 with the self cleaning bags, built in hose garage, etc.  I'm thinking of going ahead and upgrading, maybe up to a CT36 since it's only about $50 more.  Is there anything I'm missing?  I realize it's only a vacuum but I wonder if the old one has lost some of its suction after all these years.  I also thought about a Vecturo but that's one of those things as a hobbyist, it won't be used much, not nearly as much as new CT.  Anyone regret getting a newer model CT over keeping the old version?

 

[nickao]

Once I received my CT 48 I sold one CT 33 and got another 48. I still have one CT 33, I hardly ever use it and want a new one instead.

The newer units I like better overall(not sure why), plus you can add a MAXSYS remote to turn it on from the hose which I love most. As far as collecting dust I dont think my 10 year old units work any different than the new units. I don't feel the newer unit collects any more or less dust. They seem to be about the same as far as sound level.

I do like the hinge tops on the older units better though. On my CT 48's for bag changes  the entire tops have to come off.

 

[Bob D.]

I was gonna say get the MAXSys remote but Dovetail65 beat me to it.
I haven't had the MAXSys long but so far I love it. Saves a lot of steps
and using the CT36 with my TSC55 there is no way to auto start the vac.

Until Rich makes a sensor that mounts on your cordless tool and sends a
signal to the MAXSys to turn the vac on that is.

 

[antss]

MAXSys is compatible with ct22/33/44, you just have to order a special version from Rick because the retail version isn't plug and play. 

Fleece bags are also available for the older vacs.

I too, liked the hinged top of the 22, but hated having to unwrap the entire cord in order to change a bag.  Don't have to unwrap the cord now on the 26, but I hate the hose garage.  Oh well.

I also don't notice any difference in real world use between the generations as far as suction goes. I'd like to see the delayed suction run a tad longer, but it's adequate.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I think both the 22 and 26 are very good vacs. Both are HEAVY when the diaper is full...
...but I can't say the 26 is superior to the 22. I have the dual outlet on the 26 - which is handy. The 22 continues to be of service in the wood workshop with a fleece bag in it. 

If you have plenty of use for that size vac I would go for the 36.

 

[nickao]

MAXSys is compatible with ct22/33/44, you just have to order a special version from Rick because the retail version isn't plug and play. 

Fleece bags are also available for the older vacs.

I too, liked the hinged top of the 22, but hated having to unwrap the entire cord in order to change a bag.  Don't have to unwrap the cord now on the 26, but I hate the hose garage.  Oh well.

I also don't notice any difference in real world use between the generations as far as suction goes. I'd like to see the delayed suction run a tad longer, but it's adequate.

I agree with that last point for sure.

I just tested it a few minutes ago. My CT 33 stays on longer after the tool turns off compared to my CT 48's.

When I do heavy operations with my longer hose run the CT  48 does not clear the hose of dust after I am done cutting or sanding.

So in this respect the older CT's are better.