If you're looking for the latest take on how various HEPA shop vacs/dust extractors perform, check out the annual shop issue of Fine Woodworking. (Budget conscious, my choice would definitely be either the Bosch or Fein.)
Not sure how you can have 3 vacs with a "best value" award... Having something be the "best" typically indicates a singular item.
Either way nice to see the Festool came out on top. Im happy with my ct36ac but that makita was a close second for a considerable discount. If it had a better hose storage solution I probably would of bought that over the CT36ac but I like how the festool stores the hose neatly up top. End of the day im happy I went with the Festool and while I have my fair share of Festool I dont buy something just because its Festool.
Based on the finer details provided in the article, I don't think that Makita (which is also the most expensive of the three) really qualifies for the Best Value award. But the author has the final say.
That picture appears to be an older Fein Turbo II, with the variable suction adjusted by a bleeder on the nozzle. The newer Fein Turbo II X has variable suction on the motor, similar to Festool.
