in my experience, dirt devils and orecks blow. I have a fantom vacuum and it rocks…
http://www.fantom.com
the full size upright : Fantom® Twister™ 500DX
it’s a bit heavy, but it hasn’t broken yet and it’s been abused. <3 cleaning.
dysons are sweet but they’re $$$$$ for something so small… and brightly colored. I’ve heard good things about Rainbow but never used one.
you can borrow mine if you want to try it out. good luck Jeff.