The 3198A Pet Reach is an evolution of the standard upright design, featuring a 10-foot quick-release wand that significantly improves reach for high-altitude dusting and furniture cleaning. The chassis is made from consumer-grade ABS plastic, and the swivel steering joint is reinforced to handle the lateral forces encountered when navigating around household obstacles. At 14 pounds, it provides a stable base for floor cleaning while remaining maneuverable.
Specifications indicate a multi-cyclonic separation system and a 1.0L dirt tank. The brushroll uses bristles of varying stiffness to agitate synthetic carpet fibers effectively. While it features "Scatter-Free Technology" to prevent debris from being kicked back on hard floors, the lack of a fully sealed HEPA system means it is best suited for general household dust rather than severe allergy management.
Daily use is supported by passive suction channels at the perimeter of the floor head, which helps pull in debris from baseboards and corners. The swivel neck design is intended to reduce wrist fatigue by allowing the head to turn with minimal effort. Users should note that the ABS housing can scuff if impacted against hard furniture, and the washable foam filters should be completely dry before reinsertion to avoid odors.
For homes that require a more intensive filtration system and a self-cleaning brushroll to manage long hair, the Shark Stratos offers advanced features for hair management.
A well-organized cleaning closet often starts with selecting the right model from the upright and canister vacuums selection to handle daily messes.