Shark Wandvac vs Shark Rocket Pro: Which one is better? Upon thoroughly considering numerous factors, I tipped the scales in favor of the latter.
The Shark Rocket Pro (IZ162H) is one of the ideal models for pet owners in its price range. It is equipped with a self-cleaning roller designed to minimize hair wrap issues, reducing the maintenance burden. Furthermore, this one exhibits top-notch cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors.
The Shark Wandvac (WS632) is a lightweight, versatile 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner. Its Achilles’ heel, however, lies in its diminutive dustbin capacity and short battery life, which makes it as ideal only for tackling spills and small clean-up missions. So if you’re searching for a stick vacuum capable of taking on a broader spectrum of cleaning responsibilities, you may need to look for another.
Shark Wandvac Vs Shark Rocket Pro: Comparison Chart
Shark Wandvac Vs Shark Rocket Pro: Differences
Shark Rocket Pro wins 1-0 and has three draws against Shark Wandvac. Let’s delve deeper into the details for more information.
Design & Usability
Winner: Tie
Attachments & Storage
| Shark Wandvac WS632 | Shark Rocket Pro IZ162H |
|---|---|
| Multi-surface cleaner head Duster Crevice tool Pet multi-tool Charging Base & Charger Removable Battery (x1) | Multi-surface cleaner head Upholstery tool Crevice tool Charger Removable battery (x1) |
Like most cordless sticks out there, the Shark Wandvac can’t stand on its own. But this model includes a handy charging base that serves as its storage and recharging hub. This floor-based dock is a superior option for those, myself included, who prefer to avoid putting holes in their walls to install a wall mount.
It can hold the vacuum in a fully assembled state or in two separate components (the handheld unit on one part of the holder and the wand/cleaner head on another part). That is great, but having no storage slot for the duster crevice tool slightly dampens its convenience. Instead, it can only house the pet multi-tool, which is something of a mystery.
The Rocket Pro IZ162H doesn’t include a wall mount or a free-standing station and can’t stand upright independently. The only way is to lean it against the wall, but the redeeming thing is that this one doesn’t flip easily. It is worth noting that I also tested another variant of the IZ162H, which can stand on its own thanks to MultiFlex technology.
Weight & Maneuverability
The Shark Wandvac only weighs 5.7 pounds, is on par with the Dyson V12, and ranks among the lightest models I’ve evaluated. In its handheld format, it’s exceptionally featherweight at just 2.1 pounds, making it my perfect ally for cleaning my staircases, car, and hard-to-reach spots.
At the other end of the weight spectrum, the Shark IZ162H tips the scales at 7.17 pounds. Maneuvering this one around or carrying it up and down stairs can be challenging for physically weak guys. When using it as a handheld vacuum to clean the ceiling and curtains, my hands quickly got tired, forcing me to switch hands a few times.
Both could go underneath furniture easily, but the Shark Wandvac made it easier with its cylindrical frame, enabling it to reach deeper. However, the Shark Rocket Pro is equipped with LED headlights, allowing me to easily detect and catch all the dust and dirt in these dark areas.
Battery Life & Charging
Shark Wandvac vs Shark Rocket Pro are quoted as being able to run continuously for up to 16 and 40 minutes, respectively. But my tests showed that their runtimes fell notably short of these claimed durations when coupled with the main nozzle.
| Shark Wandvac | Shark Rocket Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Battery Life | ≈ 12 mins | ≈ 29 mins |
| Minimum Battery Life | ≈ 6 mins | ≈ 9 mins |
| Charging Time | ≈ 2.5 hours | ≈ 3.5 hours |
The Shark Wandvac has a detachable battery, providing the opportunity to extend its runtime by acquiring an additional battery for interchangeability. Despite this, it remains best suited to smaller, shorter clean-up operations, such as handling spills, rather than whole-house cleaning chores.
On the other hand, if you need a model with longer battery life, you’ll be better off with the Shark Rocket Pro. It also uses a removable battery, so purchasing an extra battery can double its battery life.
As mentioned above, there is a way to charge the Shark Wandvac. The standard is to detach the handheld unit from the wand and place these two parts on the base. Otherwise, you can place the vacuum on the dock in a fully assembled state, and it’ll start charging.
As for the Shark Rocket Pro, just plug the charger straight into its battery for charging.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Tie
Floorhead
Both the Shark Wandvac vs Shark Rocket Pro come with a multi-surface cleaner head that, as the name suggests, can work on any surface. Better yet, these vacuums feature “self-cleaning” or “anti-tangling” rollers, a feature purported to deter the troublesome hair-wrap issue. However, there is a difference in the design of their rollers.
First, the Shark WS632’s roller is equipped with PowerFins technology – taking a closer look at its rollers, you’ll notice a combo of rubber fins and bristles instead of just bristles like regular brush rolls. Meanwhile, the Shark IZ162H’s roller consists of only rubber blades called Dirt Engage technology. These technologies are exclusive to the Shark brand.
Hard Floor
| Large Debris | Small Debris | |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Wandvac | 97% | 93% |
| Shark Rocket Pro | 98% | 98% |
Both machines scored very well across the board. They easily picked up most of the debris from the initial pass, necessitating additional passes to remove the remaining remnants – These are indeed remarkable results for models that aren’t equipped with soft rollers.
Carpet
These boys also performed admirably on both my low- and high- carpets. They expediently and efficiently gathered a substantial amount of the total debris. If you want a model that performs better and has impeccable performance on carpets, you might have to dig deeper into your pockets for premium models like the Dyson V15.
| Large Debris | Small Debris | |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Wandvac | Low-Pile Carpet: 98% | Low-Pile Carpet: 96% |
| High-Pile Carpet: 99% | High-Pile Carpet: 97% | |
| Shark Rocket Pro | Low-Pile Carpet: 96% | Low-Pile Carpet: 94% |
| High-Pile Carpet: 94% | High-Pile Carpet: 96% |
Hair Test
My tests showed that these machines easily picked up all the hair scattered on the surfaces, and their self-cleaning rollers did a great job resisting hair tangles. Almost all the vacuumed hair was sent straight to their dustbin, and only a small amount of longer hair remained. Thanks to that, I didn’t have to spend too much time untangling their rollers at the end of the test session, and I highly recommend it for homes with shedding pets.
Dustbin & Filtration System
Winner: Shark Rocket Pro
The WandVac only has a 0.12-liter dust battery, which is significantly smaller than the Shark IZ162H’s 0.38-liter canister. They are generally on the small side and will fill up very quickly, requiring to be emptied frequently. Fortunately, emptying these dust cups is a breeze.
To empty the Shark Wandvac, just push a slider on its handheld part forward, and the quick-release latch will open for emptying all the contents. Some people complained that they sometimes pushed the emptying slider instead of the power button, resulting in a mess on the floor, but that was not the case with me. On the other hand, emptying the Shark IZ162H’s dustbin requires pushing a lever. Unfortunately, I found myself using my hand to dig stuck dust and debris out of their dustbins.
Regarding the filtration system, the Shark Rocket Pro takes the lead with a sealed system that prevents invisible dust and allergens from escaping the unit. To my mind, this is a top priority feature for people with severe allergies. Unfortunately, the Shark Wandvac filtration system is unsealed.
The Shark Rocket Pro has two pre-filters and one post-filter, while the Shark Wandvac has a pleated filter – all of them are not HEPA grade. They can be easily removed and washed under the tap when dirty. Remember to let them dry for at least 24 hours before reuse.
The Shark Wandvac also has a HEPA filter that sits behind the dustbin. It can be easily detached and washed under the tap when dirty. Let it dry completely for at least a day before placing it back in the vacuum.
Utilities
Winner: Tie
Control Method
These machines don’t come with any high-tech screens. WandVac’s battery level is shown by the trio of LED lights in front of the quick-release latch. Meanwhile, I’ve occasionally glanced down at the LED lights on the Shark Rocket Pro’s battery to estimate its remaining runtime.
Regarding the control method, turning the Shark Rocket Pro on/off and switching between the two settings (carpet and hard floor) relies on a slider on its handle. Also, you’ll need to pull a pistol-like trigger to activate boost mode, which is ideal for handling stubborn messes.
The Shark Wandvac System has a single power button at the top (along with an emptying slider) to turn the vacuum on and off. There is a trigger on the back of the handle unit used to activate boost mode for extra power.
LED Headlights
As mentioned above, the Shark Rocket Pro floorhead has some LED bulbs. I found them to be very helpful when cleaning dark nooks and crannies or poorly lit areas, making sure I leave nothing behind.
Quick Rundown Of Shark Rocket Pro
- THIS PRODUCT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH LITHIUM ION BATTERY XBAT200.Specific uses:carpet
- Powerful suction for whole-home cleaning: dirt, debris, pet hair, and tough messes. Cleaning path width (in.): 10.63
- Self-cleaning brushroll with Dirt Engage technology allows nonstop removal of long hair and pet hair
- Dirt Engage technology delivers unbeatable cleaning performance on carpets and bare floors compared to all Shark cordless vacuums by removing deeply embedded debris on carpets and by directly engaging bare floors
- Up to 40 minutes of runtime in Standard mode, measured at the hand vacuum. Removable battery delivers the ability to charge in or out of the unit
Quick Rundown Of Shark Wandvac
- POWERFUL AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The most powerful cordless hand vacuum under 2.1 pounds. Based on ASTM F558, measured at the hand vac, versus stand-alone and cordless stick hand vacs under 2.1 lbs.
- ALWAYS READY FOR A QUICK CLEAN: Includes a portable charging base that fits almost anywhere in your home, with two unique storing and charging setups to match the way you clean.
- INCREDIBLE CORDLESS SUCTION: HyperVelocity accelerated suction power provides incredible cleaning performance in an ultra-lightweight frame.
- ONE-TOUCH HYGIENIC DUST CUP EMPTY: One quick touch to empty the dust cup with no mess.
- BOOST MODE FOR TOUGH MESSES: Press the Boost button for extra bursts of strong suction for tougher messes.
Product Video
Reference:
- Shark Rocket Pro: https://www.sharkclean.ca/products/shark-rocket-pet-pro-cordless-stick-vacuum-zidIZ162HC
- Shark Wandvac: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/4402195439890/WS630_WS620_WS631_WS632_Manual_E_20200928.pdf
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.