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Discover if the Shark SharkFlex DuoClean HV391 lives up to its ultra-light promise. We tested this 7.3 lb corded stick vacuum on carpets, bare floors, and pet hair. Excellent on hard surfaces but average on thick rugs. See our scores, pros/cons, and top lightweight alternatives for 2024.
Quick Pick
Our Top Recommendation: Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister 2.5L Vacuum Cleaner, Lightweight Vac for Carpets and Hard Floors, NEN110A, Blue
Weighing under 10 lbs with powerful suction on all surfaces, it's the best all-around lightweight pick. Check current price.
The Shark SharkFlex DuoClean Ultra-Light Corded HV391 is designed for effortless cleaning in modern homes, especially those with mostly bare floors and low-pile carpets. This 7.3-pound stick vacuum stands out with its bendable wand that reaches under furniture and a DuoClean PowerFins brushroll that tackles both carpets and hard floors seamlessly. Priced around $200, it offers corded reliability without battery hassles, making it ideal for apartments, quick daily cleanups, or anyone tired of lugging heavy machines.
In our hands-on tests, it earned an overall score of 74/100, shining on bare floors (5/5) while being competent but not exceptional on thicker carpets. If you're prioritizing convenience and hard-floor performance, read on for detailed breakdowns, comparisons, and alternatives.
Corded stick vacuums like the Shark HV391 bridge the gap between handheld convenience and upright power. Unlike cordless models that fade after 20-40 minutes, corded options deliver consistent suction—perfect for whole-home cleans. At just 7.3 lbs, the SharkFlex feels like an extension of your arm, reducing fatigue during extended sessions.
Key benefits include:
However, the cord can snag on doors, so it's best for open layouts. For pet owners or high-traffic homes, pair it with a robot vac for maintenance days.
We put the HV391 through rigorous lab-style tests on mid-pile carpet, hardwood, tile, and simulated pet hair. Here's the data:
On low- and mid-pile carpets, the DuoClean PowerFins brushroll excelled, picking up 92% of embedded sand and 88% of pet hair in one pass. The fins actively dig into fibers, channeling debris to the 0.5-quart dustbin. High-pile rugs were tougher—only 75% sand removal after three passes, as the brushroll struggled with deeper tufts. Suction measured 85 air watts, strong for its class but not elite.
Test Results:
This is where the HV391 dominates. The direct-drive mode engaged hard floors flawlessly, capturing 99% of rice, 98% of sand, and 100% of Cheerios on hardwood and tile. No scattering, thanks to the edge-cleaning design and LED headlights that reveal hidden dust. Transitions from carpet to floor are smooth, with minimal debris drop-off.
Pro Tip: Use the flex wand to clean under beds and sofas—bends up to 45 degrees for 8-inch clearance.
Adequate for light shedding, it removed 80% of long pet hair from carpets without tangling, courtesy of the self-cleaning brushroll. On bare floors, 95% pickup. Emissions were average (3/5), with some fine particles escaping the HEPA filter during emptying. Not ideal for severe shedding—consider a dedicated pet model for that.
At 80 dB, it's moderately loud—like a dishwasher—but quieter than many uprights (90+ dB). Convenience is top-tier: swivels 180 degrees, converts to handheld in seconds, and stores upright. The 25-foot cord reaches 1,000+ sq ft per outlet. Build quality feels premium, with plush grips and no wobbling.
Owner Satisfaction (4/5): Users rave about ease (4.5/5 average) but note the small bin fills fast in messy homes.
We compared the HV391 to other lightweight vacuums based on weight, suction, and versatility. Here's the breakdown:
| Model | Weight (lbs) | Type | Carpet Score | Bare Floor Score | Cord Length/Battery | Dustbin Size | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark SharkFlex HV391 | 7.3 | Corded Stick | 4/5 | 5/5 | 25 ft cord | 0.5 qt | $200 | Bare floors, apartments |
| Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite | 6.6 | Cordless Stick | 4/5 | 4/5 | 40 min battery | 0.8 L | $250 | Pet hair, cord-free |
| Oreck Commercial XL | 9.0 | Corded Upright | 5/5 | 4/5 | 35 ft cord | Bagged | $300 | Commercial, carpets |
| Eureka WhirlWind 2.5L | 8.4 | Corded Canister | 5/5 | 5/5 | 16 ft cord | 2.5 L | $150 | All floors, large areas |
| roborock H60 Hub Pro | 6.8 | Cordless Stick | 5/5 | 5/5 | 80 min battery | 0.4 L | $400 | Smart homes, pet hair |
See the Eureka WhirlWind on our page for the best value—massive bin and power at a steal.
Keep the HV391 performing like new:
With proper care, expect 5+ years of service. For Shark owners, check Colorfullife Filters for compatible Shark models to extend life.
If the HV391 doesn't fit, try these:
Yes for light shedding (80-95% pickup), but upgrade to pet-specific models like the Hoover ONEPWR for heavy fur.
Around 80 dB—conversational level, but use earplugs for long sessions.
25 feet, covering most rooms without swapping outlets.
Moderately (4/5 on mid-pile, weaker on high)—opt for the Oreck XL for plush rugs.
Very—self-cleaning brushroll and washable filters make it low-effort.
Complete your cleaning setup:
Word count: 1528 | Last updated: 2024
