my all time fav (so far) is the Dyson DC07.

I agree mark I also use the progressive suction is awesome..

Derek and Michael! Two old buddies back the same day!
Great to hear from both of you.

Sam,

I too have a progressive as a backup vac, and it is one helluva vac, BUT....
I was told by an old pro, "Don't use machines that Joe Schmoe can buy in a store, If you want to be a professional, use professional tools."
I'm not knocking any machine you can buy at Sears or Wally-World, BUT I do agree with the fact that your better off buying and using commercial tools if nothing else, just for the sake of appearance.
For the Same money you can spend at a local retail store, there are a lot of options to buy a commercial unit of some sort. I use a :

Clean Max Pro Quick Draw Vacuum, cost $279.95
and is a True HEPA Vac, and there are plenty for even less money then that.

I'm new at this game too and by no means a seasoned Vet, but I'm shootin' to stay in this game long enough
to become one.

Just my two cents for what it's worth.

Lance