If you are trying to buy a new vacuum cleaner and you want a new one that is light and can last for a long time, then the Shark Rocket Ultralight Upright (HV300, HV301 or HV302) is the right one for you. The Ultralight Rocket is a versatile product that can be used for cleaning different spaces, being suitable for many above-the-floor tasks. What makes this vacuum cleaner outstanding than other vacuums available in the market is that it can provide continuous power and it does not lose its suction even when used for extended hours. But let’s not hurry and first state why you should read further:
- You’ll find out if this vacuum cleaner is good for you
- You’ll read reviews, advice and information on this product structured in a way you won’t find anywhere else
- You’ll understand the difference between the HV300, HV301 and HV302 models
- You’ll get to see my informed personal recommendation
It might not seem obvious to many, but Shark vacuums are somehow picking up “personal fights” with Dyson vacuums. It’s no secret Shark is really trying to win the market, using TV shopping shows, infomercials and other forms of advertising. They’ve built the Ultralight Rocket in order to deal with Dyson’s DC59 Motorhead. They have even tested and reported on their website that the Ultralight Rocket model cleans carpets better than a full-size DC40 Dyson, which IMO is not such a nice form of marketing but I guess its works for many. Even though I don’t agree with some of their methods, I must say I enjoyed using this vac. It’s not perfect, it’s not working better than many other vacuums out there, but it has its own personality, I can give it that. Here’s an official presentation of the product:
Specs table
| Suction power | If suction power is what makes a vacuum cleaner great among other vacuum cleaners that are out in the market, Shark Rocket Ultralight Upright (HV302) surely is a good option for you. This is also what I loved from the use of this product. The fact that it is powerful gives it much advantage from the previous vacuum cleaners that I once had. Because of its impressive suction power, all of the paths where it passes through only leave complete cleanliness. |
| Input power | The input power that this product can provide is 500 watts and this is the main reason why this product is amazingly powerful than previous vacuum cleaners that I have used before. For this low consumption, some of you (environmentalists) can consider taking this Shark Rocket Ultralight Upright (HV302) as your best friend nowadays. |
| Dust capacity | 0.118 gallons is the total dust capacity of the product and as far as I have been using it, I find it enough for keeping the dust it could suck from 2-3 rooms. This is an average-to-low capacity for an ultra light weight vac. |
| Filtration system efficiency | No HEPA filtration, just some good quality washable filters. As one could expect, not the greatest filtration system, so those of you suffering from asthma and allergies might consider avoiding this vac. |
| Weight and Dimensions | Has the ultralight specification included in its name and it is really handy. I can even hold it in one hand while mounting on the wall after use without struggling. As for storage purposes, its dimensions give it a sleek look making it easy for me to store it in any small space. Since it can be mounted on the wall, I, sometimes, just hang it on an easy to reach place in my shop whenever it is not in use. It weights 7.5 lbs., and has 22.8 x 10 x 31.9 inches in dimensions. |
| Warranty | 5 year limited warranty. This covers any material defect and workmanship, as long as it's not due to owner misuse or neglect). However, you may get VIP lifetime warranty, together with free shipping and priority processing if you purchase it on Sharkclean.com. They also offer some additional tools and an $100 worth steam mop. |
| Accessories | There are several accessories that comes with the product like the crevice tool, dusting brush, car detail kit, pet upholstery tool, dust away hard floor attachment, accessory bag and a wall mount that I really love. |
| Special features | It has this 2-speed brush roll settings that allows you to use the product for any kinds of floorings. Whether you need to clean carpets thoroughly or just a gentle run over the hard floors, this product can easily help. |
| Usability | When talking about usability, the specification which impressed me the most is the swivel steering, which allows you to go through different directions without needing to move too much. Even just standing in a certain angle, you can reach different areas, making the entire cleaning process really easy. Combined with the light weight, this vacuum may seem to do OK at this chapter. However, due to the lack of weight on the head of the vacuum, you have to really work your carpets thoroughly and the brushroll has to be changed with the Dust-Away attachment before vacuuming bare floors, because it can not suck larger pieces properly with the standard head. The dirt gets rather pushed away, the sucked into the bin, so I'm not really comfortable with the Rocket Ultralight at this point. |
| Price | The best price is . I've found this among the best deals on Amazon this week. You can also buy it on exclusive offers on Shark's site. |
What Content People are Saying about It
- Powerful!… I just loved how this product works no matter what floorings we have and still provides the same suction power.
- I love the attachments that come along with the product! It helped me a lot with other cleaning needs!
- Unlike other vacuums I had where I have to bring extensions wherever I go throughout the house, this has a long cord to assist me in cleaning the floors conveniently.
- I gave this as a gift for my wife since she told me about the old vacuum we have, and she loved it!
- As compared to the power of my old Dyson Pet Upright Vacuum, I am more impressed with the power of this Shark Rocket Ultralight Upright (HV302)…
- I love how light this vacuum cleaner is! I never imagined that there is a powerful vacuum cleaner in the market that does not weigh too much than what my arm can carry. I highly recommend this!
- It can pick up both small and big dirt throughout the flooring! I really love this product!
- I placed an order for this vacuum prior to the review I have read in Amazon, and I don’t regret purchasing it!
Here an unofficial video that briefly shows you why the Ultralight Rocket is suitable for most households out there:
What Others Do Not Like About the Product
- …It’s not as good as Dyson…
- The suction is not working well…
- Starts to spit pebbles and some dirt out after one run. Frustrating.
- The dirt cup is too bad. I expected far better. The bin is small, is not completely sealed!
The difference between Shark HV 300, 301 and 302
| Shark HV300 | Shark HV301 | Shark HV302 | |
| Car kit | x | x | yes |
| Power Cord | 27 ft. | 30 ft. | 30 ft. |
| Additional accessories (powered pet&upholstery tool, dust brush) | x | yes | yes |
Conclusion
Though there are certain negative comments that people are saying about the product, there are still more positive comments that are sure to impress anyone who are trying to get more details of what they have experienced with using Shark Rocket Ultralight Upright (HV302). There are even customers who have compared it to Dyson yet there are more people who favored the fact that the product is really as good as or even better than their Dyson and other old vacuums at home. Well, for the price, my 2 cents: it is worth purchasing and trying as it is affordable. However, there are some issues you may deal with:
- the cord is permanently attached to the dust cup. That means you have to take the vacuum wherever you want to empty the debris.
- it does not stand up, so in a way, it’s not really an upright.
- you can’t turn off the brushroll. That’s why you have to rely on accessories.
So, having these in mind, here’s my final VGM:
77 points in my VGM scale is not bad. Finally, let me just say that although this is definitely not the best vacuum cleaner from Shark, the Rocket Ultralight Upright has still plenty of good features that may be appealing to many (including me). If you are one of these guys and still have some questions, or if you simply have a problem with your own Rocket, post a reply and I’ll get back to you.
Jason Roberts
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Patricia Trevillyan says
Can you help? I am elderly and looking for a light weight vac for carpet and tile. I just purchased the shark ultra light hv301 . It is still in the box unopened. After reading your review I also am not happy with some of it’s features . I have 90 percent black plush carpet the rest marble and tile. Can you suggest something ?
Negatives on the Shark …dirt holder too small and cord attached ( I am not that amble) Won’t stand alone. I vacuum every day, needless to say with black carpet.
Thank you for listening. Patricia
Jason Roberts says
Well, if you believe these 3 cons will not work for you, you could try the newer Shark Rocket DeluxePro, the Dyson DC59 Motorhead, Hoover Air Cordless, a cordless Electrolux or better yet, a canister. However, if I were you, I would at least try the one you have in the box.
Patricia Trevillyan says
Thank you. I took your advice but upgraded to the Shark rocket HV322. I absolutely love it. Standing alone? I stand it next to a wall. Too small of a dust bin? I vacuumed 3000sq.ft. Without having to empty. I am so glad I followed your advice. It is perfect for my needs. Thank you. Sincerely, Patricia Trevillyan
Janice Ridley-Lee says
Hi Patricia. Some models of these vacuum cleaners have been recalled here in Australia. I am in Melbourne. A lot of the reviews online about these vacuums are not at all favourable. One consumer had been electrocuted numerous times, just small shocks but who wants that. I recommend you keep it in the box and see if you can get a refund. I would check out some of the small type vacuums that have a lot of power like Hoover. Regards Janice.
Bryan says
Electrocuted numerous times? That’s quite a feat!
Aggie says
I just purchased the shark rocket hv301. I am not sure if I want to keep it or not. I have a dog and a car that shed constantly and all tile floors. My main need is to be able to pick up pet hair from the tile floor on a daily basis without having to change the attachments. I need something light. Have an older model upright Dyson that Is too heavy. I tried the shark I just bought and it did okay, however I want the best vacuum outthere for pet hair and dust on tiled floor. Thanks
Jason Roberts says
The newer model is a bit better, but if you already used and liked the machine, I’d recommend giving it a chance!
Marty Hoth says
I’m a petite woman. When my fav Bissell finally died after yrs of gr8 performance several yrs ago, the hubby proceeded to instead of putting the vac I wanted, stuck a Huge Dyson upright in the cart, telling me how gr8 it is + I’ll love + appreciate it.
I hated this big, heavy, cumbersome vac from day one.
It got to the point he did most vac because I SIMPLY hated everything about. Too heavy to use for what I used to be able + like to do with my dead Bissell. And it wasn’t a Dyson with the ball steering, so was like working with A VERY LOUD MONSTER. Our 2 dogs cringed while vacuuming with BOTH the Bisell + Dyson, but for some reason think it’s Playtime with my Rocket, pouncing @ it.
I love my Rocket so much I can’t put it in words. Easy to use, arriving with a gr8 instruction booklet.
Everything’s clearly labeled right on the Rocket itself.
Most of all, to both my husband + I, it’s literally self propelled, needing very little work other than steer it towards your destination.
It goes easily around + under nearly everything.
Pose @ least watch the infomercial. I got my husband to + had my Rocket THAT DAY.
Jason Roberts says
Thank you for your thoughts Marty!
Darlene Drumm says
Our new house is so dusty, and I must vacuum every day. I am 62, disabled, with a bad back. We have a wood floor foyer, leading to a wooden dinning/kitchen area. The LVRM, library , M Bdrmand stairs complete the down stairs,
all are lt beige carpets. LVRM gets the most dirt, for traffic. It is already a dirty siege after 6mos.
We have had a bathroom remodel due do black mold.. we are in Pacific NW- and it is usually wet, rainy 6-7 most a year. This house is filthy dusty ALL the time. We have a small pet- she does not shed.
This sounds like my dream vac. We have a Kirby- too heavy A hoover, not enough suction, a bissell- light, but does not get in small places, a Dirt devil up right (his) awful..too many vans. Shark seems ike the answer. I like the under appliance tool. The steam mop comes free with one ad. You mention the drawbacks.. cord does not detach, small dirt cup, and does not stand..seems trivial. Should I try this one too?
Thanks so much
DD
Jason Roberts says
It sounds like you are the ideal customer for a lightweight. You could either try one of these Rockets, or if you have a bigger budget, you could take a look at the latest Dyson V6.
M. White says
Where are the filters? I don’t see any with my Shark.
Jason Roberts says
Check the product manual. Considering you are using the HV300 models, you can access the filters by lifting the latch which is on top of the handheld part. Every couple of months you should wash these gently. Make sure they are completely dry before you insert them back in the machine.
Chris says
Hi
Thank you for your review of the HV302. Can you explain what you mean by “the brushroll has to be changed with the Dust-Away attachment before vacuuming bare floors, because it can not suck larger pieces properly with the standard head”. My home is mainly hardwood floor, except for rug under the dining table. I am also considering the UV450 from Costco. Is this a better option? What is the difference between the 2 (HV302 vs UV450). Costco website said this “Superior Bare Floor Cleaning”. Much appreciate your insight. Thanks Chris
Jason Roberts says
The Dust-Away attachment is specifically built for hard floors. The UV450 model is exactly the same with the UV300 model. The only difference is in accessories. Instead of the Dust-Away attachment, you’ll get the Hard Floor Genie, which is supposed to offer just a bit better performance on bare floors.
darrel hisle says
where is it made? why won’t they say? I wont buy it if it is not American made;
Jason Roberts says
To the best of my knowledge, most Europro products are made in China.
Jay says
Thank you for the review. Very informative. Thank for the compassion of the HV300 models. I was wondering if you could help me understand the difference between the HV300’s, HV321 and the HV322. Thank you again.
Jason Roberts says
The HV320 (HV321 and HV322 models) are an improved version of the HV300 models. You may think about these as the difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8, or the difference between the current model of Toyota Prius and the older version. The 300s do the job just fine, but 320s are better.
Debbie says
Thanks for clarifying the UV450 model offered at Costco. I am recovering from a hip replacement and looking for an option to my heavy Simplicity upright. Costco is offering this model for $130 beginning 5/7 until the end of the month, really hard to pass up.
Anne Tran says
Would you please explain what are the differences between Shark rocket ultralight upright model HV302 and model UV450
Jason Roberts says
Anne, just read a few comments above. The UV450 model from Costco is almost the same with the HV300 series. Slight differences are in accessories: the Dust-Away attachment is replaced with the Hard Floor Genie and the UV450 box also contains 2 Microfiber pads.
Anne tran says
Thank you for your response to my question. I did read all the comments above. However, my question is the difference between molde HV and UV? Thank you.
Jason Roberts says
Anne, I don’t really know the difference between HV and UV. My best guess is that the H letter stands for their low-weight series, while U represents vacuum models only sold through 3rd party wholesale stores like Costco or Sears. The NV line represents common upright models, the NR refers to their canister models, the MV series cover the hybrid vacuum/steam units and the NP/SV is meant for their portable and cordless units. The simple carpet sweepers are sold under the V series.
Anne Tran says
Thank you very much Mr. Roberts. I has just bought a UV 450 from Costco. Your column is so informative. You are an expert.
Thomas Loiland says
Also, the UV450 has a Pet Upholstery Tool while the HV302 does not have this (it has a Wide Upholstery Tool instead).
Leanne Rader says
I have had a shark navigator for years, and love it. My only complaint is its inability to clean stairs. I recently saw an infomercial on the shark ulralight upright (model HV300) and almost bought it. Then I saw that Costco has the shark ultralight for sale as well (model UV450). I’m having trouble comparing the 2 and deciding which would be the better choice for me. Can you help?
Thank you!
Jason Roberts says
Hi Leanne. Check out the answers above. They are basically one and the same. I’d go with the Costco version.
James says
From everything I’ve read the original Shark Rocket would be great for the narrow spaces of our small house. But I have some muscle tension problems and I’m concerned that much of the Rocket’s weight is near the handle. (CNET’s review says the top portion weighs 4.2 pounds.) I’m wondering if the floor attachment provides enough support to bear most of the weight, or is your arm carrying most of the weight?
Jason Roberts says
Well, it is a bit heavier in the first portion, which is actually a good thing because you can control it better. If it is in contact with the floor, the normal force exerted by the ground will diminish the stress on your arm. If you need a smaller weight, you can take a look at the Dyson V6 which is 5 lbs, but this unit also has most of the weight near the handle to allow you a better maneuverability.
John Kanengieter says
Hi- I loved your article (really informative) and answers to all questions were helpful.
My question: I like the rocket models but am looking for one that has ‘headlights’. Do any of these models have that?
thanks!
Jason Roberts says
John, check out the new Rocket models from Shark. Both come with LED headlights.
Susan says
Can I use the uv450 from Costco on hard wood floors with the standard attachment on light brush settings or do you only recommend using the hard floor genie on hard wood floors? I love this vacuum but my entire main floor is hard wood. Thank you.
Jason Roberts says
Test it on a hidden section, to see if the bristles don’t scratch your floor. It should work without a problem, but better play it safe.
jane says
I have recently started hearing a clunking noise in my rocket when I turn on the carpet mode. The brush is clean and spinning freely. I have looked and cant see anything inhibiting it. Help!
Jason Roberts says
When in Carpet mode, the vacuum works at full power. It may be a problem with the nozzle. Have you verified if you have a clog? Have you emptied the bin? If none of the common sense fixes work, I think you have a motor problem, so you should take it up for inspection.
jordyn says
Hi! I have read all the comments but still having a hard time deciding between the costco version UV450 and the sams club HV302…..? The vacuum will be used on 80% hard woods 🙂
thanks!!!
Jason Roberts says
That’s because they’re basically one and the same :). That means you mostly have to decide between Costco and Sam’s Club.
JudeAnn Baillod says
I bought this unit for Pergo type floors. Do I have to use the bare floor attachment? Will the brushes hurt my floor?
Jason Roberts says
I don’t think so. Try it in a corner to see for yourself. Pergo is durable, and the bristles of the Rocket are elastic. Would really appreciate if you share the outcome.
Dan says
Will HV300 series filters work as replacement filters on Costco UV450 models?
Jason Roberts says
Yes. The unit is the same.