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Shark Vertex Cordless Review (IZ462H): In-Depth Tests & Data

The biggest issue with the previous Duo Clean models is their inability to resist hair tangles. It was a concern for the Shark ION P50, which couldn’t even pick up shorter five-inch strands.

Shark aims to address these concerns with the redesigned Duo Clean head in the new Vertex (IZ462H). In place of the stubby, stiff bristles, Shark replaced it with “PowerFins” or silicone fins that supposedly have better agitation and tangle resisting properties.

I’ve spent the past few days testing it to determine whether these claims are valid.

Massive Upgrade Over The Older Duo Clean Head

Shark Vertex Cordless Review

While I like how the old Duo Clean head performed on hard surfaces, it had some issues preventing it from reaching its full cleaning potential. The new Vertex series’s redesigned nozzle rectifies these issues with an upgraded brush behind the roller. And the new brush design provides better agitation and resists tangles from longer hair strands than any other cordless vacuum I’ve tested.

*If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Pros

Update: Shark just released an upgraded version – the Vertex Pro

Cons

Contents

Introduction to the Shark Vertex Cordless IZ462H

The Duo Clean nozzle was one of the best innovations in the last five years. It changed the way people looked at vacuuming hard floors, proving that strong suction isn’t a prerequisite for such.

However, that technology isn’t perfect and has some issues. The first and the most annoying would be hair tangles. Cleaning was a chore as the standard brush can’t repel tangles even from shorter strands.

PowerFins

Shark address this with the new “PowerFins” upgrade, consisting of silicone blades around the roller. Another enhancement is these soft bristles, which I believe are there for picking up stuff like dust.

The Blue arrow points to the “PowerFins” upgrade Shark put in the Vertex line.

If you look closely at the brush, the fins and bristles alternate each other in rows. The goal of Shark here is to provide better agitation with the silicone fins doing the work of the traditional stiff bristles you’ll see in other brands.

Another benefit of these fins is their ability to resist hair tangles. I’ve tested it on hair strands as long as 12 inches, and the results were superb (more in this section).

This feature works in conjunction with these combs (or teeth) above to untangle hair.

Please note that you may need to run it on carpet mode for a minute or two to remove hair wrapping on the brush.

Shark IZ462H Vertex Cordless Stick Vacuum w/ Duo Clean Technology

$315. 00

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06/11/2022 04:07 am GMT

Multi-Flex

The Vertex IZ462H retains the Multi-Flex system found in older Shark stick vacuums such as the ION Flex. It’s a patented feature from Shark designed to reach deep under furniture. Cleaning this zone is a challenge, even for the lightest stick vacuums.

Transitioning between stick and flex is done by pushing this lever. Going back to stick mode is done by straightening it back to its original form.

Another benefit of Flex is storage. Most stick vacuums will rely on a wall-mountable dock or stand for vertical storage. This vacuum does not. Upon pushing the level, users can fold it until it locks in place.

Folding it cuts the vertical space in half. Hence storing this in a cabinet is possible.

Dustbin design and capacity

It may not look massive, but the Vertex’s dustbin can hold more dirt than most other stick vacuums – at 1.28 liters. Not the biggest, but larger than most cordless vacuums.

I like that it’s detachable, making it easier to clean thoroughly.

There’s a lever to open the dustbin. The wide opening makes it easy to empty, but the hair will wrap around this middle component, so just a heads up.

There are three filters – a foam and felt before the motor and a post-motor HEPA filter.

The Vertex has a sealed system, and I didn’t see any noticeable leaks during the fog test. So it’s an improvement over the Shark ION P50 that leaked.

The Vertex has a HEPA filter located inside the motor. It’s easy to pull out, and according to Shark, it’s washable.

Egonomics and handheld usability

One feature I like with the Shark ION P50 is the light handheld weight with the motor close to the base. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case with the Vertex, as the motor and dustbin are at the handle, like a traditional stick vacuum.

Moving it up increases the handle weight up to 1.83 kgs or 4.03 lbs. Another negative is the body length in handheld mode. It’s almost as long as a V11 Torque Drive.

The chunky frame doesn’t make it ideal for handheld use since this vacuum is biased (designed-wise) towards cleaning floors.

Tools out of the box

You’ll get these three attachments out of the box.

  1. Crevice tool
  2. Combination tool (brush and upholstery)
  3. Underappliance wand.

My favorite undoubtedly is the under-appliance wand, as it’s the only tool I’ve tested capable of cleaning this area in my home.

The clearance of this drawer is less than 5 inches – very low for most attachments, except for this tool.

I was hoping to get the full-sized version, but this is better than nothing.

Removable battery

Users will get one detachable battery with a claimed run time of 60 minutes with non-powered tools in its default setting.

I tested it, and the IZ462H exceeded these claims by nine minutes. However, that figure is cut by half if the main nozzle is attached. I’ll share the results of the run time tests in the next section.

Fortunately, doubling the run time is possible since extra batteries are available.

It also scores plus points for practicality since you can charge it separately. So users can keep one battery on standby while using the other one attached to the vacuum.

How long does the Shark Vertex cordless IZ462H run?

The Shark Vertex has three power modes – normal, carpet, and max. There isn’t much difference between the standard and carpet modes in terms of airflow. However, the brush roll spins more rapidly, increasing agitation on carpet. As I’ve said earlier, this will also help to untangle hair wrapping on the brush.

Here are the results of my experiments with the main nozzle:

These figures are better than the Shark ION P50, but not by much. Decent figures for cleaning high-traffic areas are still lacking compared to stick vacuums like the Lupe Pure, Dyson V11 Outsize, V11 Torque Drive, and Tineco Pure One S12.

Here are the results with the crevice tool:

If you’re using any of the non-powered tools, keep it at the default setting as there won’t be any significant bump in power moving the switch to carpet mode. Pull the max lever if there’s a need for it.

How much power does the Shark Vertex Cordless have?

Another claim Shark made is “Hyper Velocity,” enabling this vacuum to have the “strongest suction” of any cordless stick.

To put that theory to the test, I measured airflow both at the cleaning head and extension wand, and here are the results.

First, here are the results at the nozzle.

Results at the extension tube:

The difference between hard floor and carpet modes is too small to matter. As I’ve said earlier, the brush roll will spin faster in carpet mode. For extra suction, you’ll need to pull a lever.

I’m not sure why Shark didn’t put a dedicated max setting on the slide switch. They must have been confident that the agitation was good enough without more airflow assistance.

My preference is to have a dedicated setting, if the need arises, to avoid continually pulling a lever.

Cleaning performance

Next, we’ll look at how well the Shark Vertex Cordless handles different debris types – from quaker oats to heavy debris like sand.

Here are the results:

One surprise during these tests is the higher pick-up on carpet than on hard surfaces. It was a surprise for me since Duo Clean’s design is meant for better performance on hard surfaces. As such, this is a pleasant surprise as the PowerFins did its job.

Hard floor results

I was expecting more from this vacuum on this surface, but the scores are still excellent. It picked up in the high-90s on all tests. Please note that I didn’t use the max setting on any of these debris types, only the default setting.

You can see from the before and after photos that the Duo Clean nozzle did the job at picking up dirt.

The front roller did throw some stuff forward, but it wasn’t anything substantial.

Sand on hard floor

Another area the Duo Clean excels at is cleaning sand on hard floors. It picked up an average of 99.7% – one of the best scores of all cordless vacuums for hard floors.

And it picked up most of it in the forward pass. This shows you how efficient it is at debris pick up, even with heavy debris like sand.

Hair wrap test on hard floors

Normally for stick vacuums, I’d do two tests – one for five-inch strands and another for seven-inch hair, but that’s it. In most instances, a good chunk of hair will wrap on the brush by the seven-inch test.

But I needed to find out if these “PowerFins” can actually keep hair from tangling on the brush.

The Duo Clean brush roll after the five-inch test.Hardly any hair wrapped on the brush.

Next, we’ll look at the brush roll after the seven-inch test.

After the nine-inch test, there was no visible hair wrapping on the brush, which is already impressive.

 

Here’s a close look after the eleven-inch test. A few strands were wrapping on it, but it was easy to pull out.

Lastly, the brush after the twelve-inch test.

One potential trouble spot would be the small side wheels on both ends—hair wrapped on this area during the test.

The Duo Clean exceeded expectations. Almost nothing wrapped in both the initial experiments, so I decided to push the envelope.

Here are the complete results.

* number in the parenthesis represents the amount of hair scattered on the surface.

I went above, and beyond the one gram of hair I’d normally use for most of these experiments because I want to stress test it to see its limits.

Even with long twelve-inch strands, it still picked up above 82%, which was impressive for any cordless stick vacuum.

These tests show that the “PowerFins” are practical and not just hype.

Edge cleaning

Another evidence of efficient agitation is the edge cleaning test. It picked up nearly all the coffee grounds I scattered in this area around four passes, along with stuff on the quarter-inch crevice. Of course, it needed more to get to the edges, but I like proficiency.

Carpet cleaning

One surprise during the testing phase is how well the Shark Vertex cordless picked up on carpet. It was one of the best scores of all cord-free vacuums I’ve tested, better than the costlier V11 Torque Drive and V10 Absolute based on percentages.

I pulled the Max lever for an extra boost after the initial passes, contributing to the high score.

But the ability to clean debris well on this surface is a massive bonus for consumers looking for something cheaper than a Dyson.

Low pile results

There are high scores across the board, even with fine coffee grounds, which most stick vacuums struggle picking up.

You can see in the photos above; it only left a minimal trail for coffee grounds, which confirms the high score.

Mid pile results

Picking up 100% across the board on a thicker pile carpet is impressive for a non-premium cordless stick vacuum. This vacuum pulled it off thanks to the superior agitation, despite the average airflow.

Deep cleaning results

The biggest chink in the old Duo Clean’s armor is its inability to deep clean carpet well. This is no longer the case with the new Shark Vertex Cordless.

It picked up an average of 93.85% on two tests in the default carpet setting! Yes, it’s not a misprint. The score isn’t far off other brands like the Tineco A11 and Dyson V8. However, the difference is, the Vertex didn’t need the extra suction boost.

So it’s a more practical option for cleaning carpets if options like the Dyson V11 Torque Drive or Outsize are too expensive.

The number goes up to 96.4% in the max setting. But you’ll have to pull the lever continually for the extra suction.

Hair wrap on carpet

Next, look at how well the Shark Vertex is cordless picking hair on carpet.

Some photos for your reference. First, a close-up look after the five-inch test.

Here’s a close look after the seven-inch test – still no visible hair showing.

After the nine-inch test where a few strands are wrapping, but still manageable.

This is a shot after the eleven-inch test, similar to that on hard floors where only a few strands are wrapped on the brush.

Lastly, the results on the twelve-inch test with 1.55-grams worth of hair – 50% more than my usual 1-gram test.

Here are the results:

* number in the parenthesis represents the amount of hair scattered on the surface.

Again, impressive results considering the amount of hair involved. I’d typically use only one gram since it’s the limit for most cordless vacuums and, thus, a good benchmark.

You’ll notice there are two twelve-inch tests. I purposely did a second experiment to see how much the Duo Clean head would pick up if I reduced the quantity, and it got more!

These tests show the ability of the “PowerFins” and the combs to prevent hair wrapping on the brush.

How noisy is the Shark Vertex IZ462H?

One downside with the increased agitation and silicone fins is the noise it produces.

First, let’s look at the results of the sound meter test (with the cleaning head attached).

Next are the results with the crevice tool in handheld mode.

It breached the 75-decibel mark in all the settings and over 80 decibels at the max. So it’s not something you’d want to use a night in an apartment complex or condominium.

Availability of Parts

There aren’t many options for parts like the filter being a newer model in Shark’s line-up. I searched “Shark Vertex Cordless” on Amazon and got only results from the upright version. If you want to purchase filters, add the model number “IZ462H” to drill down further.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find batteries on Amazon, so you’ll have to purchase them directly from Shark’s website.

Product Specifications

ModelShark Vertex IZ462H
Brush roll on/offNo
Battery25. 2-volt 2450 mAh Li-ion battery
Charging time4 hrs.
Battery lifeup to 69 mins.
Weight9.04 lbs.
Width10.63"
Overall length47.3"
Battery indicatorYes
Filter typeWashable foam + HEPA filter
Dust capacity1.28 li
AirflowUp to 53.11 CFM
CordlessYes
BaglessYes
Warranty5 yrs. (vacuum)
2 yrs. battery
PriceCheck Price

Where can I buy the Shark Vertex Cordless IZ462H?

You can purchase this versatile stick vacuum in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for more information and the latest pricing.

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission if you purchase through the link above, but at no extra cost to you, so it’s a win-win for us!

Does the Shark Vertex Cordless IZ462H offer good value?

A resounding yes! The lower cost alone makes the Vertex IZ462H an attractive option for consumers looking for high-end cleaning performance from a mid-priced vacuum.

It doesn’t have the same deep-cleaning ability as a Dyson, but it makes up for it with better ergonomics at a fraction of the cost. This product is one of the best cord-free vacuums at this price range for cleaning debris, plus it passed the fog test – something that the ION P50 didn’t achieve.

5 Reasons to buy the Shark Vertex IZ462H cordless.

  1. Resists tangles even from long strands of hair: It was the best from all the stick vacuums I’ve tested at picking up long strands of hair.
  2. Above-average deep cleaning: The “PowerFins” provided enough agitation picking up over 93% of sand in deep cleaning tests at the default carpet setting. Impressive results!
  3. Large capacity dustbin: It may not look the part, but this vacuum can hold up to 1.28 liters of dirty dirt at the fill line.
  4. Sealed system: Three filters and excellent seals all around provides a sealed filtration system that works, as evidenced by the fog test.
  5. Under appliance wand: My absolute favorite tool of the bunch. It will fit under shallow clearance furniture (below two inches).

The Verdict: Hype Is Real, The PowerFins Work!

Before going into any review, I always try to put my biases aside and base what I say on data. The Shark Vertex IZ462H made some big claims; for the most part, it delivered on those boasts with real-world performance.

The “PowerFins” upgrade is a revelation in my tests and enables this cordless stick vacuum to be the best at picking up long hair strands, better than the more expensive V11 Outsize.

Another benefit of this technology is better agitation on both surface and dirt tucked deep down carpet strands. Again, it’s not as good as other premium brands, but certainly in line with other more expensive “mid-price” options like the Dyson V8 in its default carpet setting.

The sealed system and self-standing feature sealed (no pun intended) the deal for me as it provides practicality not found in more traditional stick vacuums.

Sure there are downsides, like the average run time (in stick vacuum mode), chunk frame, and less than ideal steering, but like in everything else, compromises must be made when purchasing products like this.

How Good Are The PowerFins At Resisting Hair Tangles?

96%

Summary

The upgrades Shark put into the Vertex are the real deal. It’s the best cordless stick vacuum I’ve tested (so far) at resisting tangles from long strands (over 11″), better than the Dyson V11 Outsize, which was the previous champ in this category. The “PowerFins” upgrade also provides it with better agitation and this enhancement is seen in all the cleaning tests, where this vacuum did well across the board. If you’re looking for a mid-priced vacuum that can clean as well as more premium brands, give this product a close look.

Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Review

The jump from a standard (corded) vacuum can feel like a big leap of faith, but once you make the switch to cordless, you'll never want to look back. That's the case with Shark's newest and most deluxe cordless vacuum option, the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins (IZ462H), anti-hair wrap technology, and up to 60 minutes of run time on a single charge. 

I've had the opportunity to try out this zippy vacuum for quite a few weeks, and it has streamlined my cleaning schedule, making it easy to hop around from mess to mess, and really get into tight spaces without having to worry about cords getting in the way.  

Read on to see why the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins (IZ462H) merits your consideration as you upgrade your vacuum set up.

Want more options in terms of cordless? Our best cordless vacuum guide details the pros and cons of the top-selling units on the market. 

Today's best Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins deals

£457.56

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(Image credit: Shark)

Who will love the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins?

The real question here is, who won't love the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum. The cordless design is lightweight, versatile, and easy to use, which will suit people of all ages and abilities. As an added bonus, the anti-hair wrap and suction power features will delight those with extra long hair, or with pets who shed. The compact design makes it easy for those who are tight on storage space or to stash away in an extra closet for quick clean-ups. Finally, those with sensitivities to allergies, or want to make sure all traces of dust and potential irritants are removed from the air with the addition of a washable HEPA filter. 

Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins: Specifications

(Image credit: Jaclyn Turner)

Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins: features and functions

(Image credit: Shark)

DuoClean PowerFins
The core component of the Shark Vertex models, and the latest in Shark's technology feature two rollers to suck up dirt and dust that maximize floor contact for continuous cleaning. It's kind of like two vacuums in one, and sucks up twice as much in one pass-through. The PowerFins roller and a soft roller uncover dust and debris from carpets, directly engage floors, and pick up more in every pass. The soft roller picks up small debris and dust while the silicone PowerFins dig deep into carpets and directly engaging floors for better pet hair pickup, as opposed to vacuums with standard bristles. 

Self-Cleaning Brushroll
Shark's vacuums are leaders in the anti-hair wrap movement. With the self-cleaning brush roll, human and pet hair don't get caught or wrapped in the rollers and reduce suction power.  

Multi-Flex Technology
Not only are you unrestricted by cords with this Shark Vertex, but the addition of Multi-Flex Technology also enables you to contort the vacuum into different positions to access hard-to-reach areas. For instance, it flexes up to a 90-degree angle so you can access low areas without bending over, and it's what allows the vacuum to fold in half for compact storage.   

Hypervelocity Accelerated Suction
Not your ordinary cordless vac. The addition of Hypervelocity Accelerated Suction delivers a direct airflow path for incredible deep-cleaning performance.

Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
Traps allergens on contact with its HEPA Filtration system and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology that doesn't expel irritants back into the air. The brush rolls continually rotate to ensure air is only sucked in one direction. 

Convertible Handheld
In addition to the standard upright mode, you can also seamlessly detach the handheld for above-floor cleaning, and even use the wand for hard-to-reach areas. The included attachments clip on with ease for targeted cleaning. 

Floor Settings and Battery
The cordless features two settings: hard floor and carpet. For added power, pull the trigger on the handheld vacuum to activate Boost Mode. The vacuum continually operates until you slide the switch, but Boost Mode requires you keep your hand on the trigger, and uses you the most battery power. If you're using just the handvac component, you can get 60 minutes of cleaning power. FOr hard floor cleaning, the battery lasts 34 minutes, for carpet, it lasts 23 minutes, and when you use Boost Mode you get just 10 minutes. An indicator light on the backside of the handheld refers to the battery life remaining. 

Attachments
This particular Shark vacuum came with a variety of attachments to use with the handheld including a crevice tool, a pet multi-tool that multi-tasks to clean stuck-on debris and remove pet hair from upholstery, and a multi-angle dust brush for delicate objects, getting in narrow spaces, and dusting blinds.  No accessory storage or sack, however. 

(Image credit: Shark)

What the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins is like to use

Starting with set up, just a few quick clicks into place and you can be ready to go. The vacuum comes partially charged, so if you're antsy to hit the ground running, you can, but it is best to give it the chance to reach full charge.

It does not have a charging base or dock, which I personally preferred, since it enables me to store in a closet when not in use, rather than plugged in out in the open.  Now, the beauty of this vacuum is that it charges via its removable battery, so you can charge by plugging into the vacuum and giving it a temporary resting spot, or just popping out the battery and letting it charge on the counter for a few hours. You can even purchase an additional battery if you'd like to have an extra on hand for extended cleaning sessions. 

Like most stick vacuum designs, this Shark is top-heavy and does not stand upright. However, it does have some convenient features that made this a non-issue, like a rubber bumper to protect surfaces when you prop it up against the wall or furniture, and the swing-style mechanism that comes with the Multi-Flex technology mentioned above that allows it to curl over with a push of a lever into a stable unit less than three feet tall for storage. Getting it upright again takes a little more applied pressure to the lever, and the use of both hands to lift the heavier part back up.  

From there, I was on my way, zipping through my hallway and living room, seeing how it did on area rugs. To navigate between hard floors and carpets, use the slide switch to choose between the Hard Floor, and the Carpet setting. Once you glide over the switch, the vacuum takes a second before it roars to life. The addition of LED lights on the floorhead illuminated the path in front of me as I cleaned.

I figured a cordless from Shark would do good on hard flooring with the soft roller front and center, but the real test is in how it performs on carpeted surfaces, and I was quite impressed, and rarely felt the need to pull the Boost trigger, though I did notice a difference when I used it. 

By then, the dust bin was ready to be emptied, which involved separating the handheld from the vacuum and then angling the dust bin directly over the garbage. I did have to scoop out some of the large strands of hair that wrapped around the mesh filter inside, but nothing that was majorly inconveniencing.  

The next trial was an unforeseen one, but I had to lift up my mattress and boxspring, which probably haven't been touched in 20 years, no exaggeration, and the cordless made it so easy to get behind the bed and underneath where all the dust bunnies had settled. I took the handheld and crevice brush along the baseboards and where the carpet met the wall for some much-needed TLC. Hopefully, it won't be another 20 years before that area under the bed gets some attention, but when it does, I'll be reaching right back for the Shark Vertex. 

(Image credit: Shark)

The Pantry Test

Introducing what I am calling the Pantry Test, the unscientific test that uses common pantry staples to test the suction capabilities of our vacuums. The Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum passed with flying colors on both hardwood and carpets when I placed a quarter cup of cereal, a quarter cup of rice, and a tablespoon of sugar to see how the vacuum handled food particles large and small. In summary, on both instances, it powered right through and didn't push anything forward. 

The Pantry Test on hardwood floors:

The Pantry Test on carpet

How does the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum rate online?

As of March 2022, the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum has a 4.5 rating on Amazon  and a 3.9 rating on Shark's website . At our original time of testing in Feb. 2021, it had a 4.3 on Shark. The updated reviews from recent months mention the vacuum's battery life (and overall performance) didn't meet their expectations (see our note about vacuum run time), comment on the smallish floorhead, and found the vacuum itself loud. 

How does the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum compare to other models?

The Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum debuted as Shark's most premium cordless vacuum offering. Since, an upgraded Shark Vertex Pro lightweight cordless stick vacuum model has been released with boosted suction power, a 1 qt. dust bin, and a digital display. The new Pro model costs about $50 more, but we've also seen discounts over recent months that make the Shark Vertex Lightweight even more attractive in cost.

Both of these models in the Shark Vertex collection boast the most powerful suction by a long shot and the longest runtime (up to 60 minutes) and DuoClean technology. They also includes the anti-allergen seal, and a removable battery, which just one other model, the Shark Pet Plus Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum, features. 

The Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum is the "heaviest" of the cordless vacuums at just over 9 lbs, but we still found it extremely lightweight to use.  The Pro is slightly lighter at around 8.8 lbs.

For comparison in run time, other Shark models only offer up to 40 minutes on a single charge. 

(Image credit: Shark)

Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins: Final Thoughts

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this vacuum. I never had an issue running out of charge for the areas I was vacuuming, and once I was finished, it was no problem to plug it in for a recharge. Going cordless enabled me to bring the vacuum anywhere I wanted to go in my house, and now I never want to trade that feeling. 

Being cordless and lightweight, the trade-off in these types of vacuums will be a dust bin that fills up more quickly, but the one-touch operation to empty the dust bin is frustration-free. 

The only part that did not live up to its expectations for me was the Multi-Flex technology. It was handy for folding the vacuum in half, but unfurling it was cumbersome and required using both hands. When it contorts into the "L" shape to reach down low, the vacuum became harder to maneuver, and just wasn't worth it in my opinion. But luckily, it's a feature I can easily look past, since operating the vacuum as a standard upright was intuitive and easy to maneuver.  

For general household cleaning and upkeep, this cordless is well-suited for the task. Now, for deep, deep cleans, you'll probably want a more powerful vacuum on hand as well (i.e. an upright with a large-sized dust bin). But, if you're looking for a sleek cordless vacuum with powerful suction, a sufficient runtime, HEPA filtration, and won't get clogged by pet hair, I think you'll be extremely satisfied with the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins in your home, and you'll never think twice about it.

Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins: where to buy

Today's best Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins deals

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Jaclyn is H&G's eCommerce editor and oversees all things shopping. She's also a bonafide sleep expert, and previously managed all sleep content on Homes & Gardens and Real Homes– in fact, she has passed our five-step certification process to become a verified customer advisor on mattresses. She regularly scouts out the best of the best for buying guides to help you fill your home with only the best. She joined the team in January 2021. She has previously worked with Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, The Spruce, The Spruce Eats, and MyDomaine.  When Jaclyn's not working, she loves browsing real estate listings, unwinding with a chilled glass of Rosé, and entertaining her Cavapoo, Reese. 

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A blunt shark. Photo: Chase Baker / Unsplash

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Sharks are both cat and blunt

There is such a striking species as the bioluminescent cat shark, emitting a greenish glow in the darkness of the continental shelf. It is a predominantly nocturnal animal with thick parallel stripes all over its body. During the day, the shark mostly lies motionless somewhere in a cave. In the event of a threat, she curls up into a ball, hiding her head under her tail. For this, she is called a shy shark. nine0005 Cat shark. Source: kipmu.ru

The blunt-nosed shark is inferior in prettiness to the slender sea fox - the ballerina among sharks, but its internal structure, which allows it to live in both fresh and salt water, is undoubtedly beautiful. This evolutionary marvel rivals white sharks' ability to dive deep and travel long distances, with the perfectly proportioned mako shark's cylindrical body, hammerhead shark's signature T-shaped head, and the jaw power of tiger sharks, which can apply a force of 3 tons per square meter to a target. a centimeter is the mass of two cars. nine0005 Sea fox. Source: twofishdivers.com

The brain of a shark is like beads

It is arranged linearly. Specialized areas follow one after another, like beads on a precious necklace, from the brain stem to the posterior cranial nerves responsible for transmitting information from the shark's inner ear, lateral line, and electroreceptor system. Next comes the cerebellum - the department where the sensory endings converge to help produce movement. In white sharks, the cerebellum is very well developed, which explains the speed and reflexes of the shark. The shark's midbrain contains the visual lobes, which process what the shark sees. There are special vessels around the eyes that heat them and the brain for faster processing of information. nine0005

After the midbrain comes the large brain with which the shark thinks. This region of the brain is responsible for social and spatial behavior. It is in this area that the division of the brain into two hemispheres occurs - a feature unique among vertebrates. At the top of this Y-shaped area are the olfactory centers, thanks to which the shark recognizes the smell. Since about 70% of the shark brain is responsible for the sense of smell, these animals are constantly in the world of smells.

Sharks have their own routine

A study in the Galapagos Islands showed that hammerhead sharks behave remarkably like human behavior. We have daily habits: in the morning we drink coffee in the same place and get to work on the same route. Hammerhead sharks also have favorite hangout spots. The scientific name for this phenomenon is "place fidelity", but more often they simply say "place of registration".

Sharks prefer to spend their daytime hours in the same places in the vicinity of Wolf and Darwin Islands. They weave between the same reefs, gliding past the same yellow brain coral, and at low speed around the same colorful purple sea fans attached to the steep sides of the reef. nine0005 Hammerhead shark. Source: Wikipedia

Sharks attack people by mistake

It is difficult to understand what drives a shark that decides to attack a person. Most likely, many of these attacks are the result of a mistake. Surfers in dark wetsuits on boards look like regular shark food, and ordinary beachgoers swimming in cloudy weather in muddy waters can easily be confused with fish. When a shark drives a baitfish towards the shore, it may well miss and bite a person. Purposeful aggression against a person is extremely rare. nine0005

Sharks are not interested in blood

People often think that a shark can attack by smelling even a drop of blood. But blood in small quantities does not attract the attention of sharks. They can indeed recognize certain substances in water even in very small quantities, but a few drops of blood in the ocean dissolve quickly. In cases where, after the attack, the victim in the water bled, other sharks nearby did not react to this.

More often sharks show interest in low-frequency sounds, which are emitted, for example, by a wounded fish beating in agony. Therefore, the attention of the shark is more likely to be attracted by floundering in the water or intense strokes on the board. nine0005

How sharks are born and how humans harm sharks - continued in Bookmate Journal

More amazing books about animals - on the shelf " Primates about animals " on Bookmate

Do dolphins fight with sharks. Team versus individual? Why are sharks afraid of dolphins

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Is it any wonder that a shark is terrified of a dolphin? In reality, this is the case and the fears of an underwater predator are fully justified. When a shark sees a dolphin, it tries to swim away as soon as possible so as not to collide with it and not become its victim . This is because underwater predators never gather in packs, which cannot be said about cute, kind dolphins. nine0005

The first attack is always initiated by the shark, which always attacks first. It is a shark with a great desire to be glad to get enough of the meat of a harmless dolphin, which quite by accident strayed from the flock. And this sometimes happens for various reasons.

The dolphin has a fairly powerful frontal part and nose. And even one dolphin can take the life of even the largest shark with one blow. Dolphins are very smart animals. They know all the points on the body of a shark, inflicting blows on which a predator can instantly lose his life. nine0005

If dolphins notice even the slightest aggressive action on the part of a predator, they immediately take action, and then the aggressive and bloodthirsty shark has a very hard time. A flock of dolphins in the blink of an eye takes counterattack actions, surrounding the predator with a dense ring from all sides.

Seeing a shark, dolphins turn from harmless and cute animals into aggressive warriors, ready not only to repulse the enemy, but also to beat him to death. They attack the predator in a flock, not giving her a single chance for salvation. It is enough for one dolphin to deliver a powerful frontal and nose blow to the shark to kill it. nine0005

During the attack, the dolphin accelerates strongly, with all its force crashes into the gills or belly of the predator. These are the most vulnerable parts of her body.

A pack of cute animals always fights to the bitter end. In rare cases, the shark manages to avoid death, if only it has time to escape from the environment.

Such complex relationships that have developed between underwater animals contribute to the development of a conditioned reflex in sharks. If they notice at least one dolphin near their prey, they immediately disappear. This happens even when the predator is very hungry. nine0005

This is interesting! However, for some reason, sharks are not at all afraid of killer whales. But these carnivorous dolphins, even in the process of a harmless game, can accidentally strike a shark with a strong blow, which will lead to instant death. Their cheerful disposition can cost a shark its life.

Shark attacks on humans

In many videos you can watch the miraculous rescue of people by dolphins, and see how sharks are afraid of dolphins.

In one of these videos, it is told how the operator, while filming some episode, accidentally saw a shark dangerously close to him, which continued to move towards him. The man did not stop filming and captured the moment when four dolphins surrounded his body in a tight ring, keeping the predator away. Thus, by driving the shark away from the man, they saved his life. nine0005

The video operator has no doubts that by starting such military actions against the shark, the dolphins fully understood that they were saving them from certain death. For a very long time, good relations have developed between representatives of the human race and dolphins. The initiative of this friendship belonged to the marine inhabitants, and there was not the slightest reason to doubt their friendliness and good attitude towards us.

Not a single case is known in which it is said that these marine inhabitants attacked a person. Dolphins do not differ in vindictiveness, but on the contrary, their main feature is curiosity and good nature. nine0005

Conclusions about dolphins

Dolphins are not as harmless as everyone thinks they are. They are able to destroy not only sharks, but also other predators that live in the depths of the sea and not even out of hunger. However, those same dolphins can save lives. There are many cases recorded in the world when these animals saved people from the fangs of sharks. Dolphins have incredible instincts. They feel aggression from a distance. That's why they attack. If you do not want to experience the full power of a dolphin, get rid of all negative emotions before meeting these beautiful creatures. nine0005

Video

Sharks are known to be fearsome and bloodthirsty predators. Dolphins are smart and friendly by nature. And they are the enemies of the shark. Why do sharks swim away in panic when they see dolphins? After all, the size of the shark sometimes exceeds the size of dolphins. There are several versions of this.

Dolphins are not so harmless and defend well. They help people, but they won't let themselves be attacked. What is the strength of these beautiful mammals? In fact, sometimes they even kill them. The fact that they live in packs and have a mind that is still incomprehensible to people. nine0005

The most vulnerable areas of a shark are its belly and gills. At great speed, dolphins crash their noses into the shark's weak points and beat until complete destruction. The shark can only flee. And then, if you're lucky. Therefore, if a flock of dolphins swims next to the prey of a shark, sharks do not even risk attacking their prey. Thus, dolphins save people, not only when they drown in the sea, but also protect them from sharks.

But sharks are not afraid of all kinds of dolphins. Killer whales, for example, are not afraid of sharks at all. With a single dolphin, an adult shark can easily deal with, but if there are a flock of dolphins, the shark swims away. Dolphins swimming alone are rarely seen. Accordingly, skirmishes with sharks are rare. This helps the dolphins survive. Indeed, it is not young and not always strong individuals that swim in the shoals. But sharks are very smart. They can wait until some dolphin breaks away from the pack and falls into their mouths. Intelligence is the dolphin's most powerful weapon. And they make great use of it. Therefore, sharks are wary of dolphins. nine0005

There are many stories to tell about dolphins. They have saved people many times. Confirmed by documents and a real case of saving people by dolphins from a shark is known. There was a case in New Zealand that is widely known. A flock of dolphins surrounded the swimmers in a circle when a shark wanted to attack people. People tried to break through such a cordon, not understanding what was happening. They were very scared and tried to escape. After a while, they saw what was happening. A huge three-meter shark circled nearby. Dolphins protected people for about an hour until they brought people to the shore. And only then opened the ring. And there are many such cases. nine0005

Dolphins attack sharks to protect people. Too bad there were no dolphins around when the shark attacked the famous surfer champion Bethany Hamilton and bit off her left hand. Not all the abilities of these amazing animals have been studied. Seas, oceans and their inhabitants keep a lot of mysterious and mysterious things.

More than one book is devoted to the reasons why cats dislike dogs. Sayings are composed about this, fairy tales are composed and cartoons are made. But the inhabitants of the land undeservedly ignored the mystery of why sharks are afraid of dolphins. This fact has been known since antiquity, but the true cause of the confrontation is a controversial topic. nine0005

What are the Selahii afraid of?

The owners of the most elegant grin in all sea waters are recognized by people as the most terrible fish. According to popular belief, this type of cartilage is completely devoid of a sense of fear due to the specific structure of the nervous system.

So, the list of the most serious threats to sharks is:

  • Killer whales - giant carnivorous toothed whales, reaching ten meters in length and weighing about eight tons. Their gigantic teeth (up to 15 cm) can tear even the largest prey; nine0058
  • Other members of the family. So, white sharks are in a strained relationship with their relative - the Brazilian luminous shark. The latter has the peculiarity of attacking the victim, tearing out a piece of meat from her;
  • Dead relatives terrify the Selachi as much as living toothed whales. Observations of scientists have shown that these predators soon leave the place where they smelled their own blood;
  • Petra's algae is also not to the liking of these cartilaginous people due to its extremely unpleasant odor and severe chemical burns; nine0058
  • Predators prefer not to approach groups of people, even in a state of hunger. But a loner who swam into deep waters should seriously fear for his life.

Who is stronger: a dolphin or a shark?

Both representatives of wildlife are distinguished by high speed of movement, good hydrodynamic characteristics and agility. However, this is where the similarities practically end. Often selachia meet death due to the fault of swimming mammals. Let's look at the reasons why dolphins can be stronger than their toothy competitors:

  • High brain activity is on their side. On average, the dolphin brain weighs 200-300 grams more than that of a human. This turns its owner into a very cunning and dangerous opponent;
  • They prefer to move across the expanses of the oceans in packs. Cartilaginous, on the contrary, are predatory and vicious loners who can easily be defeated by a team of adults;
  • Sophisticated sound language and echolocation sensitivity improve the ability to navigate in the water. nine0058

Cases of conflict between them are rather few and are explained more by chance. Both of them understand that the probability of a clear victory in a one-on-one fight is extremely small, and the instinct of self-preservation prevails.

Selachian attack scheme

Hostile actions of representatives of these species against each other can only be assumed, since there is not a sufficient amount of observations of this phenomenon.

If we try to theoretically simulate a duel, then the behavior of sharks will look like this:

  • Most often, a predator decides to attack only when there is an excellent opportunity for this. The weakest member of the team or cub becomes its victim;
  • They prefer to stay on top or behind their opponent so as not to be detected by echolocation;
  • Fearing a one-on-one fight, selachia waits in the wings from an ambush and attacks at the most unexpected moment;
  • After waiting for time, she pounces on the victim with lightning speed; nine0058
  • They aim, as a rule, at the middle part of the animal, wanting to break it in half. For this, the tactics of attacking from below and quickly surfacing upwards with a piece of the prey's body are used;
  • Another technique used by owners of large teeth is a demonstration of a wide-open jaw. It usually impresses small and medium sized ocean dwellers.

Feedback

Possession of high intelligence turns a swimming mammal into a very serious opponent, which is by no means easy prey:

  • A favorite tactic of dolphins is to surround the prey and kill it with their strong, stick-like noses;
  • Animals do not choose the place of blows by chance: the gill slits are the target, which are the same pain point in fish as the solar plexus in humans;
  • In addition to serious pain, the fish loses access to oxygen, because of which its fighting ardor quickly subsides;
  • Beluga whales and killer whales have learned to act with their snouts so deftly that they turn the enemy upside down. As a result, for 2-3 minutes the shark loses the ability to move; nine0058
  • The intelligence of swimming mammals helps them use the surrounding landscape to their advantage for sophisticated distraction maneuvers;
  • There are cases when a group of animals pushed a predator out of the water and held it until it suffocated.

Do sharks eat dolphins?

The diet of these giant fish depends on the specific species:

  • Selahii prefer to hunt within a certain area and get along with their fellow tribesmen with great displeasure. If the main food source dries up, the fish quickly switches to another due to omnivory; nine0058
  • Living at a depth of a couple of hundred meters never lack food: this layer of the ocean is saturated with pinnipeds, small fish, mollusks and crustaceans;
  • Most often, schooling sea fish become their prey: a predator drives a horde into a heap and captures it in one big gulp;
  • Some representatives of the shark genus prefer to feed exclusively on plankton. Such species are practically devoid of teeth and resemble whales;
  • Dolphins can be a very tasty morsel for predators due to their abundant adipose tissue. However, in most cases, mammals act as companions of large fish, eating small prey with it. The deterrent factor is the large number of dolphin flocks. nine0058

Intelligence combined with the help of Kindred can work wonders. Even the strongest teeth cannot oppose anything to agility and cunning. That is why sharks are afraid of dolphins and prefer to bypass the family of these brainy inhabitants of the deep.

Sharks have long been known to avoid the company of dolphins. They swim away as soon as they see a flock of bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins, and try not to collide with killer whales. At the same time, half-decomposed corpses of dolphins were repeatedly found in the stomachs of the caught sharks. What is the secret? And are the toothy queens of the seas really afraid of the good-natured cetaceans? Let's try to figure it out. nine0005

Shark and dolphin behaviors

Sharks are generally cautious and cautious creatures. Perhaps it is thanks to these qualities that their evolution continues for millions of years, providing them with a place at the top of the food chain. However, sharks are solitary predators. It is extremely rare that they gather in small groups, and even then, only in the mating season, in order to then immediately leave.

Dolphins, unlike their reclusive neighbors, travel the ocean in tight-knit groups, closely maintaining family ties. They take care of old or weak individuals and, most importantly, hunt and defend together. This does not mean that, having seen a predatory open mouth in the distance, dolphins immediately rush to kill their rival. On the contrary, it is the sharks that usually initiate the attacks. nine0005

As a rule, the queen of the sea tracks the weakest member of the pack for a long time, waits until he is a little behind the rest, and then attacks. Quite often, she succeeds in hunting, and a well-fed fish, contented, swims away.

It's a completely different scenario if the dolphins notice the offender. Then it is the turn of the power of the collective mind. The flock surrounds the shark and beats it in the body with powerful beaks. Moreover, the dolphin acts with acceleration and meaningfully aims at the most vulnerable place - the gill slits, which is similar to a blow to the solar plexus in humans. nine0005

Together, dolphins can easily kill a bloodthirsty predator. In addition, white-bellied mammals, with an equal mass with sharks, are more maneuverable and more powerful in side collisions. Coordinated group actions help dolphins to win in skirmishes with a shark. If the dolphin is alone in front of a formidable predator, it is not a fact that he will come out of the fight whole (Read more in the article Dolphins vs. Sharks).

Why are sharks afraid of killer whales?

Separately, it is worth mentioning the species of killer whales. These monstrous predators can even use great white sharks as an addition to their menu. However, it should be noted that killer whales usually do not attack first, but only attack sharks when they try to capture their cubs or weakened members of the flock. nine0005

So, near the Farallon Islands, we even managed to get footage of a fierce battle between a great white killer whale and a killer whale (read the article Killer whale vs. white shark), which ended in an unconditional victory for the latter. In addition to the fact that killer whales attack in groups, they also got the hang of bringing sharks into a state of tonic immobility, in fact - long-term convulsive muscle contraction. Killer whales hit the sides of the shark with their snout, turning it upside down.

In this position of a bloodthirsty predator for some time, as if paralyzed, the sharks become completely helpless. The same method, by the way, is also demonstrated by divers, when, sharply twisting the shark by the tail and bringing it into a state of paralysis, they fearlessly put their hands into the gaping mouths. With only one difference - killer whales usually finish off their offenders. nine0005

Are sharks afraid of dolphins?

Thus, sharks become victims of dolphins only through their own negligence and on the condition that the flock is full of adults. Usually, smart blue ocean patrolmen simply avoid the company of dolphins. Not afraid, no.

Sharks clearly calculate their own forces, but they are also familiar with group attacks of cetaceans. That is why they prefer to hunt down the victim for a long time, slowly repelling it from the family, so as not to face the justified aggression of the pack. The tactics of the dolphins taught the sharks to be more careful in order to win again and again and proudly bear the name of the rulers of the world's oceans. nine0005

Sharks have long been known to avoid the company of dolphins. They swim away as soon as they see a flock of bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins, and try not to collide with killer whales. At the same time, half-decomposed corpses of dolphins were repeatedly found in the stomachs of the caught sharks. What is the secret? And are the toothy queens of the seas really afraid of the good-natured cetaceans? Let's try to figure it out.

Shark and dolphin behaviors

Sharks are generally cautious and cautious creatures. Perhaps it is thanks to these qualities that their evolution continues for millions of years, providing them with a place at the top of the food chain. However, sharks are solitary predators. It is extremely rare that they gather in small groups, and even then, only in the mating season, in order to then immediately leave. nine0005

Dolphins, unlike their reclusive neighbors, travel the ocean in close-knit groups, closely maintaining family ties. They take care of old or weak individuals and, most importantly, hunt and defend together. This does not mean that, having seen a predatory open mouth in the distance, dolphins immediately rush to kill their rival. On the contrary, it is the sharks that usually initiate the attacks.

As a rule, the queen of the seas tracks the weakest member of the pack for a long time, waits until he is a little behind the rest and then attacks. Quite often, she succeeds in hunting, and a well-fed fish, contented, swims away. nine0005

It's a completely different scenario if the dolphins notice the offender. Then it is the turn of the power of the collective mind. The flock surrounds and beats her in the body with powerful beaks. Moreover, the dolphin acts with acceleration and meaningfully aims at the most vulnerable place - the gill slits, which is similar to a blow to the solar plexus in humans.

Together, dolphins can easily kill a bloodthirsty predator. In addition, white-bellied mammals, with an equal mass with sharks, are more maneuverable and more powerful in side collisions. Coordinated group actions help dolphins to win in skirmishes with a shark. If the dolphin is alone in front of a formidable predator, it is not a fact that he will come out of the fight whole (Read more in the article Dolphins vs. Sharks). nine0005

Why are sharks afraid of killer whales?

Separately, it is worth mentioning the species of killer whales. These monstrous predators can even use great white sharks as an addition to their menu. However, it should be noted that killer whales usually do not attack first, but only attack sharks when they try to capture their cubs or weakened members of the flock.

So, near the Farallon Islands, we even managed to get footage of a fierce battle between a great white killer whale and a killer whale (read the article Killer whale vs. white shark), which ended in an unconditional victory for the latter. In addition to the fact that killer whales attack in groups, they also got the hang of bringing sharks into a state of tonic immobility, in fact, long-term convulsive muscle contraction. Killer whales hit the sides of the shark with their snout, turning it upside down. nine0005

In this position, the bloodthirsty predator is paralyzed for a while, the sharks become completely helpless. The same method, by the way, is also demonstrated by divers, when, sharply twisting the shark by the tail and bringing it into a state of paralysis, they fearlessly put their hands into the gaping mouths. With only one difference - killer whales usually finish off their offenders.

Are sharks afraid of dolphins?

Thus, sharks become victims of dolphins only through their own negligence and on the condition that the flock is full of adults.

Learn more