We have known the X-Force Flex series from Rowenta for a long time. Version 15.60 is the spearhead and underlines its premium side thanks to the many features absent from the other devices in the range and a wide range of accessories.
Since 8.60, Rowenta has released many versions of its X-Force Flex stick vacuum. The latest iteration, the X-Force Flex 15.60 is intended to be the most sophisticated and adds a few nice little extras to the essentials of the range, which are the stick format and the articulated suction tube from which it takes its name. By pressing the button on the hose, it articulates in the middle and it is then possible to vacuum far under the furniture without having to squat. This feature goes hand in hand with a ramp of LEDs on the suction head which makes it easier to spot dust in dark places.
This suction head is also intended to be intelligent and able to analyze the surface over which it passes. Thanks to this information, the X-Force Flex 15.60 is able to modulate its suction power, we are promised. This will increase on high-pile carpets and decrease on hard floors, without any user intervention to save battery power. On this subject, Rowenta promises 80 min of autonomy at minimum power (five available) and without an electrobrush connected. To better plan your cleaning session, the control panel of the X-Force Flex 15.60 has a digital segment display that indicates the remaining suction time in percentage or in minutes, depending on the user’s preference. A real step forward from the X-Force Flex 11.60 which was content with a trio of very imprecise diodes. Note that a filter status indicator also appears.
To brush in the direction of the hair of the less handymen among us, Rowenta has replaced the base to be fixed to the wall with dowels and screws by a base that just needs to be placed on the ground, like the one available on the LG CordZero A9 Kompressor . No need to take out the drill to install the storage station which is also used for recharging.
If the slight improvements seem relevant, the manufacturer does not give in to the sirens of multicyclonic filtration and therefore keeps the cyclonic filtration system to separate the air from the dust, which does not change much on a daily basis. On the other hand, the collector emptying system of the 15.60 has not evolved since the 11.60. It always requires separating the tank from the main block and removing the elements on the filtration system to put the rubbish in the trash.
Stick vacuums in the X-Force Flex range are often very well accessorized and the 15.60 is no exception. In addition to the device, the tube and the suction head, there are two brush heads, an additional foam filter, a flat brush for textiles, an electric minibrush, a long nozzle and a flexible tube. A final word on the price; it takes 650 € to equip yourself.