I've been wanting to buy a more resi-friendly machine, and was looking into both the 15" and Challenger. Anythoughts anyone? Also, can I spray down some Soileze after a cleaning? What do folks charge extra for it?

...And of course one more thing! The bonnets rick sells here it looks like there are two kinds for the cimex...what is the difference?

lots of questions there lol .now cimex or challenger ? they both have there pros and cons in a resi situation id go with the challenger for sure .you wont be sorry but on some fancy cut piles you would like the cimex because it doesnt distort the pile at all with the soft shampoo brushes .you can get down on your hand and kness and look at the fiber and it doesnt even move but you can hear the scrubbing action taking place

I am not sure about the Challenger. We do own two Cimex's but do not clean residential with them.

As for as the bonnets go. We use the cotton/poly blend bonnets. We have had our original set of 12 for over a year now and love them. We use them more and more all the time. We use them on wool rugs just to finish them and we use them on really dirty commercial. Then wash and reuse.

Kevin Pearson

PS. I got some pictures of my Cimex working on my website under carpet cleaning then scroll to the bottom. www.pearsoncarpetcare.com

while my Mex is 19", i would agree with Anthony...for resi go with the Challenger.

for more delicate carpet like Fireze's, use one of the Gliders that come with the machine and ask Rick if he sells his Cimex Bonnets (not FiberPlus pad) in a size that would fit a Challenger (19" works for me).

thanx --- Derek.

I agree with Derek and Anthony for homes I would use the challenger. It is easy to get in and out of the house and less bulky to use in the house. You can get into smaller areas, and up and down stairs much safer, and easier. It not only cleans just about as well if not as well but it will be taking alot of the dirt out of the house, and then the encap juice if thats what you are using can do the rest. Jim