I have the original from when it was first released. It's just fine. But if you have a VERY deep end--8' or more you may want the stronger unit.

I DID have troubles keeping the battery charged, but I waited too long to complain--2 years. Had it been within the first year they would have simply sent me the new motor/battery unit free, but after 2 years they couldn't unless I paid for it. I did and I'm GLAD I did--it's run FAR better ever since. And I got the fine bag then too.

Moral: If your PB seems to not be holding a charge too long, or is running slow, call before the warranty expires. You just have a bad rechargable--very common in rechargable devices.

With the PB and the Blue Diamond, I haven't even had the vacuum hose out of the basement in 2 seasons, about to be a third!