I have tested dozens of cordless stick vacuums over the last few years, and at a certain point, a lot of them blur together. So many of today’s models, even the best ones (my favorite is the Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum), share a familiar design and set of features, and they even perform, similarly so it’s increasingly difficult to separate what’s genuinely good from what’s just fine. Brands borrow from each other often—once a new feature is introduced, it’s everywhere within months.

That’s part of why corded vacuums like the Shark HV301 Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum still have real appeal. Yes, the cord is sometimes clunky, but there’s a noticeable difference between this vacuum and the best cordless models when it comes to suction power and, of course, unlimited runtime.

I’ve had the Shark HV301 for about six years now—long before cordless stick vacuums took over. And yes, it’s still hanging out in my cleaning closet. Call it stubborn loyalty if you must. I think it’s just good taste, but after several years of use, this vacuum has earned its keep.

Suction Power Is Strong and Consistent

Corded vacuums tend to have the upper hand when it comes to raw suction, and the Rocket proves this point. It performs reliably across both carpet and hardwood, picking up everything from fine dust to larger debris without much effort. I’ve kept this vacuum with me through three different apartments, and it has handled each one exceptionally, especially when it comes to stubborn pet hair.

The only real hiccup I’ve run into along the way was when I had a high-pile shag rug. It handled most of the surface with ease, but occasionally the brush roll would stall if it got caught on a thicker patch. For me, it was a manageable situation, but if your home leans heavily on plush carpet textures, you might want to explore other options, like the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off Upright Vacuum.

Maneuvering Is Pretty Effortless

Weighing just over 8 pounds, the Rocket isn’t as light as some of our cordless stick recommendations, like the Shark WandVac, but it clears the other corded models we’ve tested. This low weight makes it easy to carry the Rocket from room to room and to use the swivel steering to navigate around furniture and tight corners. The power cord extends to 25 feet, so outlets are rarely out of reach as I clean.

The Rocket is slightly top-heavy because of the motor and dustbin, so it isn’t able to stand up on its own, but that feels like a minor drawback considering the overall weight is lighter than that of a corded upright vacuum.

The Handheld Conversion Is Convenient for Cleaning Tight Spaces

Since I’ve taken this vacuum with me to three separate homes, I’ve lost the handheld attachments along the way. The Rocket comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool, and I expect that these standard attachments work the same as most others that are included with vacuums.

I still like to use the handheld vacuum for my couch and dining chair cushions because it’s effective at picking up crumbs and matted pet hair. I’ve also used it to tackle my car seats, which has saved me from making a trip to a self-serve car wash on more than one occasion.

Is the Shark HV301 Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum Worth It?

In my opinion, yes. The vacuum transitions easily from room to room and handles everyday messes without fuss, and the handheld unit makes quick work of stairs, upholstery, and spot cleaning.

This corded stick vacuum isn’t packed with flashy, cutting-edge features like headlights or a tangle-free brush roll, and that’s part of the reason it’s our Best Budget pick—you’re really paying for the basics done well.

After years of testing and reviewing trendier models, the kind of reliability offered by the Shark HV301 Rocket still holds value, so I don’t expect to be retiring it any time soon.