In-Depth Review: RLECS 4pcs Side Brush for Shark ION Robot Vacuum Cleaners

Keeping your Shark ION robot vacuum in top shape often requires replacing its accessories, especially side brushes, which endure constant wear and tear as they spin debris toward the vacuum's main suction path. The RLECS 4pcs Side Brush replacement set is one of the many third-party options available, and it promises an affordable and effective solution for maintaining your Shark ION’s cleaning performance.

After closely examining this product's quality, customer experiences, and performance details, here’s a comprehensive review that will help you decide if this is the right replacement accessory for your robot vacuum.

Product Overview

• Brand: RLECS

• Item Type: Side Brushes for Shark ION Robot Vacuums

• Color: Black

• Dimensions: 3.9 inches long, 1.4 inches wide

• Quantity: 4 pieces per set

• Compatibility: Shark ION models RVSBK950, RV750, R85, RV850, S87

Performance and Effectiveness

The RLECS side brushes are specifically designed to replace the original Shark ION side brushes. Their primary function is to sweep debris, dirt, and dust from the edges of walls and corners into the vacuum’s suction path. These brushes spin at a consistent speed to ensure maximum edge cleaning.

Sweeping Efficiency

Many users report that these brushes perform similarly to the original Shark brushes, effectively reaching into tight spaces and corners. Their bristle design ensures that debris is not simply scattered but properly directed toward the vacuum’s suction. This is particularly helpful for pet hair, crumbs, and fine dust that tends to accumulate along walls.

However, some customers have noticed that third-party brushes like these can occasionally spin faster than the originals, potentially flinging larger debris away instead of pulling it in. While this seems to depend on the vacuum’s settings and brush alignment, it is a minor issue that can usually be adjusted with proper installation.

Compatibility Fit

These brushes are highly compatible with the listed Shark ION models. They fit snugly onto the side brush posts without requiring any modifications. Users have generally found the installation process to be seamless, which is a big plus for those who aren’t technically inclined.

Installation: Quick and User-Friendly

One of the standout features of the RLECS side brush set is its easy installation. The side brushes simply snap onto the rotating posts of the vacuum. No tools are required, making it a quick job—typically under five minutes for a full replacement.

The package does not come with instructions, but the process is so intuitive that most users won’t need them. Simply pull off the old brushes and push the new ones in until they click securely in place.

A few users recommend double-checking that the brushes are seated properly to avoid wobbling during operation, which could impact cleaning efficiency.

Build Quality and Durability

Material Quality

The brushes are made of moderately flexible plastic with nylon bristles. The plastic arms are sturdy enough to withstand repeated collisions with baseboards and furniture, which are common during cleaning cycles.

The bristles, while not quite as thick as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) brushes, are durable and maintain their shape well after multiple cleaning sessions.

Longevity

While these replacement brushes generally offer good performance, their lifespan may be slightly shorter than the original Shark brushes. Some users report that after about two to three months of frequent use, the bristles begin to show signs of fraying or losing stiffness.

That said, considering the low price and the fact that you get four brushes per pack, this is still a cost-effective solution, especially if you maintain a regular replacement schedule.

Pricing and Value for Money

One of the major advantages of the RLECS side brush set is its affordability. OEM Shark replacement brushes can be significantly more expensive, while these RLECS brushes offer a budget-friendly alternative without drastically sacrificing performance.

Given that you receive four brushes in a single pack, the cost per unit is impressively low, making it a good investment for households with heavy cleaning needs or multiple Shark ION vacuums.

For most people, the balance of price and decent quality makes these brushes a smart purchase, especially if you’re looking to stretch your maintenance budget.

Advantages

• Easy Installation: Snaps in quickly without tools.

• Good Compatibility: Fits Shark ION models RVSBK950, RV750, R85, RV850, S87 perfectly.

• Effective Cleaning: Sweeps debris from edges and corners efficiently.

• Affordable: Much cheaper than OEM replacements.

• Four-Pack Value: Multiple brushes per pack provide long-term convenience.

• Decent Durability: Sturdy construction for the price.

Disadvantages

• Slightly Less Durable: May wear out faster than Shark-branded brushes.

• Occasional Debris Flinging: Depending on installation and speed, brushes might scatter larger debris.

• No Instructions Included: Not a big issue, but could be confusing for first-time users.

• Not as Thick as OEM Brushes: The bristles are a bit thinner, which might slightly affect long-term sweeping power.

Common Customer Questions

1. Are these brushes as good as Shark’s original brushes?

They are comparable but not identical. While these brushes perform well in most settings, they might not last quite as long as OEM brushes and may have slightly thinner bristles. However, for many users, the cost savings outweigh the small performance difference.

2. How often should I replace side brushes?

Most manufacturers, including Shark, recommend replacing side brushes every 2-3 months, depending on usage. If you have pets or use the vacuum daily, you might need to replace them more frequently to maintain optimal performance.

3. Do the brushes fit securely?

Yes, they typically fit securely onto the Shark ION vacuum's brush posts. Just make sure they are properly snapped into place. Some minor adjustments may be needed to ensure they spin evenly.

4. Can these brushes damage floors?

No, the bristles are soft enough for use on all floor types, including hardwood, tile, and carpet. They are designed to be safe for household surfaces.

5. Do the brushes come with screws?

No, screws are not required or included. The brushes are designed to push-fit onto the vacuum's side brush posts without additional hardware.

6. Will the faster spinning speed damage my vacuum?

Generally, no. Some users have noticed these third-party brushes spin slightly faster than the originals, but this does not appear to harm the vacuum. It may just require monitoring to ensure debris is not being flung away instead of swept inward.

Final Verdict

The RLECS 4pcs Side Brush set for Shark ION Robot Vacuums offers a practical, budget-friendly alternative to Shark’s branded replacement parts. They are easy to install, generally durable, and perform quite well in everyday cleaning scenarios.

While they may not have the premium feel or longevity of OEM brushes, they deliver solid value, especially for users who prefer to change brushes frequently to maintain top-notch cleaning performance.

For the price, they are hard to beat. If you’re a Shark ION user looking for economical replacement parts that can keep your robot running smoothly, the RLECS side brushes are certainly worth considering.

Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

• Performance: 4/5

• Ease of Use: 5/5

• Durability: 3.5/5

• Value for Money: 5/5