I know this is an old thread, but I thought that I would add my comments on the Tigershark cleaner. Got my in 2006 from my PB as part of the my pool package. It was before Haywood bought AquaVac. It the first and only cleaner I ever used, so I can't really compare, but I can't image that there could be a better cleaner out there. Mine climbs walls without problems but on occasions does get caught up behind the ladders in the deep end. I also used to have a problem with it hanging up on my main drains but I solved that with a coupe of universe main drain ramps. I would recommend that you get extra filter cartridge set and if you close your pool for the winter, a set of Spring Clean Up Filters will be most helpful.
I'm going on my ninth season with the TigherShark and never had any major problems with it. I did have to replace the impeller at the top once after it sucked through a stone. I generally throw it in the pool once a week and let it go for the complete long cycle. Bottom line is that i love it and would buy one again; assuming that the quality has been maintained by Haywood.