I have had good luck with the Hayward one. Change the pads and flaps ever 1.5 to 2 years. Climbs to the water line just fine. When it stops moving as fast change out the turbine. Both replacement parts are cheap.
I'm not sure how your response is relevant, as they JUST made the change to the Next Gen. If you've had yours over 1.5-2 years then you have the old design.
FYI, here is the response from hayward: "We have made minor modifications on the new cleaner. The Next Generation Models have wheel bearings instead of wheel bushings: plastic clip on wheel instead of shoulder bolt: Angle lower body instead of non-angle lower body: changeable inlets instead of fix inlet:axle inserts instead of brass or s/s inserts.
Other than those modifications it will still work as the original PoolCleaner. The PoolCleaner can climb up the walls. They might go up to 2 feet before it comes down. The type of surface your pool has will play a factor of how the PoolCleaner climbs. It is not necessary for the PoolCleaner to climb the walls."
Very easy relevant, my neighbor just bought one a few weeks ago (because he didnt fell like rebuilding it) I took it apart. The bearings, pads and flippers look identical to mine and the extra set I have in my shed.
Both had ball bearings and I stopped there. The body looked a little different but thats it for what I saw as differences.
Also my cleaner or my neighbors will not climb the wall if the suction is not set right. Too much suction and it wears the pads and flippers to fast, not enough wont climb the walls. use the little suction indicator that comes with it.
Is that relevant enough for you.
I dont believe the hype on a lot of "changes" companies make untill I can see for my self. A lot is so you buy a new one. Spending 12 dollars in flippers and pads every 1-2 years instead of a new cleaner, they need to do something to stay in business.