Hayward Navigator Pro vs V-Flex – Pool Cleaners Comparison
Author: Marcus Robertson
Comparison Table
Dimensions
40.4 x 13.6 x 11.9 inches
11.81 x 11.81 x 7.87 inches
Weight
17.71 pounds
19.8 pounds
Pool Type
inground pools up to 20 x 40ft
inground pools up to 20 x 40ft
Surfaces Available
floor, walls
floor, walls
Cleaning
suction port, side wings, skirt
suction port, side wings, skirt
Lack step and waterline
no
no
Navigation
SmartDrive system
SmartDrive system
Filter
connects directly to the pool filter
connects directly to the pool filter
Turbine
enhanced turbine-drive system
V-Flex variable vane turbine
Hose Length
40 ft
40 ft
Average service life
3-5 yers
3-5 yers
Dimensions
40.4 x 13.6 x 11.9 inches
Weight
17.71 pounds
Pool Type
inground pools up to 20 x 40ft
Surfaces Available
floor, walls
Cleaning
suction port, side wings, skirt
Lack step and waterline
no
Navigation
SmartDrive system
Filter
connects directly to the pool filter
Turbine
enhanced turbine-drive system
Hose Length
40 ft
Average service life
3-5 yers
Dimensions
11.81 x 11.81 x 7.87 inches
Weight
19.8 pounds
Pool Type
inground pools up to 20 x 40ft
Surfaces Available
floor, walls
Cleaning
suction port, side wings, skirt
Lack step and waterline
no
Navigation
SmartDrive system
Filter
connects directly to the pool filter
Turbine
V-Flex variable vane turbine
Hose Length
40 ft
Average service life
3-5 yers
Main Differences Between the Models
Below, we’d like to list the most important differences between our competitors. Hayward Navigator Pro and V-Flex don’t differ pretty much, and we can even call them two modifications of one series. However, there are several distinguishing features that may influence your choice:
- Haywards are made to suit all popular pool surface materials like fiberglass, concrete, tile, etc. However, the manufacturer states that the Pro and the V-Flex have separate models for gunite and vinyl pools.
- Hayward Navigator V-Flex comes with an improved V-Flex soft adjustable turbine. Its Pro brother uses a simpler rigid turbine.
- The V-Flex cleaner is ideal for variable-speed pumps (according to the manufacturer’s statement). We believe that the first vacuum can also suit such pumps. But there is no official confirmation in this regard yet.
- Finally, the first device is larger and lighter, while the second is heavier and more compact.
Pros
- suits inground pools up to 40ft
- cleans the floor and climbs walls
- saves energy since it works directly from the pool filter
- requires a minimum of maintenance
- collects large and small debris with a suction port and special wings
- uses basic SmartDrive motion navigation
- simple and quick installation
Pros
- suits inground pools up to 40ft
- cleans the floor and climbs walls
- connects with the pool filtration system
- energy-efficient
- requires a minimum of maintenance
- ensures 100% anti-clog protection with the V-Flex adjustable turbine
- goes according to the SmartDrive algorithms
- collects all debris with a suction port and wings
- simple and quick installation
- more affordable option
Design and Dimensions
Hayward Navigator V-Flex
- 11.81 x 11.81 x 7.87 inches
- 19.8 pounds
- special carry handle
- durable plastic
Further reading and references:
- Full specification on the manufacturer’s website models Hayward Navigator Pro and Hayward Navigator V-Flex
- Video reviews on models on Hayward Pool Products channel
Antony
Dear Marcus, thank you a lot for the comparison. I see both models have side wings. But can they interrupt cleaning (cling to stairs for example)? For me they seem not very functional)
Marcus Robertson
Hi, Antony! Thank you very much for our kind words and question! As far as the real users’ reviews state side wings usually do not interrupt/disturb cleaning process. However, if you feel worried about this detail, cleaner design allows you to remove the wings and use your cleaner without them.
Kathie
Hello! Are these cleaners ok with pool heaters or are there any restrictions?
Marcus Robertson
Hi, Kathie! Thank you very much for your question! Yes, Hayward cleaners work in warmed water. However, we recommend keeping the manufacturer’s recommendations on min and max water temperature.
Jafar
Great comparison, thank you for your work! I wonder if one can keep it in water all the time? Is it ok? I guess that’s allowed for robot cleaners.
Marcus Robertson
Hi, Jafar! Thank you very much for your question! Yes, you can keep your pool cleaner in water. However, we still consider it better for service life to remove a cleaner.