Your comment regarding the spending of money is very understandable. We all work very hard for our money and therefore, we do not want to waste it by either paying too much; or not enough. I know this very well because I, like you, have been there.
"whats your take on the cubs tanks capacities, accurate or not?"
Our 8 gallon tank is an 8 gallon tank, period. Now, having stated that, can the Operator fill the vacuum tank right to the very very top without vacuuming the water/debris down the stack pipe? Absolutely not and this can not be done on any other model/brand of equipment ,either. Just not logical.
The 6.6 wind tunnel vacuum motor does not take a back seat either because adding this technology in the system, it was so strong that we had to add and install a stabilizer for tank strength and also did a little customizing on our unique vacuum lid proving newer designed "air-flow" slots.
However, once again, I suggest that you speak with a few who have ----actually used----the equipment you are considering and rely less on "assumptions', or older past model years. This way you will surely make the right decision for you and not from someone else.
Thanks again and the best of luck!
Ed Valentine