The 280 is head and shoulders better than either the 380 or the 480.

See ya,
Kelly

We have the 380, no issues. Emptied the bag every once in a while, other than that, never touched it. Left it in all season and ran it on the timer for an hour and a half every day.

Hi Kelly...

Why is the 280 better than the 380/480...

a few years ago I looked into the 380 vs. 280 choice and opted for the 280 because I didn't like the fact that the 380 was belt driven. I checked with a service tech of a pool co. and he raved about the 280 and said that it was as good a machine as you could find. He stated that the belts were always slipping on the 380 and not to buy it. So if the 380 is still belt driven go for the 280. I've heard that the 380 has changed this year, but I'm not sure how.