1st off, the words Tigressa means nothing as it is simply a buying group name for a collection of Shaw products. You will no longer find the words Tigressa mentioned on Shaws website. Before I would ever purchaes Tigressa, i would demand to now the real mainstreet name of the product. Not the private label name, the non buying group name. Then we can give you some intellectual answers regarding the specific Shaw product. As far as Smartstrand, they will be launching some softer products within weeks. They are doing this to combat Lowes destruction to dealers as they are selling Smartstrand products at prices that dealers pay wholesale. So Mohawk has decided to offer some exclusive products to dealers that are 3rd and 4th generation softer and superior. I am not an advocate of Lowes but when you buy Smartstrand and use their 97 dollar install...you will destroy dealer prices. Now you will gamble with the fact that you are purchasing box store installation and service...but the savings will be great. Just some good honest facts to help you sort things out. Good Luck.

Thanks so much for your thoughts! This whole carpet thing is very confusing. I am going to get the Tigressa carpet sample to compare to the Smartstrand today.

Interestingly enough the price we were quoted from a local carpet company for Smart Strand seems to be the same as what Lowes is quotes but includes installation. I'll have to double check my notes! I do love how soft the Smart Strand is.

tanyaanddallie-Don't know if you saw my thread on the Smartstrand posted Monday...

Here is a link that might be useful: Smartstrand Testimonial

I updated an earlier post of mine regarding our Smartstrand purchase. Happy with the carpet, but we are having install problems with Lowe's installers. Problems with carpet pad joints not being taped (after they told us they did tape it) and quality issue with carpet pad being hard/stiff in sections. I'd go with a local carpet retailer if I had to do it over again.

SmartStrand is not a Nylon. It is triexta - polytrimethylene terephthalate – PTT for short. A version of a polyester.

How long do you want the carpet to last? Nylon does not crush as easily as other synthetics. Would only do a good Nylon in my own home.

Im glad i found this post as I have just bought a Tigressa carpet which i must say i'm happy with it. Just wanted to get some thoughts on the type of vacuum I need for the cleaning it Do I need to get one of theses Soniclean Soft Carpet Vacuum is says its specifically designed to clean lush, soft carpet like Tigressa Nylon high pile? any help would be appreciated.

thanks

Stan