As usual the vacuum is not designed with women in mind. The handle has plastic ridges along the side, which made it impossible to grip without experiencing pain in my hands. I tried to hold it by the steel tube instead and that too had raised ridges down the sides. It seemed to have really good suction though and I'm sure it would be a great vacuum for someone with massive hands. So I returned it to the store and will look for something more ergonomically suitable.