The problem is you do need that kind of power to make a smoothie. Tried many a-blender and they just don't cut it. I can carve a turkey with a butter knife, but it does not come out nearly as nice or as efficient as a chef's knife.

Similar to espresso machines; they just cost money and there's no way getting around it. Vitamix is a lifelong purchase, so think of it in the big picture.
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Are you guys underestimating the Ultima? It has "that kind of power" :-)
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Again, not knocking the Ninja as I was quite close to ordering it.
BUT, I think the Vitamix is similar to the it's just like like iPad, it's like a Ferrari, etc.
Unfortunately, they are not.
I really didn't understand it and wouldn't have understood it had my wife not busted my darn chops so much for a Vitamix. After owning it, whatever regrets I had over the cost have long subsided.
I think the ultimate example of just how good they are is as result how observant I have since become of blenders at bars. It is only now that I realize that no matter where I go that sells smoothies or frozen drinks, they use a Vitamix.

I really hope my posts are not taken as mine is bigger, better, etc. as that is not my intent as we all buy what out wallets will permit and what we see best for our needs.
Just my honest thoughts based on being very familiar with both units.

BTW, my son spent quite a bit of time explaining to me how his Ninja was no different than my Vitamix. I didn't say a word and brushed it off to his mom's lunacy. That was until the day he saw it in action. He learned the same lesson with the espresso coffee maker he bought compared to my Rancilio, for which I am very grateful to all on this board that steered me in that direction.
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That was a good post! :-) I think all Vitamix owners are "mine is bigger", but for good reason.
Does your son have the Ultima or another model Ninja? What does he use it for? Just curious.
I know there is a big difference between the two I just hope that the Ultima will do good enough smoothies and fraps, I will have huge buyers remorse if not. Every other blender I have tried sucked at making fraps.

I KNOW the Vitamix would do anything without question, but I took a chance on this less expensive one. I already feel like I should have just waited and bought a Vitamix, now I just have to see if it will sufice.

I hope to contribute some frap recipes if the blender will work.
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The one drawback for me with the Ninja, and Shane correct me if I'm wrong, the multi blade setup doesn't come out. That's would be a royal pain for me as I use my VM for making peanut butter.
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I will have to try it. I know it comes out but not certain it will work with it removed because I read somewhere the lid must be secured or the machine will shut off. How could that happen if the lids presence wasn't detected by applying pressure to the shaft? *thinking out loud.
I will get some feedback after a couple uses and tell you all what I think. I never considered making butter or soup, but I bet it is awesome.
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So it will come out after youre done mixing/grinding? If not, it would be difficult to get it all out.
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Yes, it is definitley removable just not certain if it will operate while it is removed. It is just a solid shaft with blades on it that lifts right out.
I agree that would be a nightmare to empty and clean if not, plus a huge safety risk.
I wouldn't want to reach in around those blades.

I didn't know Vitamix was made in USA, assumed all mass produced electronics are made over seas these days.
Hell I would have saved for the Vitamix for that fact alone. Dayum I hate not supporting American companies when possible.
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Not only made in the USA, but made with US made parts/materials. The KA I returned also touted "made in the USA" - until you read the fine print and found where it said "from imported parts". All they were doing was assembling it here, none of it was actually fabricated here. :-)
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Just think about what you spend on cigars. Now that's nuts. :-)
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Well so far the Ultima has been making perfect smoothies and made a nice salsa.
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I was getting ready to be a smart a$$ and ask, but can it make soup?
Then I realized that not one freaking time since I have had my Vitmamix that my wife has made me one freaking soup.
And to think that is how she sold me on it.:-)
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:-) I was actually thinking about asking the same thing, but thought to myself "Nah, I'll keep quiet and I bet that Carlos will ask it and have more fun doing it."

BTW, your wife hasn't made me soup either, so don't feel so bad.
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Even better than soup is the Vitamix for hot chocolate.

100 gm. dark chocolate bar
Dash of vanilla
10 oz. of milk

put in Vitamix on soup setting; best hot chocolate you'll ever have! If I don't drink it all, I save it use a spoonful of it my coffee to make a "mocha".
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No soup for me :-)

Moses, that hot chocolate sounds good. I could have sold my wife on the Vitamix if I knew that was possible.
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Great recipe.
I will go ahead add a floater of Van Gough Chocolate flavored vodka to mine.
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The ratio of milk to chocolate is not engraved in stone, but I would only use dark chocolate.
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