We have a Kirby G6. Recently the original reel has been replaced with a newer style found in the latest Kirby model (they discontinued the old style - the new one is better). Well, when Kirby changed the brush, they also changed that plate and added a fourth little guard bar on the side. They also changed the shape of the rods themselves. Presumably they recommend switching to this style plate after upgrading your brushroll for "maximum performance". Time will tell I think. and for $14 - why not. It fits perfectly and definitely seems to "match" the brushroll better compared to the old original style. In any case, this additional protective bar prevents large objects from being sucked in.