Review of Philips Norelco 9160XL SmartTouch-XL Men's Shaver

So 1989 gave us lift & cut.The late 90's gave us Norelco's Quadra system.Now finally, for the first time in its 40+ years as the leading maker of rotary shavers, Norelco gives us a system that covers more area, with more speed and comfort than ever before.It doesn't just promise a faster, closer shave, it delivers.

I can't speak for all guys, but let me try to break-down the electric / blade dilemma.Blades are closer, but cause irritation.So most blade users tend to skip a day to avoid that.Furthermore, you get a closer shave with a blade if you let the stubble grow a bit, so skipping a day is a common practice.But blade shaving gives guys far more options in terms of products to choose from, both for shavers and shaving conditioners and gels.Simply put, if you want a close shave and the ability to control all aspects of shaving, and see what you're cutting, the blade is the best way to go.

Then there's electric.An idea hatched from the late 1950's space age / cold war era that told us that blade shaving was a thing of the past.Electric shaving promised to be as close as a blade for decades, but never delivered.But over the years it has delivered its promise of a safer, faster, and less irritating shave.For guys who don't like shaving around the sensitive lips and nose areas, electric has its advantages.

All electric shavers fail to cut the longer neck hairs effectively, including the new Norelco XL series.But the XL is still a major breakthrough.Simply put, it has switched me back to electric after 6 years of using blades.The new rotors have three rows of blades, and an innovative mix of slots and holes for stubble, making-use of dead space that was Norelco's weakness since their beginning.The XL has the inward tilt mechanism introduced with the Quadra.And it has the late 80's lift-and-cut technology, which doesn't work exactly as advertised, but it does shave flat areas of the face as close as a blade (the cheek and upper lip areas do get the closest cut).

The XL series is easy to clean under hot water, another development from the Quadra series, which is even better and more effective here.

The XL gives me the closest electric shave I've ever had.And I can use it daily for a consistent smooth look without irritation.Add the recent development of products like Anthony for Men's alcohol-based pre-shave solution, and electric shaving suddenly has advantages worth making the switch.I liked the XL so much, I got the 9160XL for home, and the less-expensive 8140XL for my office.The 2 shavers are the same, except for the smart touch pivoting feature, which is not a big bonus in my opinion.The pivoting feature makes it possible to shave the neck and chin faster, but the results for both shavers is exactly the same, meaning that some neck hairs are going to be missed, making it necessary to use a blade to do some quick cleanup.Electric is far from perfect, but this is the closest and most comfortable electric yet.I'm sticking with it.

And since the XL is Norelco's top of the line model, it is still made in Holland.All other Norelco's are made in China.it won't be long before the XL is made in China as Norelco develops it's next breakthrough.But the XL is the big breakthrough as far as I'm concerned.I'm hooked.And I'm a total shaving geek now.

Product Description
Norelco's New SmartTouch-XL combines two revolutionary technologies to shave more with each pass:1. SmartTouch Contour Following System pivots and flexes to ensure constant skin contact.2. Speed-XL Shaving Heads which now have 3 rows of Blades and Slots and Holes, and cover 50% more shaving surface for a faster, smoother and closer shave!The SmartTouch-XL Power System is rechargeable Cord/Cordless.It can be used anywhere!This model has a 7 LED Display which displays battery level, low battery warning, cleaning indicator, shaving head replacement indicator. One hour full charge for up to 55 minutes of shave time -- over two weeks!Shaver has a Spring Release, Full-Width Trimmer, automatic Worldwide Voltage, and 60 Day Money Back Guarantee and Full Two-Year Warranty!Accessories to use with this shaver are #HQ9 Speed-XL Replacement Heads and #HQ8010 Car Cord Adaptor.

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