I haven't used an electric shaver in 30 years. As I am recently retired I'm making the switch to make my life easier. So for this review I've now had just one electric shave with this new Norelco.
I wanted this model so it would have a base for charging. It arrived uncharged but took less than an hour to fully charge. There are blue LEDs flashing as it charges and they stay solid one at a time as the charge completes. The shaver stands solid in the base and it is possible to connect the charging cord directly to the shaver and bypass the base if desired. This might be an option for traveling so the base could be left at home. The base is neither large nor heavy.
I purchased some electric pre-shave lotion because I was concerned about irritation. After it fully charged I attacked a two day growth. My beard isn't heavy but does grow in multiple directions under my chin.
The shaver is much quieter than the Norelco I used way back when. It did a reasonable job, even for the first shave. It took less time than shaving with shaving cream and a razor. There is no way this will shave close enough to feel like a blade shave but it looks good enough to pass for a blade shave. I feel some unshaven hairs under my chin but no matter how much time I spent with saving cream and a blade I would have unshaven hairs then as well.
I was pleased not to have any noticeable irritation after this first shave, however I didn't push it knowing that I could make it worse if I continued agressivly.
I did use the pop out trimmer on my side-burns which worked as well as one could expect given that it isn't a blade. The pop out trimmer is solidly in place and didn't fold when I used it.
The shaver is comfortable to hold, light, and quiet. Norelco recommends replacing the blades every year and at $17 on Amazon that seems reasonable. The package included a travel case which fits only the razor but not the charge cord or base. The case is well designed with a hard shell to protect the razor on one side and a soft zippered back. A small cleaning brush is included.
The razor can be washed by running warm water on it with the blade assembly in the open position. That is a great feature and apparently it doesn't matter if you get water inside the shaver while washing; although they do not recommend submersing the unit.
I'll check back in after a few weeks with an update. I noticed there were no reviews on this item so I thought it would be good to get one out there even if it was a brief use review.
April 3, 2009 update
I'm quite pleased with this razor. I've now used it exclusively since I received it. I'm surprised at how close it shaves but a wet shave is still better. I notice stubble within about 5-6 hours where with a wet shave it may take 10-12 hours. Still the convenience of shaving away from the sink, water, and with my shirt on is hard to beat.
My beard grows in several directions under my chin so I have to pass over the same area multiple times. After shaving it feels like I've done a good job but an hour later I notice areas I've missed. I think this is because there are hairs that lay down and are too flat to be picked up by the shaving heads. With a wet shave this doesn't happen.
Pros:
- Charges in an hour or so and lasts for several days between charges.
- Shave closer than I expected from an electric razor.
- It is so quiet I can carry on a conversation with my wife while using it.
- Clean by washing under running water.
Small issues:
- I have notice some pulling of hairs but realized I was moving the shaver too quickly when that happened.
- The shaving head gets warm to almost hot after a few minutes of use. This may be my biggest complaint. Not a deal breaker. I'm surprised this happens as I'm using the pre-shave lotion with every shave and expected that would lubricate and cut friction. I'll try another brand of pre-shave next time to see if it makes a difference. If I could I would change to 4 stars because of this issue.
Product DescriptionThe Speed-XL shaving heads have three shaving tracks that offer 50% more shaving surface for a fast and close shave compared to conventional rotary shaving heads. The SmartTouch Contour keeps the 3 shaving heads in close contact with your skin for a fast and efficient shave.
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Norelco SmartTouch Contour System Shaver + Travel/Storage Pouch Deluxe Special Edition
I bought this same item after years of use of the old one. Everything was the same on the new one except there was no guage so you could tell when to recharge the battery.I would rather pay more money to get all the features available on the old one rather then paying almost the same price for the replacement.However, it is such a great shave, I would buy it again.
