Braun 8595 Activator Self-Cleaning Shaving System with LCD Display
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Product Reviews of Braun 8595 Activator Self-Cleaning Shaving System with LCD Display
Product Review: A best-buy, even when compared to newer models
Summary: 5 Stars
The pressure facing health and beauty grooming appliances is tough... they have to constantly think of new and better ways to improve their products, EVEN THOUGH they may have already reached a technological ceiling. It's because of the competitive nature of business. They could make subtle improvements in an existing shaver and price it less, but people won't buy it because there isn't some compelling difference. So, companies keep trying to invent catch phrases and ambiguous functionality.
How much better can a foil shaver get? Braun reached a major pinnacle with the 7000 series. The Syncro line was the first introducing a head cleaning system, as well as a faster motor with side-to-side vibration. You take a shave with a 7000 series and the new 7 series, and guess what? You won't feel a noticeable difference. [...]
But the 7000 series isn't as well built as the 8000 series. The 7000 series had some issues, most notably with the cleaner (the securing clasp weakens and won't hold the shaver in place) and the shaver casing. My 7000 still works, but the side grips have warped. And it's noisier than the 8000 series. My 8595 is solidly built. It works quickly, doesn't become hot to the touch, and charges fully within 60 minutes--enough to last almost two weeks. The cleaning station is a notable improvement over the 7000 series.
As some other reviewers have pointed out, you don't need to use the cleaning station after each shave. I use mine once every couple of weeks, then recap it and put it away. In between, I just dump the whiskers into the sink after each shave. This makes the fluid last about 20 times as long.
I also tried the newer 790cc series (borrowed from a friend). I did a shaving comparison with the 8595 on one side and the 790cc on the other. Guess what? No difference. Plus, the 8595 has the LCD technology that gives you more information (Braun removed this to save $$ on production costs in the later models).
So, in my book, this is the best foil shaver you can get. Well, the 8995 model is basically the same, with just some minor cosmetic changes to the casing.
If you're cost conscious and looking for the optimal Braun shaver, look no further than the 8595 or 8995. :-)
Product Review: A high quality shaver
Summary: 5 Stars
I have previously owned 5 Braun shavers, my last one being a 7000 series which lasted for about 5 years. I was very happy with my 7000 series shaver, but I recently dropped it and the popup trimmer mechanism broke about a week later. Except for my 7000 series shaver, the recharable batteries in all of my previous shavers died within 2-3 years. Continuing to use them on AC only eventually caused the battery charging circuitry to blow-out, as the batteries would no longer take a charge. The move to NiMH batteries in the newer shavers seems to have corrected that problem.
The Activator is well-made, well-balanced, and provides an exceptional shave. The automatic cleaning function has been improved since the 7000 series in two respects. It now has the intelligence to determine how dirty the shaver is, and enters one of three different cleaning programs to conserve the cleaning solution. It also has a more sophisticated battery charging program that will vary the charging mode to provide the longest battery life possible. As far as shaving is concerned, the main improvement seems to be the foil and cutter design. Without exaggeration, this shaver provides a noticably closer shave than my 7000 series ever did with a new foil/cutter -- and that was a pretty good shave. The motor is strong, and the vibration is comparable to my 7000 series. The cleaning/charging base is the same size as the old except that the arm that extended upwards to lock the shaver in place is gone. This is a nice redesign, as it blends in better with the bathroom decor. The advanced cleaning programs will also clean the shaver in less time if a full cleaning cycle is not required. Also, the cleaning cartridges are the same as those for the 7000 series, which is nice if you have a few unopened ones on hand as I do!
Although it kills me to spend so much on a new shaver when my 7000 worked so well, this is a very good shaver and I am happy with my purchase. The shave is better than before, and the unit itself seems to be well-made and well-designed. The new foil desing seems to be the major advancement, and the improved cleaning/charging system is well thought-out. Although all of this may seem like unnecessary gimmicry, you will get an awesome shave and a well-made unit that will probably last for many years to come.
Two thumbs up.
Product Review: A very good buy
Summary: 4 Stars
Got this shaver to replace my electric Remington triple-blade. This has proven a good shaver, and I am impressed with its functionality...self-cleaning and tells you everything. After a few months, the shaver has lost the unrivaled closeness I got the first few weeks with the new blade, but it still does an effective job.
Battery life on this, and any other similar, Braun model is really excellent compared to my previous Remington shavers. Although you can plug it I've gone two weeks with it out of the charger without degraded performance.
The self-cleaning cycle, however, is pretty loud; but a tradeoff, as it does result in a good cleaning job.
Product Review: Adequate but disappointing
Summary: 3 Stars
Purchased as a replacement for Norelco's supposedly high-end Smarttouch XL 9190XL, which did not shave closely enough for my tastes. The Braun is much heavier and as loud as an electric lawnmower. While the self-cleaning unit gets the job done it is large and bulky, too big to store on a bathroom countertop of limited size. The unit is not well-suited for travel. With the lower weight limits for checked baggage on all the airlines these days, ounces count when packing for a long trip and this model just weighs too much. Packing the cleaning unit for travel would be out of the question. The shaving closeness is only marginally better than the Norelco. I'm still searching for the holy Grail of electric razors.Product Review: After years of Trial not too pleased
Summary: 3 Stars
I have been an avid user of Braun for at least 5 years. I switched from Norelco, because I was instructed by a friend that Braun was the least-skin-effecting product. I have taken so long to realize but I have to run my Braun particularly this 8595 over and over and over again on my face, before I can get a smooth surface on my skin. The previous models worked much better for shaving. I change the blades in time, keep it clean and follow all instructions. In fact I changed the previous blade again to the more expensive 360 and it still didn't do it. Today, incidentally, I got so tired of trying to get the stub out, I used just a disposable razor and took out the stub in ONE stroke! I hope the newer Braun's are better. I am afraid to spend all that money and find that it sucks like this one.