Braun Series 5 (8995) Men's Shaver
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Product Reviews of Braun Series 5 (8995) Men's Shaver
Product Review: Absurdly loud for a lousy shave
Summary: 2 Stars
Let me start with the fact that the auto-cleaning function is really neat. This shaver also hasn't harmed me in any way, nor has it ceased to function. So, for those reasons, I believe it fully merits both of the stars I've given it.
Now for why it can't get any more.
1. Shave quality. This shaver can't hold a candle to my dear and departed 12-year-old Norelco 5863XL. It takes many more passes to achieve a close shave, and even after that it leaves low stubble where the Norelco left me truly clean-shaven. And that's just on my face. On my neck it leaves the hair basically untouched when shaving up the neck, requiring me to perform manual acrobatics and hold the shaver sequentially in various positions to get any kind of shave at all. Overall, I'm now spending about 8 minutes where I used to spend about 4, and I'm getting a substantially worse shave.
2. Noise. The last 3 shavers I've owned are the aforementioned Norelco, a cheap Panasonic wet/dry, and a $5 Vidal Sassoon hair clipper. The Braun is easily louder than the clipper (I ran them both to check), and probably louder than the Norelco and the Panasonic running at the same time. It's insane. It's louder than my cordless drill. Just as bad, the cleaning function makes the same noise (it runs the shaver on and off), so I can't run it overnight. I don't even like to run it while I'm in the house. Too bad I have to be in the house while I'm using it.
Suffice it to say that at this price point, I am extremely disappointed with this product.
Product Review: After 12 years of shaving I am still a Braun man
Summary: 5 Stars
My 7680 Braun razor recently got a hole in the screen, after serving me faithfully for 2 years, so I took it in to Best Buy to cash in on my replacement plan. As I thought it would be better to get a replacement razor instead of spending 30.00 on a foil and cutting block. Best Buy at the time didn't have the 8985 model and I didn't want to pay the 199.99 for the 8995 Braun, because it was a good 60.00 more than I originally paid for the 7680. So I picked up a Norelco 8160XLCC, and I have to say after 3 days of using a Norelco I gladly paid the 60.00 to get another Braun.
This 8995 just cannot be beat. It has a very sturdy feeling to it. Compared to my 7680 I get about the same shave on my cheaks, but the best improvement in my opinion has come from the shave I get on my chin. Before I could always feel a little stubble, but now with a couple swipes of on my chin and it is as smooth as every other part of my face.
The only down side to this razor, which really isn't worth knocking a whole star off, is that it has very little documentation on battery charging. The manual basically says don't worry about maximizing your battery life because the on board chip takes care of it. I don't know about you guys but I like to have a little more information than that. Because every time I put the razor in to the charger it starts charging, I have only had it for one day so maybe it learns from my shaving habits, either way more documentation would be better.
Overall I would recommend this product to everybody who wants a quality shave and the price is well worth what you get from the razor.
Product Review: Almost beats a blade, better on neck, less hassle.
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased and started using the Braun 8995 in January 2008. I love it because it gives me a great shave. I find it takes about 4-6 minutes to get it done right. I can also redo something I missed with ease. The unit is solid enough but could use an all metal body. It is big enough for those with dexterity issues, though it would be better for me if it was slightly smaller.
I used to use Mach 3 and Sensor razors with my Conair lather heater. They worked but I tired of hot sticky lather on my face everyday after showering. I never really got them to shave my neck well unless I re-lathered and that was too time consuming. If you do shave like this though, use a lather heater. You will be glad you did.
I can get a fair amount of ingrown hairs on the sides of my face, usually they do not get too inflamed or go very deep but they seem less numerous with the Braun. I have fine curly/wavy blond hair that seems to want to get near the surface and then go sideways. I have ended this problem by using 1 crushed UNCOATED aspirin in 1 oz. of water and dabbing it on with my fingers after exfoliating with a bath cloth and after I have finished shaving.
Braun usage info:
You will likely need a few weeks to get used to it.
Use it with a clean, dry face (at least 30 minutes after showering) or you will bring out the "intensive cleaning needed" message. Never try and blow matter from the cutter block for the same reason. When refill gets closer to running out, let razor dry out after cleaning then pop foil off a look for nagging droplets. Blow them out from the inside to the outside. They can trigger the 'intense cleaning' warning if not removed.
I pop and "buzz" the cutter/foil after use and clean it using base every other day (24 hours clock time) an and usually it always comes up "economy" cleaning (I suspect it will become "normal" after 36 hours.)
The cleaning stand does work well but I don't leave it plugged in all the time. I am covering it in a plastic grocery bag (closed and draped around base with the handles tucked under the cord stub protruding from base) to slow evaporation of the solution. Higher room temperature will in IMO be the biggest factor in how long it lasts, though some is 'cooked off' the razor in the cleaning process. Refills in cooler months can last up to 10 more uses than refills used in warmer months. Lowest is 29 uses and highest is 39 so far.
I tried using to clean razor for a week or two without the base using brush and manually oiling it. The Braun is better with the alcohol. It irritated my skin somewhat to use oil or becuase it was not cleaned by alcohol and the razor did not shave as close. Clippercide (I do not know its active ingredient) or Remington's Shaver Saver silicone based spray might work.
I think the shave counter is annoying in that it should only count shaves of 2 minutes or more as shaves. I often shave for 2-3 minutes, wash my face, dry it a few minutes and then shave any spots I left half finished which only takes 30 seconds but counts as another shave on the master counter.
I have had no issue with making holes in the foil. I try not to press it too hard against my face.
Product Review: Amazing Shaver
Summary: 5 Stars
Hands down the best shaver I have ever used. The charging base and cleaning station is the also one of the best I have used. I rarely have to clean it with the brush, but it comes in handy when traveling. It took about a week for my face to adjust to it, but now it cuts as close as my Gillette Fusion. I love this and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good shave. Its worth every penny.Product Review: Amazing!
Summary: 5 Stars
Perfect razor! He can shave in a fraction of the time and still be just as smooth. It also doesn't hurt for him to shave twice a day to get rid of the 5'oclock shadow...very quick!