Time to put the trusty Norelco cheapo out of its misery. It could probably benefit by changing the heads but it doesn’t hold a charge very long and I think I’d like to splurge on a really good one.
Sooo… any suggestions??
(Incidently, I’m a male who uses it on his beard… for those of you who have been reading the thread about shaving other areas.)
If the major problem is that it won’t hold a charge, try running it through several charge/discharge cycles (charge it then let it discharge completely). I resuscitated my previous electric that way.
If your destiny is to get another one, I would suggest that you give Panasonic a looksee. I’ve used several major brands since I had to quit using a straight razor (because of an inherited tremor that makes it semi-suicidal), and theirs is the only one that comes close to the same feel. YMMV.
I got this one as a gift:
http://www.amazon.com/Braun-8595-Activator-Self-Cleaning-Shaving/dp/B0002Q67EA
Best I’ve ever used.
I’m using a Panasonic one I got from Sharper Image a couple of years ago and have never had a better shave in my life. I normally use it dry, but sometimes I’ll use it in the shower for a change. It makes quick work of the multi-directional, coarse hair growth on my face. I’ve had two Braun high-end shavers stop holding charges after about a year of use each, and the motor on one of them got so loud I couldn’t even hear the phone ring while shaving. My Panasonic hasn’t failed me yet.
Yeah, the high-end Panasonics are definitely worth a look. I got one from Brookstone (hey, I had a gift certificate!) and it’s really quite good.
I’ve always used the kind with either two or three round heads.
I’m thinking of trying one that has the straight cutting surface (I think that adequately explains it). Anybody have any general comments between the two types?
As my supply of Sensor blades dwindles and I refuse to pay $3 for a triple blade (or more), I am very interested in responses to this thread. Please address the wet vs dry issue.
I had one of those Braun units that washes itself after every use and also had the LCD readout on it . It shaved fairly close but the excitement wore off after about a month when it started collecting dust from being moist all the time. I gave it away after about six months .That’s my 2 cents.
I use one of those Braun Synchros as well. I think it works great. It’s dry shave only.
I only put it in the self-cleaner once a week or so. The rest of the time I just empty it over the trash can.
Of course, if I want a close shave for a date or something I take the time to go with the Fusion.
ISTM that this really boils down to “YMMV”; some people just seem to prefer the rotary shavers, whereas others prefer the linear. I prefer the linear shavers; they seem less bulky and easier to handle, and they seem easier to guide and to locate edges of sideburns etc.
My Panasonic model (it’s an ES8096) can do either dry or wet shaving, but I haven’t tried wet shaving enough to really comment on it. The shave seemed to work okay either way. For me, the main bonus is being able to clean it using running water without worrying about electrocuting myself. After every <x> number of shaves, a little icon appears to show that it’s time to wash it; I squirt on some liquid soap, turn on the tap, then turn on the shaver and run it under the tap. I then take the head off and leave it disassembled to dry out.
In terms of shaving closeness, it’s pretty near a Mach 3. I haven’t tried the Fusion razor, so can’t compare the electric to that.