Customer Reviews

Braun Activator 8595 Solo Shaver, Refurbished

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been a user of Braun shavers for over 15 years and have owned about 5 different models. This isn't to say that the old ones didn't last... in fact, all but one of them still work. I traded up to better technology as Braun produced it.

But eventually, a tool is nearly perfected. The major leaps of technology start to slow and you find that there's really not much more to be done, save changing the appearance or marketing aims. The latest Braun 9595 Pulsonic shaver is a beautiful feat of engineering and looks the part for a place in the modern high tech world of today. But... beneath it all, it is really not much different from the 8595 Activator.

The 8595 has a reasonable running noise (slightly more so than the Norelco, but quieter than the 7000 series), effective cutting technology, excellent battery life, and the right balance of weight and grip. The LCD display shows you how long your shave is taking (and retains that, so you can see how long your last shave was), the total number of shaves performed with the unit, how much charge on the battery is left (which goes down to the minute once less than 10 minutes are available--quite accurate, too), and how much longer the shaver needs to be plugged in to achieve a full charge. It's definitely more useful than the less informative LED lights on lesser models.

Performance wise, the shaver works admirably. You do have to learn how to shave with an electric razor, though, in order to optimize the capability. With a little skill, you can get nearly as close as a blade. I find that I do with mine. And really, getting a shave that close without the danger of nicks and irritations is preferable to me.

One of the other key features of this model is the cleaning station improvement. The older 7000 series had this lock down arm that made the unit more bulky, but even worse an inner tab is prone to breakage after a year of use that makes it impossible to lock down the shaver. The 8000 series solved this design beautifully. And in essence, this is still the same basic cleaning station included with the 9595, aside from a few cosmetic upgrades.

NOTE: This particular unit is the shaver alone--no cleaning station. Although it is not essential to have it (you can indeed clean the razor just fine with a brush), it is a nice benefit. The Braun cleaning solution does indeed scour the blades super clean and leaves a fresh clean smell.

If you are considering the 9595, I'll tell you what the differences are: The 9595 obviously has an updated appearance. There is also an indicator that tells you when to change the shaving head cassette. Yes, "cassette", as the foil and cutter block are now molded into one unit. This recommendation is... well, not very accurate. I believe it is based on the shaving count, which is not representative of the total cutting time. If someone takes 2 minutes versus 5 minutes, then the shaving head change indicator will be premature. Also, the foil part may be perfectly fine... it is the cutter block which gets dull over time. On the 8595, you can replace just the cutter block. On "that auction site" you can find a seller who offers that cutter block for $10. That's a dramatic difference from the $50 you'll pay for the "cassette" you have to change on the 9595.

Also, you should know that the next model version, the 8995 360 Complete, is practically identical to the 8595 Activator, except for some very minor cosmetic differences and the "blade change" indicator. Otherwise, it is the same device. In fact, you can interchange the cleaning station and plug between the two models.

So, in my book, the 8595 is the best value shaver available from Braun.

This is a refurbished unit and clearly states that it does not include the cleaning unit. Not a big deal since I didn't want to set myself up for the future expense of the cleaning solution. I checked out the instruction manual online first and confirmed the electric charging cord can be plugged in to the shaver directly for use and charging. But what the listing apparently doesn't indicate is that the electric cord is not included, at least it wasn't in my box. What's up with that? An electric razor with no electric cord?

Kudos to Amazon customer service for responding to my question about the lack of a cord in less than 10 minutes (wow!). They politely explained that they normally would send a replacement right away but can't in this case because it's a third-party provider (Amazon just handles the fulfillment) and inventory is changing all the time they can't guarantee availability. I understand. They offered to have it returned for a full refund, which I did. It's a shame because I'd rather have the shaver than the refund, but with no cord it can't be charged or used.

I have used the heck out of my 8595 shaver and it finally needed to be replaced. I purchased a refurbished unit. It came quickly, is in great condition and I'm very pleased with the service that I received.

Ok first off, I bought this for my husband since he is a total furball. I actually bought the step down from this, the 8585, and he loved it, it lasted nearly 4 years faithful to the end, and then one day, the trimmer part broke(actually a small plastic piece inside) and then it failed to come up at all, or shut off completely. I indeed was impressed with the amount of power that the L-ion battery contains. Even after nearly 1500 days of operation(yes every day)the battery still lasted nearly a hour of shaving. Ok you are asking, "AN HOUR?" but after he shaved his face, In morning, I would shave, (yes womanly bits) and all in all, would take nearly an hour. Well let me tell you ladies... I used to use the Gilette Fusion, (still do in a hurry in shower) and this has totally taken my heart. I do mind the process of cleaning up after usage due to me holding it upside down most of the time, but small price to pay, *lay down a towel, lol*. I shave my hubby cause I hate hair, and this makes small work of it, HEAD TO TOE, and once again, I can do all that using the trimmer attachment and regular and still have enough juice for me. I have had one time though, after doing his Hair(head, I'm a stylist) and I had to plug in the cord, which in itself is a saving grace, cause you really don't have to wait for it to charge if you are in a pinch. The blades last a pretty good time. I have only had to change 3 times on the 8585 in 4 years, so i'd say they last good amount of time...only had a problem once where somehow the foil got damaged and actually scratched my hubbys face pretty badly. He didn't realize it was but noticed burning, lol and sure enough about an hour later it looked like he got in a fight with a kitty. Another thing I will make note of... THE CLEANING STATION IS TOO FREAKING LOUD!!! Hubby has got up and forgot that I was sleeping or whatnot, used his shaver, and plopped it in to clean it, and I about fall back to sleep.... BURRRRENNNNNNNNNGGGGGGTTTT!!!! It sucks, and let me tell you, the price on the cleaning solution... WHAT A RIPOFF for some friggin alcohol and scent!!!

Oh well Rant went on long enough, I recommend this totally, as it gets closer then a fusion blade, quicker and cleanup is quick and its great for a man, perfect for a woman, and a great price. Even if this was full retail I would still consider it, but since it wasn't, hah, well I bought it!!!

P.S. Make sure you empty out your blade every once in a while and just tape the foil on sink or trash can imbetween shaves and it will prolong your blade and solution!!!

So far, I am very pleased with this shaver. While it does not shave quite as close as the Remington it is replacing, it is much quieter and seems to be of significantly higher quality than the Remington. The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars is that it has a slick finish that is not the easiest to hang on to.

I bought this to replace my old Braun 8595. I wish I had done it much sooner! The old shaver's motor had been slowly declining over the last few months. I did not notice the decline until the head movement was completely out of control. I could not believe the difference when I began using this replacement shaver! The shave is very close and soooooo comfortable compared to my old shaver.

The quality is excellent, I can use my old cleaning unit/refills (that I get with Amazon's auto refill program at a low price/free shipping) and it comes with a full warranty.

Tired of razor burn, I was looking for an electric razor for tender skin. And this is the one. Plus, Amazon delivered it on time.

Best electric shaver on the market. I have owned a number of shavers in the past 55 years and the Braun 8595 is tops.

I bought the Panasonic model hoping for a closer shave after owning the Braun Activator for a number of years. I was not disappointed in getting a closer shave but the shaving took much longer with the Panasonic. I decided to try a fast rough shave with the Braun and then a fast finish shave with the Panasonic. For me this is the best possible solution although I realize most people don't have that option. For any that own both as I do give it a try. I think you will love the speed and the close shave you get. I imagine using a Panasonic like this with other faster shaver for a rough shave first will work well too. I hope this review might help a few people.

Bought this to replace a Braun 370 (3000 series) I left behind in a hotel room. It arrived quickly in almost new condition, but I can see that it was refurbished when I noticed 3 whiskers in the center cutter between the 2 foils. Came in a white box with a picture of the unit, instructions, charging cord, clip-on foil protector, cleaning brush & black travel zip pouch. I charged it up and everything worked just fine. I tried my first shave & it was very smooth. Somehow the higher speed of cutter oscillation and foil design enable it to shave closer than both the previous 7000 and 3000 series Braun shavers I owned. Very happy with purchase & since this is a travel shaver, I have no need for the cleaning jug. Just what I needed. The box and instruction manual say it has a 2 year warranty in the US and Canada. I hope it is honored when I need it.