Braun Series 5 Combi 51S Foil and Cutter Replacement Pack (Formerly 8000 360 Complete or Activator)

by Braun

Product Features

• Replacement parts for Braun's series 5, 8000 series, 360 complete and activator models
• Blades should be replaced every eighteen months
• Replacing your blade gives a 25 percent better shave

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Braun replacement foil & cutter blocks help to maintain your shaver’s maximum performance. Braun recommends changing your shaver’s blades every 18 months as the cutting parts will gradually wear out over time, and your shave may become less close and comfortable. After replacing them you get back 100% of your shaver’s performance.

Product Overview

Braun Replacement Foil & Cutter Braun electric shavers are designed and tested to last at least 6 years with proper maintenance1.  Within 18 months, your Braun shaver will cut an average of 6,000,000 hairs–equivalent to shaving an entire soccer field. In accomplishing this substantial task, the cutting parts will gradually wear out and your shave may become less close and comfortable. Therefore, Braun recommends changing your shaver’s foil & cutter block every 18 months to maintain your shaver’s maximum performance. For a perfect shave every day.

Comparision Table

Foil & Cutter Accessories

	Fits on Shavers	Series 5	Series 3	Series 3	Series 1 cruZer
	Color	Silver	Silver	Black	Black
	Optifoil Braun's most advanced foil with ergonomically sized holes cuts hair deeper than ever before - for perfect closeness that lasts longer.
	Smart Foil Through its unique foil patterns the Smart Foil captures hairs growing in different directions.

 

Cassette Accessories

	Fits on Shavers	Series 7	Series 3	Series 3
	Color	Silver	Silver	Blue
	Optifoil Braun's most advanced foil with ergonomically sized holes cuts hair deeper than ever before - for perfect closeness that lasts longer.
	Smart Foil Through its unique foil patterns the Smart Foil captures hairs growing in different directions.

The World of Braun

Since its inception in 1921, Braun has challenged the very conventions that define design. State-of-the-art technological innovations are wrapped in pure artistry, honoring both the passion and precision of the ultimate shaving experience. Our unique goal is to create those select products that make a difference in people's lives. Products that engage and excite, creating a "Braun moment" in their own unique way. For men, that effort begins by creating shavers and trimmers that enhance their best look. For women, we strive to engineer epilators and hair care products that pair performance and comfort. This is how Braun goes beyond design to become something more. 

Braun. Designed to make a difference. 

Product Description

Braun 51S Series 5/8000 Series/360 Complete/ Activator Foil and Cutter cartridge. Replacement parts for Braun's Series 5, 8000 Series, 360 Complete & Activator models. To maintain optimal shaving performance you should clean the shaving parts regularly with Braun cleaning agents and consider replacing the foil and cutter block every 18 months.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1 x 4 x 4.4 inches ; 1.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001VEK1IU
• UPC: 069055853979
• Item model number: Series 5 Combi 51S/Form. 8000 360+ACT
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (141 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #266 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)
  • #9 in Health & Personal Care > Personal Care > Shaving & Hair Removal > Electric Shavers
  • #9 in Health & Personal Care > Personal Care > Shaving & Hair Removal > Accessories

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Horrible, November 12, 2010

By 

Rahul Garg (Hackensack NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Braun Series 5 Combi 51S Foil and Cutter Replacement Pack (Formerly 8000 360 Complete or Activator) (Health and Beauty)

I've had the 8585 since about 2004 and it's been working great. The last time I ordered the foil and cutter block was from a 3rd party seller on amazon. I did order from the 8000 series page but received a package that looked different from what I had received in the past. I originally thought they sent me a fake one especially after I started using it since it hurt to use around my lower jaw area and chin. Since I thought it was a fake I came here (thinking of ordering another one) and read all the negative reviews and realized it was the newer version of the foil and cutter block that was just poorly made. I'm at the moment looking for the cutter block for the older models (Braun Series 3 Combi 30B Foil and Cutter Replacement Pack). I might risk getting it since it has good reviews. Once my current shaver gives up, I'll be switching over to a different brand (probably panasonic). When companies start making stupid moves (why ruin something that worked perfectly in the past), it's time to ditch them?

I also wrote to Braun asking them if they were aware if "Braun Series 3 Combi 30B Foil and Cutter Replacement Pack" would work with the 8585 but they wrote back saying that they recommend only using the ones made for a particular model. They even offered to send me another 51S but I refused saying there's no point of enduring more pain by using the 51S.

btw, I've been using my 51S for a few months (2-3) now, it has held up just fine, but it hurts when using it... I have to be extremely gentle especially when using around the lower jaw since it seems to hurt the most there.


*** UPDATE 1 ***
I've been communicating with a person who purchased the 30B (http://www.amazon.com/review/RPRFO9DLBSJM7/ref=cm_cr_rev_detup_redir?_encoding=UTF8&cdPage=1&asin=B001VH6F9G&newContentNum=10&store=hpc&newContentID=Mx1FBNLU575B874#MxZJCE2GDWEFOT) and he confirmed the blades were thin as before. I went ahead and ordered the 30B and it arrived today and I put it on and everything looks fine so far (except for the looks and also that the travel case plastic cover doesn't quite fit since there is no notch on the foil cover but both these are extremely minor). I will shave with the 30B next week and post my experience then. I'm quite sure this will work just fine and it it does I'll order a few of the 30B in case Braun manages to ruin the 30B as well.

*** UPDATE 2 : The Shave Test ***
I'm 29 years and usually shave every Mon, Wed & Fri. I last shaved on Wednesday and today is Sunday. I was originally planning on shaving with the 51S today and do the same next week and use the 30B next Sunday. But I decided to shave half with the 51S and half with the 30B. I started off with the 51S and it was just so painful to use. It was almost like pulling on my hair (it felt like I was poking myself with a needle) and I stopped soon after starting with it. I then switched to the 30B and it was a world of difference. I could hardly feel anything when shaving with it. If I had shaved half my face with the 51S, I probably would have landed up with half my face red and with several cuts.

So, my strong recommendation is to avoid the 51S (I will most likely avoid Braun in general from now on) like the plague. However if you are unlucky like me to have the 51S and plan on using it until it's advertised life, you might want to shave more often (like daily or every other day) else be ready for a very painful shave. Please also check out the 2 images I've uploaded (available in the customer images section).

*** UPDATE 3 : Test to determine which part is at fault ***
Some people have stated that the new foil is at fault for the horrendous shave while I've firmly believed that it is the cutter block at fault. To find out, after shaving on Sunday, the next day I shaved was on a Wednesday. I first started off with the cutter block of the 51S and foil of the 30B. The shave was just as painful as before. I then switched to the cutter block of the 30B and foil of the 51S. It was just as smooth as using the earlier 8000 series or the 30B (cutter block and foil). According to me, the cutter block is the reason behind that horrible shave and Braun should be ashamed of putting such garbage out there.

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exact replacement for Braun 360 Complete shavers, March 18, 2011

By 

Colonel Kestrel (Ramsey, MN. USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Braun Series 5 Combi 51S Foil and Cutter Replacement Pack (Formerly 8000 360 Complete or Activator) (Health and Beauty)

I see bad reviews about this replacement foil here on Amazon and almost decided against buying it. The problem appears to be that this is actually the replacement foil and cutter block for the Braun 360 complete series shavers, specifically the 89** series. This series along with the Braun Activator has now been discontinued. I have the Braun 360 Complete 8985 shaver. If someone can recall the Braun 360 was a minor upgrade to the Braun Activator line of shavers. The upgrade was in the foil and the cutter block assembly only. According to Braun, the newer cutter block and foil were better at cutting than the previous Activator series cutter block. Also the newer cutter block fit both Braun 360 complete as well as Braun Activator shavers.

Braun has now discontinued the individual cutter blocks for these shavers and now they offer only the Braun Series 5 Combi 51S for both shavers. So, here's the deal:

>>If you are looking for an exact replacement for the Braun 360 Complete line of shavers, then this Braun Series 5 Combi 51S is the right product for you. It is identical to the one you previously had except that 360 complete is not written on it.

>>If you are looking for an exact replacement for the Braun Activator line of shavers then this is NOT the replacement for you. This will fit your shaver but it is a different product. You will be better served by getting the Braun Series 3 Combi 30B.

Now for the quality of this cutter block and foil. It cuts like the original. Since I never had another shaver or another cutter block, so I cannot compare it to another. My original foil that came with the shaver got chipped within 4 months. I was quite upset but went ahead and bought another one, the replacement lasted for almost 3 years. So, now I have bought this one, let's hope this lasts for 3 years too. I have been using it for a month. This is made in Germany. If I skip shaving one day then on the next shave this cutter block will occasionally pull some hair, but if I shave everyday then the shave is pain free and close. I will update this review if this foil fails before time.

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Bad replacement but found an alternative, October 30, 2010

By 

Jim M - See all my reviews

This review is from: Braun Series 5 Combi 51S Foil and Cutter Replacement Pack (Formerly 8000 360 Complete or Activator) (Health and Beauty)

I got the 51s as a replacement for me 8000 series think I was do for a change after 3 years. To that point I couldn't have been happier with my shaver. The foil cutter is terrible. I felt like i was going to my face with sandpaper and my shaves took 3x as long. I was tempted to go through my trash been to find the old 'beat' foil. I don't even have a thick beard and it was a struggle several times through

****Alternative****
I read on a few blogs that people had success using a "30B; series 3" replacement meant for a 4000/7000 series. I gave it a shot and my shaver is like new! It matches up perfect with the 8000 series, its just a different color plastic. Its also cheaper.