Braun Shaver Series 5 590cc

by Braun

• An incredibly smooth and precise shave, even in problem areas
• Perfectly adapts around the jawline and under the chin with the Contour Adaptive Shaving Head
• Shaves long hair as easily as short hair with the Triple Action Cutting System
• 100% waterproof and fully washable
• Quick 5 minute charge

Product Description

Size: Regular

From the Manufacturer

Braun Series 5 - 590cc

The Braun 590cc, the most advanced shaver from the Braun Series 5 line, is engineered to perform in even the most problematic areas. This shaver features technologies like the patented ActiveLift middle trimmer for added comfort and control. Then, for added convenience after the shave, the Braun Clean & Renew System automatically cleans, charges, and lubricates your shaver at the touch of a button. Finally, advanced shaving comfort made simple.

Braun. Designed to make a difference.

AT A GLANCE

• Capture flat-lying hair with patented ActiveLift, even in problem areas like the neck
• Get perfect closeness that lasts longer with OptiFoil, our most advanced foil shaver
• Automatically clean, charge, and lubricate your shave with the Clean & Renew System

Braun Series 5 - 590cc Shaver
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ActiveLift
The world's only patented middle trimmer that actively lifts and cuts flat-lying hair

OptiFoil
This shaving foil's unique design captures more hair and cuts deeper than ever before

Triple Action Cutting System
3 special cutting elements shave long hair as easily as short hair

Precision Long Hair Trimmer
Specially designed to trim your sideburns, moustache or beard

Contour Adaptive Shaving Head
Perfectly adapts to the curves of your problem areas like your jawline and under your chin

100% Waterproof and Fully Washable
The shaver's fully sealed body can be rinsed quickly under running water

4-Stage LED Display
Updates the charging, battery and hygiene status

Rechargeable Battery
Powerful Li-Ion battery does not suffer from "memory effect" of repeated charges

Braun Clean & Renew System
Automatically clean, charge, lubricate and dry your shaver at the touch of a button. Replaceable cartridges slide into the base of the Clean & Renew system, cleaning the blades after every shave, and extending both the life and comfort of the shaver.

Clean & Renew features:

• Unique alcohol-based cleaning solution eliminates 99.999% of all germs
• Automatic battery charging
• Automatic lubrication for optimal cutting efficiency
• A fresh lemon scent

What's In The Box

• Series 5 - 590cc shaver
• Clean & Renew System
• Cleaning brush
• SmartPlug (100V-240V)
• Clean & Renew Cartridge
• Protective travel pouch

Accessories For This Shaver (590cc)

51S
(8000 series)
Foil & Cutter

Clean & Renew
System 4 Pack Refill

 

Comparison Table

	390cc Noble metal	590cc Noble metal/Black	790cc Noble metal/Black
Intelligent Pulsonic Technology			•
ActiveLift		•	•
OptiFoil		•	•
SensoFoil	•
Contour Adaptive Shaving Head	•	•	•
Triple Action FreeFloat System	•
Triple Action Cutting System	•	•	•
100% Waterproof and Fully Washable	•	•	•
Battery Status and Cleaning Indicator	LED	LED	LCD
Precision Long Hair Trimmer	•	•	•
3 Personalization Modes			•
Automatic Program Selection	•	•	•
Cleans	•	•	•
Charges	•	•	•
Lubricates	•	•	•
Dries			•
Fast Clean			•
Hygiene Status Indicator	•	•	•

Product FAQs

What's the difference between foil shavers and rotary shavers?
Rotary shavers are designed to work with cyclical movements; Braun foil shavers are designed to work with efficient sideways movements on the skin, giving perfect control and precision. The foils protect the skin from irritation and are specifically designed to deliver the most thorough and comfortable shave from Braun.

What are the differences among the Series 5 models?
Beyond the shaving technologies and the Clean & Renew system featured in the Braun 550cc, the Braun Series 5 590cc model adds the most advanced display among Braun Series 5 electric shavers for men. Its four-stage LED display offers detailed updates on the status of the charging battery and the hygiene of the shaver itself. In addition, unlike the 550cc's black casing, the 590cc is packaged in an elegant Noble Metal color.

Why would I need a Clean & Renew System when I can clean my Braun Series 5 shaver under tap water?
It is more hygienic to do so.  And, at the touch of the button with your Clean & Renew system, your shaver is automatically cleaned, charged, and lubricated for added convenience.

I already have a Clean & Renew System from my previous Braun shaver (Pulsonic or Synchro). Can I use it with the new Series 5 shaver?
No, the Braun Series 5 Clean & Renew System is the latest model from the Braun Clean & Renew System line and cannot be used with previous models.

How often do I need to exchange the Clean & Renew System refill cartridge?
It is recommended that you change your Clean & Renew refill cartridge at least once every two months or when the Clean & Renew system notifies you that the cleaning solution is ready to be changed. This will vary depending on how often the system is in use.

Do you have any recommendations for how to shave with an electric foil shaver?
We recommend that you shave before taking a shower. After a few days without shaving (for example, the first shave after the weekend), you should trim your stubble before you shave. Stretch the skin and shave against the direction of beard growth. Hold the shaver at a right angle (90°) to your skin. Maintain even pressure to achieve the most thorough and comfortable shave from Braun.

How often do I need to change the shaver head?
We recommend replacing all cutter parts every 18 months. In order maintain optimal performance, we included a replacement part indicator in the display to ensure that you'll know when to exchange the cutter parts.

Does the battery have a memory effect, as can occur with cell phones or laptops?
No, the Braun Series 5 electric shavers for men use a Li-Ion battery that has no memory effect. You can recharge it whenever you want, and it has a low self-discharge rate (vs. NiMh batteries). Li-Ion batteries are the most powerful and longest-lasting batteries available for Braun electric shavers.

Product Description

The Braun Series 5 electric shaver offers an excellent shave in problem areas, featuring the patented ActiveLift middle trimmer, the unique OptiFoil and the Contour Adaptive Shaving Head. The Series 5 combines ergonomic Braun design with highest Braun quality. In addition, enjoy the convenience of Braun‘s Clean & Renew system, which will clean, charge, and lubricate your shaver at the touch of a button.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.3 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Origin: Germany
• ASIN: B001P5HCKK
• UPC: 069055853139 069055858318 688581000826
• Item model number: 590cc-4
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (167 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,363 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)
  • #34 in Health & Personal Care > Personal Care > Shaving & Hair Removal > Electric Shavers > Men's > Foil Shavers

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

239 of 244 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Smooth and Impressive May 9, 2009

By Poipoo

Size Name:Regular|Amazon Verified Purchase

It took me awhile to decide on this Braun after all I've never paid this much for a shaver. However, I had a problem getting parts for my old Remington so decided to bite the bullet. The unit arrived nicely boxed with a semi-hard black zippered travel case which is not mentioned in the literature. It uses the same power cord for rechargeable and corded operation. The shaver feels comfortable and solid in the hand and looks nice. I like the trimmer and flexible head. I find setting the sensitivity of the head to medium works best especially in the neck area. When not in use, the shaver sits in the cleaning station which also acts as a charger. At night, the cleaning station gives off a small blue light which is nice should you have to find the unit without turning on the lights. I've had the unit a few weeks and so far, I love it.

Why? Because it's quiet (compared to my old Remington), and gives me smooth, dry close shaves. For my face and skin, it's pretty close to a razor. The head and cutter is washable under running water and if that's not enough, you can use the Clean & Renew System. Since I've only had my unit for a few weeks, I didn't see the need to give it a bath so soon. I'll do what others suggest and do it periodically. Besides, I didn't want to open the sealed cartridge filled with cleaning solution for fear I would spill it and have to buy more refill cartridges.

Things I didn't like were that it was relatively expensive and the cleaning station base footprint was large. The shaver sits head down in the base unit so the bottom of the shaver is 8 3/4" above the counter. But if you don't mind charging it with the A/C cord, you can put the base unit away for another day when cleaning is needed....

I decided against the Braun Series 7 Pulsonic because I didn't see how 10,000 micro vibrations would help with a smoother closer shave. Besides, my Sonicare toothbrush vibrates and I can see the logic there. I'll just hold the shaver looser and let it vibrate by itself. I picked this unit over the Series 5 570 because as far as I could tell, the only difference were the LED lights. The cost between both units was minimal so I opted for extra LED lights. I'm sure I would be just as happy with the other unit.

SEPT 2009 UPDATE:
I've had this unit now for about 6 months and I am still very satisfied with it. I love the flexible shaver head and the ability to adjust the sensitivity. It makes for a comfortable shave in all the right places.

One of the early concerns I had before purchasing the unit was the added cost of cleaning the unit using the Clean&Renew Station and cleaning solution as often as Braun recommends. This is what I've discovered.

The User Guide recommends cleaning the unit after each shave or when the yellow LED light comes on. I physically clean the shaver foil and cutter block once a week, sometimes every other week when lazy. Very easy. The yellow "time to clean" light never came on so after a month, I cleaned the shaver anyway. So far, I've only cleaned the unit 3 times and only because I thought it was time to clean. Now to prevent the cleaning solution from evaporating or spilling, I remove the cleaning cartridge after each use and replace the plastic cover and store the cartridge under the counter. So far for me, purchasing more cleaning kits has not been costly since I'm still using the original cleaning cartridge. Read more ›

302 of 311 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Beware: No "OptiFoil" Replacement Heads, No Drying In Cleaning Unit November 23, 2010

By Mark L.

Size Name:Regular|Amazon Verified Purchase

Over six years ago, I wrote a rave review of Braun's Activator shaver here at Amazon. That review is still available at my profile page. I'm sorry to say that I can't repeat my enthusiasm this time for this Series 5 590cc shaver. Braun is cheapening its products, though not its prices.

First, I will say something positive. This shaver, with a new "OptiFoil" head, gives a very good shave. It's at least as good as the Activator with the "SmartFoil," though I can't say it's noticeably better. I think it IS better than the different cutter block in the 360 Complete series, which came between the Activator and the Series 5.

Also, the tapered, contoured shape of the new shavers is a definite improvement over the shapeless bricks that the older models were. The angled head makes it uncertain at first if you're holding it at the right angle to your skin, but it doesn't take long to adjust.

But there are two really serious problems with this shaver (and the similar 570/550cc). First, this shaver is being promoted by Braun for the supposed superiority of the new OptiFoil head. (See [...]. Amazon is mistaken on this page in showing this shaver with the older SmartFoil head.) This is fine, because as I said, the new OptiFoil is better than the one for the 360 Complete that replaced the Activator.

But you will only be able to enjoy the OptiFoil for about a year or so before it inevitably wears out and you have to replace it. And then, if nothing changes, you will find that BRAUN IS NOT OFFERING REPLACEMENT OPTIFOIL HEADS. The only replacement heads are the older ones made for the 360 Complete. I confirmed this with a manager at Braun Customer Service. There are no OptiFoil replacement sets available.... You will have to downgrade your new shaver to the older, inferior, foil/cutter set.

I asked the Braun manager how they can sell a product without the correct replacements for its consumable parts. He said he would "convey my concerns" up the chain of command.

The second major problem is the new "Clean&Renew" system. The shaver goes head-down into a base with alcohol-based cleaning fluid, which is pumped through the head to clean and disinfect it. The unit that came with my Activator cleaned and dried the shaver in 30 to 40 minutes. The manual for the 590cc--confirmed by Customer Service--says that drying takes FOUR HOURS. I will repeat that: FOUR HOURS. Why? The new Series 5 Clean&Renew unit--unlike the old Activator--doesn't generate any warmth for drying. The shaver is simply air-dried.

I confirmed this. I took the shaver out of the unit after 3-1/2 hours because I had to leave the house, and it was cold and still wet. And Braun recommends that you do this EVERY DAY--so the open cartridge of cleaning fluid can sit there evaporating for 4 hours every day. You may as well just take the shaver out after cleaning, cap the cartridge, and let the shaver dry on the countertop.

If you want faster heated drying, now you must buy the much-more-expensive Series 7 shavers--whose claim to fame is that they vibrate! A definite downgrade of the mid-level product line.

My suggestion is that you use the Clean&Renew just once a week, cap the cartridge, and let the shaver dry outside the unit. Other times you can take advantage of one good new feature of this shaver--you can clean the foil and cutters under running water.

Some lesser issues:

Braun no longer gives you a protective plastic cap for the head.

The battery charge doesn't last as long as it did in the old Activator. This is progress?

The advertised "ActiveLift" part of the head, which is supposed to scoop up flat-lying hairs in problem areas like the throat, doesn't work very well. How could it, when the fins that are supposed to get under those hairs are recessed below the contact surface of the foil?

A common problem with these shavers--even the old Activator--is that there has to be an open area under the head for the fluid to flow through in the cleaning unit. As a result, some stubble debris falls out and gets on your chest.

The cleaning warning light comes on after only two shaves after a Clean&Renew bath, even if you've taken the foil off and tapped out the stubble. You can ignore this, but it's a nuisance. It's consistent with Braun's effort to have you use up and buy as much of the cleaning fluid as possible.

The cutter block, as in previous models, extends only about 3/4 the width of the foil. I wonder why.

Finally, Braun Customer Service is awful. I had to call twice, getting disconnected once and waiting on hold for at least 10 minutes, and then had to be bumped up to a manager before I could talk to someone who could do more than read from a script.

I didn't expect this review to be as long as it turned out, but I guess when you have as good an opinion about a company as I did with Braun, you are doubly annoyed when it comes out with something as disappointing as this. $177 is a lot to pay for just one year of good shaves.

If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't. Beware. Go into it with your eyes open, or wait until Braun puts out OptiFoil replacement heads.

But then there's that non-drying cleaning unit.......

UPDATE: Please see the comments. Optifoil replacement heads may be finally starting to be available. However, when I contacted the company that is showing the newer head in the picture on their Amazon listing, they replied that they did not have it in stock yet.

Update 2, June, 2011: Optifoil replacement heads seem to be now finally making their way into the stores. I saw some at Bed, Bath & Beyond. But make sure that's what you're getting because the item number is still 51S. The printing on the package says "100% Performance" in blue text on a black background. My other comments remain valid. Read more ›

93 of 95 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great shave, but a few flaws May 6, 2009

By Tom C

Size Name:Regular|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been a Braun guy since I started shaving, so this is my 4th or 5th one. After my last one, which was a low-end disappointment, this one is great -- as smooth of a shave as I believe you can get from an electric. Another plus is that this shaver is made in Germany, not China like their low-end ones, and although a little pricey, after a $50 promo certificate, it essentially put the price within reason.

My only negative comments, after owning the razor for about two weeks, is that the clean-and-renew system is a little gimmicky. Not the system itself so much, which works great, but two things about the system:

* The cleaning base is essentially a really cheap looking injection-molded piece of plastic. It gets the job done, but I think the designers could have done a better job of fabricating a base that was a little more in fitting with the price/look of the razor itself.

* As others have said, the clean and renew fluid is kind of a ripoff -- if you use it as much as the manufacturer suggests (every day, all the time), that's about an extra $75 a year; one more expense I really don't need. Although I haven't owned the razor very long, I think it's probably fine to manually clean it most of the time and use the cleaning system once a week or so. To keep the cleaning fluid from evaporating, simply remove it from the base in between cleanings and put the lid it came with back on. As others have also mentioned, you could probably go one step further and replenish the cleaning fluid with its stated ingredient, denatured alcohol (i.e., Sea Breeze), but don't blame me if that messes up your razor for some reason. I figure if I cut my usage by using the cleaning fluid only about once a week, that's fine with me....

So with those two things mentioned, I really like my new razor!

UPDATE 112409:
My curiosity got the better of me about a month ago - I tried replenishing the cleaning cartridge with Sea Breeze, but it doesn't work nearly as well as the Braun fluid; the Sea Breeze contains water whereas I don't believe the Braun fluid does. Although it didn't hurt my razor, it did leave it kind of grungy. At least now I know. Read more ›