Customer Reviews

Norelco Deluxe Reflex Plus Shaver w/LED - 6863XL

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Though this is one of the models in the "lower" groups of Norelco's offerings, it has more than enough bells and whistles. I really can't see why anyone would need more. My first shave with this razor ended with the best shave I have ever had in my life. Just read on and follow all the suggested steps.

Norelco instructs us that all razors of this model should be fully charged for 4 hours before the first shave. I believe that all of Norelco's razors are given if not a full charge, a partial charge. The manual also explains about the LED lights that indicate the percentage of charged power available to the razor. When I plugged my razor in for charging, before using, it said 40% available and the 60% indicator was blinking (meaning not quite 60% full). Give the razor a full 4 hour charge, even if the LEDs say 100% in about 1 hour or so. Go the full 4 miles the first time around (remember, this razor has a quick charge function, so it may appear to be fully charged, it isn't, it's just your quick charge at work). I washed my face with plenty of soap and soaked my whiskers with a lot of water. Then I dried my face completely. Then, contrary to what Norelco says, I used a liquid preshave conditioner. Not a gel, not a powder (which should never be done with these razors), simply a liquid. Then I shaved - - - and it was the best shaving experience I have ever had.

The LED lights tell me everything I need to know - - 20%, 40%, on up to 100% power available. It starts blinking red at 20% power left. You can still shave; it's just letting you know that you need to charge it up. It does have the sideburn trimmer, which I have used and it performed wonderfully for me.

If this is the "lower" line, I don't know what you can do with the higher lines. I do not see any need for something beyond this razor. It has its cleaning brush for the razor heads, it has its charging cord, it has its neat little traveling pouch that holds the razor and all its accessories. What more do you need?

It feels comfortable and well balanced in my hand, it is very quiet, and it is a pleasant razor to look at. For the price, you cannot possibly go wrong.

When you buy a Norelco shaver, the shave is determined by the first digit of the model number. There's the 6xxx series, the 7xxx series, the 8xxx series, and, now, the 9xxx series. With rare exception, all models with the same the first digit in their model number use the same style of shaving heads. Within a series, you get more features as the model number gets greater (from corded to cordless to quick charge with more metering), but the shave within a series is pretty much the same.

Check each shaver's cutters, either by blowing up the picture of the shaver or by blowing up the picture of the replacement heads. The 6xxx series, like those before it, has heads with slots across the entire cutter. With later series, part of the cutter cover contains small holes rather than slots.

When my 5xxx shaver started to lose its ability to hold a charge, I decided to get "the best" and bought a 9xxx shaver. I knew that it sometimes took a few weeks for new heads to seat themselves and give an optimal shave. However, even after this break-in period, I found myself leaving the 9xxx on the dresser and grabbing the 5xxx for a much more reliable shave. This is what prompted me to take a close look at the heads and comapare them.

I can't imagine Norelco made the change to their cutter covers without extensive market testing. When I called Norelco Customer Service to tell them of my disappointment, they had me return the 9xxx for a full refund and told me that I'm not the only one who doesn't like the new heads. They also pointed out that the 6xxx series heads are the same style as the 5xxx heads.

I agree with what others say about the construction of the 6xxx shavers. However, lighter plastic casing is not always bad, as personal computers have demonstrated. More important is that the 6863XL gives me the same good shave I came to rely on from my 5xxx shaver.

I have owned 2 Norelcos over the last 20 years (yes they last that long) and when my last one got tired I decided to replace it with a Remington Titanium 9170. Huge mistake! I returned it after 2 shaves and bought this razor and was hooked during the first use of it. The pivoting heads easily and snugly fit the contours of your face and it gave an excellent first shave that will only get better as the blades break in over the next few weeks. The color is a bit odd and it seemed to take the hand of god to get the trimmer open but those are my only complaints. Rotary razors don't work for every type of beard but they work well for me and this is the best I have ever owned. Norelco forever!

I bought this to replace a nearly identical Norelco 5825-XL that I used for 12 years until the NiCd battery faded.

This one indicates battery level with 5 LED's, which is nice.

The nylon carrying case is flimsy or "lighter and more compact" depending your viewpoint.

The marketing geniuses at Norelco decided on a rather feminine light blue color for this model.

Other than that, almost nothing has changed in 12 years.

This one's made in China. I see nothing sub-standard about it once you get beyond the insult of paying $70 for something with a manufactured cost around $10.

According to the manual, this shaver will cost you an additional $ 395.40 over 12 years because you should replace the razor heads once a year. The heads on my old 5825-XL went 12 years with no problem, thank you.

The Norelcos might not shave quite as close as foil-headed reciprocating shavers, but they're quiet, comfortable, and good at tackling 3 day's growth and/or difficult parts of your face.

If I lost this shaver, I'd buy the same one again.

I have used Norelco shavers for many years and most of the time I plug them in directly. As I recently was going on a 2 week European vacation, I decided to buy this model as it could run on 120V or 240V. The first time I used it the charge lasted more than 3 weeks. I have just returned from the trip and have still not needed to recharge it. Functionally, it shaves better and more quietly than any I have owned before.

The Norelco 6863XL Reflex Shaver is the best yet. (this is

fifth Norelco). Gives very close shaves. Doesn't have to be

charged too frequently. (Get 9 to 10 days without recharging)

I highly recommend having one.

Your truly, Gerald J. Murphy

I've owned a few Norelcos. They are sturdy and dependable. I tried Braun that shaves closer. However, Norelco shaves nearly as close (the difference is minimal) and lasts much longer. The 6863XL is good but its cracking noises in a brand new shaver are disturbing. Makes me wonder if it's as sturdy as its older uncles.

I've used this shaver for a few weeks now and I can say, it's pretty nice. It shaves off whiskers and stubble well, the Reflex Action system hugs my chin area so much better than my old non-flexy Norelco, and operates so quietly compared to my previous shaver that I'm amazed it works this well.

The only downfall is I don't like the pop-up shaver on this model as much as I did with my old Norelco razor. The angle is weird, requiring you to keep the shaver further away from your head so you can't use your face as a guide. The plastic material it's made of seems to hold onto loose hair, making it a bit of a bother to get perfectly clean. And somehow I don't feel it cuts as well as the old model.

Aside from the pop-up shaver this razor is great. I don't see why anyone would chose the Spectra or Quadra line when this already works so well. Of course if you like spending the extra money, don't let me stop you.

My loving wife thought she was giving me a wonderful Christmas present when she purchased this razor. After all, I had put "a really good electric razor" on my wish list. The objective was to replace my 6+ year old Remington, which does an ok job but is kind of harsh on my skin.

After thoroughly charging my new Norelco, I anxiously looked forward to a close, comfortable shave. My first observation was that the razor was very quiet -- to the point that I had to wonder whether it was working properly. When I put it to my face and the sound didn't change, I figured all was ok. After spending nearly twice the amount of time with the Norelco as I did with my old Remington, I settled for the fact that five o'clock shadow was about the best this puppy was going to do -- for me. This was disappointing as my sole reason for using an electric razor is to save time. All I want is one that provides a truly close shave -- comfortably, and within a reasonable period of time. To that end, this razor does not perform.

I've now owned the razor for about 8 months and use it only on the rare occasion that I need an afternoon touch-up. I concede that it is comfortable, hence the one star. I might have gone for two if the trimmer feature worked well. Sadly, it does not, even after the struggle to get it open.

As a man with an average beard and sensitive skin, I just can't get worked up about this product.

I needed a new shaver - always like Norelco's. This is a big improvement with the floating heads providing a really close shave. Very quiet and gentle. Nice travel pouch and long shave time allowed me to take on three day trip without the charger. Great value.