Customer Reviews

Norelco Spectra Deluxe Shaver 8894XL

5 star:		(111)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(17)
1 star:		(20)

 

 

I've been delaying writing this review of the Spectra 8894xl as I really wanted to use it for a month or more before I commented on it. I'm happy to report that I'm loving it! The only real weakness is the long hair trimmer as it's marginal at best.

I'm completely convinced that the Norelco rotary floating head system is far superior then the linear blade foil systems found on other razors like the Panasonic and Braun. I've owned them all. This is not to say they don't work well, but in my experience they are more biting and do a less then adequate job in the neck area. You can also get a circular rhythm with the rotary that you can't get with the linear. Some people complain there is less control with the Norelco, especially around the side burns. This is true, but I've found that once you get used to navigating the Norelco it becomes second nature.

One thing that threw me off before the purchase was a complaint I read about this razor having slots and holes on the foils heads. More specifically, the complaint was that it took a longer time to shave with the Spectra then it does with the Reflex action and Advantage. I can't comment on the Reflex action but I can comment on the Advantage as I own one. There is some truth to this! The difference is the Advantage has many more slots and more blades as compared to the Spectra. The Spectra has 9 blades per head for a total of 27 for the three heads. The claim is that this gives it a more open structure and allows for a sharper blade angle that lifts whiskers sooner and higher for a closer shave. The Advantage on the other hand has 15 blades per head for a total of 45 blades. That equates to more coverage - 60% to be exact. This combined with the fact the Advantage foil has all slots explains why you can plow through more whiskers in less time. However, this notwithstanding, the spectra may take a little longer to shave but the configuration gives a much closer shave. The stubble slots also do tend to take care of the shorter whiskers by catching them and allowing the blades to cut them.

Now a word on battery life and the LED; the battery life of 100 minutes is amazing, I've only had to charge the razor twice since I owned it. I'm a proponent of conditioning the battery by using the charge up until you really need to charge it. The LED is very cool as there is no more guessing about charge left and time used.

The nine settings on the Personal Comfort level setting is a nice touch, but I've been using the razor on the normal setting with great results. At first I did set it back a few notches which led to less irritation at first, but now that my face is used to it the N setting works well without irritation.

One other thing I've found that really improves the shave. Williams Lectric Shave Utlra Pre-Shave "GEL". This is non-greasy and much better then their oil based formula. It really, really makes a difference.

Well, after having my last Norelco stolen from my luggage on a return trip from South America, I was looking for something to replace it. I've always had sensitive skin and my Dad had been using a Norelco model that was good but not adjustable (a dermatologist recommended that I use a razor that could be adjusted).

That made sense to me.

So, with it on sale and all the other offers, I bought it. Undoutedly, the most expensive razor I have ever purchased.

Now several months have passed and I can say that I love it. With the dial on the 'sensitive' setting (all the way to the S), it does a fine job in terms of shaving close, but leaves no razor burn. It is comfortable to hold. Only very rarely does it pull a hair. It can handle several days of stubble without complaint.

And the battery? Shaving several times a week I can go an entire month without recharging.

The sideburn trimmer is well made but it is just that, a trimmer. Don't expect it to shave your head.

The ability to rinse the heads under water is great. Easy cleaning!

I highly recommend this razor. I believe that it will continue to provide years of close yet comfortable shaving. Despite the price, it has proven an excellent investment.

I have been using this razor for a couple of weeks, have loged about 87 minutes and it is going strong. There is little doubt that it will romp through 100 minutes in style. It is pretty much what I had been led to expect.
SPEED--The only thing slower than an old Norelco is 'stop'. The speed was significantly improved by the newer line, specifically the 5821XL. The Spectra is even faster, however psychologically, it seems like it could be lumbering along. Perhaps this is due to the razor being very quiet. It just seems a bit slower than my Grundig Avantgarde, but it isn't. Actually, it seems to get the job done about as quickly as my Panasonic Wet-Dry, which is faster than the wind.
CLOSENESS--It gives the illusion of not delivering a shave closer than the Grundig, but it does. In fact, my neck began feeling sensitive immediately due to the closeness (head pressure) of the shave. I completely acclimated after a week and this no longer is a problem. I probably should have put the razor on a more gentle setting but I just set it to N (normal...for the closest shave)and went about business. There is a 9 position setting that seems a bit over-hyped to me. I assume there are subtle differences, but after a short time, you will settle upon a setting and go from there. The wheel that sets this is almost impossible to read without a magnifying glass is not the most user-friendly thing I have seen, but in the long run is no big deal.

ERGONOMIC FEEL OF RAZOR--Excellent. The thumb naturally falls directly over the recessed electronic on-off switch.

DISPLAYS--Gives you elapsed time display of current minutes used as well as an overall display of remaining minutes is a very easy to read format. Occasionally a visual logo of a fosset appears that indicates when you should clean your razor under running water. This feature, called an 'Automatic Cleaning Indicator' seems to be hap-hazzard at best. There does not seem to be any correlation between amount of debris contained within the hair chamber and the display. Actually, just open the hair chamber (quick release button at the base of the head complex flips up the assembly) and give a quick blow after each shave and all returns to squeeky clean without having to resort to the Chineese water torture for the quick rinse off. Can't shave in wet, but cleaning is much quicker and easier to accomplish than for any other shaver I have owned, save for the Panasonic W/D.
PROTECTIVE COVER--Plastic, as per the industry. At best, they tend to .... This is not much better. Oh, it doesn't fall off all the time as does the Remmington Interceptor, but needs to be placed in a certain manner. There are 3 grippers on the cover. The slightly widest one goes to the back...that is, if you want a reasonable fit. I overcame this by puting a red mark on the obease one. Head covers are a big deal to me. That is what I like about the rather over-priced Grundig (built in and rolls into position).
TRIMMER--What can I say? It is a Norelco. You shave near your sideburns at your own risk. The good news however, is that the built in trimmer seems to get the job done better than most. The downside is that with other more conventional razors, we tend to do most of the dirty work during the shave proper, thus relegating the built in trimmer (worthless on so many makes) to a lesser usage.
RELIABILITY--Can't say after only a few weeks. Quien Sabe?, but if it is similar to other Norelco's, and I don't see why not, it should be very good. Certainly much better than the Panasonic line (especially lLinears)that sometimes die unpredictably. Once down for the count, they can't be repaired. If not under warranty, one is dead meat. The Spectra has a 2 year warranty coupled with a 60 day money-back guarantee (whatever that means...shipment costs, delays, etc.).

BOTTOM LINE--It seems well worth the money. I didn't give it a '5' because I don't view any razor as being worthy. I am still looking for my absolute favorite, the Eltron Universal to return to the market. Not as fast as some...a lousy trimmer, but man is it good to your face (provided you use the gold foil which has not been produced for many years). Not to be confused with the newer Eltrons, which are not even better (at least to me) than a Braun.

Addenda: It is now slightly over 1 month of usage. All is exactly as I found it initially. I have drained down to zero on the display on two separate occasions. Suggest you do that in order to properly condition the batteries. A full charge for me is aprox. 103 minutes. The shave is perhaps the most gentle of all my electric razors. Speed seems to be more than adequate.

I have very sensitive skin and have tried numerous methods of shaving over the years. Blades caused pain and rashes. The Braun 5520 that I just retired never seemed to shave my neck hairs effectively even after numerous passes. The Norelco 8894 XL does a superior job of shaving all areas of my face with minimal effort. It has numerous settings for normal to sensitive skin. I began with the normal setting, and my sensitive skin hasn't had a problem. The price of this razor represents a seemingly pricey investment, but is well worth it as shaving is a daily, inescapable activity. Washing the blades under tap water also seems much easier, and cheaper, than using special cartridges and cleaning methods required by the new top-of-the-line Braun. The time remaining display lets you know how much time remains, and is far superior to a suddenly blinking light letting you know your razor is dead as you began your shave as you rush out the door before that important meeting that I had with the Braun. Electric razor technology has improved considerably, and this is a great next step.

I am cursed with very sensitive skin and get rashes every time I shave, even with a simple blade and "sensitive" shaving cream. I finally decided (after much research and a friends advice) to buy this (rather pricey I thought) Norelco. It was money well spent! I have not had a rash, nick or burn since! It is extremely smooth (interestingly shaped heads too) and I suspect it will last a long time. The timer gives you lots of warning in case you plan on taking it on the road. The leather case is kind of nice too. It's money well spent. Plus, you can always return it if you are not satisfied.

This razor gives a wonderful shave. Lithium battery with 100 minutes of shaving time. I have used all the other High end razors in the last 10 years. This is the best. May son has the 300.00 Panasonic - this is a better product! It is priced fairly! Real Leather case.

I have been shaving with a Norelco for many years. This is the fifth model I have purchased and by far it is the best. I do not know how they keep improving their products but whatever Norelco is doing "Keep It Up".
The shaver is quiet. It shaves exceptionally well and it is very easy to clean under water. The reminder that appears in the polymer window is very convenient. Also, the charging capacity is excellent. It seem to hold it's charge forever!!
Thank you Norelco. Another winner!!!!!

This top of the line Norelco has some very neat features:

Polymer LED display - it times your shave for you; shows you exactly how much shave time left in the charge - in either minutes or bar graph; tells you when the head neads cleaned (although I clean it every day, so this feature is not seen.)

Aquagenic - makes cleaning SUPER easy

Sensitivity settings - controls the spring tension under the heads - you will easily notice the difference.

VERY quiet.

I received a Braun Syncro for Xmas - very nice shaver, but it did not shave effectively on the lower portion of my neck. And because I had made several passes over my neck, the Syncro caused significant razor burn. I returned it and picked up this Spectra. The spectra is very comfortable, and took care of all of the whiskers on my neck - long and short. It did not create ANY irritation on my neck.

The comfort settings are nice - I use the Normal setting during the week, taking my time and getting a baby smooth shave. On the weekends I use the Sensitive setting - making for a very quick shave, but not as close. You can use the sensitive setting, and after a few passes over the same area, end up with a super smooth shave, however.

I really liked the cleaning feature on the Syncro - it made the shaver look great and smell terrific. So, for the Spectra, after cleaning, I use Remington Shaver Saver Spray, which leaves a very similar scent (to the Syncro cleaner) and keeps the shaver lubed and running properly. So, if you are hesitant to switch because of the cleaner, fear not. The Shaver Saver spray is a great substitute.

The shave can be perfect, once you find the right method for your particular beard. I take my time, make a couple of passes, then go in a circular motion over my entire face, feeling for any residual stubble. This shaver has not created ANY irritation after multiple passes. It does not leave strays or longer stubble, and because of the head design, you can move it in any direction without risking razor burn. I shaved with a Gillette razor for the past 20 years - always with the grain to avoid burn and bleeding. This Spectra shaves my tough beard against the grain, making it baby smooth, and very comfortable. It is worth every penny. 5 stars!

Follow up 7 WEEKS - OK, I like it better than at first. The trick listed later about running for two hours with the heads open to run the battery down, then full recharge seems to have worked. No further problems with battery, charge or life. Heads are still very, very nice. The washout feature is the best part of the whole deal. Excellent and comfortable shave, but very expensive and should have been better.
FOLLOW-UP: 1 WEEK
My mistake - I guess the battery IS L-ion instead of Ni-Cd. Don't know where I thought I got the bad info. Oh well. Still, the point is even MORE important in that case; this system seems to be buggy. Surely somebody at Philips knows enough about battery tech to have helped the shaver division do better than this! If not, should have got a bit of help from Nokia. Out of all the cameras, camcorders, cell phones, Palms, computers etc. that I use that have L-ion batteries, this is the "shakiest." I'll post again to follow up on the "conditioning" cycle I tried. So far it seems to be working better.

FIRST REVIEW
I have used various Norelco rechargable triple header shavers for the last 30+ years. I have been impressed that each model I purchased has been an improvement over the previous one. Well, maybe that isn't the case this time. My last shaver was a 5885 XL that I have used more than three years. It was getting pretty "tired" and I was looking forward to an upgrade. Hmmm.

THE GOOD NEWS

SHAVING EXPERIENCE - this is the best shaving machine of any type I have every used. I can shave as close as diligent effort with a good blade razor. I think the little holes in the head along with the familiar slots make a big difference. You have to go slowly to get really close, but it is comfortable and does a great job. Top notch performance from the head system.

CLEANING- the ability to clean the razor under the faucet is a big plus. I open the head and rinse under hot tap water after every use, then leave the head open and let it air dry. I disassembled the heads once for more thorough cleaning. I expect once a month would be plenty often for this since you can do a quick, easy clean every day. This really is a nice feature, and I suspect it keeps the cutters working better, too.

NOT MADE IN CHINA!

THE BAD NEWS:

BATTERY!
I charged overnignt before first use. First few charges, I only got about 20 minutes shaving before the machine shut down. When applying a little extra cutting pressure, the shaver would unexpectedly stop, and the "minutes left" readout would go to zero. This happened several times. Plugging in may or may not get you any more shaving. Last time it did this, I recharged fully, then with the head open, let the motor run for about 2 hours until the battery was fairly well (I assume) discharged. Then, I fully recharged it. I hope this "conditions" the NiCd battery. So far it seems to be working better. Still, this is pretty sad for a shaver in this price range. For the money Norelco gets for this thing, it should have intelligent L-ion battery technology in it!

HANDLE ERGONOMICS
Not bad, but a step backwards from the 5885.

FANCY DISPLAY?
Who sold who a bill of goods on this deal? There is no more information than on pevious models; it is in a less usable format (minutes remaining instead of shaves remaining) and you have TO TURN THE SHAVER ON to see the current charge status. The stupid display is blank until you run the shaver. On previous LCD models, you could ALWAYS read the display. If Norelco REALLLY REALLY thinks they need to use this LED display, at least put a button on the shaver to turn on the display without having to run the shaver! This is dimbulb design of the first order.

CHARGING
Past models didn't need a "wall wart" charger. They directly plugged into a range of voltages etc. without any kind of wall transformer/power converter dealie. This was nice since all older Norelco cords worked and they were not special. The new "James Bond" shaver is a big step backwards since it now has a "wall wart." I expect there is actually a good reason for this; the wash out under the faucet feature probably requires low voltage to the shaver head rather than line voltage. If that is the case, it is worth the trade off, I guess. Still, the older system was more convenient.

SUMMARY/RECOMMENDATION:
Shaving heads are great. The rest of the machine is not Norelco's best effort. Buy the cheapest shaver that incorporates the Norelco SPECTRA heads and save your money on the "100" minute batteries and the lame readout.

I thought I was seeing things when I read the Feb. 11 review of this shaver. I had EXACTLY the same problem. The shaver provided an excellent shave, but died in the middle of my second shave. I called Norelco, they were very accommodating and immediately sent me a replacement. I charged the new one, as I did the original, exactly as the directions suggested. The second shaver lasted about 5 shaves before it too died. I could not even get it to go on when plugged in. After several hours I tried it again when it was plugged in, and it did work. At that point I had totally run out of patience, after spending so much money on a shaver. I sent it back to Norelco for a complete refund and am currently waiting to hear from them. This is really too bad, because I have been strictly using Norelco shavers for over 35 years and have been totally satisfied up until this point.