Customer Reviews

Norelco 8880XL Spectra Rechargeable Cord/Cordless Men's Shaving System

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had been a Sensor Excel user most of my shaving life. (I never cared for the angle of the Mach 3 blades.) While I got a neat looking shave with those blades I wanted to see if I could get a little closer, or find a less irritating option that would allow me to shave twice a day when needed.
I decided to give electrics a fair shot and get the best. I went for a Spectra because I thought the sensitivity adjustment could be helpful. While it has a noticeable effect on the spring tension of the individual heads and the flexing head platform, I can't say that it does much for the shave closeness/irritation.
After a few weeks of using the Spectra it was clear that I was getting a closer shave. It is most noticeable to the touch. I would only shave with the grain when I used the blade, leading to a stuble which was very irritating to the lady.
At first I was dissapointed at how it took me longer to shave with the Norelco because it would not get every hair at first pass. After getting used to the electric I was able to get all hair above the jawline in a very short time. After 6 months now, it still takes a long time to get every hair below the jaw.
This section of my beard has hairs growing in different directions and laying flat. Given the shape and sensitivity of my neck, it is very difficult to get all these hairs. I will usually get some irritation from going over the area and manipulating the skin in an effort to get a shave as neat as the blade. It is not uncommon for me to have redness that lasts for a few hours or even cuts that last a few days from trying to get a clean shave on my neck. On most days I just ignore these few hairs and try to avoid the razor burn. Having this option is a advantage over the blade. I would always have some degree of irritation in this area from the blade, making shaving any more than 6-7 times a week very uncomfortable.
Another disadvantage to the electric vs. blade is that the face needs to be very dry before the razor can smoothly pass over the skin. I was used to shaving with a blade immediately after showering, but now I have to dry my face thoroughly and wait a couple minutes before shaving.
I was glad to get this model with the longer battery life, but the multistage LED is useless. The battery gives warning before it dies by running the razor slower at the end of its life. This is a disadvantage compared to the new Panasonic which apparently gives full power until the moment the battery dies.
Cleaning with water is a plus. I do it every day I'm not traveling. Its the only maintenance I've done in 6 months.

Rapid, close shave from the git go. Only criticism of the product is that the clear plastic protector for the cutter heads doesn't fit well and therefore pops off too easily.