Customer Reviews

Philips Norelco 6843XL Reflex Plus Rechargeable Cord/Cordless Men's Shaving System

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Unlike others, my motivation for going with electric shaving was based on medicine. That is, I am so many different blood thinners that, no matter what shaving system I use, I managed to get at least a small cut or two and these would bleed and bleed, etc. So, it occurred to me to try an electric razor. I read the generally excellent reviews posted at this site--thanks to all of you guys for your input! I decided on this middle of the line Norelco. It's a couple of models from the bottom; the bottom one is cord only, the next one is cordless only, and then comes this model. I spent some time at the store looking over the different blade systems; even Norelco alone has several going. I knew I didn't want that squishy mess like the most expensive, and I was reluctant to sink a small fortune into something I might not like. What decided most of all for me to get this 'Reflex Plus' system was that it has a whisker collection chamber so they don't go all over the place. I think the model(s) above this have lithium ion batteries, whereas this model still has NiCads--which I hate. If I traveled more than I do, I'd spring for the model above for about $10 more. NiCads are slow to charge and are generally crummy; I've been using them in photo equipment for 30 years. This particular razor can be used just as easily plugged into the wall, which I like. I also like the fact that it doesn't require a separate charging stand, you just plug the cord into the bottom.

How did it shave? Great for me. I'm blond with a fairly soft beard and it plowed through about 3 days' worth of beard, making a chopping sound the whole time. I felt an occasional 'pull' but then this was fairly long beard. Once the long hair was gone I found it quite smooth to shave with. I bought some 'Lectric Shave' at the store at the same time I bought the razor but I didn't use it. Having fairly light-colored hair on my face, I never have the Fred Flintstone look regardless. I found, though, that the razor certainly got my beard acceptably close. I can still feel hair on my face, but not to an unacceptable degree. I have usually used a German Mercury double-edge razor with Wilkinson Sword blades and this doesn't shave that close. It might do better or different with another's beard. As for me, I'm delighted, and it didn't cut me at all. I'm in my forties, so don't have any deep wrinkles, etc., to cut through. That might be different.

Unlike some of the other razors I looked at, this model is light to hold and not bulky. Some of the other, more expensive models seemed both huge and heavy. I wasn't willing to mess with that. Having only used this a couple of weeks, I can't speak to the long-term durability. Seems appropriate to the price, though. I don't think it'll cost me particularly more than blades and shave gel in the long run. It is very quiet. I am looking forward to many more pleasant shaves!

I first started using Norelco razors in 1978; my dad gave me one for my fourteenth birthday because, as he told me: "Your voice is starting to squeak". That first model, a corded one, lasted me for fifteen years before it finally gave out. I then went through a couple of cordless models whose batteries would get flaky after about four years apiece.

Then I decided to invest in the model 6885XL "Quadra Action", a $120+ wonder which had a digital readout telling me how many minutes of charge I had left (it was good for about 45 minutes, or two weeks). Also, I could rinse it out under the tap, which made cleaning it a real breeze. It would even tell me when to do the cleaning!

Alas, after barely two years, the head assembly broke because of a shoddy little plastic nubbin wearing down too much. This fact is, I believe, relevant to the model I'm reviewing here, as I'll explain in a little bit.

Feeling completely betrayed by a company which used to produce such a great product, I decided to try the competition. Remington makes a rotary razor called the Titanium, so I gave it a whirl. Unfortunately, after about a year I couldn't take it any more: it gave me such a progressively worse facial rash that friends started to ask me what was wrong. Even replacing the blades didn't help!

So, about two weeks ago, I broke down and started looking at Norelcos again. The first thing I ascertained is that the head assemblies in all of the models I examined, be they el-cheapo or mega-expensive, look exactly the same as the one in the 6885XL, meaning that I can reasonably expect them to break in about two years. Coincidentally, this is the length of the warranty period. So the expensive razors are out. After all, if I'm going to buy what is effectively a glorified disposable razor, I might as well not spend a lot of money. After concluding that I prefer the dual corded/cordless option, the 6843XL, for around $50 on sale, proved to be my best choice.

The razor's instructions advise that it could take up to three weeks of exclusive use "to fully enjoy the closeness of a Norelco shave". I can assure you that I was feeling the joy on Day One. The difference between a Norelco and a Remington is like the difference between Rocky Mountain National Park and the Gobi Desert. Within a week my skin had almost completely healed.

I did notice a few oddities. As another reviewer also noted, I was quite surprised at how slow the razor seemed to run. It will be interesting to see if I still get a decently smooth shave in a few months, as the blades start to wear down. Given how new blades cost almost as much as the razor itself, I would hate to have to buy them more than the recommended once a year.

The other disappointment is that the charge is good for only about a week, not two weeks as with my previous razors. The instructions warn that, although the razor can be used corded, overdoing it will cut down on battery life. On the other hand, once the batteries are shot, I'll just (hopefully) use the razor as corded full time.

The charge indicator doesn't tell you when the batteries are fully charged, but if you let it charge overnight, that should do the trick.

Cleaning the razor is straightforward. You just pop the head assembly off (no hinges on this model), dump out the hairs from the "hair chamber", and use the handy little brush to clean things out. The instructions recommend cleaning the actual head assembly about every two months. Fair enough.

The travel pouch doesn't look too sturdy, but I don't do much traveling. Plus, I can always use the old pouch from several razors back.

Note that, like practically everything else nowadays, the Norelco 6843XL was made in China. I have terrible misgivings about this, considering how much shoddy merchandise China foists off on us, but it isn't like I have a lot of choice in the matter. The Remington was also made in China.

P.S. My favorite absurd instruction from the manual: "When discarding razor, unplug razor ...."

Ummm .... yes. Thanks for that useful tip. I doubt the cord would stretch all the way to the trash can!

i've been using electric shavers for years and this one works great...

pros:

1. you can use it when plugged in (although you obviously need to be careful about water)...no more 5 o'clock shadow because the battery isn't charged.

2. it's multi-voltage, which means you can plug it in almost anywhere in the world (with an adaptor) and it will just work.

3. The beard trimmer is excellent and easy to clean (unlike my old remington, where hair would get stuck in the beard trimmer and be impossible to get out)

cons:

1. it's a little on the big side, not so much that it's uncomfortable to hold but for travel it would be nice if it were a bit smaller.

2. the case is made of el-cheapo vinyl or something similar, they should have sprung for a nicer case with a little padding.

I wanted to replace my aging Norelco with a newer version. After looking at the numerous options I settled on the 6843XL as being the most cost effective choice while still keeping with the features I had enjoyed with the old razor. I have not been disappointed! Not only does this razor provide a smoother, closer shave, the motor is very quiet and the charge lasts a loooong time! I charged it when I got it and have shaved once a day for the last ten days on the same charge. Norelco continues in its tradition of quality.

After reading the reviews I thought sure this was like the old Norelco shavers. It was not. The shave was average at best, not as comfortable as the old 850RX, and took longer. It was quiet, not as quiet as their more expensive 8140 model, but ok.

Guess more was expected due to the mostly positive reviews.

It seems shavers are more a personal preference than one being better than another. Oh well.

I have been using a Norelco razor for about 12 years, and the battery finally gave out. So, I can't complain of the longevity. I have always thought the thing was terribly loud, and it was only so-so for comfort. I looked at some other brands to replace mine, hoping to find something quieter and more comfortable. My father had replaced his older Norelco with a Braun, and he said it was not a lot quieter than the Norelco, and the shave was about six of one, half dozen of the other. So, I finally decided to stick with what I know and get another Norelco. Am I glad I did! This thing is very quiet compared to my old one, and the newer, articulated head improves shaving comfort and closeness 1000%! I am very pleased. I rated it 4 stars, because it lacks the an auto-shutoff when it is fully charged, so therefore you can overcharge it and ruin the batteries. A fairly minor inconvenience to have to remember to unplug it.

My first Norelco finally died recently after 13 years of use. With that kind of reliability, along with the positive reviews I read here, I decided to replace it with another Norelco, the 6843XL. I LOVE this razor. It's much quieter than my old one, which makes my wife happy when I'm shaving while she's still trying to sleep. And it shaves much closer than my old one, even shaving every day. It looks cool, keeps its charge well, and comes with a nylon carrying case. Highly recommended.

This is the latest version of a basic Norelco rotary blade architecture that I have been using for decades. The 6843XL has a sleek design and many convenience features. It is very easy to clean, offers a clever sideburn trimmer, contains an internal charging transformer, and provides a close, comfortable shave even with a heavy growth of beard. But it is crucial, as with all nicad-powered appliances, to run the battery pack fairly low before recharging. This will ensure a maximum charge each time and prolong battery life. I wish it had been made in the USA instead of China, although I find the level of workmanship in this model (especially its plastic case) to be quite impressive. I am a happy geezer with my new Norelco!

My 15 year old, dependable, Norelco Model 4845XL rechargeable battery system finally gave out after only 15 years of service, so thought I'd try another Norelco.

This model 6843XL does a better job of de=wiskering me than the older model, and get this...the rechargeable batteries in this unit are REPLACEABLE....This unit holds its charge for 10-12 shaves and even includes a carrying case. I have a tough old beard and couldn't have bought a better shaver for twice the price.

I like the Norelco cord/corded razor because I am in a wheel-

chatr. Quite often I cannot get near an outlet or have a

handicap mirror available, and I have to shave by the

"feel-only method". The Norelco cord/cordless razor allows

me a versatility in how and where I shave. For me this

product is SUPER.

David Luce

exlibris@gwtc.net