Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Unpleasant shaving experience, February 16, 2008
I got this razor after my old Braun electric razor finally died. It seemed like a good deal: the price was right, it came with useful accessories, and Norelco razors got pretty good reviews. Also, I liked that you could wash it under the sink, rather than having to use the cleaning fluid systems that the newer Braun razors use.
Unfortunately, the overall shaving experience has been a big disappointment and I am returning it. There have been a few problems: first, it just doesn't give me a good shave. It takes me forever to shave with this razor, and there are always areas that I just can't seem to shave close. Usually I just give up after a while without getting the shave I want. My face feels very rough again within about 12 hours. Also, it's very ineffective with longer hairs. With my old Braun I could use the trimmer to trim them down, and then the foil to shave them close. But the Norelco's trimmer is weak and difficult to use, both on random long hairs and on my sideburns.
But more than these other problems, the biggest issue is that the razor just plain hurts. It feels like it's pulling hairs, especially when I haven't shaved in 2-3 days and then try to shave again (which is frequently the case for me). I've gotten so that I almost dread shaving. On the occasions when I do shave a couple days in a row the razor works okay and doesn't seem to pull hairs as much.
They say that you're supposed to give your face 3 weeks to get used to a new shaver. It's been 1.5 months for me now, and the experience is still bad. I'm taking this razor back and going back to wet shaving; it's better for your face, and if you use a single-blade safety razor, it's cheaper and better for the environment too. As for the Norelco, maybe I got a bad razor or something. In any case I wouldn't recommend it. If you want an electric razor, consider a Braun. Mine lasted almost 20 years and was great.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
New Features -- Not Better, January 30, 2008
This is my fourth Norelco electric razor. Past models have always been superb.
I just bought the 8175XL. When I compare it to my previous Norelco razors, I have several complaints.
Design Problems
-- The frame that holds the shaving heads is now on a hinge and spring-loaded. This makes it easy to open when I clean the collection area and the heads under the faucet (as recommended). Unfortunately, this also makes shaving difficult because accidentally hitting the "open" button (just above your thumb) pops open the entire shave-head mechanism, leading to cut whiskers falling all over the sink. This happens about once a week.
-- Moving your thumb down and away from the "open" button while shaving can lead to pressing the on/off button. The older models had an on/off switch that slid into the "on" or "off" position, which meant that your thumb never shutoff the device while shaving.
-- The orange "time to clean" light comes on after each use. This "time to clean" light is useless. Why not just specify in the instructions that the device needs to be cleaned after each use?
Minor Problems
-- This electric razor is very light compared to previous Norelco electric razors. You have to press it against your face with more force.
-- I travel to Europe every year. In the past I have used a standard (cheap) power cord to plug the device into any outlet. Now, the "universal voltage" electronics are no longer built in. You must buy a special cord FROM NORELCO if you want to plug it into foreign outlets.
All in all, I consider this electric razor to be a step down from the Norelco electic razors that I have used in the past. Maybe I'll get used to this one . . . we'll see.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for traveling - long battery life, June 30, 2008
I have owned this shaver for over 6 months now, and I use it almost every day. It is fairly easy to use, and gives a very decent shave (although not as good as an actual razor). So far, this shaver has lasted much better than other shavers I have owned in the past (admittedly less expensive ones).
Unlike one of the reviewers, I think the light-weight of the shaver and the flip-top (for cleaning) are both positive aspects of the shaver.
And, because the shaver can hold up to 30 days of charge, it's possible to fully charge the shaver before a long trip and not worry about recharging it. I have taken it on a 3-week trip through the UK and Italy, and have used it most days, and it worked throughout the trip. Unless you are planning on taking a really long trip, I think it's best to just leave the charger and docking cradle at home.
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