Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I assumed this would be a nice razor, I just didn't think it would be this good. Packaging: The first thing you notice is that this razor is severely over packaged. First is the main box, which has two hefty seals that require a sharp object to cut them. Inside is a plastic clamshell containing the razor and the anti-theft devices. A sharp object is also needed to open this. Next is the big box that has the stand (wrapped in foam), cleaning brush, power adapter (one end wrapped in plastic), and the blade cover. Another box has the soft carrying case, which is in a plastic bag. Finally there is the box with a corrugated insert that contains the wash unit, which is wrapped in foam and in a plastic bag. First Impressions: Nice touches abound. The cord for the adaptor has a Velcro wrap. The stand has suction cups on the bottom to keep it in place. The razor is nicely balanced. Everything has a quality feel to it. The manual is extensive, but for those who can't wait there is the "Quick Start" card...which is all pictures. Reading the fine print, I find it is made in the Netherlands, not China. Reading the Manual: Sorry guys, I had to do it. The manual says it takes about 50 minutes to fully charge and you get about 50 minutes of shaving. It only charges in the stand or the wash unit. You cannot plug the razor in directly. If you let it run out, you can put it in the stand for 3-5 minutes and get 3-5 minutes of shaving. Norelco says not to leave the charger plugged in after charging fully, but doesn't say why. It has a neat LED "gas gauge" on the front to tell you the charge remaining. Like most electric razors, it says to use it for about four weeks to allow your face to "adjust" to it. Norelco gives you a 45 day money back guarantee as well as a two year warranty. When the battery will no longer hold a charge you have toss the razor...the battery is not replaceable. This is a huge negative in my opinion. Shaving: I compared this razor to the Remington Flex 360 I tested earlier and to my old reliable blade, a Schick Quattro power. I shaved half my face with each and had a two- to three day growth each time. Norelco vs. Schick Quattro: I expected it to be no contest here, because everybody knows a blade shaves closer. The manual says I can use shaving cream with this razor, so I lather up with Proraso Shaving Cream using my trusty badger brush. Darned if it doesn't work! Just like with a manual blade, you have to rinse frequently, but it works great. The shave was very smooth, even against the grain, and much better than expected. There was a bit of irritation under the chin on the Norelco side. When done shaving, just open the rotary covers, rinse with hot water, and set in the stand to dry. The WifeTest: As is the norm in these shaving comparisons, I asked Mrs. Boilermate to judge which side is smoother. She said both sides were smooth, but, to my surprise, she said the Norelco side was "a bit smoother!" After two days I thought the Norelco side was a bit "skritchier" but Mrs. B, said there was no difference. Norelco vs. Remington: The Norelco feels more balanced than the Remington, which feels a bit top-heavy. The Norelco weighs in at 6.1 oz. vs 6.5 for the Remington. Both felt smooth and both irritated a bit under the chin. The Norelco's three separate heads make it easier to see what you are doing vs. the one big enclosure on the Remington. The individual heads allow you to get a bit closer, as well. The trimmers on each were easy to use, but the Norelco's is narrower and it sounds like something is loose when pressed against my face. Again, Mrs. B deemed the Norelco shave slightly better. Cleaning: Both the Norelco and Remington rinse clean with hot water. To clean the Norelco, just open the three head covers and rinse with hot water and put in the stand with the heads open until dry. (It looks a bit like a Transformer in this mode!) The trimmer rinses clean as well. Every now and then you should run the razor thru the Jet Clean wash unit. The actual cleaning takes about five minutes, and about two hours to dry. It will charge the razor during the dry cycle. the manual gives instructions on how to disassemble the heads for cleaning as well. I prefer the Jet Clean system over the Braun's, mainly because the cleaning fluid is in a bottle instead of special refills. First of all, you get about two complete refills from a bottle for about the same price as one Braun refill. You can also empty the reservoir into another bottle and cap it between cleanings. That way it doesn't evaporate between cleanings and if you are short on counter space (as I am) you can put the wash unit in a drawer. I filter the fluid thru a coffee filter when reusing it. Norelco says you get about 15 cleanings per fill-up. Conclusion: This thing is like a riding mower for your face...a John Deere, not one from WalMart, and that is a good thing. A good riding mower cuts as good as a good push mower but does it a lot faster. Yes, it cost more and requires a bit more maintenance, but to those who have one, it is all worth it. The price not withstanding, this is an awesome razor. It is well balanced and well built. It shaves as close as a blade, especially when used with shaving cream, and it covers a lot more territory so you are finished sooner. That being said, is it worth a nearly two hundred dollar premium over the Remington? Well, the Norelco comes with more: a stand, a carry case, and a cleaning system. So there is clearly added value. For the blade shaver who only occasionally uses an electric, it's hard to justify. If you use an electric regularly you can't go wrong with this one. UPDATE 1/13/11 Four months later and this razor has become my daily driver. I use it with shaving cream and get a quick smooth shave...even under the chin. And no more nicking the corners of my mouth trying to get close under my nose. After 40 years as a blade shaver I am a convert! UPDATE 9/11/12 It's been about two years since I first used this shaver and I'm still a convert. I primarily use it with Bigelow or Proraso shaving cream (rather than dry) and it gives a smooth, close shave. I just ordered a replacement head (Ouch! Fifty bucks!) because they say I should, but it is still doing a fantastic job. You can't go wrong with this shaver.