Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

If you've been reading any of the reviews here lately you will know the 8000 series foil/cutterblock combo has been replaced with a new combo now called the series 5 Combi 51S. You will receive this replacement even if the picture on the product page shows "8000 series" as it has been discontinued for over a year. Braun merged the replacement for the 8000 series (Activator) with the 360 Complete. This new foil/cutterblock is garbage! The cutterblock has wide blades, as opposed to the thinner blades of the original 8000 series, which pull your stubble and take MANY passes over your face to shave. They are prone to premature failure and I have gone through 3(THREE) of these in 6 months! (I bought one and two were free through Braun after complaining). All the free replacements in the world weren't making the shaving experience any better. I longed for the days when my Activator 8595 cut smooth, close, and comfortably. After all, this shaver had been my favorite for 6 years so far! I was very close to dumping the whole shaver and moving on when I happened across a reviewer on Amazon who suggested using the 7000 series replacement foil/cutterblock in his review. It worked PERFECTLY! The 7000 series replacement looks just like the much coveted original on my 8595 Activator - down to the thinner cutting blades! It didn't pull my stubble, it cut smooth as butter, and was comfortable: JUST LIKE NEW! I'd like to thank the original reviewer (James L. Walls "sixtoe") for the very good advice. ***Update: August 10th, 2011*** I hope people are happy with the replacement I recommended. I sure am! I just wanted to update the product link for the better replacement: Braun Series 3 Combi 30B Foil and Cutter Replacement Pack (Formerly 4700,7000) ***Update: January 13, 2013*** Unfortunately, the Braun 30B Foil and Cutter Replacement Pack is now the same terrible cutter block design as the series 5 (8000 replacement). I ordered another 30B to replace the one I bought 2.5 years ago and was highly disappointed when the package came. I will have to do some research to see if any of Braun's other replacements are the good, narrow blade versions. I have read some reports that the narrow cutting block is available, but without the foil. If I cannot find a narrow blade replacement I am going to throw in the towel after 8 years of service from this shaver. Shame on Braun for putting out those ill performing wide blade cutting blocks. Terrible... ***Update: January 18, 2013*** It appears the highly elusive narrow blade cutter block can be found on the 31S replacement pack. The unfortunate news is the included foil is not compatible. Therefore, a replacement foil for the 8000 series/Activator/7000 series/360 Complete would be needed in conjunction with the quality cutter block effectively doubling your cost because it is difficult to find the foil sold by itself. This would be a combined expense of roughly $55-$60 in order to bring your shaver back to the "like new" shave we all want. Remember - the "direct" replacement combo for this shaver series will leave you highly disappointed due to the WIDE cutter block which pulls hair and easily nicks skin. Another facet to influence your decision in spending $60 to refresh your Braun is many of these shavers - due to their age - are in need of new motors and potentially batteries. The motors gradually slow down with time and I noticed a HUGE difference when I replaced mine 2 years ago. Now, these motors are almost impossible to find at this point and for me, personally, it is getting to the point of diminished returns. I hope this post helps you in both informing you of the available narrow cutter block, but also in weighing your decision in either keeping your Braun chugging along or researching a new alternative.