You’ve probably heard plenty about the 3 and 4-blade cutting systems. Well the Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A shaver is one of the latest top-of-the range models from Panasonic using FIVE  blades for an unbelievably close shave.

It is a step up in power and precision from most other shavers on the market and that is reflected in its top of the range price. You will also see from the length of the review below that there is plenty to say about this razor.

It is very similar to the ES-LV81-K model, except it doesn’t have a separate cleaning and charging station.

User reviews below indicate that buyers are more than willing to pay the premium price for the excellent results they are getting with this shaver.

Appearance and Accessories

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A Shaver is a classy gun metal dark-blue color with its 5-bladed head perched on top of a tapering handle that allows an easy and comfortable grip, as per normal with the high-end Panasonic units.

On the front of the handle is a blue-colored LCD and a chrome circular selector switch that toggles between operating mode and travel lock mode. The unit measures around 6.3 inches (h) x 2.8 inches (w) x 2 inches (d) and weighs around 7 ounces.

This model comes equipped with a convenient travel case.

Main Features

• Quick lift arc foil and an ultra-thin outer foil on a pivoting head.

• It features FIVE 30 degree Nanotec finishing blades for a close comfortable shave on the first pass.

• A multi-flex pivot action shaving head that allows you to turn the shaver any way while still remaining comfortable and irritation-free on the skin.

• The expanded cutting area of this shaver spreads the pressure and reduces friction and irritation to the skin.

• It uses the sharpest blades available on the market.

• It uses the Panasonic linear motor – the fastest motor around at 14,000 RPM – to tackle even the thickest beards. Most razors operate at 8,000 – 10,000 RPM, which can cause tugging and pulling of hairs.

• Option to use it wet or dry. It can be used to shave in the shower – the stream of hot water opens up the pores, making it easier to remove hair.

• Features an LCD display that shows the battery level in 10 steps, so you know when it should be charged.  There is also a light that indicates when cleaning is required.

• A pop-up trimmer allows you to straighten up your sideburns and mustache.

• 5 minute quick charge option.

• 14-day battery life per 1-hour charge.

• Automatic voltage conversion – so it can be used overseas without any problems.

• Switch-lock button to prevent unit from going on accidentally.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is very easy with this shaver. It features a sonic vibration cleaning system that speeds up the motor and clears it of stubble and hair; it is waterproof so it can be held under water. It does not use the cleaning station like its “cousin”- the LV81-K.

Price

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A Shaver will be priced at around $499 in most stores across the country. Online that price may come down but it is a relatively new unit, so the prices are still a little high – having said that, this unit would be pretty near the top of most peoples top 10 electric shavers list, so it is well worth the investment.

Warranty

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A shaver comes with a 2-year warranty.

User Reviews

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A Shaver is one of the latest models, but has already received some stellar reviews.  Some claim it to be the closest possible shave from an electric shaver.

Apart from the quality of the shave, users like the comfort of the shave from the pivoting, floating heads, the easy cleaning process, the ease with which the heads can be dismantled and put back together and the lengthy charge time with this model.

The main objection is the price and certainly this unit may be out of many people’s budgets but when you split the cost over 3 or 4 years of using it, shaving every day, it seems much more reasonable! Don’t forget that as well as the cost of the shaver you have replacement blade costs every year or two, which will add another $50-$70 to the equation.

Please also note that you can’t use this model with a separate cleaning and docking station from the LV81-K model, as it’s missing the charging nodes it needs.

The Braun 9595 Series 7 Electric Shaver is one of the most popular lines from Braun, in their long line of foil head shavers that they have brought to the market over the years. Weighing in at around $275 – $300 online, it is not a cheap model but let’s look at the reasons why it’s popular.

Overview

The Braun 9595 Series 7 Electric Shaver is one of the most popular lines from Braun, in their long line of foil head shavers that they have brought to the market over the years.

This is not a cheap series of shavers so let’s look at the features that make this one is so popular.

Appearance and Accessories

The razor itself is quite a striking silver, chrome and blue color and is a solid design with a rubber gripping back-side for ease of holding and using. It has a rounded oblong shaped head supporting the blades and foil cutting system and quite a straight stem. It looks very solid but is not too heavy.

With its sophisticated cleaning and docking station (“Clean and Renew”) this is a bulky item for an electric shaver, though people have become more used to this as docking stations have become more commonplace in recent years.

Main Features

• The 10,000 plus micro-vibrations per minute from the head make this a powerful unit – this system stimulates the skin and allows more hairs to be trapped and cut.

• The precision Gillette Blade Technology works to cut the hairs and provide a close shave first time without any pulling.

• Braun’s touch-sensitive foils that cover the blades provide a smooth, comfortable shave that minimizes any irritation or risk of soreness.

• The Braun 9595 Series 7 head is flexible, with a pivoting head, and will follow the contours of the face and the neck, enhancing the comfort of the shave and also meaning that it can reach all the harder to get to areas.

• A Power-Comb feature lifts any problem hairs that lie flat to the skin in hard-to-shave areas, meaning that less hair is missed.

• A quick charge option is available for charging the Lithium ion battery, which takes about 5 minutes.

•  Full recharge takes about an hour.

• Provides around 50 minutes of continuous cordless shaving.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Clean and Renew system docking station is one of the features that makes this model stand out.

It will clean, lubricate, dry and recharge the razor efficiently, thanks to its Energy Star qualified battery charger.

The system can be activated as the touch of a button and the washing cycle completed either fully or in a Fast mode that will clean the shaver in 25 seconds if you are in a hurry.

Alternatively, the unit can be washed under running water effectively, if the Clean and Renew system is unavailable or if you decide not to take it when you travel.

Users recommend combining standard cleaning with using the cleaning station to save on cleaning cartridge costs.

Price

You can buy a Braun 9595 Series 7 electric shaver for around $275 – $300 online,

Warranty

This shaver comes with a 2-year warranty which excludes the cutter and foil which will probably need replacing inside 2 years.

User Reviews

The Braun 9595 Series 7 electric shaver is one of the highest rating models of electric razor from users on the largest online retail sites.

Despite the high price, users are overwhelmingly positive about the close, comfortable shave it provides and the ease of maintenance with the Clean and Renew system.

The main negative with this model is the price of the shaver and the cleaning fluid, which takes it out of many people’s budgets.

The Braun 560 Rechargeable Shaver is one of their high-range, Series 5 shavers. It looks to bring a “power and precision” approach to shaving, using its Gillette blade technology.

As expected with a Braun it is a foil head shaver, but let’s see what else can you expect from one of these units.

Appearance and Inclusions

Style-wise the 560 is shaped with non-slip finger-grips that make it nice and easy to hold and use.  It is blue and silver in color and tapers slowly from the precision, floating foil head down to the base and features an LED on the front with 5 light indicators.

As well as the shaver, this unit comes with a deluxe travel pod and cleaning brush.

Main Features

• Gillette Blade Technology is used in a 3-stage cutting system.

• The Gillette precision comfort blades are specially-angled to give the closest shave possible and are designed to remove hair effortlessly in one stroke, resulting in less irritation.

• In this unit you see the expertise of an established blade company with Braun’s expertise in providing powerful, convenient and comforting electric shaving units.

• For a tailored shave there is a Comfort Setting switch, which controls the level of pivoting according to your own requirements. The head adjusts well to shape of the face.

• The extra-thin smartfoils used in this series help to raise any flattened hairs and align them, ready for cutting by the high-speed blades.

• Any flattened hairs that have not been raised by the foil will be caught by the power comb, which is especially good for the neck area. This ensures an all-over shave, with fewer “missed” hairs.

• An extendable trimmer also allows for any longer hairs in the beard or sideburns to be trimmed easily.

• The shaver is operated with the same up and down movements as a wet shaver, so it is easy to control and the slim heads mean that it’s easy to use it in the hard-to-reach areas.

• Its battery is lithium ion and there is a 5-minute quick charge facility if you are in a hurry.

• Fully rechargeable unit that can be used for travelling.

• Automatically selects the right worldwide voltage setting.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Braun 560 is washable under running water for easy cleaning. Just switch the shaver on for 5 to 10 seconds and rinse, after each use.

For best results a drop of machine oil every now and again wouldn’t hurt either.

Price

The Braun 560 Rechargeable Shaver is usually priced at between $180 and $240, depending on where you look.

Warranty

The Braun 560 comes with a year 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

User Reviews

Most users rate the Braun 560 very well in terms of the closeness and comfort of shave, good battery life and ease of use and cleaning.

The main negative comment from users was about the travel case only being big enough for the shaver and not for the cleaning brush too, so nothing too major.

The Panasonic Arc IV ES-LA63-S Multi Flex Nanotech is one of the higher end models from Panasonic that you will see on the market.

Like the Braun shavers, Panasonic specialize in the foil-head shavers rather than the rotary blade types that Philips Norelco are known for.

There are a lot of cheaper models in the Panasonic range so let’s take a closer look at the features of this model that make the difference.

Appearance and Inclusions

The ES-LA63-S Arc IV Multi Flex Nanotech is a stylish silver-colored unit with an ergonomic stem handle that has an illuminated blue LCD display, supporting a large multi-flexible pivoted active head that moves in 2 directions. The back of the stem is rubberized, making it easy to hold, whether wet or dry.

As well as the shaver you get a travel case and charger with this item.

Main Features

• Uses an ultra-thin vibrating outer foil only 41 micrometers thick, which makes it incredibly sensitive – the vibrations from the motor lift the hair follicles and give the closest possible shave.

• The 30-degree inner blades also use nanotechnology to cut the hairs at their base to provide an even closer shave.

• A non-irritating shave is achieved by the four multi-arc blades which exert very even pressure on the chin and facial areas and react well to the contours of the face, leaving the shaven area smooth and free of any redness.

• This shaver has a fast, powerful, linear motor drive that produces 14,000 cycles per minute, meaning that you don’t have to go over areas repeatedly to achieve smoothness.

• You can use it plugged in, cordless while travelling, or cordlessly in the shower using gel or shaving foam to augment the closeness and comfort of the shave.

• For longer hairs you can use the pop-up trimmer that comes supplied.

• Fully charges in 1 hour and this allows approximately 40 minutes of shaving time.

• Switch-lock button that means it cannot accidentally be turned on when travelling.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Unlike other models in this price range there is no docking station to clean, lubricate and charge the razor.

Cleaning is performed by running the unit under a tap and pressing the power button long enough for it to enter cleaning mode, where it will receive a powerful boost from its motor to help the process.

The main positive of this system is that you save money as you don’t have to buy the specially-designed cleaning cartridges that you need for the docking station system. It also saves on electricity costs.

Price

You will find the Panasonic Arc IV ES-LA63-S Multi Flex Nanotech retailing for $300 in places, but you can pick one up online for around half that price at major bulk retailers like Amazon nowadays.

Warranty

The Panasonic Arc IV shavers come with a one year warranty.

User Reviews

Most of the users of this shaver have given very positive feedback about the shaving experiences, from the comfortable feel of the shaver when using it, through the quality of the shave, battery life, its low noise output, the flexibility of the wet/dry shaving options and the ease of cleaning.

Some users have commented  that they get a much closer shave using it as a wet shaver, as it acts more like a traditional blade shaver than an electric razor.

In terms of the negative comments, there was some surprise from users that there was no cleaning/docking station or stand, which other similarly-priced models have nowadays.

There were also some people who considered the head a little bulky for reaching the hard-to-get-to areas when shaving and some who considered the razor a little plain-looking for its price.

The Braun Series 5-550CC Shaver System is a high end foil-head shaver. As you might expect from a sophisticated Braun shaver it has many stand-out features over the average electric shaver which is why it’s part of my top 10 electric shaver list – lets take a closer look…..

This model is not to be confused with the very-similar Braun Series 5-590CC, which is more black than chrome.

Appearance and Inclusions

The Braun Series 5-550CC is a stylish black and chrome color with a chrome-coloured foil head; it has a contoured design with grip features running up the sides of the stem of the shaver.

It comes with a stylish cleaning and recharging docking (‘Clean and Renew’) station, also in black, and a soft travel pouch and a cleaning brush.

Main Features

• The Contour Adaptive Shaving Head is a pivoting head that adapts well to the shape of the jaw and face.

• The unit uses Braun’s most advanced foil system called “Optifoil” over the heads. The perforated foil allows a very close shave.

• It uses a 3-blade triple action cutting system, grabbing both short and long hairs.

• Any areas of hair that are lying flat are raised by the ActiveLift system, which is an oscillating middle trimmer designed for this purpose.

• There is a long-hair trimmer built in too.

• It can be used for dry or wet shaving with cream/gel.

• The unit uses a powerful rechargeable Li-Ion battery and it can be used cordlessly for up to 45 minutes at full battery charge.

• A full charge takes about 60 minutes but will give you plenty of shaves and allow you to take it away on holiday without needing to charge again.

• If you are in a hurry there is a useful 5 minute quick-charge option.

• Automatic worldwide voltage adjustment mechanism means that there are no worries about plugging it in, anywhere in the world.

• LED display to show battery status and a cleaning indicator.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Series 5-550CC can be cleaned easily and conveniently under running water. For quick cleaning just run the heads under the tap and use the brush to get rid of excess hair.

For more comprehensive cleaning then the razor can be docked and, at the press of a button, the Clean and Renew system will thoroughly clean, lubricate and recharge the unit to get it looking like new again.

Price

The Braun Series 5-550CC retails for around $170 but can be found discounted online for around $140 or less.

Warranty

The Braun Series 5-550CC comes with a 2-year warranty.

User Reviews

Users of the Braun Series 5-550CC Shaver System hold it in good esteem, saying that it gives a good close shave, even on the neck area, doesn’t cause irritation and feels good in the hand, when using.

They also say that the battery is powerful and the cleaning system is easier to use than in earlier Braun models.

The main complaint was form a left-handed user who said that it wasn’t set up for him to use, so any left-handers may want to shop around a bit, but for most others it seems to provide a great quality shave and is a reliable, flexible and convenient high-end unit, if you are looking for something in this price-range.

You may have seen the review for the SensoTouch 3-D model from Philips Norelco on this site; in this review we take a look at the 2-D model in the same range and see how it fares in terms of design, features, functionality, and user experiences.

The Philips Norelco 1150x/40 2D SensoTouch model has some of the same features as the 3-D but the key difference is that it employs a Gyroflex system that operates with slightly less mobility.

Consequently it is a slightly lower-end solution than the 3-D model and that is embodied in its cheaper price.

Appearance and Inclusions

This model is a somewhat futuristic metallic blue color with smooth and rounded edges with a non-slip rubbery grip that make it easy to hold; it weights around a pound, so it’s a solid build. The head is triangular and seems to “perch” on the stem of the razor.

Along with the actual shaving unit, you get a charging stand, protective cap, power cord and cleaning brush.

Main Features

• The 2-D GyroFlex heads are designed to tilt inwards and pivot in a circular motion, shaping well to the facial contours to ensure a comfortable, pressure and irritation- free, close shave.

• DualPrecision heads use slots to shave the normal hairs and holes to get at even the shortest stubble…for a close shave.

• The Lift and Cut System raises the flattened facial hairs to provide an all-over thorough shave.

• Uses a low-friction SkinGlide shaving surface that slides smoothly across skin for an irritation-free shave.

• Precision trimmer for mustache and sideburn trims.

• The AquaTec seal allows wet shaving with cream, foam or gel, or dry shaving.

• Its powerful lithium-ion battery provides a one-hour charge that is good for 40 minutes of continuous shaving; this should amount to around 10-14 days’ usage (but perhaps not the 17 days that the manufacturer states.)

• There is also a 3-minute quick-charge option for a single use.

• A 2-level LED indicator tells you when the battery is full and when it needs recharging.

• A travel lock, automatic voltage adjustment and convenient carrying pouch make it ideal for travelling.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintenance is helped by the brush that’s provided and it can be cleaned using running warm water for best results.

Note that each of the heads needs to be opened and cleaned individually. It also has the hair-capturing chamber that helps to keep the sink clean of shaven hair.

Price

The price range of the Philips Norelco 1150x/40 2D SensoTouch is $75-100. This is low to mid-range compared to its 3-D cousin, which is almost double that.

Warranty

The Philips Norelco 1150x/40 2D SensoTouch shaver has a 2-year warranty.

User Reviews

There is surprisingly little difference in the strength of positive reviews for this item when compared with its more expensive “cousin”.

It seems to stack up well in the same respects, such as the comfort and closeness of its shave and the lack of irritation experienced. Users noted how little pressure was necessary to achieve a close shave and no snagging on longer beards, which helps in preventing soreness on the skin.

Again, there were only 1 in 10 users who experienced any major problems; most of these may be better off spending the extra dollars on the 3-D model, which has a few extra features, such as the extra-mobile and more sophisticated head and a more advanced LED display.

Consequently this item is recommended for those people who don’t have the budget for the 3-D SensoTouch, but are still looking for a quality electric shaver that is strong, convenient and effective.

Overview

Philips Norelco is one of the main four companies that produce top of the range electric personal grooming products these days.

Here we concentrate on the Qt4070 Beard Trimmer and ask what does it look like? What does it do? How does it do it? What are users saying about it?

Appearance and Accessories

This unit is a very stylish black/silver device, shaped almost like a gently-tapering cone with a pointed end and a wider head.

It’s a sizeable unit and weighs around a pound, so you know you’re holding something when it’s in your hand. There is a blue digital display that indicates battery usage and hair length setting.

Provided along with the unit is a charging adaptor and cleaning brush.

Main Features

• Trims beards, stubble and mustaches too.

• It cuts using high-quality blades that require no lubrication.

• Features an integrated vacuum system which cleans up the mess as it goes.

• Boasts a remarkable 18 settings – ranging from 1/32 of an inch to 23/32 of an inch – meaning that it can handle just about any length of hair on any beard.

• Easy-to-use zoom lock wheel secures your length selection.

• Bright multifunctional display shows the length setting you’ve chosen.

• It also has a micro-setting for use on stubble and an adjustable comb.

• A turbo switch increases cutting and fan speed too, when necessary. Allows it to cut thicker growth or clean quicker.

• The unit uses a powerful lithium-ion battery which allows 50 minutes continuous use on a one-hour charge.

• It has a travel lock which makes it suitable for packing away in the weekend bag.

• Can be used with the power cord too, if preferred.

Cleaning and Maintenance

What sets this item apart from the others is its integrated vacuum, which other competing models cannot boast. This system effectively captures hair inside the trimmer handle as you cut, leaving you with a clean basin.

Price

The Qt40970 beard trimmer has a price tag of around $60 but you can usually get a discount if you buy online.

Warranty

This unit carries a warranty of two-years, for added peace of mind.

User Reviews

The Philips Norelco Qt40970 beard trimmer is a relatively new product on the market but many people have commented on the clean sink that it leaves behind and this accounts for many of the positive reviews that it has received.

Other things that have gone down well are the turbo setting, which rips into tougher beards with more cutting power, as well as its stylish and ergonomic shape which makes it easy to use.

The main derogatory comments stem from its sharp-pointed guide comb which created discomfort for some users and provided uneven cuts, as well as not being easy to reach right up to the nose. This comment often comes from new users who maybe aren’t used to the design of the unit and how best to use it. Some users are disappointed that there is no charger stand also.

Overall the Qt40970 beard trimmer seems to more than justify its price tag.

Overview

The BG2020 Bodygroom Shaver is another in the line of solutions that Philips Norelco offers for all-over grooming, as opposed to those just for facial hair. It is designed for use below the neck and sits in the low to mid price-range.

The unit is marketed at men who want to shave and trim their chest, back, abs, underarm, shoulders, legs and pubic areas – basically anything not on the face, and this point is made clear.

Appearance and Inclusions

It is black, gray and chrome, weighs just over a pound and is easy to hold because of its ergonomic design. It looks much the same as a standard facial shaver from Philips Norelco.

The BG2020 Bodygroom Shaver comes supplied with a stylish blue and black charging stand, cleaning brush and several plastic attachments which can be affixed to the head for trimming hair of different lengths on different areas of the body.

Main Features

• It is a foil head shaver – hypo-allergenic to minimize irritation and soreness.

• It can be used in wet or dry environments, so there’s no problem with using it in the shower or with foam or gel applied.

• It has a hanging cord for the convenience of keeping it close by if you use it when showering.

• The blades are made of stainless steel for efficient and lasting cutting performance.

• You can use it fully charged (which takes around 8 hours) for around 50 minutes, which may amount to 5 or 6 average body shaves.

• Attachments feature rounded clipper teeth to minimize discomfort in sensitive areas.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is best managed under warn water using the cleaning brush. The unit will need to be cleaned after each use and may require unclogging during a shave, if large amounts of hair are removed.

Price

You will find the Philips Norelco BG2020 Bodygroom Shaver retailing for around $40 but you can get a healthy discount on that price online.

Warranty

The Philips Norelco BG2020 Bodygroom Shaver comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and a full 2-year warranty.

User Reviews

The Norelco BG2020 Bodygroom has been around long enough to receive a lot of feedback online.

Most users who have bought this item report a very good experience but there are a few negatives to be aware of, notably that you have to be very careful when using it in ultra-sensitive areas like the groin (we would recommend this with any groomer in fairness!) and that it cannot handle much clipping of hair at a time, without needing to be unclogged.

Some users have recommended using it for maintenance and keeping areas tidily trimmed than clipping heavy, hair-intensive areas.

Main positives include ease of use in most areas, especially for chest, abs and underarms and it is a valid point that any shaving of sensitive areas is unlikely to be totally free of discomfort, even with a wet shave.

The unit is very easy to handle and works on any length of hair – even intense areas of long hair if you don’t mind clearing out the heads frequently; users also like the stand and the extra attachments, which make it more versatile.

Overview

The Panasonic ES8103S Pro-Curve is a mid to high range foil-headed electric shaver using some unique features to achieve what all manufacturers like to boast about – a really close shave.

Here we examine the product features and some anecdotal reports from customers who’ve used it.

Appearance and Inclusions

Physically, it is silver and black colored and weighs around 10 ounces. Its main body is very rounded and shaped to provide an easy grip with the rounded-rectangular foil head sitting on top of this.

The Panasonic ES8103S Pro-Curve comes supplied with a travel pouch and an AC Recharger.

 Main Features

• This unit uses Nano blade Technology, which produces some of the sharpest blades around  for precise, clean and rapid hair removal.

•  Its blades are angled at 30 degrees instead of 45 or 90 degrees, like most shavers, and this contributes to the closeness of the shave.

• The head is pivoted so that it adjusts well to the contours of the face, flexing up and down and back and forth, reducing discomfort and friction when shaving.

• Select the amount of pivot you prefer in the head, using the Pivot Action Selector.

• The ArcFoil over the heads provides a smooth and comfortable shave.

• It employs a patented linear motor system –the 13,000 RPM it produces creates the necessary power for the heads to cut away hair with frictionless motion, without pulling or irritating the toughest of beards.

• It can be used wet or dry, which means that you can shave in the shower, using foam or completely dry.

• Includes a pop-up trimmer for grooming your moustache or sideburns.

• A 10-stage orange LED display indicates when re-charging is necessary and battery status.

• The charge holds for 6 or 7 shaves without any issues.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Panasonic ES8103S Pro-Curve has an in-built turbo cleaning mechanism that accelerates the motor to 17,000 RPM and removes materials from the blades after shaving. Perform this after each shave to keep it in tip-top condition.

Price

The normal retail price of the Panasonic ES8103S Pro-Curve is around $150, but you can get great discounts on this model online – more than a third off price in the right places.

Warranty

The Panasonic ES8103S Pro-Curve includes a one year warranty.

User Reviews

This model has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from users, mainly praising it’s smooth, close, non-irritating, non-burning shave, which is always the first thing we look at, since that is its main job.

Others liked it lightness in the hand and its low noise output (important if you get up before your wife and don’t want to wake her!), as well as its intelligent self-clean system that saves time and effort.

A few users complained that the foil head can get rather hot with prolonged use, but this is probably the case with most foil shavers. Others criticized the accuracy of the LED display which indicates when to recharge the device and some people bemoaned the lack of a charging stand.

We have found that this unit is sometimes unfairly compared to other high-end electric shavers that cost two or three times as much.

In truth it seems to provide excellent value for money and comes highly recommended as a quality men’s shaver that seems to have delivered genuine satisfaction for most of its users.

Along with just a few other manufacturers in the industry Philips Norelco is a name that comes associated with high quality, rotary head shavers. Like it’s closely related cousin – the Philips Norelco 1280cc 42 Sensotouch - the 1250x/40 SensoTouch electric shaver is a real high-end model electric shaver.

There are several other SensoTouch models and, though this model is not the most expensive on the market, it is certainly a very serious razor aimed at high performance shaving and it is a very big step up from the standard $40 or $50 electric shaver. The 3-D head is perhaps what sets it apart – more about this below.

Appearance and Accessories

The 1250x/40 is black-colored, measures 6 inches x 1.2 inches x 1.2 inches and weighs around 1.2 pounds. It has the typical modern Philips Norelco look with a tapering, ergonomic handle supporting a rotary head that perches on top.

It comes provided with a soft travel pouch, cleaning brush, protective cap and charging stand. Note that there is no JetClean cleaning/charging station with this model.

Main Features

• Employs a unique GyroFlex head that provides three dimensional-contouring allowing for a very close and comfortable shave every time.

• The 3-D head has three parts that move independently of each other, pivoting and tilting to the shape of the area it is shaving, for minimum friction and irritation.

• The cutting system includes a lifting feature that raises flattened hairs and provides an all-round cleaner shave.

• Uses channels to catch the longer hairs, slots to catch the normal hairs and small holes to catch the shortest stubble.

• Features a pop-up precision trimmer for detailed work on sideburns or moustaches.

• Employs an AquaTec seal that means it can be used in wet or dry conditions – in the shower or with gel or foam.

• A 3-level battery indicator of this unit will tell you when it needs recharging.

• The LED display tells you when you need to replace the blades and when the device needs cleaning.

• When fully charged from its charging stand (supplied) its lithium battery will provide 50 minutes of continuous cordless shaving – that’s around 15-17 days of average shaving.

• Ideal for travelling- especially with its travel lock and the protective pouch provided.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Use jets of water to clean away the excess hairs and stubble, though most will be caught in the unit itself, which will need emptying after usage. Cleaning and maintenance is easy with this unit.

Price

The Philips Norelco 1250x/40 SensoTouch retails for around $200 but you can get about 20% discount off this price by shopping online.

Warranty

The 1250x/40 model has a 2-year warranty.

User Reviews

It is actually difficult to find too much against the Philips Norelco 1250x/40 SensoTouch shaver, according to users.

It receives 90% positive reviews and some customers have called it the closest thing to a straight blade shave.

The new 3D head is extremely popular for its comfort and its precision; no reports of irritation or soreness from using this shaver. Some users have recommended using it with shaving foam for an even closer shave.

It also rates highly for ease of use with its slim-line design and people have found it easy to clean, with low-noise levels too. The battery seems to charge rapidly and provide more than a few shaves at a time even after you’ve had it a while, although we can’t verify the 17 days that the manufacturer claims.

The few negatives included the blades not being close enough to the edge to allow trimming of the hairs close to the nose and the individual heads having to be cleaned separately.

The only drawback of this unit is its price, but the many benefits and the workmanship gone into the making of this model should mean that you get years of high-quality and convenient shaving out of it, which will help to justify the extra expense.