Good electric razor, but doesn't compare to a proper wet shave
I've been a wet shaver (safety razor, soap, and brush) for many years, but decided to try an electric to save time in the morning.  I bought some Williams Lectric Shave and researched electric shaving technique online.  After being disappointed by a foil, I settled on the 7180XL.  It's a good mid-level razor at a reasonable price, balancing quietness, speed, ergonomics, and the necessary features.  Unfortunately, it was too much of a step down from a proper wet shave.  I didn't like:<br /><br />- the lack of precision (three cutting disks on a planar surface the size of my cheek)<br />- it missed a lot of hairs, requiring several passes for a clean shave<br />- although I used a light touch, pushing the shaver through the stubble was still irritating<br />- the shave was socially acceptable in appearance, but rough to the touch<br />- I had a 5 o'clock shadow by 2 o'clock<br />- you can't do a close multi-pass shave for special occasions like you can with a blade<br />- I started getting ingrown hairs on my neck<br /><br />Regarding the last point above, you really can't address that by using a blade on just special occasions.  The face needs time to adjust to a change in shaving method, so if you switch between methods neither will be optimal.<br /><br />The 7180XL is a perfectly good razor for men who are satisfied with a socially acceptable shave and whose face can tolerate the rotary shaving system.  It just wasn't my cup of tea.  I now wet shave at night and still have less of a shadow by 5 o'clock than I would using an electric shaver in the morning.
Rating: 4 stars