Good razor -- but is the cleaning system necessary?
The razor is better than my old Norelco electric razor and the best electric shaver I've owned. I still have to pass over my jaw line and upper lip multiple times, but I have to do that with a manual razor.<br /><br />The 9170XLCC shaves closer than my 12-year old Norelco, maybe just from having brand new shaving heads, and I have to pass over the problem areas less often: takes me 6 minutes to shave instead of 8 minutes (who invented the myth of the 3-minute shave?). I also had no razor burn and did not need an adjustment period, which I credit to my previous use of a Norelco shaver. Of course, every one's face and beard is different, all I can say is that it works very well for me.<br /><br />As for the cleaning system, it seems like a lot of bulky equipment just to clean a shaver. I used it once, took over an hour, then had to rinse off the residue and wait once again for the razor head to dry. The cleaning cycle consumed 6 minutes of electrical charge (one less shave for me). It starts charging the razor if you don't turn the cleaner off immediately when cleaning is done (questionable design when they say you should only charge when the batteries are near empty). I'll probably use the cleaning system until the included bottle of cleaning fluid is gone, but I won't be reordering the cleaning fluid. You can clean the razor just by rinsing with hot water or by using the included brush.<br /><br />Final note, the included case is no where near as good as my old Norelco case, which has rigid edges and stiff sides for greater protection, and more room inside for shaver, cord and brush. I'm keeping my old case and using it for travel.
Rating: 4 stars