Review (5/5): BETTER than expected, very few issues!
Before purchasing the Norelco Arcitec, I read reviews on Amazon and on various review websites I found with a simple Google search. Some of the criticisms I've seen regarding the Arcitec are somewhat true, and many are not (at least in my case). All people are different, and as such so is our facial hair, so please keep that in mind when reading any of these reviews including mine.
The Arcitec is my 2nd electric razor. I tried a Braun foil-type razor about 6-7 years ago. Basically the problem I had with the Braun razor is two fold:
1) It didn't shave hair with any consistency, if at all. Getting a close shave was impossible.
2) Absolutely tore my face up. Irritated my skin more than it shaved.
At that time I decided to go back to a standard razor and gel and let technology catch-up to my "dream razor". I have zero problems with using a standard razor and gel - I'm able to get a close shave without any noticeable razor burn or irritation. I just like not having to pick up a pack of razor heads and gel all the time, my schedule is simply too busy to even make it to the store, hence I buy things online and have them shipped to me. I like having gadgets and hoped one day I could have a razor that worked well, looked great, and would provide a great shave for a long time to come without constantly needing to go get something for it or special maintenance.
Fast forward to today and I'm overly surprised at just how good the Norelco Arcitec is. I'll go over the basics of the particular model I have (1050CC), the differences between the models, and what things I would consider pro's and con's.
The Arcitec Razor
First things first, this is an absolutely beautiful razor! It looks and feels even better in your hand than on pictures on the Internet. This is now the 4th day I've had and used this razor and feel I'm at a point where I can accurately describe my experience. My first shave took about 10 minutes with 2 days of growth. After my 4 day, I'm in and out in just a couple of minutes. Each day the shave is truly better and faster.
+Pros+
1) I'm able to get an extremely close shave. Easily rivals what I am able to do with a standard razor and gel.
2) The hardest area to shave is the neck/jaw line. With a few days practice I have been able to get these areas quite easily.
3) Norelco recommends using this razor by itself for 21 days for your skin and beard to become accustomed to using the Arcitec. I've had ZERO razor burn and/or irritation since the first day I've used it and yet somehow, everyday the shave is better, easier, and faster. It's ADDICTING.
4) The trimmer on the back is not near as useless as other reviewers are making it out to be. Simply, the trimmer works well. The only downside is that the shaving heads can get in the way of being able to see what it is that you're trimming at certain angles. I have a separate cordless Norelco trimmer, but honestly as long as you're not doing ridiculously-extravagant facial hair, you should have no problem pulling out the trimmer on this product and cleaning up your sideburns, mustache, or other simple facial hair. It IS NOT a toy like some reviewers are saying, it makes a nice clean line and cuts real close.
5) The Jet Clean system is absolutely awesome. I have no idea why other reviews have said to not get this. Keeps the razor looking and feeling brand new, everyday, with no effort. What is not to like? I went on an Amazon subscription for the Jet Clean solution, so they send me a new bottle for like 3$-4$ shipped each month and I don't have to do anything. This is reasonable. Unit does ship with 1 bottle of solution which will last a month if you follow Norelco's suggestion.
-Cons-
1) It's relatively expensive compared to most of the market. Amazon's got a decent price on it, I personally picked mine up on Ebay for a fantastic price from a well-rated seller.
2) The only criticism, other than price which is completely subjective, that I have read on reviews that holds any truth is the charging method. Here's the deal if you haven't read this before: The Arcitec comes with two methods of charging. One is a travel case/charging pod. I have yet to use this, however I can say that it is a well-made plastic case that the Arcitec fits inside. On the outside of the case is a plug so it can be charged without having to take it out. Other users were somewhat disappointed that the case is somewhat large and takes up a bit more space that older models. Non-issue for me, honestly it's not that big at all and would easily fit in any bag I own except maybe my quite small Kenneth Cole laptop messenger bag that I use for work, in which case I'm working and not shaving. The 2nd charging method is the Jet Clean/charging dock. As mentioned previously the Jet Clean system works great, however the problem is that you CANNOT leave the unit plugged in. What happens is you shave, either blow/wash out/brush out hairs in the Artitec (very easy by the way), then you place it on the Jet Clean system/charging dock and push power. This initiates the cleaning cycle. It takes only about an hour to clean, then a 2 hour dry-time. PROBLEM: you cannot leave it in the Jet Clean system without unplugging the unit from power after the cleaning cycle is done because it will start charging automatically as soon as the cleaning cycle is done, and it will decrease the life or affect the health of the battery because you're supposed to completely charge, then use until completely dead (similar to other small electronic devices like cell phones, MP3 players etc). Why Norelco didn't fix this problem is beyond me. I plan on buying a power-timer that will allow me to finish shaving, put the timer to around 2 hours and then I'm free to leave without worrying about my Arcitec investment. I have the same problem with my Norelco trimmer, luckily both shave and trim well, which is what they ultimately need to do for me to be a happy customer.
3) The 1050CC model does not have the minutes left of charge on the display of the Arcitec as the other models that don't come with the Jet Clean system do. Why is this? I would have liked to have had that, but I knew this prior to the purchase and I'm happy no less.
All in all, I find no reason to not recommend this product. The Arcitec is the best shave I've had, it looks great (can easily be left on the bathroom counter, it's a work of art), the Jet Clean system and charging dock are well designed and work excellent, comes with everything you need, and Amazon's always looking out for me with great things like their new subscription service that will allow you to automatically receive things you need routinely around the same time frame, such as the Jet Clean solution. Something like $3 or $4 will have it automatically sent to you each month with no hassle and no time wasted. I think YOU will be happy with the purchase of a Norelco Arcitec as well!