Review (5/5): Very good razor with the best shave yet from a Norelco
I've read the negative reviews on this razor, and I was prepared to be "let down" after getting the razor as a Christmas gift, but let me say that for the first time in a while, Philips-Norelco has come through and hit this one out of the park. I realize that some folks may have really thick beards and facial hair that makes it difficult for ANY electric shaver to give a very close, comfortable shave with minimal or no irritation. I understand and respect that. But for the majority of users with "normal" facial hair thickness and density, this shaver works and works well.
Negatives:
1.) cleaning it every one or two times due to the reduced "waste hair" capacity. However, let me say that it only takes about 30 seconds to rinse it under hot water, and then you are good as new. I can live with that.
2.) small beard/sideburn trimmer. I'm used to the regular size beard and sideburn trimmers that are common on most Norelco razors; this one is about 1/3 the size. This is the "worst" negative for me, but I'll live with it, and just use one of my old razors for the trimmer if I have to.
Positives:
1.) less than a one hour charge time. The POS 7110XL razor that I use gives me maybe 20-25 minutes of shave time, then requires that I charge it for 8 hours. Great technology there, Philips. Even some other $100+ Norelcos that I have used take longer to charge than this one.
2.) the head design and pivot features really work on stubborn neck hair. This is the primary reason why I love this razor. After about 6 shaves now, I get a shave as good as a razor and cream, and with less time and mess. Slap a little Lectric Shave on my face and away the 1050 goes giving me the best, closest shave I have ever gotten with any electric razor (Norelco, Braun, Remington, etc.). Maybe it's just my facial hair "type", or maybe using the Lectric Shave helps that much more than the users that put no pre-shave on, but all I can tell you is that I get the results I've desired for a long time--a close shave with NO remaining neck and chin stubble--with NO irritation and spending less time doing it.
In short, this is a great razor, not a perfect one, but a great one that does the job that I've long sought for a Norelco or any electric razor to do.