Review (5/5): Great Shave
I've used the Norelco 6613X now for almost 4 months and I've been amazed at how much I like it. This is my first experience with an electric/cordless shaver and I'm impressed -- especially since it's been such a good trade off from the disposable razor.
The shave....Being of Nordic decent I really don't have to shave everyday. I've found this razor to work best on at least a full day's growth or more. I've also taken the advice of at least one other rater and started my very first shave with an electric shave lubricant, like "lectra-shave". You'll find this razor shaves much easier when a lubricant is applied first and you'll wonder why you haven't tried an electric/cordless sooner. No more cuts, nicks, bumps, or razor burn. I haven't so much as thought about a disposable razor since owning this one.
As for cleaning.....I've found that a shot of canned air duster over the inside of the razor heads before each use will greatly extend the life of the razor blades and you won't feel like you have to take the blades out to clean so often. (Be kind to your fellow bathroom users and shoot the heads with air cleaner in the shower before showering -- no whisker accumulation in the rest of the bathroom!) The manufacturer recommends a monthly cleaning of each individual head as well as oiling each head. I've followed the recommendations and haven't had a problem yet. Pay close attention when removing the heads. You'll want to place them directly back in the same place you removed them or risk getting a pulling or tugging from the razor as opposed to a smooth comfortable shave. It only takes about 15 minutes a month to clean and you'd most likely have to do this with any electric shaver.
About the charge.....if you shave every day or even twice a day, you may have to charge this model more often than every three weeks that I do. With this particular battery, the manufacturer recommends that you give it a 16 hour charge initially and each time thereafter. If you've ever overcharged a rechargeable battery, you know they don't hold a charge any longer. You don't want to replace the rechargeable battery often so it's best to time your charge at exactly 16 hours. And, only recharge when the charge is completely exhausted. If you worry that you won't get a complete shave without the battery going dead, (has only happened to me once) start with your neck; by the time you've completed your neck you'll know if there is enough charge left to complete your face. If not, go scruffy that day. A shaved neck with a scruffy face can look very appealing. After your first full charge you'll know when the battery is getting low. I've even left my shaver running while I shower and get dressed so it can completely exhaust so I can have it fully charged by the next morning. However, if you chose to just let it run to exhaustion, it will take longer than when pressed on your face. It's all about mechanics!
The backside trimmer works well for trimming around the ears or sideburns, I guess....I have none. I've had the back of my neck trimmed with it and it seems to work as well as the corded trimmer I've used for years and hasn't seemed to dull.
Overall this is a great cordless razor. I've never used a corded model so I've nothing to compare it to except the disposables. But for less than $50, I'll never go back to a disposable blade again. Of course there will always be those who think nothing beats a bladed shave. I say, use this shaver for at least 3 weeks -- and use it exclusively. Treat your face like it is your finest asset -- It IS!!; meaning, a thorough washing with a sudsy soap and water at least twice a day and a water based moisturizer after each shave or shower. You just might find you can simplify your life and never, ever, use a styptic pencil or worse, toilet paper, (yikes!) to dry the cuts and nicks on your face again!
Men,....Be good to your Face!