Review (5/5): Norelco's Best Yet
I have shaved exclusively with electric shavers my entire adult life. A bit of a ritual, but I always buy the new top of the line Norelco as soon as it becomes available. I currently have the 9195XL and the James Bond Spectra shavers. I pre-ordered this on Amazon and was anxious to get it as it clearly is a major departure from Norelco's typical styling. It arrived completely dead which I thought a bit odd, but charging it was the another first. No cord plugs into the bottom, it has two small round electrical contacts the size of ball bearings, one on each side. It charges in its stand or the travel case, a nice touch. The new head arrangement pivots FAR more than any prior model and it really hugs the contours of your face and neck. It is relatively quiet, shaves VERY fast and very close with no irritation. It is also extremely easy to clean. Each cutter/comb assembly hinges up, but remains attached to the head making it very easy to rinse out without worrying about the cutters and combs separating from one another. Since the whole head assembly must be replaced to get new cutters, I suspect that part will command a premium. The protective head guard will not come off until you physically remove it, another Norelco first.
Negatives? Price, depending on your perspective. The trimmer is worse than useless. it is quite small and mounted at an odd place in relation to the cutting head making it especially awkward to use. I use a separate beard and mustache trimmer as I have never found an electric shaver to have a good one.
Bottom line: this is Norelco's best shaver to date...at least for my face. It also comes with a 60 day money back guarantee, so you risk nothing by trying it....which you definitely should.