Review (5/5): Great shaver
1/2 year update: I went back to Braun brand (360 w/ cleaning station). While overall Speed XL continued to perform decently, it started pulling hair a little bit more often than I would tolerate. I also started noticing a lot of issitation on the neck. I would expect that as my skin got used to it this would not happen. Perhaps the blades needed to be replaced, but if that is the case 1/2 year is way too short of a life time. So I've been using Braun 360 for twoo weeks now, and it is definitely a little bit better (I'll have a separate review later).
Original Review:
I used to have Braun 5100 series, which was a good razor but not ideal for the neck and chin. Norelco SpeedXL is as good on the cheecks and much better in the curved areas. It is definitely "faster" in a way that it takes fewer passes to shave off the whiskers as they advertise. I also like the idea that you can just pop it open and rinse it. Newer Brauns have self-cleaning system, but I'd rather not spend extra $$$ on the cartridges and save space on the bathroom counter.
Using preshaving lotion improves the results even more. But keep in mind that while it does a very good, "presentable" job, it is still not a match for a good Gillette razor, so don't expect miracles.
Some users commented on the cheap feeling of this shaver compared with Norelco's old metal models. On the other hand it is very light and with modern plastics the way they are it is probably durable enough for the purpose. Unless you shave regularly while hanging off the cliff or trecking in the Himalayas this model will probably last a long time.