Review (5/5): Unbelievable!! the best electric shaver I've had period
I bought the 8040x a couple of days ago and even I am surprised at how impressed I am with the shaver. I have always been a reader of reviews on Amazon and this is but my second review. This product makes me want to recommend it to everyone I see. Wow!! First, let me tell you about the shavers I have had.
My past shavers: I have had a Braun Synchro (lost with luggage on an international trip), a Norelco Reflex that I absolutely hated (but still hung on to for emergencies) and a Braun Activator 8595 (with Clean N Charge station) that I had till recently and absolutely loved. My Braun Activator (which I had for the past 3 years) broke when it slipped from my hand last week. Hence, I was in the market for a new shaver and thought I will research the shavers available since I was going to spend some money.
My new 8040X: I used my old Norelco Reflex for a week on a temporary basis till I bought a better model and absolutely hated it. It made my skin all red. As I was researching I came across the 8040X on Amazon and was intrigued by the idea of a wet shaver (having used only foil dry ones thus far). I tried it out in the shower for the past couple of days and I must say it has absolutely blown me away. It is so convenient, and the smoothest shave I have had in several years (as good as a Mach 3 shave that I stopped years ago). My wife was super impressed and to quote another review on this site....my cheeks AND I MUST EMPHASIZE even my neck, chin feel like "Baby's bottoms". The lotion that comes along with the shaver is awesome and goes along really well with the Nivea after shave lotion that I was already used to. Cleaning is a breeze...just hold it under water and run the motor for 30 secs. No more Clean and Charge Refills (boy are they expensive)
For the past several years I have been held hostage by the Braun company consumables (Clean and Charge solutions). It is a great relief that I found a shaver that wont hold me hostage like that, save for a little bit of moisturizing lotion that goes in the shaver (you dont really need a lot if you shave in the shower or by the sink). I am planning on buying one each for both my brothers as well as my father in law. Wonderful shaver and very well worth the money.
I have no intention of returning this shaver (I bought it thinking that I will try it for 3 weeks). Go out and buy this model, save your money and do not buy the 8060...dispensing the lotion into the shaver is really easy.
I will try and refresh this review in the next few weeks.
AS PROMISED ---- UPDATED APRIL 2008 --- AFTER 6 WEEKS OF USE
It has been at least 5-6 weeks since I bought the shaver and not surprisingly, I have not returned it to Philips. This is a great shaver. I have tried using it in the shower as well at the sink.
After having read complaints about the cost of consumables that come with this shaver, I decided to put it to the test. I began by trying Edge shaving gel prior to shaving with terrible results. It resulted in a very sticky shave....not good at all. I then decided to try a small travel pack of Nivea shaving gel.... and believe it or not....it worked like a charm....as good as the shaving conditioner. Apply a very small amount and do not lather it up vigorously...just a thin film.
Here is what I do nowadays..... I apply very little of the Nivea shaving GEL (not conditioner) and apply gently, do not lather up heavily. I use the shaver with little or no conditioner and it works just as well either in the shower or at the sink. Very little irritation and smooth effective shave. Also, applying the gel on your face prior to shaving prevents spraying of debris on and around your basin.
If there is anything I do not like about this shaver, it is the power and speed of the motor. While I cannot attest or comment on previous Coolskin models, that I have never owned, I can say that I can live with the power and speed of this shaver for several reasons. It is smooth, does not irritate your skin (which is extremely important for me after having experienced other shavers and razors) and easy to use. Go get one and if possible try getting it at one of your local stores like Bed Bath Beyond or Linens n things with a 20% off coupon.