Review (4/5): Phenomenal !!! I am converted now !  4 1/2 stars !!!
This was one of the best decisions I have made! I have been a Gillette Sensor Excel man for YEARS!!! I tried electric razors before...they were garbage! The 9160 XL is the exception and it is AMAZING!
I have heavy, thick facial hair too. For me, every day was a drag. I have a professional white collar job, so I MUST SHAVE! Yuck. Every day, the same long, laborious process. Take a hot shower to soften things up, apply shaving cream and let sit for a few minutes to soften the hair further, shave, then shave again. THIS IS OVER! NO MORE !!!!
There are tons of reviews here on this razor that say it all. I cannot do better. However, I will share some important details with you.
1 - This razor is about $120-$165. It is worth it.
2 - I bought a refurbished model for $85. It works just fine! But I only have a 90 day warranty.
3 - This razor is VERY quiet.
4 - This razor does a great job and gets very close to the skin.
5 - The instruction manual says you need to give yourself and the razor 3 weeks to adapt. IT IS TRUE! My shaves got better after the first week, then every day there after my skill and confidence grew. I am at 4 weeks now and I don't get irritation, my skin is fine and the cut is close. In my first week I got irritation, I did not hold or stroke the razor properly.
6 - YOU HAVE TO BE PATIENT. Give it a month at least. Do not cheat and use a blade! I was patient and have been well rewarded.
7 - This razor is EASY TO CLEAN!!!!
8 - I went 3 weeks sometimes using the razor 2 times in a day and did not have to recharge it until the beginning of the 4th week.
9 - It runs nice, does not get hot and hardly even vibrates.
10 - Very light and easy to pack for traveling.
I would have given it 5 stars but this is my first electric razor. I don't know what a 5 star electric razor is like. This probably is one!