Norelco 8894 XL Spectra shaver Limited Edition, includes Automatic Charging stand with clock, 8894XL
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Norelco 8894 XL Spectra shaver Limited Edition, includes Automatic Charging stand with clock, 8894XL
Customer Review: Supreme Shaver
Summary: 5 Stars
I tried getting a cheap Norelco shaver 6 or 7 years ago. The result was an unusually high amount of razor burn and a fairly poor shave. This was after the "break in" period that Norelco recommends, as well. So, I returned to shaving with my Gilette safety razor. Even though it irritated my face, it was still better than the electric shaver.Finally, I had enough and decided to give an electric shaver one more try. I held nothing back this time and went for the 8894XL, figuring that if it was this expensive, it had to be decent. It looks like my gamble paid off. Thanks to the sensitivity setting, I no longer have to worry about razor burn on my neck. I can set it to a "Normal" shave while doing my face and with the flick of my thumb set it to "Sensitive" for my neck. It also gives me a shave comparible to that of my old Gilette safety razor.
I've noticed some reviews complaining about their unit not holding a charge. Well, I haven't had too much of a problem with that. Mine holds a large charge fairly well and gives me enough to complete an average-length shave everyday for about two and a half weeks. The manual also recommends that you fully discharge your battery the first time you charge it up (over the few weeks you use it), then charge it fully again. Perhaps this contributed to the failure or degradation of battery power for some people? Just a thought.
Overall, this is an excellent electric shaver that has fully converted me from my old safety razor. A comfortable, close shave everytime. I highly recommend it.
Customer Review: Why not the best?
Summary: 5 Stars
After 14 years my old Norelco, although still working, was starting to make too much noise during shaving. It had served me well, but when I saw "Die Another Day" I thought I would take a look at this new "007" model. After reading the specs, I bought it. It was better than I could have imagined! Quiet! It does its job with only a whisper! The head is a bit larger and has a very interesting design to mold to your face and chin as you move it from neck to chin, etc.-- very high tech. It is so smooth too. Honest, the first time I used it, I could not tell like it was even cutting my beard! No iritation at all. The same feel can be achieved on Normal or Sensitive skin settings. It is also the closest shaving razor yet! There is almost no difference in closeness between the 8894XL and a blade! The pop up trimmer is a little better than my old one too! The leather case is great for travel too! I had a friend try it (who had just received a new Braun as a gift). I think I'm in trouble with his wife, as now he wants to get one. The battery will hold a charge for about 33-50 shaves depending on how tough your beard is. The cleaning interval is indicated on a display as well as the remaining number of minutes. Very cool. It is hard to imagine, but just running water cleans it very nicely. I use a hair dryer to make sure it is dry before I put it away.
Needless to say, I am very happy with this one. If you need a razor, why not treat yourself to the best? After all you "Only Live Twice."
Customer Review: "Q" got this one right!
Summary: 5 Stars
So James Bond uses this razor: that's not the reason for you to buy it. I am a 20 year user of upper-end disposables (Mach 3, since it came out) and my wife decided it was time for me to ditch the expense and time of the lather and water. I have tried many electrics: Braun, Panasonic even Norelco but the Spectra 8894XL tops them all. Make sure you give your face time to adjust. Most people expect an electric to shave as close as a true razor...give it 2 weeks and you will be pleased with the results.As for the razor itself:
Pros
1. The Comfort Control System is for real...I develop ingrown hairs, but the Spectra has eliminated 99% of this problem.
2. You will love the informative display: IF you are a techno junkie like me...if not, go with the 8825XL; same razor, minus the Lithium battery and Display.
3. Low noise...your wife will love this one. I can talk on my cell phone and shave...While driving! (don't try it!)
4. Rinse with water! 'nuff said
5. Leather Case...a touch of class from Phillips on this one.
6. 60 day money-back guarantee!
Cons
1. The pop-up trimmer feels cheap and is difficult to use.
2. The Plastic Head-Cover and Stand are useless...and feel cheap.
3. Expensive, and I'm tight!...BUT it is worth the money...
4. The blue power cord does NOT match the razor...(trivial, but true!)
Trust me on this one: The 8894XL is the razor to buy if you are switching to an electric...give it a week or 2 and you will not be disappointed.
Customer Review: Two C-notes for a shaver??????
Summary: 1 Stars
Oh, come on here! Men have visions of a sexy James Bond shave that attracts the babes like a magnet?! What a great advertising campaign! Why don't they get Shaquille O'Neal and Brad Pitt to shave in TV commercials as a follow-up! These over-priced razors would fly off of the shelves then! First off, simple physics....NO electric shaver came shave as close as a plain razor blade. The distance between the cutting blades and the face is increased by the metal shield, no matter how thin they advertise it is. So you are faced with a mediocre "close" shave. A cheap Bic razor shaves closer because it directly contacts the skin. Don't get me wrong....I am not against electric shavers. I have used them most of the time because of the economic advantage. Why spend many dollars buying throwaway disposable razors when the electric shaver stands ready to do the job for free after the initial cost?! But this Spectra razor is a pure conjured gimmick to increase Norelco's profit margin. Any man who wants a good basic electric shave would do well to spend sixty bucks and buy the basic Quadra-action shaver, then invest in several sets of replacement cutting blades. The shave is the same irregardless....it boils down to having sharp cutting blades and regularly cleaning and maintaining the shaver. But if you think you are James Bond....Go ahead and drop two C-notes on this gimmick! Norelco will thank you for it and my face will be as clean shaven as yours for much less money!Customer Review: Heavily Automated, Durable and Efficient Norelco Razor
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this Norelco Spectra Deluxe Electric Shaver 8894XL about 10 years ago given the excellent reviews, and despite its dazzling price of approximately $200. Like I would imagine many to initially be, I was slightly skeptical, But as long as one frequently washes out the accumulated hair and debris from shaving the face, this razor will do the job that it is designed to do--the razor is absolutely worth the price. The rotating cutters are sharp and they deliver a smooth shave. I use "Williams Lectric Shave" as the pre-shave lotion. The razor can be used while wet, it is easy to clean, and the screen shows how many minutes you used up during that particular shaving (hahaha) and how many minutes there are left before the need for recharging. Some of the information that appears on the screen can look frivolus, such as icons to show that the razor requires cleaning or that the heads require replacing. But the heads function efficiently for a very long time before you feel that they should be replaced---maybe the replacement icon is a bit of a marketing ploy--the set of replacement heads costs about $30. Like many Norelcos of that kind, this one has a trimmer in the back--good for trimming the mustache and edge hairs. All in all this is a fun and efficient electric razor that is the best that I have ever had. The only notable wear and tear on mine is the rubber wearing and tearing off in the area of the swith--but is normal depreciation from long-term use.