Norelco 8894 XL Spectra shaver Limited Edition, includes Automatic Charging stand with clock, 8894XL
by Norelco
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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: They get cheaper and cheaper
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought my first Philips razor in 1959 in Germany and have used the Norelco brand since then. Each time I buy a new Norelco razor, they seem to get cheaper. My old 5184 (at least six years old) is made much better than the 8894XL. The old 5184 has traveled a lot and been banged around, yet, it is still in great shape.
I purchased a new razor for the longer battery time and for a better shave. The battery on the 8894 does last much longer and the shave is a little bit better.
But, the 8894 has a very cheap head with a flimsy hinge and latch. The slightest bump and the head pops open. The trimmer is so flimsy I need to support it with my thumb to keep it from closing. The plastic guard for the head is so poorly made that it will not stay on. The 110/220 function is in the head of the cord making for a large lump in the bag. The 110/220 function belongs in the razor where is was in the past.
The best constructed part of the razor package is the case. The case is as good or better than the case for my digital camera.
They should have put the quality into the razor and provided an average case.
Customer Review: Worth The Price
Summary: 4 Stars
There are two great elements about this particular shaver. The first is that it is quiet. After using a Panasonic wet/dry, that sounded like an outboard motor, this Norelco can be used in a library. Very nice. The other great element is the closeness of the shave, which is excellent.
I've always liked the "triple head" configuration of the Norelco shavers and this one is the best yet, with the settings for more sensitivity, and the heads that flex with your face so you don't miss anything. For me, the "normal" setting is sensitive enough to use, but it's nice to know you can make adjustments if needed.
The battery life is quite good; I took it on a recent three week business trip and only needed to charge it once!
My only criticism of the product is about the trimmer attached. It really doesn't do a wonderful job. It's not horrible, but it's just not as good as the rest of the shaver. The trimmer is a bit small and awkward to handle. I still keep my old Panasonic around when I want to do trimming! Otherwise, it was well worth the investment!
Recommended.
Customer Review: Smooth, COMPLETE, quiet shave. A godsend for sensitive skin
Summary: 5 Stars
I have very sensitive skin and have tried numerous methods of shaving over the years. Blades caused pain and rashes. The Braun 5520 that I just retired never seemed to shave my neck hairs effectively even after numerous passes. The Norelco 8894 XL does a superior job of shaving all areas of my face with minimal effort. It has numerous settings for normal to sensitive skin. I began with the normal setting, and my sensitive skin hasn't had a problem. The price of this razor represents a seemingly pricey investment, but is well worth it as shaving is a daily, inescapable activity. Washing the blades under tap water also seems much easier, and cheaper, than using special cartridges and cleaning methods required by the new top-of-the-line Braun. The time remaining display lets you know how much time remains, and is far superior to a suddenly blinking light letting you know your razor is dead as you began your shave as you rush out the door before that important meeting that I had with the Braun. Electric razor technology has improved considerably, and this is a great next step.Customer Review: Stunning!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I started my electric shaving experience with a Norelco. It was admittedly awful though somewhat less painful than the blade! I moved to a foil shaver (Braun) for about 10 years (two shavers) and recently had the opportunity for a full-featured upgrade. I was able to try the new Brauns at a local shaver store and was impressed and then tried the Spectra model. I was FLOORED. This is an excellent shaver. Battery life is unreal (I get about four-six weeks -- can't estimate well yet as I have only charged it ONCE after initial charge!), cleans in water, shaves quickly (and well), and very quiet. Yes, there is hype and gimmicry on this model (but the color, display, and battery are great!) and you may do just as well with a [less expensive] Spectra (or Quadra), but this is a great system. It looks and works really really great! :)UPDATE (11/13/03): I am nearing a year of use on this shaver and nothing has changed. This is a great product. THe battery life I initially reported is amazing still. I can get a decent shave in a minute or two. Am very impressed with this.
Customer Review: Great Shave!
Summary: 4 Stars
I've been using this razor for years, since it came out. (2004???) So about 5 years and still going strong.
I've used cheap ($50) electric razors before and they are pathetic compared to this. It's pretty darn close to a real razor in places, if you work it. Charge life is seriously amazing. I can go well over a month, maybe even 2, before having to charge this thing from using 6 times a week. The closeness dial is useful when you have extra long stubble or sensitive areas. Other than that I leave it at 0 (closest).
The display counts down the remaining charge and is pretty accurate. It tells you when it needs cleaned out under the faucet, great.
The heads have lasted until now (5 years) and I got a warning on the display telling me to replace the heads.
The only negative is the flip out trimmer. It only has resistance in one direction (due to the flip nature) so you can only stroke in one direction. I have a separate trimmer I use instead, but this works in a pinch.