Philips Norelco 8140XL SpeedXL Men's Shaver
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List Price: Our Price: $128.00 You Save: $11.99 (9%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Health Care See more product details |
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Customer Reviews of Philips Norelco 8140XL SpeedXL Men's Shaver
Customer Review: OK, but outperformed by a $10 foil electric
Summary: 3 Stars
I got this shaver in early January of 2007. For the first month or so that I had it, it worked decently. The shave was relatively close and it did get most of the hair, but it did take a few passes over the skin, and a touch-up using the on-board trimmer to get the ones it missed. I also found myself having the stretch the skin quite a bit to get a close enough shave. However, it did offer an irritation-free shave (I have sensitive skin, thus why I stay away from blade razors).
Over the next few months, though, I noticed that the shave started to get more irritating: more 'pulling' instead of cutting (had always pulled a little, but got more frequent), takes more passes to cut what it once would, etc. I changed the blades after 3 months (short period, yes, but I tried anyway). It helped a little, but it still wasn't as good as it once was. Then, I started to realize that the shaver wasn't holding as strong a charge as it once did. It would come off the charger and be 'full power' for less than one shave, and would need to go back on the charger after 6 shaves (far less than the advertised two weeks). A call to Norelco led nowhere, as they said it was 'expected' for the battery to wear down over time (4 months?).
I kept using the razor as I wasn't about to waste the $90 investment. On a trip in late July, I had forgotten to pack the shaver, so I purchased a $10 Remington battery-operated foil razor at a local convenience store. Sad to say, but from Day 1 that foil razor has outperformed the Norelco by leaps and bounds in all areas (closer shave, gets all areas better, less passes needed, etc.). Also on a sad note, the Remington is kicking the bucket (a year later), and I am forced to go back to the Norelco for the time being while I look for an acceptable foil shaver as a replacement.
In short, this razor performed decently at first, but it seems as though compared to a $10 battery operated razor, this $70 shaver isn't a good value for the investment.
Customer Review: Great value, great for tough spots/long hairs, harder to get really close shave
Summary: 5 Stars
I switched from the Braun electric razors (last two generations) back to a rotary electric razor with this purchase and FOR ME, I prefer these rotary razors. I say, "FOR ME" because I realize that my own experience may be different from others.
BRAUN - CLOSE SHAVE FAST
Both razors are pretty good at quickly shaving the easy spots where the hairs stick straight out (upper lip, cheeks, chin). However, in those easy spots, the Brauns give a closer shave in the first pass or two. It might take as much as twice as long using the 8140XL to get it as smooth as possible. So, the Braun wins the race for getting a very close shave as fast as possible.
ROTARY - BETTER AT DIFFICULT SPOTS WHERE HAIR LAYS FLAT
However, the rotaries get a reasonably close shave for everyday use in a pass or two AND they do much better in tough spots where the hair tend to lay flat, like my neck. With the Braun, I would always have a few hairs that would never get cut. They would get so long that I would eventually have to pull them out with tweezers. The 8140XL get's those hairs every time I shave so that they never get long enough to be pulled (or seen) individually.
8140XL - BETTER VALUE THAN LATEST BRUANS AND EVEN LATEST NORELCOS
To me, I found those neck hairs a bigger frustration so I much prefer this rotary design and I'm very glad I switched back. It's almost a secondary issue for me, but the latest Braun's (and the latest Norelco's) are much more expensive than this model. As far as I can tell, the only difference between this model and the latest Norelco's is that the latest Norelco's have a more modern looking design and they don't have floating heads. Another nice thing about this model is that the top flips open so that you can rinse it under the sink. There is no need to purchase costly cleaning solutions. All-in-all a much better value even if you had a more neutral preference for flat laying hairs/difficult spots versus quick close shave in easy spots.
Customer Review: Junk
Summary: 1 Stars
This razor is junk. I have had several Norelco razors over the years and this one, as well as their entire current product line, is junk. First, the cord is not coiled and has a "wall wart". Second, you have to pay $40 extra to get a model that includes a travel pouch - travel pouches used to be included with all of their razors. The power cord doesn't fit in the travel pouch - which is odd given that one of the features of the razor is that it can handle world voltage. Third, the plastic cover for the blades doesn't cover the entire shaving surface so any of the "whisker dust" left in the razor is likely to fall out and make a mess. Finally, the charging stand is a poorly conceived feature. The razor can only be stored in the stand when plugged in if the razor needs charging, otherwise, the stand needs to be unplugged. I never saw any value to these charging stands but, for the person that wants it, it seems that they will be spending an inordinate amount of time plugging and unplugging the power cord.
I'm keeping the razor because I don't have time to invest in finding something else.
As far as shaving, this razor is adequate. The heads move around quite a bit in the head assembly so I'm not sure how durable this unit will be. Despite the manufacturer's claims of superlative shaving, the shave is completely typical of all of the electric razors I have used - not horrible but nothing incredible.
So, all in all, this razor (as well as the current line) is a classic case of a manufacturer cutting value and quality while inreasing costs and claiming more features. Clearly, the only people who will be excited with this product are first-time electric razor users.
Customer Review: Great shaver
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Customer Review: A big disappointing step down from the old 6886XL
Summary: 3 Stars
Tried the new 8171XL, a slightly more dressed up version of 8140XL. Comparing to my old 6886XL Quadro, the new one is cheaper in most aspect, material, workmanship, look and feel. The whole thing feels flimsy. With the only exception of the motor, which sounds more solid and together than the 6886XL. The worst parts are the trimmer on the back and the charger and the power cord. It makes me wonder just how long this thing is going to last. My 6886XL worked for me faithfully for 8 years. Never replaced anything. The battery is dying, instead of lasting 35 min as it did in the beginning, it now last about half that much, not bad after 8 years. I left it charging long after it's full for countless times. The blades gets dull. But still, shaved with the new 8171, the old 6886, and Braun 7505, I'd say the Braun is the closest and loudest. The Braun looks balky and its plastic feels cheap. But better than this new 8171XL! Norelco seems to have gone hip-pop, with the new color and design, cheap everything and all. I'm going for the lesser evil - Braun 7505. The German one feels like it will last longer than the Norelco and it looks more like a honest shaver.
Conclusion:
If you want something good for a couple of month before you get tired of it and switch, it's not bad. It works as good as my 8 year old 6886Xl, but no better.
If you are into something solid and reliable for the long term, try other brand.
Without real competition in its rotary niche, it's no surprise that Norelco goes the way it does today. But very disappointing to me nevertheless. I am returing the new 8171 tomorrow...