Philips Norelco arcitec 1090 Men's Shaving System
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List Price: Our Price: $188.98 You Save: $61.01 (24%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Health Care See more product details |
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Customer Reviews of Philips Norelco arcitec 1090 Men's Shaving System
Customer Review: Fast, Smooth - Excellent Piece of Modern Art
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I've never had so much fun reading reviews in my entire life like I have these. I now know that there exist people in this world who are as much into electric razors as others are into race cars or into model trains, or, as I am, into books. I obtained this razor free of charge through the Vine program, otherwise I would definitely not be writing this review. Until now, I've been using my grandfather's old electric razor (He passed on in 1998.) without even glancing at the brand or model. It turns out that it's a Norelco 4825 XL. It's suited me just fine over the years, especially the trimmer, much better than this one. Anyway, when looking over the Vine offerings this month, I thought a new razor wouldn't be such a bad thing, so I chose it, and here's my review-Mind you, I'm comparing it to a razor that's 10 years old:
Once one fights with the packaging for a while and gets it out of the box, charged and applied to one's face, it is a rather pleasant surprise. The shaving is fast and smooth, really incomparable with the one I've been using, but the only place I noticed a closer shave was under the nostrils--and, like another reviewer, I find the idea ludicrous that I have to wait three weeks for the shaver to "adjust to my face" before my cheeks are shaved closer.
The aesthetics are, of course, remarkable. I suppose this razor is the shaving equivalent of a Ferrari. All the displays and lights are quite enjoyable. But really, gents all, do we really need a spigot light to tell us that we need to clean the heads after shaving? The design, above all, is also quite sleek and eye-catching. After the battery dies after who knows how many rechargings, I shall probably have it mounted and use it for poetic inspiration---and go back to my grandfather's old razor, the much better trimmer of which I will have been using all along.
Customer Review: Clean shaven Skeptic?
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
My first impression, once I successfully freed this Objet d' Shave from its nearly impenetrable packaging, was if I was not satisfied with performance I could always place it in a backlit display case in the living room. In consideration of the ergonomically sleek design, the components of carbon fiber and brushed stainless steel, the 1090XD looks more like a work of sculpture than a personal care appliance.
It has to be noted I am bearded so I really can't comment on performance as a facial shaver but I shave my head every other day. For my needs, over the last ten years I have not experienced much satisfaction from electric units. In each instance, the closest of shave I was able to achieve did not measure up to the results achieved with double or triple edged traditional shaver and the amount of pressure required to get an adequate cut caused irritation. Not surprisingly, this rather pricey model did not meet my expectations either, however it is the best electric shaver I have used. The triple track shaving heads are mounted on a flexible pivoting unit that does seem to follow the contours and curves of my head quite efficiently and the amount of residual stubble was minimal but, there was stubble that I removed with a good ol'Mach 3.
In my opinion, the recessed trimmer feature is nearly useless. It is not of adequate size nor conveniently positioned for trimming or shaping a beard or goatee. Located directly under the rotary head unit, it is also somewhat difficult to easily and accurately trim a mustache. Removing the head is an option but I have some doubts about the durability of the mount if that practice is employed on a regular basis.
There are a number of other features like the multifunction Led display, relative quietness, travel storage and charge pod, ease of cleaning, and overall ease of use that may justify the expense of this unit for some Users.
Customer Review: Correcting An Expensive Mistake
Summary: 5 Stars
About 6 months ago and after over 10 years of faithful service, my old Norelco was in need of a replacement. So I, as you seem to be doing, decided to research the current state of electric razors and discover how many models were being rated by end users. I read reviews of available models from both manufacturers and sellers. Based mostly on reviews posted on seller's websites, I finally settled on a Braun Series 7 Pulsonic.
I received and used the Braun for a little over 2 weeks before I wrote a short review of the razor on the seller's website. I basically said it had a few nice features (user friendly charging/cleaning system) and that my face was still becoming acclimated to the razor.
Fast forward 5 months. I really tried to like the product but my face never became "acclimated" to the razor. I have a mustache and goatee and using tweezers (out of necessity) had become part of my shaving ritual. As much as I disliked the idea that the ~$200 I spent on the Braun was a bad investment, my frustration with the razor convinced me it was time for a change.
Why tell you the above? This review is based on a real world comparison to a "top-of-the-line" Braun model.
Evidently my face likes the technology behind this razor as there was no "acclimation" period. I received a great shave on its first use. In comparison to the Braun, the razor is lightweight, relatively quiet, and negotiates the contours on my neck and face with ease. Unlike the Braun, it is very easy to use shaving around my facial hair. It performs equally well for my daily shave, an occasional refresher shave for an evening out, and for a Monday morning shave after giving my face a weekend off from shaving. The "time remaining" feature is fairly accurate and the razor fully charges in about an hour. I don't use the sideburn trim feature so can't speak to its usability. The ability to use hot water to clean the heads is great as I never liked having to purchase cleaning fluids for either the Braun or my old Norelco. Bottom line, I highly recommend the Norelco and anticipate also using this one for 10+ years.
Customer Review: This is the best Shaver I have ever used!
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay folks - This is my second review ever written and the first one was for the Braun Pulsonic I just returned to the store! I have used the top of the line Norelco for the past 20 years, while replacing them on average every 2-3 years. I had been using the 9195XL for two years and recently had my original and replacement stolen within the period of 2 months from my luggage while traveling. It was time to finally try something new as I had never strayed from Norelco.
My brother loved the Braun Pulsonic, so I bought one. Yeah, it was cool, had the cleaner, etc... But at the end of the day, it was THE WORST SHAVE EVER!! I have sensitive skin and actually had to get the courage up to use that thing. Well, after 28 days, and continuous facial cuts, and redness, I returned it (not to mention all of the facial hair it left on my face!!!). I bought the Norelco Arcitec based on some reviews I read becuase I just couldn't take the pain of shaving with that thing anymore!
Well, I've been using this shaver for about 2.5 weeks now and never had a re-adjustment period. I got the closest shave EVER from an electric with this thing. Not only was it the closes, it was also the quickest and most painless shave I've ever had. While it's hard to get excited about a razor, I LOVE this thing and actually like to shave every day again, knowing that it won't hurt and will look good.
There are a few bits of criticism about this, which should NOT affect your buying decision.
1) it has to be cleaned every day as the 'hair storage' is much smaller... Okay, small price to pay
2) The travel case is a bit flimsy to travel with. I was used to the solid metal case I had that stored the razor WITH the head cover on it. This one is a two piece case that opens a little easier
3) The Side Burn Trimmer - Not as wide as all previous norelcos, but definately the best/closest trimmer yet!!! I know this is nitpicky, but just my findings.
Good luck with your shaving endeavors... You'll enjoy this unit!
Customer Review: Close shave -- but not worth the price
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Pros:
- shaves well because of the new design that allows it to conform better to both convex and concave forms
- charging cradle for easy charging
- Usage indicator in minutes left
- shaves faster then previous models (possibly because of the larger shaving area)
-shaves as close as a Gillette Mach 3 series razor
-cleaning indicator
-ability to clean shaving head with water
Cons:
- charging pod kind of bulky, does not store cord and/or cleaning brush
- cumbersome to clean out shaver heads; each shaving head has to be opened separately (better if there was a spring loaded release
- no easy way to rest shaver without use of cradle or pod (because of the shape of the shaver and the floating head configuration)
- use of the charging stand can diminish battery life (manual even suggests only charge when battery is almost completely drained; should have a button to initiate charge so you can still use cradle to hold razor, manual suggests only plugging in cradle/pod when shaver needs to be charged)
Conclusion:
This is a good shaver but Norelco has always produced good shavers, at least the ones I've owned. The charging/travel pod is a good idea, but it is bulky and does not store the cord. It would be even better if it had a flip out charging prongs. The remaining charge indicator is a welcome benefit but that is only on the top of the line model. Its also nice that it does do a quick charge so it can be ready in 15 minutes. IMO, it's a good shaver if you need to replace one, but I don't see enough benefits to replace one that is already working well for me.