Over one year later: Still working well. No complaints. The battery is maybe at 80% capacity now, but no real issues. Edit 4/9/22: Expect this thing to last maybe 1.5 to 2 years. The battery will no longer hold a decent charge and the foil will need to be replaced. I ended up getting a new one and don’t regret it. It’s still cheaper and more convenient than using razors. Comparing the new unit to the 1.5 year old model is night and day. The new unit cuts faster, more easily, better, and holds an amazing charge just like the old one used to. So let me start by pointing out the obvious after having used many electric razors over the years at various price points. This is not an expensive or top of the line electric razor. This razor simply can’t be compared to the Braun Series 9 and especially should never be compared to a sharp, new, razor blade made for shaving with shaving cream. Even if you spend $1000, an electric razor will never compete with a halfway decent razor and good old fashioned shaving cream. Secondly, it should be pointed out that different electric razors will interact with different types of skin, facial structures, and facial hair differently. One person will have a much different experience from the next and will have various opinions based on their expectations. These are facts regardless of the technology and price point. I mention this because some of the reviews have somewhat unrealistic expectations. In my personal experience, I wanted an affordable electric razor for occasional use that didn’t give me shave bumps or razor burn as I have skin issues like eczema. I realized that the shave wouldn’t be perfect from prior experience with these things, but that it would be convenient when in a rush in the morning. That is exactly what I got and I am happy with it. All that said, I do agree with some of the negatives mentioned. No travel bag, no plastic protective cover, and no stand at this price point. It is also true that it struggles getting those neck hairs. Basically, after shaving with it, I look like I shaved from a foot away, but I don’t feel like I got a good shave. It’s also true that this model lacks a connected trimmer like the previous generation. If you want to manscape, you will need to manually remove the foil head and put on the trimmer head. Kind of a pain, but I expected that and have a better Whal trimmer I much prefer anyway, so again, expectations managed. I’ve only had it a few weeks so I can’t speak to longevity. Fingers crossed. And yes, this is not the easiest to clean despite the new easy clean design. Still, it’s not a deal breaker for me. Just a few electric shaver specific tips I find helpful. One, foil shavers should not be used in a circle, but rather only up and down. Two, shave the sensitive parts of your face or neck first. The foil head heats up after (normal and typical) a while so the foil head will be cooler if you shave the sensitive areas first. This helps with bumps and rash. For me, that would be my neck and chin. Three, don’t rub the foil viciously against your skin. Most electric razors will give you razor burn if you push hard enough. Pushing harder doesn’t really result in a better shave in my opinion. Four, using a pre-shave lotion may help. I only use this razor dry as it is more convenient and faster, otherwise why own an electric razor. Finally, splash with some cold water after you finish. The cold water will help calm your skin down and may result in fewer bumps or razor rashes for those with sensitive skin. Hope this helps. I would rate this one 4.5 stars so far. We’ll see if it lasts. The reality of electric razors, especially at this price point, is that they will do an okay job that may be good enough for you. It won’t be perfect and it will never compete with a real razor. I think if most knew that going in, this would have slightly better ratings.
