Before getting into wet shaving I always used an electric razor usually as a "pre-shave" to my swiping my face with an Atra, Mach 3 or other face shredding cartridge based drug store razor.
I've always been partial to Braun and have been using them since the stone age or in electric shaver speak - before the self cleaning systems. Two months ago I traded up from my old Braun to their new top of the line Series 7 Model 9595.
The Razor:
The Pulsonic 9595 is the only shaver in the Braun line that's still made in Germany - and the craftsmanship shows. Solid build quality, beautifully balanced, smart looking and up scale. The head of the razor pivots twice as much as any other razor in the history of the company.
Braun has long been applauded for their unique micro thin foil that has a random looking array of different size and shaped holes. On this model you get two floating heads each one flexes and moves independently of the other so the razor glides across any bumps or curves and provides a gorgeous sense of conformity.
The blades (made by Gillette) are fastened into a cutting block and cut from side to side right beneath the foil. It's like a tiny pair razor sharp scissors snapping at turbo speed.
In between the two heads is another patented Braun exclusive - the power comb. It's kind of an odd looking zig zag gizmo that runs back forth at very fast speeds, lifting stubborn, hard to reach hairs as well as any that may be trying desperately to hide from their impending fate.
If you have a moustache, beard or goatee you'll really like the pop out trimmer, it's sharp, lightening fast and at an angle that actually lets you see what you're doing.
Brauns Pulsonic Technology
10,000 pulsations per minute. May seem like a gimmick - it did to me. But after two months of use I can assure you it's not. There's a method to the madness in that the vibrations cause the hairs to stand up for easier, closer cutting. The odd thing is there's really no "sensation" on your face or head. But put this puppy on the back of your hand and those pulsations shoot along the bones right to your fingertips - the feeling is kind of like a painless electric shock.
(don't ask how I discovered this)
The Clean & Renew system
Braun claims the Pulsonic cleaning system is the most advanced and intelligent in the world. Based on my experience with it, I have to agree. There are two series of "bars" at the base of the shaver, The left is "Hygiene" and the right "Power level" (the razor holds a full charge for about an hour) The level of cleaning i.e.: economy - intense is determined by how many bars have disappeared from the gage. Trust me I've tried to outsmart it.
You can bypass the clean & Renew system by washing the shaver (head only) under running warm water, place it back in the charging stand and get a different reading. But why bother?
Using the Clean & Renew system is like waking up to a brand new razor each and every day. In researching this review I read tons of consumer reviews and was struck at the lengths some people go to trying to save money on the cleaning cartridges which run about $12 for a pack of two.
Taking out the cartridges, wrapping them in plastic wrap, using old caps from used cartridges to seal them up between cleanings - I read one where a guy keeps his in the fridge to slow down evaporation. Lunacay!
I clean my razor after every use, that's at least once a day and sometimes two. My first cartridge lasted five weeks before the indicator light to change it came on. The foil and cutter block are supposed to last 18 months - for head shavers it has to be less than half that. Replacement heads (foil and blades) cost $45 - the razor $269.00 (lower prices can be found) So it makes sense to let the cleaning system do it's thing and shell out the whopping 6 clams a month.
My take on this is like that saying about a Ferrari - if you have to ask about gas mileage you better consider buying another car.
The shave
Absolutely the smoothest , fastest , most effortless, stubble free shave I've ever experienced.
I can spend an hour using my arsenal of pre shaves and creams, my Merkur 12C HD and 23C both loaded with new (you'll cut yourself just by looking at them) Japanese Feather blades and still not get as close and stubble free of a shave as I get in ten minutes with the Braun.
The Braun doesn't replace the sensory experience and indulgence of a proper Wet Shave, But I'll tell you this the results can't be beat - especially for those times when what you don't have is time. In fact, my one complaint about the Braun is it makes it a little too easy to put off the full wet shave and just reach for the Braun even when you do have the time.
What you Get
The shaver, The charging station with the Clean & Renew system, power cord (for razor and station) one cleaning cartridge, a nifty carrying case, cleaning brush and users manual.
* There's a special going on now where they include a decent Dop kit packed with sample sizes of Gillette products like their body wash, Face wash, deodorant and so on. They also include a travel razor, the Braun Pocket-Go P-70. It's a very cool looking little electric that actually does a great job. It runs on two AA batteries which are included and the razor can be cleaned under running water.
The reviews for the P-70 are surprisingly good - a 5 on Amazon, you get it all for free right in the box - whadda deal.
For more info on the Braun Series 7 click here:
http://braun.com/us/series-shavers/series-7.html
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