( 5 reviews )
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Posted: 07-17-2009
I've been a user of Braun shavers for over 15 years and have owned about 5 different models. This isn't to say that the old ones didn't last... in fact, all but one of them still work. I traded up to better technology as Braun produced it.But eventually, a tool is nearly perfected. The major leaps of technology start to slow and you find that there's really not much more to be done, save changing the appearance or marketing aims. The latest Braun 9595 Pulsonic shaver is a beautiful feat of engineering and looks the part for a place in the modern high tech world of today. But... beneath it all, it is really not much different from the 8595 Activator.The 8595 has a reasonable running noise (slightly more so than the Norelco, but quieter than the 7000 series), effective cutting technology, excellent battery life, and the right balance of weight and grip. The LCD display shows you how long your shave is taking (and retains that, so you can see how long your last shave was), the total number of shaves performed with the unit, how much charge on the battery is left (which goes down to the minute once less than 10 minutes are available--quite accurate, too), and how much longer the shaver needs to be plugged in to achieve a full charge. It's definitely more useful than the less informative LED lights on lesser models.Performance wise, the shaver works admirably. You do have to learn how to shave with an electric razor, though, in order to optimize the capability. With a little skill, you can get nearly as close as a blade. I find that I do with mine. And really, getting a shave that close without the danger of nicks and irritations is preferable to me.One of the other key features of this model is the cleaning station improvement. The older 7000 series had this lock down arm that made the unit more bulky, but even worse an inner tab is prone to breakage after a year of use that makes it impossible to lock down the shaver. The 8000 series solved this design beautifully. And in essence, this is still the same basic cleaning station included with the 9595, aside from a few cosmetic upgrades.NOTE: This particular unit is the shaver alone--no cleaning station. Although it is not essential to have it (you can indeed clean the razor just fine with a brush), it is a nice benefit. The Braun cleaning solution does indeed scour the blades super clean and leaves a fresh clean smell.If you are considering the 9595, I'll tell you what the differences are: The 9595 obviously has an updated appearance. There is also an indicator that tells you when to change the shaving head cassette. Yes, "cassette", as the foil and cutter block are now molded into one unit. This recommendation is... well, not very accurate. I believe it is based on the shaving count, which is not representative of the total cutting time. If someone takes 2 minutes versus 5 minutes, then the shaving head change indicator will be premature. Also, the foil part may be perfectly fine... it is the cutter block which gets dull over time. On the 8595, you can replace just the cutter block. On "that auction site" you can find a seller who offers that cutter block for $10. That's a dramatic difference from the $50 you'll pay for the "cassette" you have to change on the 9595.Also, you should know that the next model version, the 8995 360 Complete, is practically identical to the 8595 Activator, except for some very minor cosmetic differences and the "blade change" indicator. Otherwise, it is the same device. In fact, you can interchange the cleaning station and plug between the two models.So, in my book, the 8595 is the best value shaver available from Braun.
