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: 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: Very happy with this razor
Summary: 5 Stars
I am very impressed with this razor. I have used electric razors most of my 35+ years of shaving. I was skeptical using it for the first time, I thought it wasn't working because it is so soft to the face and so quiet. It didn't sound "agressive" like my other razors did. WRONG!!! The shave was close, my skin was not irritated at all, and it cut smooth basically in the first pass. This unit is first class.
My previous razor was a Braun foil. I bought one for myself and another for my son from Frys because of the price. JUNK!!! We both have heavy beards, he more so than I, and both of us had terrible 5 o'clock shadows by 10:00AM! And the skin irritation on my neck, just horrible.
I took a long time comparing all the available models. For me this model provides the best mix of features and price. I definitely recommend the Speed-XL shaving heads. Other nice features are it can be cleaned under the faucet, it charges quickly and maintains that charge for a long time, and it provides what I consider one of the best shaves I've had in a long time. The heft and feel is good. Materials are good. Workmanship is good. The only feature I'd like to have is a battery charge indicator.
The other Speed-XL model is the 8160. It includes the cleaning system with a much higher price. Now there is the SmartTouch-XL which may be overkill. But if price is not an issue...
Customer Review: Test of time: Aced!
Summary: 5 Stars
According to my Amazon's purchase records, I bought this shaver back in June 2008 and I've used it almost exclusively up until recently when it was replaced by a Philips Norelco arcitec 1050 Men's Shaver not because it stopped working but because the Arcitec was on sale for a price where it made more sense to buy a brand-new shaver than to replace the old SpeedXL's shaving heads. As of now, the SpeedXL is still in perfect working order and it's likely to be one of my kids first shavers when they are going to need a first shaver (soon).
I am writing this only to testify to the quality of this product. I had no problems with it whatsoever, it never let me down, the battery still holds enough charge for maybe half a dozen shaves, runs as silently as on day one and it's a near-zero maintenance item, requiring nothing beyond the heads cleaning after each shave by placing them under the faucet. The one issue I had was that the skin on my neck got irritated from time to time but it was never anything major that wouldn't go away after a few hours.
Si, it's goodbye to the SpeedXL for me (hello Arcitec) but it's not this shaver's end of career. It's going to be in service, again, in about a year or two, who knows for how much longer :)
Customer Review: Takes 60+ Days for a Great Shave
Summary: 5 Stars
I used a Norelco Quadra 6865XL for several years. It took 30 to 40 days before the razor (or my skin) adjusted to give a good shave. The Speed XL takes longer.
I tried a Spectra. Was as good as the Quadra. However, the plastic cap would not stay in place. And the shaver head detached and flew off when I pushed the release button. The Quadra was worse -- the cutters would drop out during cleaning. Speed XL does not suffer from either problem. The plastic cap fits very well. And the cutters stay firmly in place. The motor is very quiet and, initially, I felt the blades were too slow. Be patient, the shaver works very well.
I have an average beard and it took 15+ minutes for a good shave. It dropped to 10 mintes in 4+ weeks and now, at 3+ months, it takes 7 minutes. The shave is particularly close on the chin (despite a cleft) and moustache. The clipper is quieter and nick free, compared with the Quadra.
The design of the carrying case is brilliant. I wish I had done it. Small and perfect for inter-continental trips, as it packs easily into a briefcase.
The charging stand takes too much space in the bathroom. I plug the wall wart into the shaver when needed; improves battery life and is eco-friendly, as the charger is unplugged between charges.
Customer Review: Whoao!!! Great shave.
Summary: 5 Stars
First I have to say that my previous experiences are minimal, I used to use razors then switch to electrical shaver under my skin doctor's advised. I was using a CruZer3 from Braun, I love its design, ergonomic and sturdy feeling but it took me very long time to shave and it left whiskers around my neck area. When I tried the Norelco 8140XL just could say whoao, I mean whoao, it took me no time to get a smooth close shave. The things I didn't like were the package, it is very hard and difficult to open, the razor seems very "Light" constructed when compare with the Braun (I think it is more a psychological issue, what really matters is how well it performances), but it amazed me how close and fast it shaved me, even the neck area.
Keep in mind that the shave won't be as close as a razor's, but it's pretty close and smooth (No irritation at all).
I decided to get this model because it uses the same shaving technology as the more expensive Norelco shavers but at a great price, the major differences are led displays, sensitive adjustments, among other non important features to me, overall it is a great deal.
(Finally to be fair, it is like comparing a Chevy to a Benz, both shavers are in different categories)