Philips Norelco 8140XL SpeedXL Men's Shaver
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List Price: Our Price: $79.99 You Save: $60.00 (43%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Health Care See more product details |
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Customer Reviews of Philips Norelco 8140XL SpeedXL Men's Shaver
Customer Review: You do hear a very slight hum...
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought my first electric shaver about 55 years ago and my first Norelco only a few years later. Since then I've tried them all, and this is by far the best.
I joke that it is a magic shaver, because you don't hear anything and don't feel anything.
That's a slight exaggeration. You do hear a very slight hum, but it it is so quiet that I really thought something was wrong the first time I used it, but I quickly noticed that whereever it touched my face, the whiskers disappeared.
It does cause some minor skin irritation, but it is instantly cured by a few drops of after shave balm.
Very easy to clean, and a charge lasts about two weeks.
Very light, very comfortable in your hand. Can't find a single negative.
Customer Review: Next up I'm either going to try the new Panasonic Vortex or Braun Activator - not sure yet.
Summary: 1 Stars
I was very, very disappointed in this shaver. I've always been one of those people with a sandpaper beard that's hard to shave closely, and sensitive skin. So every few years, I begin the quest for a new shaver. Sometimes I have to go through a few of them. I've been using both a Norelco Spectra and a Panasonic Pro Curve linear, and was intrigued by the new design. I've used Norelcos since I was 16.
First, because of the reviews, I tried a Spectra, before this discontinued model was all sold out. Got a super close shave, but it really gave me a sore neck. Took it back to Fry's, no problem. That night, I saw an 8151 (an 8140 with a stand) on sale at Target for $77.00 and grabbed it. What a mistake!
First, it seems to be less powerful. It's lighter and quieter and doesn't seem to be as strong as the Quadra or Spectra. I had to go around my face in circles for 10 minutes to get it remotely smooth, and I can still feel some stubble. It really wimped out on the upper lip, and could not get that slope between the lower lip and crease of the chin smooth. I tried it for a day or two and the same results. Forget what they say about needing 30 days to get used to it -- I was already conditioned to rotaries.
Also, the flex resistance was too weak. I barely pushed and the cutters were pushing in, with very little resistance. This also prevented me from getting a close shave.
So I packed it up and took it back to Target. The girl in line tells me they don't accept used items for refunds. No satisfaction guaranteed clause. Tough luck, sorry, get out. I finally got my refund after tracking down a manager and arguing with him and threatening to small claim them. It was more trouble than it was worth. Yeah, I could have read the back of the receipt, but because most other stores have a satisfaction guaranteed policy, I just assumed.
Next up I'm either going to try the new Panasonic Vortex or Braun Activator -- not sure yet.
UPDATED: Well, a few more comments, with nearly a month having elapsed. First, to "anonymous" who said I shouldn't blame a product for the fact that I don't like Target's return policies, if the product had been adequate, I wouldn't have been aware of Target's return policies -- obviously! My point was that the lesson of my experience is that, with this or any electric razor, you should familiarize yourself with return policies as everybody's beard growth and facial configuration is different, and you can't know if a razor will work without test driving it first.
Next, while my experience is not unique, in having spoken with some friends and coworkers, the new Norelcos are a hit or miss proposition for you -- if it works for you, it works very, very well. If it doesn't, it doesn't. It depends on the variables. My problem was based in the fact that there was too much resistance in the floating heads. Now I'm using a 9190, with adjustable resistance, and it works much better.
Customer Review: This one is a definite "recommend".
Summary: 5 Stars
Actually, by the time you hit Medicare, you've shaved a bunch! and this is definitely the best shaver ever. I've owned 4, kept giving up and going back to a blade, got tired of the blade, you know the drill.
This one is quiet,very quick, smoother shave than ANY blade, and a total pleasure.
This one is a definite "recommend". Thanks to the manufacturer for continuing to improve and upgrade to reach this point.
Customer Review: Lastly...
Summary: 4 Stars
I agree with most of the other reviews. This is the best electric shaver I've ever had--lightyears better than the Braun Syncro I was using before. I don't expect to get as close a shave with an electric as with a blade, so I don't think it's fair to judge them by that standard; the only thing that makes sense is to compare them to other electrics, and this one is outstanding. It's quiet, it charges quickly, and it shaves your beard. I like products I don't have to think about.
I'm not pleased by the fact that this model doesn't have a low-battery indicator. That's a demerit. The stand is a little gimmicky. You can charge the unit without using the stand; the stand just makes the product look a bit more pretentious. (My shaver came with a free "personal groomer" for beards as well as ear and nose hair; this was a nice addition, but not enough to make or break the sale.)
Lastly, to the guy who had a hassle at Target: don't blame the product for the fact that you don't like Target's return policy.
Customer Review: I would rate it as the best Norelco that I have owned.
Summary: 4 Stars
I have used Norelco shavers for over 40 years. I wanted one that was easier to clean, hated that little brush, etc. The 8140 can be washed after each use under hot tap water to keep it fairly clean. It still requires the in-depth cleaning monthly but even that is so much easier since most of the hair is removed daily. It is quiet and light. I would rate it as the best Norelco that I have owned.