Philips Norelco 8140XL SpeedXL Men's Shaver Reviews

• Norelco re-establishes electric superiority

  
  By AROTQNRZ51CUU on 2005-12-01
  So the 1980's gave us lift & cut. The 90's gave us Norelco's Reflex and Quadra systems. Now finally, for the first time in its 70+ years as the leading maker of rotary shavers, Norelco gives us a system that covers more area, with more speed and comfort than ever before. It doesn't just promise a faster, closer shave, it delivers.
  
  I can't speak for all guys, but let me try to break-down the electric / blade dilemma. Blades are closer, but cause irritation. So most blade users tend to skip a day to avoid that. Furthermore, you get a closer shave with a blade if you let the stubble grow a bit, so skipping a day is a common practice. But blade shaving gives guys far more options in terms of products to choose from, both for shavers and shaving conditioners and gels. Simply put, if you want a close shave and the ability to control all aspects of shaving, and see what you're cutting, the blade is the best way to go.
  
  Then there's electric. An idea hatched from the 1930's, and later re-marketed in the late 1950's space age / cold war era that told us that blade shaving was a thing of the past. Electric shaving promised to be as close as a blade for decades, but never delivered. But over the years it has delivered its promise of a safer, faster, and less irritating shave. For guys who don't like shaving around the sensitive lips and nose areas, electric has its advantages.
  
  All electric shavers fail to cut the longer neck hairs effectively, including the new Norelco XL series. But the XL is still a major breakthrough. Simply put, it has switched me back to electric after 6 years of using blades. The new rotors have three rows of blades, and an innovative mix of slots and holes for stubble, making-use of dead space that was Norelco's weakness since their beginning. The XL has the inward tilt mechanism introduced with the Reflex system. And it has the late 80's lift-and-cut technology, which doesn't work exactly as advertised, but it does shave flat areas of the face as close as a blade (the cheek and upper lip areas do get the closest cut).
  
  The XL series is easy to clean under hot water, another development from the Quadra series, which is even better and more effective here.
  
  The XL gives me the closest electric shave I've ever had. And I can use it daily for a consistent smooth look without irritation. Add the recent development of products like Anthony for Men's alcohol-based pre-shave solution, and electric shaving suddenly has advantages worth making the switch. I liked the XL so much, I got the 9160XL for home, and the less-expensive 8140XL for my office. The 2 shavers are the same, except for the smart touch pivoting feature, which is not a big bonus in my opinion. The pivoting feature makes it possible to shave the neck and chin faster, but the results for both shavers is exactly the same, meaning that some neck hairs are going to be missed, making it necessary to use a blade to do some quick cleanup. Electric is far from perfect, but this is the closest and most comfortable electric yet. I'm sticking with it.
  
  And since the XL is Norelco's top of the line model, it is still made in Holland. All other Norelco's are made in China. it won't be long before the XL is made in China as Norelco develops it's next breakthrough. But the XL is the big breakthrough as far as I'm concerned. I'm hooked. And I'm a total shaving geek now.
  
  

• Pretty good, but not great...

  
  By AE9KRWLUFFQKS on 2005-11-18
  I researched and researched and then I researched some more and eventually selected the 8140. While I do like the unit, it does not shave as close as a blade. It is quicker then shaving with a blade, easier, there's no mess, etc. The unit is also exceptionally quiet compared to other electric razors I've used in the past. It's lighter then I would have expected. The new head design is also more advanced then Norelco's I've used in the past and it does a better job in tough spots like your chin. I have no intentions of returning the unit and I will continue to use it happily, but it does not shave as close as a blade. The good thing is that when you come home from work with that 5-o'clock shadow, you can spend less then 60 seconds running it over your face to get a quick clean up. Lastly, it's a nice looking shaver and having the ability to clean it under the tap is great. I do recommend this product.
  
  

• Short lived, not the best shave

  
  By AQOFHS4H4ELNU on 2006-12-11
  On the plus side, like most mid-line Norelco shavers, it delivers a decent shave, is fairly quiet, and deals with longer hairs fairly well. I've been a loyal Norelco rotary fan for close to 20 years.
  
  Times have changed since Philips bought Norelco. The early Norelcos were the best shavers I could find and lasted a long time. The last several Norelco shavers I've bought, however, have either gone dull and/or the batteries have grown week within a year of buying them. I honestly believe Philips/Norelco is doing this on purpose to sell more expensive replacement blades and shavers? The sad thing is you buy a $70 shaver and the replacement blades run about $40. And, in my experience, the batteries (which cannot be replaced) die before the second set of blades wear out. So you're out $110 in about 18 months and have to buy a new shaver.
  
  Fed up spending a small fortune these last several years on Norelco products that just don't last I tried the latest Braun "360 Complete" shaver and so far am very pleased. To my surprise it shaves MUCH closer than my 8140XL and with less irritation. I don't know how long it will last, but based on the quality of the shave, and their short life, I'm done with Norelco.
  
  

• Great shave with a light touch

  
  By AHX862ZHEY4YK on 2005-11-16
  Those new XL shaving heads make a huge difference. The additional blades they added change the whole feel of the shave for the better. The shave is a more friendly shave. The heads almost feel soft against your face as you're shaving. For years I have used Afta pre-electric shave to cut down on irritation but I find with this razor it's no longer needed. It is very quiet and I must agree with another reviewer that it sounds like it's on low power. It's not. I thought that the new heads would shorten the amount of time I needed to shave but that wasn't true. It took just as long. Go figure. I would have given this razor 5 stars except after I got it I realized that it does not have a low battery indicator. That was an unwelcome surprise. The 8150XL or 8151XL does.
  ADDITIONAL REVIEW AFTER TWO MONTHS OF USE: Other razors wind down slowly when running out of juice. Not this one, it goes from full speed ahead to dead in three seconds. When it does that, turn it off and then back on. It seems to have another 30 seconds of shaving when you do that. I don't know if this was an accidental or intentional design but that little trick is not in the manual.
  
  
  

• Such a difference

  
  By A5ETK3YTV8RJJ on 2005-10-23
  I recently purchased this item after 4-5 years with my previous Norelco - in fact, I've never used any other brand of electric shaver. The differences are remarkable: 1. It is so much quieter than my previous shaver that it just doesn't seem to be working very hard. 2. Its design allows much closer contact with the skin than my previous shaver. 3. The fact that it can be cleaned after every use with running water from the faucet is its greatest feature for me. In summary, I am absolutely delighted with this shaver and have nothing but praise to give to its designers. Thanks, Norelco!
  
  
• I'm Impressed
  By A33SITUOTO9EH1 on 2005-11-14
  I don't leave many reviews here, but I had to write a quick "Thumbs Up" for this razor. It's the closest shave I've had with an electric razor so far. It's my first rotary. My previous razor's were Panasonic's and Braun foil razors. Two of those were more expensive than this one. I've always touched up with a twin blade razor... UNTIL NOW. Also, I shave my head. Not only is this great on my neck and beard, it even get my head including the tricky spots near the ears. Cleanup is quick and easy and I don't have to shell out $5 a bottle for some solution. I never had any razor burn and didn't need to give it a few weeks to adjust the manual suggested was common. The shave was close and comfortable from day 1. It's very quiet, which initially caused me to think it was underpowered. It's got a 60 day return policy - give it a whirl.
  
  
• Great shaver, reasonably priced
  By A14568AHUV1BOD on 2005-12-05
  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.
  
  
• Close shave but can bite.
  By A3E6X8RT1POYH1 on 2006-11-19
  The New Speed XL systems work ok but remember, this is very subjective as faces differ. I've tested several of the Speed Xl series and found them all adequate provided I don't press too firmly. They can quickly irritate the skin or actually cut. Not sensitive skin friendly by any means. This shaver has 3 rows of rotating blades which cut perfectly well but don't do as well as a good foil shaver in my case, even after the 21 day recommended break in period. You might need that much time to adjust but you'll know up front how any shaver will perform new as it is the sharpest. There is a lot of plastic and cheap feel but the heads and motor seem well built. I compared this shaver to my Panasonic pro curve linear and Braun activator. Both shavers did much better overall than the Norelco. The Braun is decent but the head quality is not the best. The Panasonic, on the other hand, did very well and seemed much better in quality. There's nothing really wrong with the Norelco and I can recommend it if you must have a rotary. If you don't, the Panasonic is the best going. Meanwhile the Norelco must be used with care and they're a bit pricey. Make sure to stock up on Remington's shaver saver spray. It sharpens and lubes the heads of any good shaver and lengthens life of the head. As always, follow the directions.
  
  
• Easily the best electric shaver I've ever used
  By A3KF4IP2MUS8QQ on 2006-02-14
  I am a man who hates to shave; it's a daily chore I happily forego any time I'm not working and have no place to go. I've been through a number of electric shavers in my time, of both the three-headed and foil varieties, and I have not really been happy with any one of them. As far as my face goes, foil shavers just don't do the job, especially on the neck - and those blasted foils tend to break quite easily, so the first thing you know you're rubbing a sharp metal edge over your face. The three-headed Norelco shavers I've used in the past have worked fairly well but never seemed to deliver as close a shave as I wanted or expected.
  
  These Norelco XL shavers may cost a little more than your average electric shaver, but they really do the job. Finally, I have a razor I can be happy with. This little beauty delivers what is easily the closest shave of any razor I've ever used, even on those neck hairs that eluded all my retired and discarded models. I'm talking about a huge, very noticeable difference. This shaver seems to mold itself to my face as I move from one area to another - the feeling was downright uncanny the first time I used it. I've probably cut my shaving time down by two-thirds, and I get a much closer shave, to boot. That alone makes this product worth the price, as far as I'm concerned.
  
  The battery has been a wonder all by itself, as well. It takes almost no time at all to fully charge this shaver - I don't think it's taken less than a half hour for me as of yet. And that battery charge lasts forever. I can go two weeks or more without needing to recharge, whereas I used to have to charge my old shavers at least once a week. These XL shavers are also wonderfully easy to clean. No longer do you have to worry about popping the cover off and fumbling it into the toilet bowl (hey, with my luck, it could happen) because the top doesn't detach itself completely - it attaches via a hinge that makes for really easy access and cleaning. Best of all, you can actually rinse the shaver clean.
  
  All the technical mumbo-jumbo about shavers mean little to me. All I care about is getting as close a shave in as short a time as possible - and I haven't found any electric shaver that can even compete with this Norelco model in that regard. This is by far the best electric shaver I've ever used.
  
  
• Overall great razor
  By AJFC4OCP56EJZ on 2006-03-12
  This is my first new razor in several years, so it's basically being compared to a 7+ year-old Norelco. Also, I have never shaved using traditional blades, so I can't compare it with that experience. With this said...
  
  Pros: There's a lot I like about this razor. It gives a really close shave. Much closer than I've gotten from previous electrics. It still could be a little closer, though, but not by much. It's cordless, which is very convenient, and the charge seems to last quite a long time. So far, one charge seems to last about 4 weeks for me, with shaving every day for about 3 minutes or so. Pretty good. It also is very ergonomically designed -- very comfortable to hold. I like that it is so quick to charge -- only takes about one hour. You also have the option of cleaning it with either water, or with an included brush. The water does a great job of cleaning out all the little hairs. I still worry about getting it wet too frequently, though, so I usually clean it with the brush and just clean it with water about once a month.
  
  Cons: The biggest con is that while there are "charging" and "done charging" LEDs on the razor, there is no "Battery Low" LED. This means you only know when the battery is dead when it dies while you are shaving. Once you've gone though a couple charge cycles you will learn about how long it goes between charges, but nonetheless it'd be nice to have a warning. It's really only because of this that I knocked off one star. But one other con is that the power adapter is somewhat large, as opposed to older Norelcos, so if you choose to use it as a corded razor, it might be inconvenient to store the adapter near the razor if you keep in, for example, a medicine cabinet.
  
  Other thoughts: Worth noting that you don't need to use the included stand if you don't want to -- the cord can plug directly into the razor for charging. Also, it can operate as either a cordless or corded razor, although the manual warns that using it as a corded razor too often will hurt the battery, so you pretty much have to choose one or the other. Comes with a very small travel pouch, head protector, and brush. Great razor overall. Only knocked it one star because there's no Battery Empty LED... some other Norelcos have this feature, but many of them are more expensive than this one. This is a great value for the money.
  
  
• Junk
  By A2N1HKKV8I0SBP on 2007-02-09
  This razor is junk. I have had several Norelco razors over the years and this one, as well as their entire current product line, is junk. First, the cord is not coiled and has a "wall wart". Second, you have to pay $40 extra to get a model that includes a travel pouch - travel pouches used to be included with all of their razors. The power cord doesn't fit in the travel pouch - which is odd given that one of the features of the razor is that it can handle world voltage. Third, the plastic cover for the blades doesn't cover the entire shaving surface so any of the "whisker dust" left in the razor is likely to fall out and make a mess. Finally, the charging stand is a poorly conceived feature. The razor can only be stored in the stand when plugged in if the razor needs charging, otherwise, the stand needs to be unplugged. I never saw any value to these charging stands but, for the person that wants it, it seems that they will be spending an inordinate amount of time plugging and unplugging the power cord.
  
  I'm keeping the razor because I don't have time to invest in finding something else.
  
  As far as shaving, this razor is adequate. The heads move around quite a bit in the head assembly so I'm not sure how durable this unit will be. Despite the manufacturer's claims of superlative shaving, the shave is completely typical of all of the electric razors I have used - not horrible but nothing incredible.
  
  So, all in all, this razor (as well as the current line) is a classic case of a manufacturer cutting value and quality while inreasing costs and claiming more features. Clearly, the only people who will be excited with this product are first-time electric razor users.
  
  
• Norelco Speed-XL8140 not so good
  By A2X9M70LMAZ456 on 2006-02-16
  I had used the same Norelco razor for the past ten years. It has ceased to hold a charge some time back so I had to use it with the cord. Nonetheless, it continued to provide me with a close shave in a short amount of time. Even so, I decided to upgrade to a newer version not only so that I could again have a cordless razor but also to take advantage of any new technology.
  
  After extensive research, I settled on the Speed-XL8140 primarily based on price-point and the pivoting heads. Suffice to say, I am extremely disappointed with my purchase. The razor doesn't have near the power that my older model still provides which results in it taking me roughly five times as long to shave each and every morning. I have been using it for the past 6 weeks and it hasn't gotten any better. Even with the extended shaving time, my shave is no closer than it was with the older model. Definitely not woth the $90 I paid!
  
  
• Junkola--and DON'T Buy from Target!
  By A3CYR5MF17E01D on 2005-12-15
  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.
  
  
• Not really an "upgrade", but still a good razor
  By A2NYXO74JGWD1T on 2006-11-14
  I have owned two Norelco Quadra-Action razors, and I was very pleased those. When I accidentally dropped my last one I decided to go ahead and step up to SpeedXL line, thinking I would notice significant improvements. The razor still does a great job for an electric, but I have to say the changes Norelco has made over the Quadra line are not noticeable to me: It takes the same amount of time for me to shave, the same few places are hard to get smooth, and the battery life is about the same.
  
  So, if you are considering this and a Quadra-Action, I would suggest you save yourself some money and go with the latter, seemingly-identical razor.
  
  
• Good features; disappointing results
  By A3EGFNE1HO1NTP on 2006-02-07
  I have had this razor for 6 weeks now (that's past the 3 week adjustment period) and overall I am disappointed with it.
  
  First, what I like about the razor:
  
  The quick rinse cleaning is a very nice feature and the reason why I choose this razor. I am not very good about cleaning the razors.
  
  The trimmer is on a spring release that works much better than my old Norelco's trimmer that took some force to open.
  
  Indicators to let you know when to recharge and when the razor is at full charge.
  
  
  What I did not like about the razor:
  
  For the other posts who said the larger blades did not seem to make a difference from older razors, I must agree.
  
  The charger light is only a light, not a gauge.
  
  On the subject of charging, the manual says that you should not let the razor sit in the charger to preserve the internal battery. This can be a real problem since I shave close to the time I am leaving. So, I don't have the time to wait and remembering to charge it when I get home usually doesn't happen.
  
  Although quiet (something that I could not care less about) it feels weak. I find myself constantly checking to see if it needs recharging. My problem areas were not solved by this newer razor with larger blades and my shaving time was not reduced.
  
  Better make sure you are happy with your shave before rinsing the razor.
  
  I find it works great if I skip a day of shaving, but daily shaving and 2 days or more of growth can give this razor trouble.
  
  
• possibilities
  By A23IEMVFSM796K on 2005-10-11
  I've been shaving for years with electric shavers. Back when Remingtons were still made in USA and Norelco's in Japan. This shaver is good. It is very quiet. The shave isn't as close as the older model 850RX. My cheap Wahl shaves closer and faster but is far too noisy.
  The batteries would give many shaves if I didn't have to spend so much time getting a close shave. Because of the time it takes and the marginal quality of the closness I could not give it more than 3 stars.
  One for being quiet, one for being non-irritating, and one for overall construction quality.
  But it lost one for being a slow shaver, and lost one for not shaving closer.
  
  
  
• Best Electric Shaver I've used yet
  By A1K34D77DNLLYS on 2006-11-30
  I've used several electrics over the last 5 or 6 years or so including a Norelco from a couple years ago and most recently a Panasonic Vortex 8178. The Vortex is loud, powerful, and by and large does a great job. I ended up dropping and breaking the Vortex which is why I bought this Norelco.
  
  This Norelco does just as good a job as the Vortex, and does so in a much gentler, softer way. It cuts just as close without the loud noise and without the irritation the Vortex can give you at first. This doesn't have the fancy cleaning machine like the Vortex does, but that was more trouble than it was worth--you have to buy replacement cartridges and it takes hours on end to clean it. You just rinse this Norelco under the faucet and it's as good as new. The only weak spot on this Norelco is its trimmer--it just isn't very powerful, not nearly as powerful as the Vortex and even not as good as my old Norelco. But the weak trimmer isn't enough to bring my rating down because the shaver works so well overall. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Very happy with this razor
  By A3UTE5ZC6GC2VZ on 2005-10-09
  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...
  
  
  
  
• WHAT A DISSAPOINTMENT!!!
  By A116VVCJ3NB6N on 2006-02-01
  I have been using Norelco shavers for 40 years and when I saw the deal on the triple head at Sam's Club I decided to retire my 10 year old Norelco. A mistake! I should have taken advantage of the 30 day test period because I am not satisfied and am back using my old shaver. Using the new shaver takes 2 or 3 times as long and even then I miss spots. The overall shave is not nearly as close. The Sam's club version does not come with a stand so I have to store the shaver in a glass. I called Norelco and a stand in not available as a seperate item.
  
  The triple shaving heads are not nearly as effective as the old one and are just a marketing gimick.
  
  If you are currently using an older Norelco triple header the 8140 will be disapointing.
  
  Thanks.
  
  
• WORST RAZOR ON THE MARKET, DON'T BUY
  By A2QUO15QWJ8GO1 on 2006-12-11
  I'VE USED NORELCO FOR YEARS, NONE HAVE BEEN THAT GREAT, BUT IT WAS THE BEST OF TWO EVILS. NOW THAT PHILLIPS IS OWNER OF NORELCO THERE RAZOR'S ARE HORRIBLE. IT HAS NO POWER. IT TOOK ME OVER 30 MINUTES JUST TO SHAVE. IT IRRATED MY SKIN. AND STILL DIDN'T DO A GOOD JOB. THE MOTOR IS SO LOW YOU CAN'T TELL IF IT'S EVEN SHAVING. AFTER SHAVING I HAD TO USE A OLD GILLETTE STRAIGHT EDGE TO FINISH THE JOB. I TOOK THIS PIECE OF JUNK BACK AND BOUGHT A CORDED 29.00 BRAUN ELEC RAZOR. IT GAVE ME THE BEST SHAVE I'VE HAD IN YEARS. THE NORELCO BATTERIES ALSO DON'T LAST. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NORELCO. GOOD BUY FOR EVEER
  
  
• Corporate Greed Ruins Good Shaver...
  By A3FW4THIMBIN6V on 2007-06-10
  The shave I get with this is fine, but be warned: The Norelco SpeedXL series has a built in blade life. Once Norelco thinks you need to change the blades (and they tend to think you should spend the $36 more often than you will want), the shaver disables itself.
  
  The way it does this is that it turns on the "change blade" warning LED. And this LED uses so much power that it drains the batteries in just over one day. Worse yet, the shaver will not operate unless the battery is charged, so this results in a dead shaver until you replace the blades.
  
  Way to go Norelco. I used to be a big fan.
  
  
• Easy to clean but shave was not good
  By A3NDK03ZFJGS2R on 2006-06-14
  I decided to get rid of my last electric shaver (Panasonic ES8152NC) and go back to using a rotary one, so after looking around and reading reviews I deided to buy this shaver.
  
  The good things about it were that it looked cool, it was extremely easy to clean after each shave, and the battery lasts a long time.
  
  The only problem was that this thing can't cut. When I first got it, it would sometimes pull hairs. I thought I just needed to get used to rotary head shaver again, but it's now been 1.5 months and it's gotten worse. I have to go over the same are several times and it pulls hairs constantly... I even use the pre-lectric preshave.
  
  
• Review of Norelco 8140XL
  By A3D3HPG9L6FE1F on 2006-03-23
  Razor does not always give a very close shave and at times causes slight abrasions in the area of the chin. It is very easy to clean and holds a charge for at least 15 shaves. I have owned several Norelco razors which provided closer shaves.
  
  
• A big disappointing step down from the old 6886XL
  By A1VVRA3P6G1TWH on 2006-09-08
  Tried the new 8171XL, a slightly more dressed up version of 8140XL. Comparing to my old 6886XL Quadro, the new one is cheaper in most aspect, material, workmanship, look and feel. The whole thing feels flimsy. With the only exception of the motor, which sounds more solid and together than the 6886XL. The worst parts are the trimmer on the back and the charger and the power cord. It makes me wonder just how long this thing is going to last. My 6886XL worked for me faithfully for 8 years. Never replaced anything. The battery is dying, instead of lasting 35 min as it did in the beginning, it now last about half that much, not bad after 8 years. I left it charging long after it's full for countless times. The blades gets dull. But still, shaved with the new 8171, the old 6886, and Braun 7505, I'd say the Braun is the closest and loudest. The Braun looks balky and its plastic feels cheap. But better than this new 8171XL! Norelco seems to have gone hip-pop, with the new color and design, cheap everything and all. I'm going for the lesser evil - Braun 7505. The German one feels like it will last longer than the Norelco and it looks more like a honest shaver.
  
  Conclusion:
  If you want something good for a couple of month before you get tired of it and switch, it's not bad. It works as good as my 8 year old 6886Xl, but no better.
  
  If you are into something solid and reliable for the long term, try other brand.
  
  Without real competition in its rotary niche, it's no surprise that Norelco goes the way it does today. But very disappointing to me nevertheless. I am returing the new 8171 tomorrow...
  
  
• What mood are you in?
  By ATNZ6ZION5HI1 on 2006-11-21
  Not as close as a blade, but usually it's less trouble to just run this thing over my face than do the whole set-up for a blade shave. If I've been shaving every day, a touch up takes no time at all, BUT, if I go an extra day, the time it takes to actually get a clean shave seems like forever, going over the same areas over and over again. After all is said and done, this my choice among electrics. My solution to the weaknesses of an electric shaver: 1/When casual shave is all that's needed, and I've shaved a day before: Electric only. 2/When I've shaved the day before, but want to be soft as a baby: Blade only. 3/When I've let myself go for two or more days: Twice-over with electric, to cut down on times the blade runs over the skin , then finish with the blade. The dual technology takes less time than either alone: The set up on electric cutting down on how much hair gets stuck later in the blade, and the blade often finishing a section with only one pass, rare on electric. I also believe that alternating keeps the skin from getting too sensitive to either tool.
  
  
• Best One Ever
  By A3KMEFS7SUU67J on 2005-12-23
  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.
  
  
• Best electric shaver I've ever had
  By A28HAJMP2SDN4E on 2006-01-04
  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.
  
  
• Norelco Speed XL shaver
  By A4GZV9ND85DWD on 2006-06-09
  This shaver is extremely light and almost silent. The battery holds the charge a long time and delivers even power throughout the lifetime of the charge instead of getting gradually weaker. It is very nice to be able to clean the razor by rinsing. It is very gentle to sensitive skin, but does a good job of giving as close a shave as can be expected from an electric razor.
  
  
• Piece of junk
  By A286J6XOF63I4V on 2006-11-12
  I got this from my wife as a gift. It's a bad design. The cleaning light came on after one shave. Trying to put the head guard back onto the blades after cleaning is very tough and frustrating. Also, with the plastic head guard attached, you can't put the shaver in the case that came with it. The shaver also feels cheap. Not woth the money at all.
  
  
• A quiet and close shave, with caveats
  By A2ZDN5VRWNHHCQ on 2007-05-11
  The 8140 SpeedXL model is the first time I've tried using a Norelco shaver in almost a decade, and the results have been superior to earlier models, equaling the closeness of shave seen with midrange foil models from Braun or Remington. There are some caveats however, as the head is less well suited to going over any given area of the face a single time, and has more difficulty with the areas above and below the lips. Unfortunately, the attached trimmer is one of the worst designs I've seen unless you use it exclusively for thinning out your beard hair.
  
  This particular unit is very quiet for an electric, and is possessed of a NiMH rechargeable battery making it less apt to developing a crippling "memory-effect". This is a plus, and while the battery capacity is not the absolute best, the shaver does seem to recharge rather rapidly. The NiMH battery also reduces the mass of the shaver; the seemingly low-powered motors add little more, making this a very light shaver for it's size.
  
  While the closeness of shave is quite comparable to pivoting foil-head models from Braun and some of the dual-foil Remingtons, the Norelco seems to require going over the same 'section' of skin more times. The area of the head of the shaver is of course larger, so there are fewer total 'sections' to shave, but the Norelco does seem to take a bit longer, with plenty of touch up needed above and below the lips, the top of the chin, and the neck. Overall however, a very close shave is possible without using a mirror. Beware of shaving with only one of the heads however (as on curvy area of the upper lip), as skin can get pulled uncomfortably.
  
  Norelco touts this shaver as being directly washable, but I would not wash the razor more than monthly, rather mopping up the inside with a piece of tissue three or four times a week (if you have thick, quickly growing hair). Also note that the head section dries rather slowly, and should probably be shook vigorously dry before reattaching.
  
  The pop-up trimmer is a disappointment as it seems much lower-powered than Remington or Braun trimmers, requiring more attention in use than it should. Much like the head of the shaver, the trimmer must go over the same section multiple times to get the job done. It's not possible to do precise trimming with a corner of the trimmer, and it is also definitely wider than is preferable for precise trimming. Still worse, the trimmer has even more of a tendency to fold back into the main unit than the competition. The sole saving grace of the low-powered trimmer is that it is probably the best design going for trimming and thinning out large areas of beard, mustache and sideburn.
  
  Barring the trimmer, and using care when shaving the upper lip, this is a high quality design that should stand the test of time. Since it does not have an easily tear-able foil or a bendable head that require replacement, it should also be cheaper to maintain over the long term unless one washes it daily. Finally, the percieved level of irritation induced by the shaver seems comparable to Remington/Braun and less than the thin-foil Panasonics.
  
  If you can get around the trimmer and the trade offs inherent in the head design, this shaver is one of the better units on the market, and should serve you well for many years.
  
  

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