Braun Series 5 570cc (8985) Men's Shaver Reviews

• Extremely Pleased

  
  By A2QKOUGK9R6139 on 2006-08-03
  I ordered this shaver from Amazon before its mid-July release and have been using it for a little more than 2 weeks. Today's multiple blade safety razors lift the hair slightly above the opening of the follicle where it is cut then recedes back into place. Because it was lifted upward first before being cut, it actually returns to a position below the skin surface.
  
  The skin provides protection from certain types of harmful bacteria and it is not perfectly smooth. Hair harbors bacteria and so can your razor. Even trace amounts of the ingredients found in shaving foams/gels plus any leftover stubble is a breeding ground for it. Also, most people leave their razors in the bathroom. Need I say more? Shaving with a blade razor abrades the skin. This abrasion, along with hair receding below the follicle opening, provides access for bacteria to exploit; ergo the hygienic justification for the clean and renew system associated with the Braun shaver.
  
  The shaver and its charging/cleaning base are an attractive appliance with a small footprint. The power cord can either be attached to the charging/cleaning base or directly to the shaver itself. The clean and renew cartridge installs easily into the base. Then plug it in, insert the shaver and allow for initial charging. The unit will not begin the cleaning cycle until the blue button on the front of the base is depressed, so it can be charged from the base without cleaning. The cleaning base has sensors that determine what level of cleaning is necessary. No selection is required. The only time that you need to remove the micro-screen shaving head to clean mechanically with the supplied brush is when you are on a trip and away from the cleaning base. One note about the clean and renew cartridges, the CCR2 and the CCR3 are the same. The number indicates how many replacement cartridges are included in the package. The shaver is ergonomically designed to fit well in the hand, is well balanced, and the controls are very simple.
  
  I really appreciate the improved level of hygiene because of the clean and renew system. Not that I had a complexion problem before using the Braun (I didn't) but my skin looks clearer and has better tone than it has in a long time, maybe ever. I am thoroughly pleased with this product.
  
  

• I've used a lot of electric shavers and this is the best one so far

  
  By AZAC8O310IK4E on 2006-12-25
  I shave everyday and thus have used many electric shavers in my time. I have found that the Braun self-cleaning shaver is the best. It gives me the closest shave and also has that great self-cleaning unit which completely cleans and lubricates the shaver. The reason why I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 is because the cleaning cartridges are quite expensive and basically need to be replaced every month. One way to make them last longer is to clean your shaver by every other use rather than everytime.
  
  

• Excellent shaver

  
  By A1JI89VL0NZQUY on 2006-11-10
  I upgraded (finally) from Amazon.com a few months ago from a Braun puchased over 10 years ago (that I had reconditioned, new batteries put in, etc), which in turn replaced a Braun. I'm clearly in the Braun camp.
  
  The 8985 shaves heads and tails better than anything I've used. Quiet, close, non irritating. Well balanced and easy to hold/maneuver as well. I was originally concerned about having to be on the hook to ongoingly purchase cleaning solution. To extend the solution, I quickly (5 seconds) brush out the hair prior to running the shaver through its cleaning cycle. The solution has lasted far longer than I'd have thought.
  
  Admittedly, it's been a while since I've shaved with Norelcos or Remingtons or other shavers, but I am extremely pleased with the 8985. Certainly if you've liked Brauns and it's been a while since you've upgraded, it might be worth a look to try this model on.
  
  

• Works like I would expect but kind of gimmicky

  
  By A18Y0KT2UYJMQ3 on 2007-05-27
  My wife bought me this razor as a Christmas gift and I've now given it a half year of use to review. It is a replacement for an older Panasonic ES8066 that I owned for many years until I dropped and broke it.
  
  While the shave is comparable to the shave I had with the Panasonic, the issues I have are:
  1- The foil tends to rub under my nose during the shave and leave it red.
  2- While the shave is good, it's no better than some razors you can get for cheaper and nowhere near the closeness of a blade. For some reason, I seem to be having trouble getting a close shave in some areas of my face with this razor. I never had that issue with Panasonic.
  3- The gimmicky aspect I HATE is that it uses these cleaning cartridges that evaporate all by themselves. My old Panasonic was a wet/dry that I could adequately clean in water. The cleaning solution for this is SD40 alcohol and the old cartridge cannot be cleaned and refilled. It's going to wind up costing you to keep this thing. More than it's worth I feel. The alcohol bath it gives, however, does make the razor clean.
  4- The clean cycle takes long and I'm not sure the "cleanliness sensor" works properly. When my first cartridge ran out, I cleaned the razor and foil in alcohol until it was spotless inside and out. The sensor, however, said it needed an intensive clean.
  5- The recharger/cleaning base is somewhat large and takes up more bathroom counter real estate than I would like. Since it's circular, it doesn't fit squarely in a corner. If you somehow tip it or it gets pushed into the sink....there goes your cleaning solution.
  6- When the cleaning solution is not cleaning, it's evaporating (as alcohol does) in your bathroom. I'm not sure I need any more chemicals in the air filtering through my lungs.
  
  In the end, I would have preferred a simple razor that just needs to be plugged in once a week or so for recharging and could be used in the shower and cleaned in water. I hate being forced into buying any extra supplies to maintain an electric razor. If this thing breaks, I will not be buying another one like it.
  
  

• Not great. Not worth the cost and extra supplies

  
  By A1XCL1X8M9P3J6 on 2007-08-19
  I am sending mine back. I have used Norelco shavers for some time, and have tried this one for 3 weeks now. I thought it would be a better shave given the hoopla and supposed technical advantages. It isn't. It still leaves uncut whiskers, and often gives me with a bloody nick - something I had never experienced from my fifty clam Norelco.
  
  The cleaning station is cool, but the noise and blinking lights freak out some members of the family. My razor doesn't want to come out of the cleaning station without some fuss; it sometimes starts the cycle again when I try to release it - meaning the razor is saturated in alcohol just before I want to shave.
  
  
• Best Shave Ever!!
  By AC2CVQSZE3JJK on 2006-09-04
  I used to shave in the shower and wanted to conserve water and electricity so I bought this razor to reduce (but not eliminate) the amount of time I'd have to shave with my bladed razor. I certainly didn't think it would replace my trusted Mach 3 which I've been using ever since it was introduced (probably 6 years ago). I have very heavy beard growth and the follicles sprout out in all directions so shaving is a very time-consuming affair. No electric razor has ever been up to the task. I used the Braun and it gave me the closest shave ever! I don't even bother with the Mach 3 anymore since I know it can't shave as close. My face is smooth in all directions. I rub my hand against the grain of beard growth and I can't feel that sandpaper feel. Very smooth! A product that lives up the hype! I'm impressed!
  
  
• Best electric I have used
  By A1YCOFL5BV1S4U on 2007-02-18
  Short Review:
  Beats Norelco and Remington--I have used both manufactures' top models
  Gets neck better then previous electrics--still occasionally need regular blade to bat clean-up though
  Overall better design and feel than other razors
  The auto clean feature is really nice but does take up a lot of real estate and is loud
  
  Long Review:
  
  Total cost of ownership
  - About $145 initial minus the $50 Amazon cash. I buy from Amazon all the time so the cash is great for me.
  - The Cleaners are about $3.90 a piece and last for a little over a month so figure about $43 a year.
  - $40 a year for the Foil and Cutter Block
  
  -- Figure on about $188 for first year or $15.67 a month (If you do not count Amazon cash)
  -- Figure on about $83 for following years or $6.90 a month
  -- I only use them for about 3 years so Total Cost for me is $354 minus $50 Amazon Cash for $304 or $8.44 a month for 3 years.
  
  Better shave then other electrics I have used but still room for improvement with those neck hairs. The base is large but you do not get the sink mess that comes with other razors and you do not have to oil the blades--auto clean is nice.
  
  Nice features include the led indicator for when it needs new blades and a battery charge/discharge system that keeps the constant recharging from significantly lowering the battery life.
  
  I recommend this razor over all the others.
  
  
  
• Get this one!
  By A2IRXRHEIW5B2S on 2006-12-07
  I would have to say this is one of the best razors i have used. I have a very complex facial hair design and it works perfectly. Will this replace the razor? No. I sometimes have to use the razor to remove the entire stubble. I can use this razor everyday without the itch of razor burn. My razor blade lasted me a year not the 18 months it said it would. The cleaning system works perfect. If you let your facial hair get long then I would recommend using the build in trimmer before the shaver.
  
  
• Satisfaction in the eyes of the Holder...
  By A2QPWCWCBQ6X3S on 2006-11-19
  Let's admit it, shaving is a very subjective topic. As electric shavers go, the Braun 360 Complete is pretty good--it's quiet, quick, maneuverable, shaves relatively cose (sometimes takes several go-overs), and self-cleaning (very cool). It's also expensive, but all electric razors are expensive when compared to old-fashioned hand-helds (and no electric razor has ever been able to give me as close a shave as a hand razor). It also irritates the skin of my upper neckline where I find it very difficult to get a close shave. Now I'll admit to having thick, fasting-growing, black-colored stubble, so it mught just be that electric razor technology is not yet up to my challenging standards!
  
  
• Overall a decent buy
  By ADV4WITOB5C6T on 2007-04-11
  Basically, this shaver gives me just as close a shave as any high-quality electric shaver. No better, no worse. It will never be as close as one of those flashy Gillette blades, though. I'm one of those guys with a pretty thick, fast growing beard, so this is a concern for me every morning. I've definitely gone through my share of various types of electrics and razors.
  
  Hands down, there is a huge convenience factor added with the self-cleaning. No mess. No hassles. Just drop it in the charger, push the button, and let it do its thing for about an hour.
  
  From a financial standpoint, its a mixed bag when comparing to standard blades. Your typical Fusion blade costs between $3-$4, and based on the type of beard you have, a single blade can last about a week, give or take. So per use, its definitely cheaper to go with electric. However, with such high up-front costs to purchase the Braun, along with changing the cleaning cleaning fluid each month at around $4/each, it will take a few years to break-even. (In fact, if you want to get really technical, with inflation and interest rates considered, you may never really break-even. I was actually distorted enough to run these calculations in Excel.) However, from a purely psychological sense, you don't feel like you're getting robbed each time you have to buy more razors, you just get robbed once.
  
  So, in summary, solid electric shaver, cool added value of convenience, and its kind of your call on whether you think you'll be saving money or not.
  
  
• Great Shaver
  By A3SBWFYHJ0IQ03 on 2006-08-08
  When my old $30 Remington DA-307 shaver died (after several years of loyal operation with never having its blades or foil replaced), I decided it was time for something a bit higher quality. I went with the new 8985 by Braun, and have been using it for about a month now. It delivers an excellent shave, very close, with surprisingly few passes. The cleaning system is entertaining, but probably not worth the money IMHO (this goes for all self-cleaning shaving systems however). My first shave left black streaks on my face though, I guess it was the oil it shipped with on it still, that was gone after running it thorugh the cleaning solution the first time. It's a quiet shaver, and the cleaning process, although lengthy even on the shortest econo mode, is quiet and very effective. I usually take the foil off after every shave, and empty the stubble to ensure the cleaning fluid lasts as long as it can, however after the cleaning cycle, I've taken the head off and never found stubble left behind, or anything except perfectly clean blades that even smell fresh.
  
  The only reason why this didn't get 5 stars, is that $150 is a lot of money to spend on a shaver I think. While I was waiting on this one, I bought a $10 (Titanium Turbo T2) shaver at Fry's. Although it couldn't get a very close cut, couldn't handle my goatee at all, and couldn't even cut longer hairs just on my cheeks, it did get most of the job done. And my $30 Remington? It did everything I need, in fact, because its beard trimmer extended at a 90-degree angle and this Braun trimmer extends straight out, it was actually easier to follow the curve of my chin.
  
  In all, I am quite pleased with my purchase, it charges -very- rapidly (something the Remington didn't do, and it couldn't even run with a depleted battery while plugged into A/C). It also performs well, with a clean and close shave, and absolutely no irritation. The flashing LEDs are fun too, it feels like a well built bit of machinery that should last a very long time if taken care of. Although I'm not sure I can say the same about the charging/cleaning station, it's all plastic and seems as though it might be more needy, and end up cracked at some point.
  
  
• Curly Hair, BEWARE....
  By A2WRU8PRQ0OXZP on 2007-01-11
  Why trade off a COMPLETE shave for a close shave? Sure enough, you will get a close shave, but if all of your facial hair does not grow at a perfect 90 degree angle to your face, you will NEVER get a complete shave. I bought this thing hoping to save time in the morning shaving and cleaning the razor. In the past (and now present) I've always used the Norelco ROTARY electric shaver. Having curly hair, the rotary razor does a decent job, no more than three strokes to shave ALL the hair in any given area.
  
  The Braun "360 Complete" is pure marketing hype. It takes 3 x's longer, leaving my face sore and hot, and I would still have to touch up many visible hairs with my old Norelco! The auto cleaner is not smart. Cleaning cycle based on battery wear, not the condition of the razor. If you have curly facial hair, buy anything else.
  
  
• It's a razor, people....A good one!
  By AGY45R705XJU2 on 2007-03-28
  Funny, I read some of the reviews here, and wonder about the people who are reviewing the product.
  
  *I own a different razor, but am reviewing this one...
  *You can't get it wet, but it doesn't say that in the product manual...
  *You have to replace the "expensive" cutter/head every 18 months...
  *The cleaning stand is too large...
  
  Good grief, is this stuff made up? It cannot be for real, can it? "Here's your sign..."
  
  Did any of these people do ANY research before purchase? You can see this thing in any Wal-Mart or Target in America....I think these are the people who sue companies for having 'Hot coffee'....sheesh.
  
  Come on, folks, it is a RAZOR! I used a Norelco wet/dry for years, and was never quite satisfied. Too many passes, and the razor burn was bad. So, after dropping it on the floor and breaking it beyond repair, I tried this. With the rebate from Amazon, it was less than a Franklin bill to purchase shipped!
  
  The razor is great! almost as close as a blade. After 6 years in the Navy, where I learned to hate shaving _EVERY DAY_, I am finally doing it again, with no problems. There's no 'tug' like the lift and cut of Norelco, and I get less ingrown hairs, a continuous problem with the lift and cut system. The 'hum' of the Braun is different than the 'whirr' of the Norelco, but no louder or more annoying. The cleaning stand is great. I clean all the whiskers from my razor with the brush before putting it in the stand, and then remove the cleaning fluid after cleaning to slow evaporation. I will easily get two months, perhaps 3 from a cleaning cartridge, and that is with 6 days a week shaving (I skip Saturdays). After a trip, the deep clean makes this razor sparkling new!
  
  In the long run, a disposable razor, or even a Mach 3 replacable blade, will cost about 50 cents a day. (Including shaving cream, hot water, etc.) Heck, say 20 cents a day. After a year, that 20 cents a day adds up to $70...I got this convenient razor (I use it in the car, at my desk, in the bathroom, etc.) for just a few dollars more than that. Even after replacing the cutters at 18 months, I come out ahead on the $$$. A no-brainer.
  
  Electric razors are environmentally friendlier than disposable razors, cost effective, and just about as close as a blade with the newest technology. Do yourself a favor...get into the 21st century, and buy this razor, or buy a Norelco, but give up the Bic, cheapskate!
  
  
• Very good overall
  By A2UE00B446THOT on 2006-11-10
  I purchased this shaver based on the online reviews I read. Recently, Consumer Reports also rated this shaver one of the top. The shaver is fast and quiet. However, it does not shave as close as my old panasonic shaver without burning the skin. Also, cleaning solution is an ongoing expense and also a hassle if you are travelling for long periods. Although no regrets, I may consider going back to panasonic next time.
  
  
• A Lot of Hassle
  By A367NFA668990P on 2007-02-06
  What the picture doesn't show very clearly is just how large the cleaning base for this shaver is. It's pretty monstrous, larger than a standard box of kleenex, and it's supposed to be kept on the counter, nice and level, and plugged in. But the plug is a poor shape - it sticks out about three inches horizontally from the socket instead of hugging the wall. The cleaning solution will spill if you tilt the base, and the instructions describe how the alcohol solution will slowly evaporate into the air, so it's probably not safe to keep under the counter either. (Also, this prevents you from trying to stretch out the cleaning solution by cleaning only every few days.)
  
  I have no idea how well this shaver works, since it was so loud when I turned it on, that I decided to return it. Much much louder than my old Norelco rotary shaver. Wake-your-girlfriend loud, even behind a closed door.
  
  This contraption convinced me that it was a lot less trouble to just go back to shaving the normal, manly way.
  
  
• Don't waste your money!
  By A3FCOJVY0SVZX8 on 2007-03-30
  Sure it has many pretty lights and a slick design. One problem though: it is terrible at SHAVING! I was using my old Braun 6520, and was quite happy with it. Then I saw a good deal for this "new, redesigned, superb, self-cleaning" shaver and decided to upgrade. Bad idea! After shaving with it, it looks like I have a day-old stubble. No matter how much I twist and press it, the "new super system of blades designed by no one other than Gillette" does a bad job. This morning I actually pulled my old 6520 out, shaved off as much as I could with this "360 Complete" garbage, and then used 6520 to see how much "clean up" it would do. The difference was both very visible and substantial! I am really sorry I bought this and feel duped by their marketing... Don't make the same mistake as me. Buy something else and save your money.
  
  
• Pretty good, but not quite blade close
  By AMM714SGSDLQ3 on 2006-08-12
  I have had this shaver for about 2 weeks now. I bought it as a replacement for a Panasonic Wet-Dry that I have had for about 5 years. It was getting a minimum recharge battery life by this point and needed a new foil/blade. Amazon had a $149 - $50 store credit on the next purchase which I think ended 7/31, so for a net of $100, I couldn't pass it up.
  
  From my limited time using it, I have found that it does actually work best when your face is a little oily- washing the oils off doesn't allow it to slide very well and you can hear the mechanism's rpm's drop a bit, presumably from more pressure that is applied. It cuts very well, although a ridge under my neck which only cuts well with a blade didn't doso well with this electric either. The cleaning system as others have stated, does well to get any stray whiskers out. Decide for yourself whether it is worth the cost of new cartridges vs manually cleaning with the brush. There's nothing that says you have to use the cleaner, although Braun recommends it.
  
  Overall not a bad razor, a bit thicker handle than my old one. I hope I get 5 years out of this one the same as I did the Panasonic.
  
  
• Cosmetic upgrade to the proven 8585
  By A2K5RRMPICZ606 on 2006-08-29
  I owned a Braun 8585 for a bit more than two weeks when I saw the 8995 advertised... with a slick new "short hair" lifter and a Gillette blade replacing the conventional cutter.
  
  So I quickly eBayed the nearly new 8585 and picked up the 8995 and, guess what? Not much difference. In fact, I'd swear the 8585 gave me smoother finish!
  
  Cosmetically the colors and graphics have changed, but the shaver and base station mostly unchanged. The shaver has a new LED to indicate when the foil and cutter should be replaced, but in my experience, the way the shaver tugs on my face is normally indication enough.
  
  The blue "short hair lifter" strip is a bit of a gimmick -- the Braun website makes it appear as if it moves, but it really just sits on top of the screen and vibrates freely.
  
  As another reviewer mentioned, the screen and new Gillette cutter can be installed on an older 8585 -- the part numbers listed in the manual are identical.
  
  This shaver replaces an old Panasonic wet/dry which was diminishing in battery life, and for which I could no longer buy original cutting screens (a rubber hair lifter strip had gone by the wayside). I regretfully acknowledge that the Panasonic shaved closer, but this Braun isn't far behind.
  
  But the Clean & Renew system is a nice concession! No more stubble dust on the sink, and a nice citrus fragrance greets me each morning. The system automatically selects whether "eco", "normal" or "intensive" cleaning is called for each time the shaver is returned to the base station, and it is the users option as to whether cleaning should begin, or can wait until another time.
  
  This cleaning selection is a somewhat inconsistent selection, by the way: A weekend's growth quickly removed on a Sunday night nets an "eco" cycle, while a more thorough (longer duration) yet smaller quantity A.M. shave the following morning suggests a "normal" cleaning (meaning more Clean & Renew formula is expended). This selection is likely based purely on time in use, and you can't step back. That is, you can't select "eco" if the shaver recommends "normal" (short of hitting the Reset button on the shaver, I suppose).
  
  In any case, no big deal, as I am a couple weeks over one month and my original cartridge is still in place. (Users in dryer climates may see quicker replacement intervals as the alcohol-based cleaning fluid readily evaporates).
  
  Lastly, travel is a pleasure! As others have mentioned, the base unit stays at home, and the cord plugs directly into the shaver. The hard travel case and screen protector are both welcome features as I have had shavers power on while stashed in my luggage.
  
  All-in-all, I wished for a slightly closer shave with this Braun, but I'm pretty pleased with my purchase.
  
  Edit (10/2/06): Short hairs on my neck have turned out to be more problematic with this shaver than my old Panasonic.
  
  As I indicated in my original write-up, I am now convinced I received a closer shave along the jaw from the Braun 8585 I used briefly before purchasing this 8985 360° complete model. I don't know if it's due to the change to the new Gillette cutter block, or if it's luck of the draw, but with the 8985 it's definitely an increased investment in time (by a few minutes) to shave each morning.
  
  
• High quality shaver
  By A2RY567RE0PXPC on 2006-11-03
  First impression after putting together the base and the shaver is that it looks very hi-tech, especially with the blue LEDs. However, the base recharge/cleaning station is a bit big and feels awkward in my small bath room. The shaver itself feels good, the outer body shell is not metalatic but the unit as a whole feels pretty solid.
  
  The first shave I did was right in the morning before 'wash' up as recommended by Braun's menu. This contradicts with my conventional approach of showering first. The result is very impressive, especially close on the normal surfaces (comparable to manual Mach3). The edges are not as close. Braun indicates that it will take you at least 10-12 days for your beard to get used to the electronic shaver (when moving from a manual shaver). I read that the logic behind this is that manual shaving takes the outer skin layer off which results in scar tissues growing back along with the beard. Electronic shaver does not remove that layer thus it will take a while for your scar tissue to go away and enable your electronic shaver to work more effectively. That is also the reason why you should NOT interchange between electronic and manual shaving.
  
  Still in the evaluation period so lets see whether I get any surprises after 2 weeks. At the moment it feels more close than rotary shaver I tried before (Philips).
  
  The noise of the unit is not quiet but not loud either, reasonable for a shaver. But the cleaning can be quite loud, so always better to clean in the morning while you are off to work.
  
  If you can catch this shaver on sale, go for it, you won't reject having the latest shaving technology at your disposal.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Tried it but not impressed
  By A2K2C71I7HOWGX on 2006-12-04
  This may not be a fair review since I purchased the Braun 8585 almost a year ago and I have yet to be impressed with the quality of the shave from that shaver and here I am posting this review under the 8985 but it also annoys me that there is no 8585 anymore (one year later) to review. That's a little short a liftime don't you think? Prior to owning the 8585 I used a Norelco rotary shaver.
  
  As for the 8585, it seems to have trouble with second day growth and, if you don't shave on a regular basis like me, it seems to take twice as long to get a good shave. I have tried everything from shaving before or after a shower, shaving with the head free to move or locking it in place, and cleaning it every time I use it (which helps but seems to add unecessary cost to shaving). No matter what I have tried the quality of the shave leaves me with a shadow at 4 o'clock, something that I didn't have to worry about before the 8585.
  
  I also find the pop-up cutter to be very `scratchy' on my neck and difficult to use on my mustache since the cutter is hidden from view when you use it. And if I start the cleaner when I leave for work, the racket it makes wakes up my wife. All issues that the 8985 probably has.
  
  I purchased the Braun because I had heard that a foil shaver gives a closer, quicker shave; not true for me. I have put a rotary shaver back on my wish list, it worked better.
  
  
• Don't buy this as a first razor!
  By A20F73IQ5673L0 on 2007-05-12
  The self cleaning is great, it cuts smooth, and its motor is fairly quiet. I wouldn't recommend this as a "first" electric razor because you won't realize just how awsome this thing is without comparing it to something else. So go ahead, buy a much cheaper razor first. After you smash it against the wall because it sucks, buy this one.
  
  I've used a LOT of electric shavers in my day, and this is the best one yet. My only gripe would be that the blue charge light is amazingly bright, I used Google Earth to see my house and could see the little light shining in the window (just kidding).
  
  Peace.
  
  
• Best electric shaver I've ever used
  By A29LP78DMBDI75 on 2007-10-23
  I don't write many reviews but I really wanted to take a moment to post about this shaver. I've used several electric razors over the years, including Remington, Norelco, and now two Brauns (and probably a couple of others). I can't shave with a blade because I have sensitive skin but an extremely thick, wiry beard. Blades, even the ones with 4 blades and the lubricating strip etc., just tear my skin up and I end up with several days of irritation, discomfort and red bumps.
  
  My last Braun, which I purchased quite a few years ago (and it was expensive at the time), was the best razor I'd used to date, but was still noisy and SLOW. It would take me 45 minutes to get a decent shave even with a brand new head and foil, even with the razor plugged in. Plus it didn't hold the razor stubble in the head very well so I ended up with a mess of razor dust all over my shirt.
  
  I got this Braun 360 Complete 8985 last Christmas and for the first time, shaving wasn't a chore but was actually very quick, easy and painless! What a relief. Instead of feeling like I was dragging sandpaper over my face for 45 minutes, it felt like wiping butter off, and I could get the smoothest shave I've ever gotten with an electric razor in under 10 minutes. Actually I was able to get an acceptable quick shave in like 6 minutes, but if I took my time it was even better.
  
  Other reviewers have already spoken about the excellent cleaning and charging system, which really is excellent though in fact you do need to keep it in one spot without moving it or it will spill. When I travel I simply take the cord with me for charging and clean it with the brush.
  
  I'll also point out that after I shave, I pop the foil open and run the razor over a trash can for a few seconds to shake out the hair, then I clean it quickly with the brush before using the charging/cleaning base. Doing this (and generally only using the base after every other shave), one cartridge actually lasts me about 3 months!! Can't complain about that.
  
  I love the clever and useful features like the fact that the base will detect when the battery needs to be conditioned and will actually discharge and fully charge it to condition the battery. And I like the fact that the base somehow senses how much of a cleaning it needs. The razor also just informed me this weekend that I need a new foil and cutter head. What a great feature! When it did that I gave it some thought and realized it has been taking me somewhat longer to shave recently, so yeah, it's definitely time.
  
  Nothing's perfect but this razor is absolutely worth the price and it's a fantastic product that has made shaving merely a simple inconvenience for me rather than the painful, time-consuming chore it used to be. (Oh, and it does mostly hold the stubble in the head, so no mess on my shirt or bathroom sink.) Thumbs up, five stars.
  
  
• mediocre uneven shave at best
  By A29AN12CRUKGNR on 2007-05-12
  Cuts poorly. I have to shave over the same spot 3 or more times and that irritates my skin. DOES NOT get the tough to reach spots at all and WILL NOT cut my neck hairs no matter how many times i shave at any angle. The cleaner is nice but loud and the shaver is extremely loud. Not worth the price at all. Total let down.
  Also, the shaver cleaner is way over priced. It's just alcohol for gods sakes.
  
  
• Not what I expected
  By A1BG2TUP6QZJVK on 2006-09-14
  I've used electric shavers for over 30 years and finally decided to spend the big bucks for the Braun after reading many favorable reviews here. After daily use for 2 months I have to say it's a bit dissapointing. I've used Norelco and/or Remington shavers for years and thought the Braun would be much better but alas, I've found this not to be true. I'm returning the Braun and going back to another Remington and spend half as much. As with all electrics, you can't expect to get the close shave of a blade but the Braun didn't out perform shavers at half the price.
  
  
• Great Shave!
  By A105JZSZE4UZVU on 2006-09-17
  I have been using Norelco(s) for 35+ years, and I was quite satisfied with the shave(s) I received.
  However, recently, I noted that my latest triple header wasn't really doing the job, .i.e., it was taking me an exorbitant amount of time and the results were less than totally satisfactory.
  After some procrastination and after reading several reviews on the internet, I elected to purchase a Braun 8985.
  I purchased it at a warehouse type - membership required - store for $18 less than the lowest price which I could find on the internet. Furthermore, it came with a bonus AA battery powered travel razor.
  I must say that the manual was absolutely atrocious!!!
  After reading the enclosed instructions several times, I was totally confused. Several of the instructions were misprints - according to Braun.
  Nevertheless, after using the 8985, I find that I am able to shave in 1/2 the time which was required with a Norelco. Furthermore, the Braun does a far superior job shaving my neck as well as under my nose.
  My only negative comment is the extremely awkward plug on the "Special Cord Set." It protrudes 3 inches out from the electrical outlet.
  
  
  
• Great Cleaning System...closeness of shave could be improved.
  By A21BEEU9USSNXI on 2006-11-10
  I really do like this shaver. The cleaning system ensures a fresh razor each time it is used. I do notice however, that the closeness and the number of times I have to run the shaver across my face to get a smooth surface is more than I would like. All in all, I would recommend this system.
  
  
• The jury's out...
  By A3H6RWH6SL78P5 on 2008-06-10
  I purchased this shaver to replace the Remington Triple Screen that I've had for years, and despite some niggly little things that have gone wrong with the Remington over the last couple of years, it's been maintenance-free, and I've been very happy with the closeness of the shave.
  
  The second reason that I purchased this shaver was the high (highest) rating that Consumer Reports gave this product. Instead of following my gut instinct and replacing the Remington with another Remington I purchased this shaver, only to later realize that in order to properly maintain this shaver, you are required to purchase the Clean and Renew Refills, so Braun has you digging into your pocket for the life of the product.
  
  And finally, the day after I purchased this product on Amazon, I discovered that Costco sells the same product at the same price, but includes 3 free refill catridges, a $15.50 value (plus tax & shipping).
  
  But the kicker is...the shaver does not shave very closely! (or anywhere near as closesly as my Remington). In fairness to the product, they suggest you use the shaver 'multiple' times prior to eveluating it's performance. I've used it about 9 times already and it does a terrible job of shaving on my neck, and only an average job on my face, despite having followed in close detail all of the recommendations in the instruction manual on how to use and maintain the product.
  
  I'm anxiously awaiting the highly rated performance from this shaver, but at this stage, the jury's still out.
  
  
  
  
• best electric shaver i've used...
  By ABN7YHCURXWR2 on 2006-08-31
  This is the best electric shaver that I've used. It is extremely convenient and easy. I had a rotary shaver in the past, but never got the close shave I've wanted. This one does the trick. Plus, it even cleans itself, what more can you ask for?
  
  
• Simply the best out there
  By A1OZGL2JBZIP6Z on 2006-09-11
  This is my first electric shaver. All I can say is WOW!. It shaves as close it can be and is very smooth. I no longer have to endure the rough facial skin that razors gave me after every shave. I bid a very fond and emotional farewell to my Gillette MACH3.
  
  The shaver itself is very easy to handle and is well designed. Like the cleaning system, though it may be an overkill. Cleaning using a brush and gentle tap will do it too. Great buy and highly recommend it.
  
  
• Braun 8985 360 Complete
  By A359LC18VCFJK8 on 2006-11-07
  
  Please do not believe the hype in this shaver. This is an expensive shaver which does not give you a close shave. I contacted Braun customer service, and all they did was to send me a foil and cutter which had the same problem of not giving me a clean shave. The only thing that works in this shaver is the cleaning system. Honestly, this is not a good buy for your bucks..
  
  

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• Braun Clean & Renew Refills (3 Pack)
• Braun 8000 360 Complete Foil and Cutter Block for Models 8995, 8985 and 8975
• Braun 8000 Activator Combi-Pack Foil and Cutterblock Replacement Parts for Braun's Activator Razor Models 8595 and 8585
• PocketGo P-70 Men's Shaver
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