Braun Series 7- 790cc Pulsonic Shaver Reviews

• Just Incredible!!! A Must Buy!

  
  By A3E8TJ007EZN5B on 2007-10-22
  Ok here we go for my first and probably only review on Amazon. I am 50 years old and have tried pretty much every electric shaver known to mankind. Each time giving up due to the pinching,non close shave and pain in the butt cleaning. In the end, I was going back to razor blades and the frequent cuts. I went to Braun's website and read about this shaver and came to Amazon to see the reviews here. I decided after reading the reviews to splurge on another electric shaver.
  What a find! This in my humble opinion is the greatest invention EVER! It's the first electric razor I've used which doesn't get hot after a couple minutes of use.Hot razor means sweaty face which trips up razor and adds to pinching. Braun recommends you shave before you shower or wash your face, while you still have a little protective barrier of oil on your skin. A big no-no with regular shaving, this worked well with the Pulsonic. They also recommend you shave against the grain. Again, not recommended for regular shaving. For electric shaving, works great.
  
  I must say I Absolutely LOVE shaving now.(I would let my beard grow for days because I HATED shaving with razors and cutting myself). The Pulsonic is the closest shave ever by an electric razor(IMHO shaves as close as a razor once you master it) and more importantly it does not pinch or burn at all. Even better is the self cleaning which make life easier.
  My wife laughs every morning as she now sees me shaving daily with this god send! if you are reading bad reviews on this product it must be I just don't get it.
  Bottom line: BUY THIS NOW! I just ordered another one for my son!
  I am telling all who read this if you hate shaving GET THIS PRODUCT you will love it.
  
  

• probably the best foil shaver yet

  
  By A2W3K1WNVWM1JW on 2007-07-20
  so i bought one of these from amazon, very early adopter.
  it is very similar in general to earlier clean and charge foil shavers from braun,
  of which my last one was unceramoniously dumped in the garbage after a year for a rotary
  from phillips, which was used for about another year and then dumped for the 4-blade gillette razor.
  but now i'm back to trying electric for no particular reason other than it is tiresome buying
  razor blade that have been specially engineered to need replacing after a week of use.
  plus, while no matter what the manufacturers will tell you, there is no electric razor that
  shaves as close as a blade, though sometimes the blade shaves a little too close...causing cuts, razor burn,
  ingrown hairs, etc. it's enough to make a guy want to grow a beard.
  
  enter the braun pulsonic. this is basically a very well-made, high end "activator" or "complete 360"
  with the added feature that it vibrates. i suppose this is the same technology in the gillette "power" series
  and other regular razors that use a AAA battery to vibrate as they shave...it does result in a ever-so-slightly
  better shave. so this foil, which uses the nice almost-random pattern of differently-sized holes for diffent hairs (which was avail. only in germany for a long time, for some reason, then appeared in the u.s. with the braun 360) has a nice pivoting head, standard little pop-out trimmer, and vibrates like a sonicare toothbrush while you shave. the vibration is not really noticable over the regular noise and vibration present in a regular electric razor, but the results seem to speak for themselves. it seems to be a much gentler, more effective electric razor than i have used in a long time. the only thing is, it isn't a blade. after spending several passes with it over my cheek, for example, i can still run my hand against the growth and feel a little stubble there, which is never the case with the razor blade. on the other hand, i expect that over time there will be less shaving irritation, so it's not a bad trade off. the thing to note is that it's really made to be used with the little "charge and clean" cartridges, which according to braun last for 30 shaves, so each one lasts a month.
  at $4 per cartridge, it's not too great an expense. word of warning though: if you take the razor out of the charger before it's finished the cleaning cycle (easy to do since much of it is silent, if you don't wait for the 'clean' light to come on) and sometimes even if you wait for it to be clean, and just start shaving, you may experience the unique and painful feeling of shaving with a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the razor foil.
  i recommend making sure it's quite dry before use, shake it a little or blow on th foil or something.
  the clean and charge flud is a lemon-scented alcohol and lubricant solution that you don't want touching newly-shaven skin.
  
  
  overall, it seems to be a good investment. the razor is well-made for sure, very solid, with a rubber grip handle on the back that is pretty comfortable to hold. it moves very easily over the face, even with 3-day stubble, and is noticably more comfortable than other electrics i've used. i think it will take about 2 weeks for the skin/hair to get used to it again, but...good-bye razor blades! hello pulsonic!
  
  

• Not Blown Away

  
  By A3ITL2D9Q87ZF5 on 2007-10-20
  I read lots of great reviews for this razor and ordered it with high expectations. I've been using it for about three weeks now and I have to say that I'm not nearly as impressed as everyone else seems to be. Maybe I got a bad unit or something. It feels nice in the hand and it seems quite powerful and the pop-up trimmer works great. But I'm just not getting a very close shave at all with it. I have to go over all parts of my face and neck two or three times, stretching the skin in every way possible, and even then I still find areas that could have been closer.
  I really wanted to like this razor, especially because it's so expensive. I've had great Braun razors before, but this isn't one of them. I'm sorry that I can't agree with everyone else on this one.
  BTW, I'm sure that part of the reason this razor is so expensive is because Braun really overdid the packaging. You'd think the packaging was for some precious family heirloom or valuable jewels, not an electric razor.
  
  

• Took a Chance and Won

  
  By AWBY8M4IF8RJV on 2007-08-17
  I was skeptical reading all the promotional material for this new shaver. I'm 54 years old and have been using a razor all my life. About a year ago, the razor started irritating my skin so I was forced to begin using a Norelco rotary electric shaver that I kept under the counter. The results were far from satisfactory but at least it didn't cause a rash on my face. I figured that was just the nature of electric shavers and was convinced that I would be living with a scratchy, stubbly beard the rest of my life. Then I read a review on this new Pulsonic shaver in the August 2007 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine. It sparked my interest so I researched it more on the internet. I finally decided to take a chance and purchase the highly acclaimed but expensive shaver.
  
  I've been using it now for one month and am convinced that it is not possible for an electric shaver to work better than this one. I't leaves the Norelco rotary in the dust. I would say it shaves about 97% as close as a regular lather & razor shave. It does not leave stubbles and it isn't necessary to shave more than once a day. Yes, it takes a small investment to purchase this shaver but it is a quality item that you can live with for life.
  
  The self-cleaning charger/holder requires replacement cleaning fluid cartriges periodically. The information I read says that a cartrige is good for about a month. However, the razor head can also be cleaned by rinsing it under hot water...which is what I do for two days and then run it through the complete cleaning cycle every third day. After a month doing this the original cartrige still says "FULL". I have purchased three more cartriges for $16. I think those will last me for a very long time.
  
  I have nothing bad to say about this shaver after having recovered from the shock of the initial purchase price. You get what you pay for and you will certainly pay for this one. I don't regret spending the money for this shaver at all.
  
  

• Performs as Advertised

  
  By A19P7XJYXFZ883 on 2007-10-22
  Although a bit steep in price, it performs as advertised. I have owned a 7000 series Braun and was getting fed up with the amount of times it took going over my chin, neck and area below the ear on the jawbone. This razor did an excellent job in a minimal amount of time with a close shave I haven't experienced in years. I highly recommend this shaver if you can handle the price.
  
  
• I've had every brand of electric shaver and this is the only one that has impressed me.
  By AZNUHQSHZHSUE on 2007-08-26
  I have had every major brand of electric shaver and this one is the best.
  
  First Panasonic. Had to think about the position of shaver all the time and not good if you missed a day (Ouch!)
  
  Next Norelco Coolskin. Way better, Could shave in shower, didn't have to think about position of shaver. Drawbacks didn't cut the fine hairs on side of face and neck and never had a solid smooth shave.
  
  Next Norelco Arcitec. Twice the money and new technology is worse than old technology. tons of razor burn and missed spots. Sent back to Norelco for money back.
  
  I then stumbled on the Braun Pulsonic. I looked at the reviews of the older Braun's and they were great so I gave in and I am very impressed by it. Right out of the box the 9595 gave me the best shave I have ever had from an electric. The fine hairs are no longer a problem, It is the most powerful shaver I've had, no razor burn at all, it doesn't bog down even on a two day growth and I don't have to keep going over the same spot more than twice. It's pivoting head conforms to every curve with no effort and I like the weight of this shaver it doesn't feel light and cheap like my Norelco. I wish they would make a wet dry shaver but I can live without that for a great shave.
  I found my ultimate shaver now after a year of searching. I should of looked at ALL of the electric shavers no matter if they were waterproof or not. because I wouldn't have to waste so much time.
  
  
• Does an excellent job
  By ACL2LFV4FG6A7 on 2007-10-12
  In the case of this shaver, the hype really does match reality. The shaver is by far the best electric I've ever used, and it's very nicely engineered--from the ergonomics of the shaving unit to the self-cleaning/lubricating mechanism that comes with the shaver. It's a bit pricey, but you get your money's worth out of this one.
  
  
• Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC
  By AIKGBCYBXVH8I on 2007-09-04
  I have had this shaver for about 2 weeks. I previously used the Braun 8995 and used Brauns for many years previous to that. This is the best one yet. It provides as close to a real blade shave as you can get. It's appearance could hardly be improved upon. The trimmer is different than previous models in that it pops out at a 90 degree angle to the razor. It takes a while to get used to that but it will seem natural after a while. The head when pulled off looks complex compared to previous models and I guess that is because it cuts in two directions. I have no idea what a replacement will cost but I assume from looking at it that it want be cheap. The head/cutter assembly according to the manual should last 18 months. One thing missing from this shaver is a plastic head cover which I would like to have. I could not find it as an accessory and I do not know why they no longer provide one. On this shaver you press a button to turn on and off which has a continuous blue light. When not in use you can store it in the charger/cleaner which is an off white color and provides you with a lot of information. The shaver has an LCD that provides you with how much charge is left and how dirty your shaving head is so you know when to clean it. I do not clean mine every day but do blow it out with the head off. I usually clean it at least once a week. They have changed the formula for the cleaning fluid but your old container of cleaning fluid still fits the new cleaner. The shaver head is washable. You will also receive a small container of oil for the head if you ever feel the desire to oil it. The shaver can be run with the cord only. You can also do a "quick" clean on your cleaner/charger. This razor feels comfortable in your hand and the head follows the contours of you neck and face very nicely. You can lock the head in one position but I never have found the need. It is not cheap. I found no discounts on this shaver. I like it!
  
  
• Norelco Arcitec 1050 vs. Braun Pulsonic 9595
  By A870VXHJJQFA6 on 2007-11-01
  I bought the new Philips Norelco 1050cc Arcitec Shaving System, returned it for a refund after 30 days, and then purchased a the new Braun Pulsonic 9595 Shaving System. Since I've had experience with both now, I thought my experience might be of value to others. I've had 3 Norelco shavers over the past 20 years. The 9595 is my first Braun shaver.
  
  Shaving Closeness - The Braun definitely gives a closer shave and in less time, although the Norelco is acceptable. One reviewer commented about getting nicks from the Braun but I have not had that problem at all, even around the chin.
  
  Comfort - The Braun feels heavier (I didn't actually weigh them) but I found the Braun more comfortable to hold.
  
  Noise - The Braun is noisier, especially during the cleaning cycle.
  
  Status Indicators on the Shaver - The indicators are better on the Braun; however, I've since learned that's mostly because I had the 1050 model. I now see that the 1060 or the 1090 models would have been better and probably would equal the Braun.
  
  Charging/Cleaning Stand - The Braun is more convenient to replace the cleaning fluid but about the same cost (about $1.00 per week). Both seem to clean equally well. The charge and cleaning status lights on the Braun are easier to see and give better status information. But the big difference here is the way the charging system works. With the Braun, you simply place your used razor in the stand, push a button, and the cleaning & charging are taken care of. However, with the Norelco, there are a number of warnings in the book to unplug the unit after it completes its cycle. This is a major inconvenience if you have to hang around and remember to unplug the unit. Also, the lack of an on/off switch seems a poor and cheap design.
  
  Trimmer - To even off my sideburns, I found the Norelco somewhat difficult to use because the trimmer did not stick out far enough beyond the shaving head. This was not a problem with the Braun.
  
  Cost - The Braun cost about $20 more.
  
  Return Policy - 60 day money back with Norelco; only 30 days with Braun.
  
  Bottom-Line - I started with a bias toward the Norelco because of my past experiences but in my opinion, this new Braun definitely surpasses the Norelco in terms of shaving closeness and convenience. Braun is clearly worth the extra $20, although the Norelco is a decent product.
  
  
  
• Can't compare to a wet shave...
  By A1S8FJT0AQSF60 on 2007-10-31
  I've wet shaved all my life except when I was a teenager, and I've always envied those who just grab an electric shaver, whisk it over their faces, and hit the door, so thought I'd try it. The Braun scored highest in quality and satisfaction, so I got this shaver, the top of the line, and gave it a go. I decided to keep at it for several weeks, since it takes time for the beard to become used to a new way of shaving, but by the time my 30 days in which I could get a full refund were up, I sent it back. As another user noted, I had to shave every which way to get at all close, and my skin felt hot afterward. Finally I pulled out my old Gillette Trac III razor and shaving cream and did a comparison test. The Braun couldn't hold a candle to the closeness and comfort afterward of a wet razor shave. So if you're into electric shavers, this is probably the best on the market, but if you're thinking of switching from wet shaving you might want to think again. The proof is in the feel of your face afterward, and there was really no comparison. I'm back to blades for good.
  
  
• Pricey, But Worth Every Penny!
  By A1VQHH85U7PX0 on 2007-12-09
  Here is a breakdown of my evaluation of the Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC with LCD Screen:
  
  ** Pros **
  
  >> Construction
  The constuction of this shaver is superb. The body of the shaver is made from plastic but it has a very refined metallic look. The LCD screen seems to be made of glass and looks to be fairly scratch resistant. The shaver itself is made in Germany and has the look and feel of quality construction. The shaver is fairly weighty (but not too heavy) which adds to the overall impression of a solid build.
  
  >> Function/Performance
  The shave is just about as close as that from a shaving blade. Maybe there is something to this "Pulsonic" technology after all (10,000 Micro-Vibrations per minute) which is supposed to help lift hair to provide a closer cut. I was unable to see or feel any stuble after a shave. The shaved area actually feels silky smooth! Thanks to the new and improved screen foil and cutterblock for the Pulsonic 9595CC.
  
  The Pulsonic has a flexing/pivoting head to help the shaver conform to the contour of your face. I personally don't really care very much for it as I'm accustomed to flexing my wrist to angle the shaver to my face. The pivoting head can also be locked in place to tackle the hard to reach area under the nose.
  
  The pop-up trimmer is very functional and does as good a job as a dedicated trimmer.
  
  >> Features
  Cleaning Convenience: The Clean & Renew system automatically cleans, lubricates, and dries the saver at the touch of a button. It also has a 25-second quick cleaning cycle for when you have to use your shaver in a hurry (This feature is only available on the Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC with LCD Screen, not on the lesser equipped Braun Pulsonic System 9585CC with LED Lights). After each cleaning, the shaver smells clean and lemony.
  
  The shaver can be washed under tap water but with this method of cleaning, the manual states that the shaver head needs to be lubed with a few drops of lubricant every week or so.
  
  The shaver sports an LCD screen which has a "hygiene" and a "battery" indicator each of which has six graduations/levels arranged in a semi-circular fashion and occupies half of the screen. The hygiene indicator shows when the shaver needs to be cleaned. The battery indicator, of course, indicates how much power is left.
  
  No time to wait around for the shaver to recharge? No problem. The power cord can be hooked up directly to the shaver.
  
  >> Warranty
  The shaver has a 2-year warranty (excludes the Cutter and Foil part - you're advised to replace this every 18 months).
  
  >> Ergonomics
  The back and sides of the shaver are rubberized to help you to maintain a firm and comfortable grip while shaving.
  
  >> Aesthetics
  The Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC exudes elegance, class and sophistication with its sleek lines and its beautifully crafted elements that convey a work of intricate and robust engineering.
  
  ** Cons **
  I have only one. Here it is for completeness sake:
  
  
  >> Price
  The real gripe I have about this shaver is not so much its price because it's a one-time expense but the price of the Clean & Renew cartridges. Talk about "giving away razors to sell razor blades" except in this case the razor is, patently, not free. Braun advises that the cartridge be replaced after 30 cleaning cycles or 6-8 weeks WCF.
  
  ** Additional Points **
  
  >> Economic Considerations
  Some economically-conscious people have suggested using isopropyl alcohol mixed with a lubricant to refill the cartridge. The factory cleaning fluid actually contains a highly volatile alcohol and a lubricant component, which is apparent after each cleaning because the residual lubricant can be felt if you run your finger through the sides of the shaver head. They further suggest removing the cartridge and capping it after each cleaning to prevent the loss of the highly volatile fluid. That's too much of a hassle and I don't see it as a necessity because once the cartridge is in place, the openings of the cartridge form a watertight seal with the cleaning component and the loss of the solution through evaporation is very minimal. At least one individual suggested changing the cartridge every 6-months.
  
  
  ** Conclusion **
  
  The Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC with LCD is pricey but it is worth every penny. Don't let the price of the Clean & Renew cartridges deter you from getting this little gem because you can always forego the automated cleaning option and simply use running tap water. I personally have no regrets about getting this shaver and I highly recommend it. Go on, get it and see for yourself how the Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC with LCD lives up to its hype.
  
  
• Brauln Pulsonic System 9595CC with LCD Screen electric shaver
  By AR3YFO52D8KRV on 2007-10-10
  My husband is very happy with this shaver. He had a lesser model of a Braun and didn't like the shave. He says he really likes this model. Doesn't pull the hair and cuts closely. A good product. Worth the extra money.
  
  
• It is THAT good. Believe the Hype!!!
  By A2AI5DFK0ZWCSR on 2007-10-19
  Been a Braun user for 20 years. If I shave at 5am, I need to shave again at 12 noon. Not so with this unit. It shaves as close as a blade. The pulse system helps keep the blades from "pinching" your hair and makes it easy to get close without trying. All other Braun razor's can't come close to this unit, the 360, etc. The blade system on this thing is amazing.
  
  Braun added a 25sec "quick clean" which works great, not need to "intensive" clean it every day.
  
  Had it for 2 weeks and I can't find a single thing to complain about but the price. But, Bed Bath Beyond had it for around $275.00! So it is a great deal here at amazon.
  
  
• Great shaver - lousy service
  By A3RSVU92U3OLJ8 on 2008-03-25
  I am using the shaver now for 4 months. The shaver itself works very well. I like especially the cleaning station which leaves the shaver in top condition and completely clean from the inside. I am wondering however if the daily charging that comes with each cleaning is not draining the capacity of the battery more rapidly. I hope the charger is a trickle charger. The cleaning solution lasts for almost exactly one month, also as advertised.
  
  Ok, so why am I giving this unit only 1 star? Because the power adapter failed me after 4 months and the rigid service system Braun has behind its products is not acceptable by a long shot. The $215 shaver comes with a 2 year warranty that covers parts like these. Unlike many other companies who sent you a new replacement/exchange part in a matter of 2-3 business days after asking a few questions on the phone, Braun gives you the run-around. First you need to call the central service line, where your concern is simply noted. You are then forwarded to a local/regional service center that actually needs to looks at the unit. These are little shops to which Braun has outsourced the actual repair. No big thing I thought. By connecting the power adapter directly to the shaver it became clear right away that the power adapter was broken (no blinking of segments).
  In my case my closest service center was in Woodland Hills with the encouraging name "Speedy Appliances". Luckily I decided to not follow the advice of the central Braun service to send the entire unit including shaver to that location. Instead I drove the 15 miles down there on a sunny morning, hoping I could leave with a new adapter. Sure enough the staff there determined in 1 minute that the unit was indeed broken and that this would we a warranty case. Without looking anywhere in his store he said that he would need to order the adapter. It turned out that that it would take about 2-3 weeks and that the adapter would first need to be shipped to his store and then he would ship it to my address adding another few days to it. There was no way that the unit could be drop shipped directly to me. When calling the central Braun line the next business day asking them if this of-the-shelf adapter could not be shipped directly, I got the same "we are not flexible" approach. Any warranty part needs to go out to the service center first. Alternatively I could order the unit also directly from the parts center in which case it would ship directly to me, but I also would need to pay for everything.
  Afterwards I called the parts line directly to see out of curiosity what the power adapter costs and how long it takes them to ship to me: $21 plus $5 S&H, in stock, could be there in 5-7 business days.
  If Braun would use batteries that last 4-6 weeks I would give them all the time in the world to work in the archaic, snail-paced service world, but the battery lasts about 1.5 weeks if used daily. And daily use is the whole idea behind a shaver and many other Braun products isn't it...
  Luckily I still have my older high-end Norelco, who will serve me well while Braun gets my adapter mailed around the US. So, don't toss your old unit yet if you decide to buy this product. You might need it sooner rather than later.
  
  
  
• Decent but not Great
  By A3FDY4N16EHCXR on 2007-10-23
  I have used electric razors for virtually all my adult life. I change razors every one to two years. I tend to buy the top of the line simply hoping that it saves me precious time in R&D about the products.
  
  The previous one I owned was a Panasonic (their top of the line). When Braun came out, the one feature that I really liked was that you can shave with the cord even when the battery is drained. With Panasonic, you have to wait for the battery to charge.
  
  However, despite the nice looks and OK shave, I think the Panasonic was better.
  
  Braun's Pulsonic doesn't seem as close.
  
  
• shaver of the new century
  By A17JL6JDA861SJ on 2007-12-02
  I have owned an older model Braun for over four years now. It shaves better than any strait edge I ever used. It shaves so well that even at 5 PM, there is no noticeable stubble. I just bought the new 9595 model and have used it five times. The shave is now even greater and the irritation to skin is almost zilch. What an improvement over the old model which I thought was superor to anything at the time. Model 9595 is costly but through Amazon, I got it for over $70 less than list price.
  
  
• Not as expected *NO RETURN WARNING*
  By A25GLOGTZS21N7 on 2008-01-08
  After 8yrs with my Norelco i decided to try an upgrade. This razor was not as advertised for me. Foil does not get as close a shave as lift & cut for me. The product might be the answer for most but again not for me. My problem is now with Amazon. They WILL NOT take returns on this item. I have searched high and low on this page for that disclaimer. Nothing was indicated when finalizing the sale either. Buyer beware.
  
  
• Fantastic
  By A3D0BKFZLPMF46 on 2007-08-30
  I decided to compare the pulsonic and 360 complete by using the 30 day money back offer. So I bought both and tried them up for a few days each. While the 360 gave a good shave compared to the pulsonic it was like night and day. Suffice it to say that the 360 was shipped back to Braun today and won't be missed.
  
  I like the pulsonic better for a few reasons mostly because it gets me a better shave but also because the handle isn't as big and fits more comfortably in my hand. With the pulsonic I can wrap my hand around the handle and its shaped way better than the 360.
  
  The on/off button on the pulsonic is just that on/off while on the 360 it is also the lock switch and activates the trimmer.
  
  I guess overall I feel like the pulsonic is designed better than the 360 and is justified in the difference in price.
  
  UPDATE***
  
  After a few weeks with this I can honestly say that I'll use this on a daily basis and with the exception of weddings or other special engagements I'll be using the Pulsonic. I've used other electrics before for about a week or so before I toss them in the drawer and forget about them, this is different. I can't wait to shave with it in the morning.
  
  
• Fastest and closest yet!
  By A11CGEE1CPTNA0 on 2007-09-12
  After shaving with a Mach3 for the past 8 years (with a brief electric shaving trial in between) I decided to switch over to the dark side. I was not disappointed!
  
  After unpacking the beautifully packed box, I plugged in the base station and put the shaver in it. The shaver fits snugly and the lights on the base station light up to confirm that the shaver is being charged. It was clean since it had never been used so I turned it on and went to work on three day old stubble. One minute later, my face was completely smooth and -- to my surprise -- not irritated. The shave was extremely close, though maybe just barely less close than a blade. Still, I ran my hand down my cheek and there was absolutely no resistance.
  
  While it wasn't my main reason for buying the Pulsonic, the base station is amazing. After shaving, I replaced the shaver in the base station and pressed the standard clean button. It sucked up some liquid, ran it through, and then dried the shaver off for a while. I love anything that cleans itself!
  
  The main reason I got the Braun Pulsonic is because my beard doesn't grow quickly enough to allow me to shave daily with blade without irritating my skin. The Braun fixed my problem there. My only complaint, a very small one, is that the base station feels a little flimsy. It doesn't seal completely at the bottom with or without a cleaning cartridge in. However, the gap is about 2 millimeters and does not effect the cleaning or anything at all really so I'll just forget about it. In fact it's not even visible unless you duck down and stare on eye level.
  
  Overall an amazing product: the shaver is clearly well made and it does a superb job.
  
  
• Braun just keeps getting better
  By A1F9A3GT53OXUC on 2007-08-24
  I just upgraded from the 8995 to the 9595 and in a word it's fabulous! I converted from Norelco rotary razors about a year ago to Braun and at the time I was very impressed with the build quality and how close the shave was compared to the Norelco. For the record I had the top of the line Norelco 9190XL.
  
  When Braun redesigned their flagship razor they started with a clean slate. This isn't a simple upgrade of the 8995, it goes beyond that. They reduced the size of the overall unit making it slimmer and more comfortable to hold. The head now has a greater range of pivoting and the cutters now float individually. Overall it allows the shaver to more closely follow the contours of your face while maintaining contact with the skin it is trying to shave. Also this model doesn't seem to drop or shed the cut stubble all over the counter top as easily as the old model. The way the new screen and blades are designed they seem to trap and hold the cut hair in the head until it's time to be cleaned. The old model would dust my counter top with cut stubble as if I were using a pepper shaker on my counter top. Two thumbs up for the new head design. :)
  
  The new Pulsonic motor is in my opinion much quieter than the model it replaces. The sonic pulses are supposed to vibrate the head causing the screen to catch more hair with less passes over the same spot. The result is truly outstanding! I have a patch of hair just over my adams apple that I have to really spend a lot of time trying to shave by stretching the skin . The new razor nearly eliminates all the work and makes shaving more comfortable and FASTER than ever before.
  
  The LCD display is smaller than the outgoing model but it displays the same amount of information. It tells me the remaining charge and the current hygiene state of the shaver.
  
  The Clean & Renew base station has also been redesigned. It is now an off white color and matches my tile counter top. Also the start button has been redesigned and it no longer locks the razor in place while it's cleaning. The instructions state that the Clean & Renew station will "dry " the razor using heat. I'm not sure if the old model did this or not but it is a welcome feature nonetheless.
  
  I would highly recommend this razor to anyone looking to buy an electric razor. It's quiet, fast and close shaves are as good as you're going to get. The build quality is top notch and the company stands behind their products. What more could you want?
  
  
• vs Norelci arcitec 1090
  By A1HFCXPNTAA7MU on 2007-11-02
  I used the latest Braun (Pulsonic 9595) for 3 months and have been a Braun fan for 10 years. After using the Norelco arcitec 1090 for 2 months I can say it gives me a closer shave than the Braun, both in light touch-up and heavy-pressure use. The Norelco is more fun to use and less expensive to clean. Just run it in a small cup of alcohol every other week, and touchup with glycerin.
  
  
• This was the worst shaver ever! I was the 1 out of 10 that did not like it!
  By A2ZABGKJO5E7LX on 2008-01-09
  Okay folks - I have never written a review before, but always read them before I made any purchases. First, let me say that I have sensitive skin, and always hated shaving. I have used a Norelco shaver (top of the line models) for over 15 years and got what I would consider a fair/good shave. I wouldn't say that I loved the Norelcos, but they always did the job. After having my same shaver stolen twice by airport personnel from my suitcase over the past 3 months, I decided now was the time to try something new. My brother had just purchased this razor and RAVED about it.
  
  As with all shavers, there is an adjustment period which I dealth with. With each day, the shaving never got any better and I tried everything (holding it differently, locking the head, etc.) Every time I shaved, my face had more cuts than the last time, skin got red, and I barely removed any facial hair!!! Finally after 4 weeks of using this thing, I returned it to the store and went with a Norelco Artica shaver. Yes, the shaver looked great, and the cleaning chamber was a plus, etc....But it never did what it was supposed to.. It never shaved my face well! With that said, not every face is designed for this shaver.
  
  Again, my brother loves it, and I know my review won't persuade you, but I do want to give you a non-subjective piece of criticism - I travel often for periods of a week and found that this shaver does NOT keep as long of a charge as the Norelco's. In addition, within 4 days, the "Hygeine meter" was maxed out indicating it needed a cleaning. While you can clean it with regular water, it never resets itself until you put it back in the cleaning pod. I just found that to be annoying.
  
  Good luck with your shaving endeavors. While I was expecting a 'break in period' with the Artica, it never happened! I have never recieved a better shave with any previous Norelco razor and would compare the new shave to a straight edge!
  
  
• Best Braun Yet
  By A2MMMAUHK6THQE on 2007-09-07
  I've been using Braun shavers for over fifteen years, and this is the best, by far. The last model, the 8595, was a disappointment; it did not provide a very close shave, and left me with shaver burn. The 9595, however, is a completely new cutter/foil design, and offers a superior shaving experience. I recommend it without reservation.
  
  
• Best Electric shaver ever made, in every category!!!! Honestly!!!
  By AGIWML0VA0GKI on 2007-09-08
  I have used $200 Braun's and $300 Panasonics. I currently own seven late model, high-end shavers. (I also own a shaving museum from the 1930's to the 1950's). The Panasonic was very nice but no swiveling head. The new 9595CC is without flaw in any area: Closeness, comfort, smoothness, ease of use, ergonomics maintainance, and quietness. The German engineers really did their homework on this baby. To be honest, they outdid themselves! Plus, it maintains itself in four different areas. And it's Ultra-sexy! Scroll down to Panasonics new $300 shaver. It is a virtual copy, almost word for word. If you are on a tight budget, the heavily discounted Panasonic might be a good buy. I have not tried it but it is interesting that Panasonic has copied Braun so directly. Just a few years ago, Braun was criticized in online reviews for being behind the times. Not any more baby, not any more!!
  
  
• Warranty.......Forget it!
  By A3N8EFU1ZT1HTB on 2008-02-28
  Buyer beware! I purchased a Braun Activator 8595 Razor less than 2 years ago. I spent $170.00 on it in that course of time, I always use a pre-shave solution. Braun says they recommend not to use it, however all other brand razors have no issues with it. This razor is supposed to be stainless steel, apparently it isn't as this razor has been rusting. The service center without seeing it has doubted my claim, that it is virtually impossible, they say it may be discolored but not rust. As you know when something is rusty it is bumpy, not smooth. I have pictures to prove it, but mysteriously, Braun does not have an e-mail address that I can forward the pictues to. When I first spoke to Braun around 2/20/08, they gave me this authorized service center name and number. I called it and the announcement said that the center was closed as the owner had an emergency appendectomy and would return calls when he returned, needless to say I called him on 2/28/08, he never returned my call. He told me that I had to get an authorization number from Braun, he wouldn't be able to do anything for me as long as the razor worked also Braun does not give out authorization numbers. I guess they do not consider rusting a factor as part of their warranty. Between Braun and the "authorized service center", they kept me going around in circles with phone calls. They told me that if it was covered under the warranty I would be all set, but if not...then I am responsible for the repair charges. Since when is rust a cosmetic part of the razor that would not be covered by their warranty. I told them that I was never so disappointed with their customer service that I was trashing their razor and switching to Norelco. A reputable company would not allow a customer to feel this way and work with them on resolving the issue at hand. If you buy a Braun, you are making a big mistake!
  
  
• Do not buy this shaver from Amazon!!!! Buy it elsewhere.
  By AAUJXAGUPP14M on 2008-04-18
  My shaver arrived with a torn foil and a broken blade. Amazon refused to accept a return or send a replacement shaver head "because the shaver is shipped with a dangerous liquid" (one cartridge of cleaning fluid). This is the lamest and stupidest excuse I have ever heard for a company to refuse to replace a defective part.
  
  I could not get through the Amazon system to get any resolution. In fact, I could not even get a human being to respond .
  
  I ended up having to contact Braun directly. It took 7 calls and over 3 weeks to get a head replacement from them. In the process I lost the opportunity for the 30-day return trial period, let alone wasting hours of my valuable time, and one less month of warranty protection.
  
  Amazon's attitude and complete lack of customer support for a defective product is unconscionable. Amazon SUCKS and so do all their links for shavers. My advice to you is DO NOT BUY A SHAVER THROUGH AMAZON. Purchase it from someone else.
  
  
• New Pulsonic Even Better as a WET Shaver!!!
  By A2FM2ZNXXU2NEK on 2007-09-17
  Bought this shaver for my husband. He loves it!!! Here's my husband's review: If you haven't figured it out yet, the new Braun Pulsonic is even better as a wet shaver. Notice that it says WASHABLE in letters you can't miss on the front of the shaver. Simply wet your face, put on some Gillette Foamy shaving cream, and get ready for an incredibly close shave!! FIRST, shave with the shaving head in the UNLOCKED position, and then followup by shaving with the shaving head in the LOCKED position. Wow, what a shave!! This doesn't take long as the Pulsonic is fast and powerful and zips right through your beard. Take your fingers AGAINST the grain of your beard to see how close this shave is!!
  
  If you want an even closer shave, FIRST shave ONLY WITH THE GRAIN of your beard (NOT against the grain)using a typical Gillette double or triple blade. Then finish up with the Pulsonic. This seems to get the longer, flat lying hairs a little better. After all, it's the shaving AGAINST the grain of your beard with a blade that produces the nicks and iritation.
  
  Can't figure out why Braun doesn't advertise the Pulsonic as a WET shaver. Maybe it's because Braun had to cut a deal with Panasonic to use Panasonic's Linear motor in the Pulsonic. Maybe Panasonic still has a patent on its Linear motor. Anyway, I've used both the latest Panasonic wet/dry shaver as a wet shaver and the Braun Pulsonic as a wet shaver. The results are that the Pulsonic shaves much closer and without the irritation of the Panasonic.
  
  Give the Pulsonic a try as a WET shaver; it's the best wet shaver yet!!!
  
  
• Pricey But Worth Every Penny
  By A1VQHH85U7PX0 on 2007-11-09
  Here is a breakdown of my evaluation of the Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC with LCD Screen:
  
  ** Pros **
  
  >> Construction
  The constuction of this shaver is superb. The body of the shaver is made from plastic but it has a very refined metallic look. The LCD screen seems to be made of glass and looks to be fairly scratch resistant. The shaver itself is made in Germany and has the look and feel of quality construction. The shaver is fairly weighty (but not too heavy) which adds to the overall impression of a solid build.
  
  >> Function/Performance
  The shave is just about as close as that from a shaving blade. Maybe there is something to this "Pulsonic" technology after all (10,000 Micro-Vibrations per minute) which is supposed to help lift hair to provide a closer cut. I was unable to see or feel any stuble after a shave. The shaved area actually feels silky smooth! Thanks to the new and improved screen foil and cutterblock for the Pulsonic 9595CC.
  
  The Pulsonic has a flexing/pivoting head to help the shaver conform to the contour of your face. I personally don't really care very much for it as I'm accustomed to flexing my wrist to angle the shaver to my face. The pivoting head can also be locked in place to tackle the hard to reach area under the nose.
  
  The pop-up trimmer is very functional and does as good a job as a dedicated trimmer.
  
  >> Features
  Cleaning Convenience: The Clean & Renew system automatically cleans, lubricates, and dries the saver at the touch of a button. It also has a 25-second quick cleaning cycle for when you have to use your shaver in a hurry (This feature is only available on the Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC with LCD Screen, not on the lesser equipped Braun Pulsonic System 9585CC with LED Lights). After each cleaning, the shaver smells clean and lemony.
  
  The shaver can be washed under tap water but with this method of cleaning, the manual states that the shaver head needs to be lubed with a few drops of lubricant every week or so.
  
  The shaver sports an LCD screen which has a "hygiene" and a "battery" indicator each of which has six graduations/levels arranged in a semi-circular fashion and occupies half of the screen. The hygiene indicator shows when the shaver needs to be cleaned. The battery indicator, of course, indicates how much power is left.
  
  No time to wait around for the shaver to recharge? No problem. The power cord can be hooked up directly to the shaver.
  
  >> Warranty
  The shaver has a 2-year warranty (excludes the Cutter and Foil part - you're advised to replace this every 18 months).
  
  >> Ergonomics
  The back and sides of the shaver are rubberized to help you to maintain a firm and comfortable grip while shaving.
  
  >> Aesthetics
  The Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC exudes elegance, class and sophistication with its sleek lines and its beautifully crafted elements that convey a work of intricate and robust engineering.
  
  ** Cons **
  I have only one. Here it is for completeness sake:
  
  
  >> Price
  The real gripe I have about this shaver is not so much its price because it's a one-time expense but the price of the Clean & Renew cartridges. Talk about "giving away razors to sell razor blades" except in this case the razor is, patently, not free. Braun advises that the cartridge be replaced after 30 cleaning cycles or 6-8 weeks WCF.
  
  ** Additional Points **
  
  >> Economic Considerations
  Some economically-conscious people have suggested using isopropyl alcohol mixed with a lubricant to refill the cartridge. The factory cleaning fluid actually contains a highly volatile alcohol and a lubricant component, which is apparent after each cleaning because the residual lubricant can be felt if you run your finger through the sides of the shaver head. They further suggest removing the cartridge and capping it after each cleaning to prevent the loss of the highly volatile fluid. That's too much of a hassle and I don't see it as a necessity because once the cartridge is in place, the openings of the cartridge form a watertight seal with the cleaning component and the loss of the solution through evaporation is very minimal. At least one individual suggested changing the cartridge every 6-months.
  
  
  ** Conclusion **
  
  The Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC with LCD is pricey but it is worth every penny. Don't let the price of the Clean & Renew cartridges deter you from getting this little gem because you can always forego the automated cleaning option and simply use running tap water. I personally have no regrets about getting this shaver and I highly recommend it. Go on, get it and see for yourself how the Braun Pulsonic System 9595CC with LCD lives up to its hype.
  
  
  
• Great shape, great clean but not nearly close enough
  By A2DR1CNGER9QJ2 on 2007-12-12
  I have been using my Pulsonic for almost 2 months and I have yet to get a close shave with this razor. I bought this razor because of the new handy shape and cleaning system, but this is just not enough for over $200 dollars. It ;s not close after you shave and even worse an hour or two later. The Braun 360 did a better job but was too hard to hold and manuver. I have been a Braun user that has switched to Norelco.
  I just purchased a new Norelco Arcitec 1090 to replace it and had to eat the Braun razor because Braun only offers a 30 day money back guarantee. Norelco offers 60 days. My first shave with the Norelco was closer than any shave I got with the Pulsonic. If you buy the Pulsonic make a quick decision on whether you like paying for an inferior shave. The Norelco was easy to clean with warm tap water and required no addional expense.
  In the contest Between the Pulsonic and the Arcitec, I give 5 stars to the Norelco Arcitec.
  
  
• A very good electric razor
  By A37BPVPTAM7JWP on 2007-12-28
  This is a replacement for my Braun 7505. I've had it for 2-1/2 months now and overall I like it. For the record, I get heavy dark stubble which is a challenge for electrics.
  Pros:
  1. It excels at cutting neck area compared to other electrics including the 7505.
  2. Excellent battery life.
  3. It even works well if you miss a few days and have longer growth. It doesn't pull long hairs.
  4. No skin irritation.
  5. Shaving takes less time.
  Cons:
  1. The trimmer is awful. It is does a very poor job on nose hair and sideburns. The trimmer location and angle make it difficult to navigate. The 7505's trimmer was far superior.
  2. The cleaning unit is ugly, very large, slow and very noisy while cleaning.
  3. The cleaning fluid is an expensive sales gimmick.
  4. The hygiene monitor basically just counts how many uses since cleaning. If you manually clean the razor the hygiene monitor will still show dirty. This is bad because the cleaning unit uses more fluid based on the hygiene monitor. I thought I could save money by cleaning every other day, but it uses about the same amount of fluid.
  5. It doesn't shave as close as other electrics. It definitely looks like an electric shave. On the 7505 I could get a very close shave if I took my time. Extra time and several passes does not seem to improve the closeness on the 9595.
  6. The plastic travel holder is bulky. A blade cover like the 7505 would be preferable.
  
  
  

• Braun Replacement Pulsonic 9000 Series Foil and Cutterblock
• Braun Series 5 8985 Men's Shaver
• Braun Series 5 8975 Men's Shaver
• Braun Series 5 8995 Men's Shaver

• Braun Clean & Renew Refills (3 Pack)
• Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush with Sanitizer
• Oral B Triumph 9900 Toothbrush with Smart Guide