Philips Norelco 1290X/46 Shaver 8800

I have been using Norelco razors for over 50 years. I also tried almost every other electric razor available. This is absolutely the best razor ever. I am an engineer and can appreciate the wonderful engineering job that Phillips has done since they bought out Norelco. The razor glides smoothly over my face, contouring to every sharp and rounded spot on my chin because of its extreme flexibility. It cuts closer than I can with a multi-bladed standard razor, without all the mess.However, the most ingenious new feature is the fact that the Rotary cutting blades completely open and can be easily washed clean with a faucet after every shave. This lack of messy buildup allows a fresh clean shave each time the razor is used. Normally my Norelco razors have lasted at least 5 years. Because of this feature I am hoping that this one will have similar longevity, but it has more flexible parts, and that has yet to be determined.(I have had the razor for three years now). This is definitely the best razor you can buy, and because of its expected longevity, it becomes a good bargain, even at this high price. Another important feature is the remarkable battery. After a full charge (it gave me 72 minutes), I used this razor for 31 days without recharging. That means when I travel, I very seldom have to take along a charger. That's important for someone who travels a lot. Kudos to Norelco!I have used this razor for 3 yrs now, and have not replaced the heads. It still works almost as good as new, but it takes more strokes to shave now than in the beginning. Initially I shaved in 2 minutes, now 3 to 4 minutes. It is also better to shave every day as it pulls a little on longer beards. I could replace the heads, but won't because of the battery reduction outlined below.Update: at 2 yrs and 4 months, the charge dropped from 72 minutes to 61 minutes. At 2 yrs and seven months it dropped again to 55 minutes. At 2 yrs 9 months it dropped to 49 minutes. At 3 years it is at 45 minutes for full charge. It is still great, but I am taking a star away because of the reduction in full charge times, and the fact that it does not have a separate cord for charging; it must be charged in the cradle, which is inconvenient to pack when travelling.At four years this razor is still nearly perfect. I opened the three heads and thoroughly washed them for 3 years. Finally it started to pull and I thought I needed a new one. I read the manual for the first time and was surprised that you could take it apart and clean the blades independently; who knew? After a thorough cleaning including soaking in alcohol, it returned to near new shaves. I noticed that it shaved poorer when I let the battery get low, and I started leaving it in the charge cradle all the time. The charged time returned to 53 and has been steady there for some time. I am restoring the one star, because it is amazing that this razor has been so good for so long. Now, I am looking forward to making 5 years, then buying another one. I have never replaced the head on this one, and I still shave in 3 minutes with no pull.UPDATEWell I have passed 5 years in April and it still shaves almost like new. It is the most fantastic machine that I have ever seen. By keeping it in the cradle at all times the battery has charged up to 76 minutes! Fantastic; the battery is getting better after 5 years and charges to more minutes than when brand new. I am ready to buy a new one just to have a second one, but, alas, it is no longer available, and the so-called replacement sounds suspect. Why mess up a good thing?????? Does Norelco need to build in some obsolescence in the new ones to maximise profit?Year 6, and still great shaves, and no head replacement. Still 3 min/shave. Wow! The charge is up to 81 minutes. It is getting better with age (the secret is to leave it in the cradle when not shaving). They should build batteries for homes and cars.Year 7 ..........and still perfect 3 minute shaves. No replaced heads. Constant 83 minutes charge on shaver left in cradle when not using. Fantastic battery and head design. I am wowed with this razor!Year 8 ........still perfect 3 minute shaves. No replaced heads. Constant 81 minutes charge on shaver left in cradle when not using. I am going to try for 10 yrs with this razor. Unbelievable device!!!Beware of the replacement; 9300. Read the reviews and buy this one, if you can find it!.Year 9 ........Still great shaver, 3 minute shaves, as close as a blade. Unbelievable 84 minutes on battery when charged! I shave every day and leave he shaver in cradle when not in use. I bought new blades this year: WHAT A FARCE!! The old blades shave closer and I put them back in. Apparently using the blades sharpens them as they rotate.

I have been using Norelco razors for 19 yrs. The first 13 were dry shavers that left my skin irritated. The last razor was the kind that squirted the "goo" it did a great job of shaving but I always had to keep filling the expensive goo and it started to smell funky. The batteries were fading so I thought I would try this razor and pair it with a good shaving cream - C.O. Bigelow. Really no skin irritation even better than the goo razor! The head is bigger so it is harder to get some ares without a bit more work.I travel a lot and now I don't have to worry about filling the goo before I leave, however I didn't like the travel lock on this razor. It said it was "automatic" but it takes 5 minutes of movement before it automatically locks. One trip later and it didn't automatically lock and I was left with a dead razor and didn't bring the charger for a 2 day trip. So I bought the 1260 model as a travel razor - that has a manual lock so I can be more confident it won't be dead when I arrive. This works well for me as they both use the same charger and most of my flights are early morning and the last thing I want to do at that time is try to remember to pack a razor after I use it.I do recommend this razor (and the 1260) long battery runs and a good wet shave. I tried a dry shave - once and won't do that ever again.

I purchased this product about 2 months ago and it has been working flawlessly since day 1. I have never shaved with anything other than an electric razor my entire life. I have used some different models but usually stick with norelco over my 50 year shaving history. I like the fact the trimmer is built into the razor and not an extra piece that snaps on like my last razor. Incidentally, that model, also a norelco (arctic) still works fine but gave me a poor shaving experience. I have a challenging hair pattern on the one side of my neck that is impossible to get smooth. It always feels bristley and itchy a few hours after I shave. Not anymore!!! This 8800 model actually makes my entire face and neck baby smooth with absolutely no irritation. Admittedly the 12Q razor head with which it is equipped is responsible in large part for this. I understand when it goes dull the new replacement heads are of a very inferior quality (I have them on my arctic) but for the next year or so I will be enjoying the best shave of my life every day!Update: Nov. 23, 2016About two weeks after I wrote my review the handle no longer would hold a charge to the battery. I called customer service at Phillips and they promptly replace the handle for me at no charge. So far the new handle seems to be working well. I will update this again if that one should also go to bed.

The product I received doesn't work. I tried contacting Philips but the product is not repairable in India and they did not have a replacement in stock, either.Amazon, again to the rescue. I got my refund thankfully.Five stars to Amazon India.