Braun 8585 Activator Self-Cleaning Shaving System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The key thing in an electric shaver is getting the whiskers to the cutting blades.If the foil is too thick, or the holes in the foil don't get the stubby hairs inside, the shave won't be close.My whiskers grow flat along my skin in some parts of my face, especially in my throat area.The heads of most electric shavers just glided over them without picking them up.I could only get a close shape with a blade.My previous Panasonic wet/dry shaver had little rubber fins (like on some of the better Gillette razors) at the leading edges of the foil to lift up the flat hairs so they could go into the foil.That was the best electric shave I had ever gotten up to now.But Panasonic no longer sells any model with those fins, and the replacement foils with the fins for my shaver have been discontinued.

I looked around for current shavers that might have a new approach.Shaving with a blade every day is just too hard on my skin.I came across these Brauns 8595 and 8585.The explanation of the new foil design approach seemed to make enough sense to give it a try.The two models are the same, except that the 8595 has an LCD display for $40 more.The information on Braun's website sort of reveals, if you look at what the functions of the display are, that its main purpose is to nag you--time to clean, time to replace the foil, etc.So I saved the extra money and got the 8585.

I have been very impressed with it.The differently shaped foil slots/holes really do seem to pull in the hairs.No electric shaver is ever going to be as completely close as a blade, but this is pretty near to it.It's at least as good as my old wet/dry Panasonic with the hair-lifting fins.

Here's a semi-undocumented tip.The instructions say that you charge the shaver by putting it in the cleaning/charging station.They also say that you can use the power cord for corded shaving if the battery is discharged, and that the battery charges whenever the shaver is connected to a power outlet.What they DON'T say outright is what these facts suggest and I discovered:you can charge the shaver by connecting it to the outlet directly with the power cord.You don't have to use the cleaning/charging stand.This makes it easier to travel with the shaver, since you don't have to take that liquid-filled cleaning stand with you.

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Product Description:
Get ready for a shaving breakthrough. With the Activator self-cleaning shaving system, Braun brings cutting edge technology to the modern face. At the heart of the system is a revolutionary new "Smart Foil." This unique material has differently shaped holes that capture hair growing in any direction for a closer shave in fewer strokes-- even in problem areas like the neck. The other key feature of the system is called "Clean and Renew," an automated cleaning technology that keeps the Activator feeling like a new shaver every time you use it.
All in the Head
The Activator's unique head boasts a number of clever innovations, not the least of which is the smart foil. The foil is made up of differently shaped holes which, in combination with other Activator technologies, effortlessly shaves any hair type in fewer strokes. The holes within the foil vary in direction, size and shape-- much like the hair on the face. This variation allows more hairs to be captured on each stroke. The smart foil provides no less than 20 different hair-capturing opportunities compared to ordinary shaver foils that only provide one.
What's more, the shaver head also oscillates from side to side. These micro-oscillations enable the shaver foils to capture even more hair, and provide smoother gliding for maximum skin comfort, even in sensitive areas like the neck. Meanwhile, the Activator's shaving head adjusts automatically to facial contours, ensuring the shaver foils are always in optimal contact with the skin. This contour-hugging action can be switched off for facial areas where manual control is preferred. A three-stage cutting system is integrated into the head that works to deliver smoother, faster shaving results. First, the top foil shaves short hairs and stubble. Next, the Activator's high-performance middle trimmer effortlessly cuts longer hairs, before the second foil completes the shave for an exceptional finish.
Clean Living
The Activator's clean and renew system keeps it feeling like a new shaver. There are three different cleaning programs available, one of which is automatically selected based on how often the shaver is used and how much cleaning it needs. During the automatic cleaning program, a fresh alcohol-based cleaning fluid is pumped through the shaver head, so it quickly and hygienically cleans away shaved stubble. During the intensive cleaning cycle the cleaning solution is heated, so even the most stubborn debris and grease is removed from the shaver head. The alcohol-based cleaning solution is specially formulated for optimal hygiene. As an added bonus, the cleaning formula also lubricates the cutting elements for optimal cutting efficiency.
Once cleaning is finished, the shaver is silently dried using an inductive heating system. This thoroughly dries the shaver head to extend durability and maximize the shaver's performance. After drying, the shaver is automatically charged leaving it fully powered and ready to deliver peak performance at all times. Washed away stubble is retained in the cleaning cartridge, which can easily be disposed off with regular household garbage. There are no filters to replace and no cleaning of the unit required. Everything is neatly contained within the cartridge.
Brain Power
The Activator uses a special control chip to optimize battery life. This "Smart Logic" system is activated every time the shaver is charged, and maintains the battery at its peak. The new chip monitors the battery performance and services the battery when needed by discharging and recharging it automatically. This means the Activator is always ready for ultimate shaver performance whenever you need it.
Fully charged, the shaver offers up to 50 minutes (2-3 weeks) of cordless shaving. The batteries fully recharge in one hour, and there's a quick charge mode that gives you enough juice for one shave after a three minute charge. The Activator uses environmentally friendly Ni-MH batteries and features automatic worldwide voltage adjustment. If you desire, cord power can also be used with the Activator.
What's in the Box
Activator 8585, cleaning and charging stand, one replacement cleaning fluid cartridge, protective shaver case, power cord, user's manual.