t_o_n_y's Full Review: Braun Syncro 7526 Electric Shaver
***Update after 11 months use***
My experience with the shaver continues to be positive, and my comments in the 6 month update still hold. I replaced the foil on the shaver head about 2 months ago, not because it wore out, but because I had dropped it onto some sharp object. It included new blades, and I noticed a positive difference after that replacement. As far as cleaning, I've now settled into a routine where I only clean and charge the shaver once a week, and this combined with my money saving alternative to buying those cleaning fluid cartridges (described below) really saves on maintenance costs. It's a solid shaver, and I'd still purchase it again at the price I did.
***Update after 6 months use***
Although I still really like this shaver, I have to admit that it does have some drawbacks. The recharging/cleaning system is louder than it needs to be, and if you're in a hurry and press too hard, it will cause small cuts. Also, over time I've found that it's a challenge getting those neck hairs that I often miss and it's a little difficult getting the sideburn attachment to clip them so the shaver will get at them.
Still, as mentioned in the review, it's the best shaver I've had and I still really like it. By the way, my method described for cleaning seems to be working fine.
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I purchased this shaver 2 months ago and I'm still actually enjoying shaving each morning. I really cannot believe how much better it is than my previous shavers. My previous were Remington and Norelco rotary shavers. You can read specifics about them in another review I've written if you like:
This Braun shaver is much more comfortable, gives a much better shave, and ... there's something about it that just makes you actually WANT to use it.
For one thing, the self-cleaning system makes you feel like you have a brand new shaver each time. But I think the main thing is that this Braun product is simply a superior crafted machine. Although I've only had it 2 months at this point, it definitely feels durable, and with the self cleaning system constantly keeping it in top condition, I'm betting it will last much longer than other shavers. I'll post here if that isn't true.
It has 3 settings, only two of which I find useful: the regular setting in which the head swivels in order to conform to the contours of the face, and the side burn attachment. Both of these settings are very well designed and do exactly what they should, namely, cut the whiskers quickly and comfortably.
I really like the foil-type over the rotary-type shaver. Rather than using rotating motions to get all the hairs, it's more like mowing the lawn...you just go in straight lines, back and forth a couple of times. It seems faster to me and I feel less uncertain that I've missed spots.
Of course, the angles of the chin and the neck are still a challenge. However on the neck, I find that the side-burn attachment will quickly cut down the size of the longer hairs so that the main razor can get them.
The shaver is perhaps louder than the other shavers I've had, and the self-cleaner is definitely on the noisy side, but we've gotten used to it. The self cleaner is a device about the size of a small bowl that you put the shaver into after each use. There's a place for cleaning fluid to wash out the shaver head, thus removing whiskers and also lightly oiling it. It also serves as a charger.
They say you should replace the cleaning fluid once every month or so. I'm a real cheapskate so I'm trying something different. I know that the cleaning fluid is mostly rubbing alcohol with some oil and fragrance. The rubbing alcohol evaporates after about a month. So what I did was simply refill it back to the top after the first month. Then, after the second month, I dumped out the fluid (loaded with whiskers) and then ran the thing through the top rack of the dishwasher (it's best not to tell your wife you're doing this). I then refilled it up with rubbing alcohol and added a few drops of fine machine oil. I know this is not something the manufacturer would endorse, but I like experimenting and I like saving money. So far it's going well, but if I have problems I'll repost here.
The battery on this thing is incredible compared to my last shaver. I didn't even realize that I wasn't charging it for the first three weeks! It has a "smart" chip that allows the automatic charger to self drain the battery when needed so that the battery life will be maximized.
I got this shaver on an incredible eBay sale. It was in original packaging and brand new.
Braun Model 7526 Syncro Smart Logic Shaver Rechargeable shaver with Syncro System Smart Logic for maintaining battery performance 4-way pivoting head ...More at Amazon Marketplace
The Braun Syncro System 7526 includes the Syncro shaver and the Clean&Charge SCC1, the center for automatic cleaning, charging and storage of your Syn...More at eBay
With a 4way moving head and Smart Foil this cordless razor gives you a nice close shave, Runs for up to 50 min. on a 1hr. charge, The 3min. quickcharg...More at Target
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