Cordless
     Rechargeable Shaver
Philips Norelco 7310 and 7340 Men's Shavers
Philips Norelco 8240XL Men's Shaving System
Philips Norelco 9160XL Men's Shaver
Philips Norelco Arcitec Men's Shavers
Philips Norelco BG2020 Men's Bodygroom
Philips Norelco Facial Trimming Systems
Philips Norelco Hair Grooming Systems
Philips Norelco Moisturizing Shaving Systems
Philips Norelco NT9110 Nose and Ear Trimmer
Philips Norelco Speed-XL 8140XL Men's
     Shaver
Remington Men's Shavers
Wahl Beard and Mustache Trimmers
Wahl Hair Kits and Trimmers

Reviews

Philips Norelco 8240XL Men's Shaving System
The 8240XL mid-level shaver is also known as the Speed XL. In addition, it is available with a cleaning system, known as the 8240XLCC. You can read more at the Philips Norelco website.

Here is a product description:

The new Philips Norelco Speed-XL 8240 features 50% more shaving surface for a fast close shave. The new Contour Following System follows the contours of the face catching each hair with one stroke. The shaver simply rinses clean for easy maintenance. The Precision Cutting System features ultra thin heads with slots to shave long hairs and holes to shave the shortest stubble. Super Lift and Cut Technology ensures a close shave with a dual blade system designed to lift hairs to cut comfortably below skin level.

I have not been able to find online any independent, objective reviews of the shaver. However, sales sites like Amazon.com have numerous reviews from actual users, and these are often quite perceptive and can be very helpful to potential buyers.

Here is an excerpt from one of the 45-odd reviews - most highly favorable - at Amazon.com:

Before obtaining this shaver (through a promotion) I had been using the Philips Spectra 8890XL shaver (the so-called "James Bond" shaver), which was the top of the Philips line a few years ago, which at the time was widely reviewed as the best available electric shaver, and which retailed for around $200. I had doubts that this shaver, which retails for about half that, could best the one I already had.

In terms of shave, I was wrong. This 8240XL (which is identical in shave to sister models 8250XL and 8251XL) is a TERRIFIC shaver. With this new shaver, I can shave much more quickly, and it handles the hard to shave areas (e.g. my neck) with more aplomb. In addition, it's a lot quieter than my old shaver, and it's lighter!

And another:

Using this electric shaver has been a pleasure. It quickly and easily adapts to your face, the heads seeming to instantly respond to the contours, crevices and hills that make shaving such an adventure. The shaver holds its charge for several weeks once it is properly charged. I find it necessary to recharge every 14-18 days, on average. It seems to remember the shape of your face, as shaving becomes easier over time. There were very few incidents of the shaving heads grabbing skin once I'd gotten used to applying the proper pressure. The shave is close and smooth and quite fast. I am completely satisfied with the Philips Norelco shaving system, making my return to using a regular blade extremely unlikely.

* Get the latest price on the Philips Norelco 8240XL Men's Shaving System.

September 24th, 2008