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 9160XL Men's Shaver
The 9160XL SmartTouch is one of Philips Norelco's most popular shavers. It is part of a series, along with the 9170XLCC and the 9190XL, but these do not appear to be available any longer.

Here is an official product description:

SmartTouch-XL combines the revolutionary Speed-XL shaving heads with the unique SmartTouch Contour Following System: up to 50% more shaving surface adjusting optimally to your skin resulting in a faster, closer shave.

Speed-XL Shaving Heads – 50% more shaving surface for a faster, smoother and closer shave.

Personal Comfort Control System – Personalize your shave with 3 comfort settings that adjust to your skin type for maximum comfort in sensitive areas.

Precision Cutting System – Ultra thin heads with slots to shave long hairs and holes to shave the shortest stubble.

Patented Reflex Action System – Automatically adjusts to every curve on your face for flexible, smoother shaving.

Superior Lift and Cut Technology – Dual blade system lifts hair to cut comfortably below skin level. Stainless steel blades for comfortably close shaves.

Individually Floating Heads – Align the razor-sharp blades closer to your skin for exceptional closeness.

Simply Rinses Clean – Quick and Easy!

Other standard features include:
- Easy Read 7 LED Multi-Function Display: Battery Level Indicators, Battery Low Warning, Battery Full and Charging Indicators, Shaving Head Replacement and Cleaning Indicator.
- Automatic Charging Stand with Clock.
- 1-Hour Full Charge for up to 90 minutes of shave time or 30 days of cordless shaving.
- 3-Minute Quick Charge
- Automatic Worldwide Voltage
- Spring-Release, Full-Width Trimmer
- Electronic On/Off Switch
- Protective Razor Cap
- Cord & Cleaning Brush
- Hair Collection Chamber
- Hard/Soft Storage/Travel Pouch

I have not been able to find online any independent, objective reviews of the shaver. However, sales sites like Amazon.com carry very useful consumer reviews. These often provide extremely practical guidance.

Amazon.com actually carries some 270 reviews for the 9160XL, most of them very favorable. Here is an excerpt from one:

Simply put, it has switched me back to electric after 6 years of using blades. The new rotors have three rows of blades, and an innovative mix of slots and holes for stubble, making-use of dead space that was Norelco's weakness since their beginning. The XL has the inward tilt mechanism introduced with the Quadra. And it has the late 80's lift-and-cut technology, which doesn't work exactly as advertised, but it does shave flat areas of the face as close as a blade (the cheek and upper lip areas do get the closest cut).

...The XL gives me the closest electric shave I've ever had. And I can use it daily for a consistent smooth look without irritation. Add the recent development of products like Anthony for Men's alcohol-based pre-shave solution, and electric shaving suddenly has advantages worth making the switch. I liked the XL so much, I got the 9160XL for home, and the less-expensive 8140XL for my office.

The 2 shavers are the same, except for the smart touch pivoting feature, which is not a big bonus in my opinion. The pivoting feature makes it possible to shave the neck and chin faster, but the results for both shavers is exactly the same, meaning that some neck hairs are going to be missed, making it necessary to use a blade to do some quick cleanup. Electric is far from perfect, but this is the closest and most comfortable electric yet. I'm sticking with it.

And here is another:

Likes: (1) hot water cleaning, (2) 30 days of shaving per charge, (3) carry case, (4) dual current charger, (5) traditional design. Dislikes: (1) charging stand (which I don't use) because of the space it takes up, and (2) it doesn't have a charge status indicator that counts down shaves (only slide rule). Great product which I would recommend to anyone.

* Get the latest price on the Philips Norelco 9160XL Men's Shaver.

September 24th, 2008