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 Arcitec Men's Shavers
Philips Norelco offers four models in its arcitec line - the 1050, the 1050CC, the 1060 and the 1090 (pictured). You can read details at the company website.

An official company press release (no longer online) from August 2007, when the new models were launched, said:

Arcitec is the world's only shaver with Flex & Pivot Action that allows 360-degree maneuverability to capture the most challenging hairs, even on the neck. Featuring Triple-Track Shaving Heads with an integrated Lift & Cut system, arcitec provides a faster, closer shave. This unique combination enables the heads to maintain maximum skin contact even in curved areas, tracing the contours of the neck and chin.

Arcitec features a revolutionary ultra-slim ergonomic design, is comfortable to hold and effortless to use. It is designed for maximum control and accuracy and features a trimmer for the perfect look. On shelves now at mass retail, department and specialty stores and online at Amazon.com, arcitec retails for $169.99 -- $249.99.

According to a product description:

* Flex and Pivot Technology: Three independently flexing heads in a shaving unit that swivels 360 degrees for a full range of motion. This ensures optimum skin contact in curved areas, to catch even the most problematic hairs on your neck for a perfectly close shave, even in the hard to shave places.

* Triple Track Shaving Heads: with up to 50% more shaving surface for a faster, smoother, closer shave. The Philips arcitec has more blades than traditional single-track shaving heads for more chances to catch and cut hair on every stroke. So you don't have to go over the same area to get a really close shave.

* Superior Lift & Cut Technology: The dual stainless steel blade system gently lifts hair to cut it comfortably below skin level, for an ultra close shave.

* Advanced Tube Trimmer: Extends out from the body of the shaver -- perfect for trimming your sideburns, goatee, moustache -- then slide it back into the shaver to keep that sleek clean look! The new patented precision tube trimming technology lets you cut off hairs closer to the skin. The outer tube has slots to catch hairs and the inner tube oscillates to cut these hairs.

* Precision Cutting System: Ultra-thin heads have slots to catch longer hairs and holes to shave short stubble. The stainless steel shaving heads are made very thin so they lie closer than ever against your skin to reach every hair.

* Washable: Simply rinses clean in seconds -- for the ultimate in convenience.

A ShavingStuff.com review said:

The three heads of the top of the razor pop open and allow for easy cleaning. Not only that but you can run them under water. Very convenient and very easy. And worth it. I was shaving on several days growth, and after I cleaned out the hairs halfway through, the shave got noticeable better.

The Arcitec's three heads cover a lot of ground. I was able to shave my cheeks with a couple swirls. Also, the heads are mounted on springs so they have a little give. This makes them mold to your face rather than dig out a divot.

While I consider it a big plus that the Arcitec has a trimmer (for sideburns or other existing facial hair), the trimmer wasn't able to shave close enough to double as a razor itself.

Maxim magazine wrote:

Philips Norelco is one of the biggest and best producers of electric razors in the grooming game and the Arcitec is their flagship. It uses three independent rotary heads that flex around your face no matter how hideous and lumpy it may be....Good looks only get a razor so far, but this thing is as effective as it is pretty. The stainless steel blades do an awesome job of smoothing up your face and it even tackles those ropey, painful neck hairs like a champ.

...How does it stack up against other razors? ...The difference is noticeable no matter how much shaving you do, but guys with necks like patches of velcro will be voting for this thing for president.

Business Week wrote quite a detailed, and very interesting, article on the development of the arcitec (subtitled: "How neck hairs led to the remaking of an icon").

* Get the Latest Prices on Philips Norelco Arcitec Men's Shavers.

October 16th, 2007
Updated: September 19th, 2008