For the last several weeks I've been using the Braun Series 7 - 790cc, also known as the Braun Pulsonic 9595, and I must say I have been quite impressed.
I like the design, the cleaning system is very convenient, and of course the actual shaving experience was completely satisfying.
So, although I am a fan of the Braun 790cc, I will make this review as fair and as thorough as I can.
***UPDATE***: After reviewing this Series 7 model and testing out many other shavers, I would have to say that this Braun shaver is by far the best option available.
In my opinion this is the best shaver and considering it has been on the market for quite some time, the price has been reduced a lot.
If I were to only recommend 1 electric shaver, this would be it.
Table of Contents:
What's in the box
Clean and Renew System
Manually cleaning
Shaver design and specs
My shaving experience
Final thoughts
Video review
What's in the Box
Enter the Braun Pulsonic - 790cc Shaver:
The day this Braun Series 7 shaver was delivered to my house, I was definitely excited. Who would have thought that an electric shaver comes in such a big
package!
I was a bit relieved to find out that FedEX hadn't made a mistake, and that it was actually my electric razor.
Once a knife and scissors were put to good use and the box was finally opened, this is what I found:
Braun 790cc Razor
Electric Cord
Cleaning Brush
Traveling Case
Clean and Renew Base
Clean and Renew Liquid Pack
Set of Instructions
Clean and Renew System
The cleaning system with this shaver is great. Every time you finish a shave, simply put it in the charging base, hit a button and your shaver is cleaned,
sterilized and ready for the next shave.
There are 4 types of cleaning modes. I have found that a normal shave will just require a light cleaning session. If you have a few days worth of growth then
it may require a medium or a more thorough clean. These 3 cleaning sessions take 30 to 40 minutes to run through. There is also a quick clean feature which
cleans the shaver in 25 seconds.
The cleaning sessions won't begin until you hit the start button. This allows you to charge the shaver without running it through the cleaning process. This
is important because you can manually clean the razor as well.
There's really only one complaint that anyone would have with this cleaning system: The cost.
Yes there's a bit of an added expense, but it's not as expensive as people rant about. Firstly, you're going to receive one pack of cleaning liquid with the
initial purchase. This is going to last for approximately 30 cleaning sessions. So if you shave everyday and clean the shaver everyday you're going to need
to replace the liquid cartridge every month.
The Clean and Renew liquid packs are usually sold in a set of 3 for 15 dollars. So that's an added cost of 5 dollars per month, or 60 dollars per year.
Personally I'm happy to pay 5 dollars a month to have my shaver cleaned and sterilized after each use. I see it as a luxury cost.
But of course, some people won't be thrilled with this extra expense. However, there are a few simple solutions to reduce this cost. First one is to just use
the cleaning liquid every other day. Manually clean the shaver one day, and run it through the cleaning process the next day. Right there that cuts the cost
in half. 2 dollars and 50 cents per month, or 30 dollars per year. Not a big deal.
If you wanted to be really thrifty, you can actually use the liquid very sparingly. Run it through the Clean and Renew system say once per week, and just
manually clean it the other 6 days. This will significantly reduce the added cost.
Side Bar...
Once the Clean and Renew liquid is setup inside the shaving base, after about 8 weeks whether you use it or not, some liquid may evaporate.
If you want to conserve the liquid then remove it from the base when you're not using it and put the cap back on. This will allow you to store it safely.
End Side Bar...
Like I said, I'm happy to pay 5 dollars per month for this special feature, but there are certainly ways around reducing that cost.
Also, it's worth mentioning that there are added costs with substitutes for this shaver. If you were using disposal blades you would need to replace them, as
well as the cost of shaving cream. Various other forms of shaving do have additional costs, but few compare to the convenience of the Braun Series 7 - 790cc.
Manually Cleaning the Shaver
Cleaning the shaver regularly is going to help it last longer. Many people run into problems because they don't keep their electric razors clean.
If you're not going to use the cleaning base regularly, or if you're traveling, you're going to need to clean the Braun Series 7 - 790cc manually.
There are two ways to do this. First one is to remove the shaving foil and lightly brush out any hairs from the unit. There is a release button on the side
of the shaving head which allows you to easily take it off. Don't use the brush on the shaving foils.
The second method is to put the shaving head under running hot water. The shaver should be on when you do this. Remove the cap and let it fully dry until you
use it again. If you're going to clean it under water often, then Braun recommends you apply some machine oil to the shaving head about once per week.
Shaver Design and Specs
The Braun Series 7 - 790cc has a really nice high tech design and fits comfortably in the hand. Not too big, not too small.
The Pulsonic technology with this razor refers to the 10,000 microvibrations per minute that are generated from the shaving head. This, along with the Power
-Comb technology helps lift hairs off your face for easy shaving. This combination really helps you get a very smooth shave.
The shaving head also pivots up and down and can lock on a certain angle. This helps with shaving the neck area and upper lip.
There's also a pop up trimmer which I found to be effective at lining out the side burns. You can also use this trimmer to trim a moustache or trim down your
beard to a reasonable level before using the actual shaver.
On the bottom of the Braun Series 7 shaver there's an LCD display which shows the battery life and the hygiene level. Once both of these are full and the shaver is in the
base, it will go on stand-by mode. A full charge should last you about 50 minutes of shaving time. You can also use the shaver with the electric cord which
is ideal for traveling.
Lastly there are different speed settings. I have always used to the highest setting but if your facial hair isn't very thick or you have quite sensitive
skin, you might want to start with the lower settings. Prior to using the Braun Series 7 I was using a disposable razor for about a month and making the
switch was completely fine.
However, if you're coming from a disposable razor or a rotary shaver you might take a few weeks to adjust to the Braun. This might be another scenario when
the lower speed setting may be beneficial for you.
My Shaving Experience
As I mentioned above, I'm a big fan of the Braun Series 7 - 790cc and I will continue to use this electric shaver. I really only have positive things to say
with my overall shaving experience.
My facial hair is quite dark and pretty thick, and I didn't have any problems. Keeping the shaver at a 90 degree angle and pressing in fairly hard at certain
times, I was able to get a nice smooth shave.
With a disposable razor I never shave against the grain so running my fingers up on my face isn't smooth at all. But with the Braun Series 7 - 790cc you can shave up
and down resulting in a super close shave with no irritation.
I was very happy with the smoothness of my cheeks, lip and chin area. I think the Braun did a good job on my neck as well. Although it may not have been as
close as a razor on my neck, I haven't experienced any irritation. Usually with a razor I'll have some sort of irritation once and awhile.
One thing I would note is that if you have thick facial hair, you might have to go a bit slowly over certain areas and press in with the shaver. Going over
certain areas a few times might be needed to get a very smooth shave, as well as pulling down on your skin.
I guess the only complaint I have, and it's not really a complaint... would just be the change in routine. If you're using a disposable razor right
now you might have a routine of taking a hot shower followed by a shave. With this electric shaver, you're going to have to shave before washing your face.
Obviously it's not a big deal, just a little schedule change.
So overall I had a great experience with the Braun Series 7 - 790cc and I will continue to use it regularly. If you're looking for a close shave with the
luxury of a cleaning station then I would definitely recommend this shaving unit.
Final Thoughts
If you have the budget for this shaver, and you want a smooth close shave with the convenience of a cleaning station, I suggest you get it.
The only downfall really is the price, however at the current sales price it is a great deal. Oh and it's a bit noisy, but that shouldn't really be an issue.
Although it is a bit expensive, if you want a super close shave and an excellent cleaning system I think it's worth the money, especially at the new discounted price tag.
There are additional costs to replace the cleaning fluid, however I just see that as a luxury expense. 5 dollars a month isn't that bad, plus you can easily
stretch that to 5 dollars every two months which shouldn't be a problem.
Remember other forms of shaving have additional costs as well: disposable blades,
shaving cream etc.
My shaving experience with the Braun Series 7 - 790cc has been great. I get a very smooth shave with no irritation.
I love the cleaning station and if I need
to travel I can use the electric cord along with the traveling case, and clean the shaver manually.
Bottom line, after reviewing many shavers this is my favorite, and I think you will be impressed with this shaving unit.
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