I finally got my hands on the new SensoTouch 3D shaver from Philips Norelco.
I have been very excited to test out this shaver because it looks so cool. It's got one of the most high tech
designs, and I've been really anticipating what kind of shave the unique features will
produce.
This specific Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D review is on the 1250xcc model, however it is applicable to all the
different models. We'll touch on some of the differences before we get started.
Table of Contents:
What's in the Box
Charging the Shaver
Jet Clean System Set Up
Manually Cleaning the Shaver
Shaver Design and Specs
Dry and Wet Shaving
Final Thoughts
Video Review
Keeping track of all the different shavers on the market is pretty tough, and there's even some confusion
with just this one specific model!
So let's briefly review some of the main differences among the SensoTouch 3D shavers. Firstly, the 1250xcc and
the 1280xcc are the two models with the Jet Clean System. This is represented by the "cc". The cleaning system
in the 1250xcc is a standard system which comes with one cleaning setting, while the 1280xcc has three different
cleaning settings and works faster.
Because these shavers can easily be cleaned manually, the Jet Clean System is not completely necessary, and
therefore all the models are sold with just the razor itself. So you can purchase the razor without the cleaning station, which comes in
these models: 1250x, 1260x, 1280x and 1290x.
The differences between these models will be within the battery display screens, and the finish of the shavers.
The 1280x and 1290x have a digital display screen, and instead of a plastic finish they have a chrome and zinc
metal finish.
In my opinion, the biggest decision would be between getting the cleaning system or not. If you want to save
some money you can just get the razor itself, however the cleaning system is pretty cool, and very convenient.
So basically I would personally choose between the full shaving system in the 1250xcc (like the one we're
reviewing here), or just the 1250x razor by itself. The extra money for the models above the 1250 is not necessary in my opinion.
Charging the shaver can be done with the charging stand, or the cleaning base.
Unfortunately you can't plug the electrical cord into the razor itself. This is not a big deal if you're shaving
at home, however if you want to travel it's a slight inconvenience.
If you do travel, then at the very least you will need to bring the shaving stand with you in order to charge
the shaver. It isn't too big, however it won't fit into a small traveling/shaving case.
The charging stand does have some nice suction cups which really helps it stick to your bathroom counter top and
doesn't move at all. So you can charge it right side up in with the charging stand, or you can flip it around
and charge it within the cleaning base.
You might think the charging stand is a bit redundant because you can just charge it in the cleaning base, which
is true with the 1250xcc and 1280xcc models. However, because all these shavers can be purchased without the
cleaning station, you will need some way to charge the shaver and that's why the charging stand exists.
With the 1250x shavers, a full charge should last you about 50 minutes in shaving time, while the 1280x and
1290x razors will last 60 minutes. Also as we mentioned earlier, the 1250x will have a charging bar as a
display, where the other SensoTouch 3D shavers will have digital displays which tell you how many minutes are
left.
Jet Clean System Set Up
Setting up the cleaning station with these Sensotouch 3D shavers is really easy.
Pressing in the buttons on each side of the base, you simply remove the top and reveal a canister which the unit
sits on. All you have to do in pour in the Jet Clean Solution up to the indicated line, and place the unit back
on top.
With the initial purchase you get 1 month's supply of the Jet Clean Solution. If you use the cleaning station
everyday, it should last you about 1 month. Replacing the Jet Clean Solution will cost you around 5 dollars per
month. Packs of 3 are usually sold for around 15 dollars online, however other stores might charge more. This is
the standard cost of replacing cleaning cartridges for electric shavers.
But remember that you don't always have to use the cleaning station. Based on my personal experience I would
assume that most people don't use the cleaning station everyday, which really cuts the cost down. If you don't
shave everyday, obviously you're not going to use the cleaning station, and cleaning the SensoTouch 3D shavers
manually is very easy. Therefore, most people can easily make 1 month's supply of the Jet Clean Solution last
quite a bit longer.
Placing the shaver in the cleaning base will automatically charge the shaver. By pressing the ON button, the
shaver lowers into the base and begins cleaning. As mentioned above, the 1250xcc has 1 cleaning setting, while
the 1280xcc has 3 cleaning settings.
The whole process is pretty awesome and high tech. Once you turn it on, the shaver lowers into
the cleaning solution and it begins cleaning. During the entire session the shaver rises and lowers back in a
few times. Once it's fully cleaned the shaver will sit there and start drying. This is indicated with a flashing
light on the cleaning base.
The manual says it takes about 2 hours to dry with the 1250xcc, and about 1 hour to dry with the 1280xcc. These
cleaning times are a bit longer when compared to other cleaning stations, however most people don't need to use
the shaver again until around 24 hours so it's not that big of a deal.
When the cleaning solution is running low a display will indicate that it needs to be refilled. If this happens
during a cleaning session simply remove the base from the cannister and fill it back up, then start the process
over.
It's a little hard to tell how clean the shaver gets, or compare the "cleanliness" to other cleaning stations,
but I would say it does quite a nice job. Plus, it's a really cool process.
Manually Cleaning the Shaver
Like with most types of electric shavers, the cleaning station is not completely necessary. This is the case
with many of the other top selling electric razors. Most models are sold as just the razor, except for the Braun
Series 7.
The main reason why it's not needed is because the SensoTouch 3D shavers are waterproof and can be used wet. Therefore, they can be cleaned under running water. Most shavers that can be used wet, like some Panasonic shavers
will also have the option of just buying the razor with no cleaning station.
Cleaning the SensoTouch 3D shavers is quite easy, and with the models which don't have the cleaning base you
will need to learn how to do this.
The first step is to just rinse the shaving head under running water. It should be warm to hot water and should
be done for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. It's recommended that the shaver is off when you do this.
What you can also do is open each of the 3 shaving heads and rinse in between them. Once you're done rinsing the
shaver head you can click them back into place and shake off or blow off any water drops. If you want to do a
very thorough clean you can actually remove the shaving blades and wash them separately.
Overall manually cleaning these shavers is really easy and a must do for the models which don't have the Jet
Clean System. Even if your model does come with the cleaning system, manually cleaning the shaver can save you
from constantly replenishing the Jet Clean Solution, and will be needed if you travel without the cleaning base.
SensoTouch 3D Shaver Design
The design of these shavers is what interests a lot of people, me included.
Although it is similar to some of the other high tech Philips Norelco shavers, some of the new features are
worth talking about.
The design of the shaver is very high tech and overall it fits nicely in the hand.
It is actually quieter than
some of the other shavers in this price range.
It comes equipped with a standard precision trimmer which is good for straightening out side burns, and as we
mentioned the display screen will vary with the different models.
One of the new features is called the Ultra Track, which refers to the inner blades within the shaving heads.
They are designed to cut short, medium and long hairs. Although this technology is cool and sounds good on
paper, it's really something we will have to discuss when we actually use the shaver.
The other feature which is noticeable without actually testing out the shaver is the Gyro Flex 3D Head. This
refers to the 360 degree pivot of the shaving head, as well as the inward and outward pivot of the 3 individual
shaving heads.
You can clearly see through the demonstration on my palm that this feature will nicely fit the contours of your
chin and neck area.
Dry and Wet Shaving Experience
Although I have used this shaver for several weeks before writing this review, I decided to test out a dry shave
versus a wet shave.
For this SensoTouch 3D review I began with shaving the right side of my face dry, and then the left side wet
with shaving cream. During the entire time I tested out this shaver I have experimented with both a dry shave
and a wet shave, but not side by side like this.
When using a rotary shaver, it's best to keep the razor at about a 90 degree angle to your face. You can shave
up and down like a foil shaver, as well as side to side or in a circular motion.
With the SensoTouch 3D razor I remember the first time I used it I didn't even know it was on! I turned it on
and started shaving, and it felt so effortless that I had to double check if the shaver was even on. It was so
quiet and shaved so easily I hardly felt it.
But after using this shaver for several weeks, I did notice a slight bit of irritation when using it dry. It
wasn't anything major, however it was slightly more than compared to other foil shavers in the same price range.
I did give myself enough time to adjust to the rotary shaver, however in the end I preferred some other foil
shavers.
I found that my wet shaving experience with this shaver was better than the dry shaving experience and actually
really enjoyed it. I haven't always been a fan of wet shaving with electric shavers because in the past it has
been a bit messy, and it short of takes the whole "convenience" part out of electric shavers. But with the
SensoTouch 3D shaver I must admit that I did really have a great wet shave.
In the end I really liked the wet shave and would recommend this shaver to anyone who is interested in using it
wet. For the dry shave, unfortunately based on my personal experience it wasn't as good. I found I got a closer
shave when using it wet, and experienced less irritation.
Final Thoughts
The SensoTouch 3D shaver is highly recommended for anyone who's been using rotary shavers in the past, or is
looking for a wet shave.
Based on my personal experience, I would say that overall I enjoyed this shaver, however, I did notice
that I experienced a better shave when using it wet.
Everyone's shaving experience is unique, and some people react differently to certain shavers. For me, I
personal found that some of the top foil shavers like the Braun Series 7 and some Panasonic shavers gave me a
better dry shave. I experienced a closer shave with these foil shavers and experienced less irritation.
Now, it wasn't a huge difference, but considering I have tested out many shavers and own various models, it's
easy for me to tell a difference. So based on my personal experience, if you have always used a foil shaver in
the past, you might want to consider sticking to some of the comparable foil shavers.
That being said, if you're use to rotary shavers and have used Philips Norelco shavers before, then this
SensoTouch 3D shaver could be a great match for you, especially if you're into wet shaves.
If you do decided to purchase a SensoTouch 3D shaver, I would stick to the 1250 models. So you can get the 1250x
which is just the electric razor, or you can get the 1250xcc which comes with the cleaning station.
Because all wet shavers can be easily cleaned manually, the cleaning station is not totally necessary. You can
save some money by just purchasing the razor on its own, but I've always been a big fan of the cleaning stations
and found this one to be pretty awesome.
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