Philips Norelco 7340 Men’s Shaving System

Product Description

The new 7340 features the Precision Cutting System with slots to cut long hairs and holes to shave the shortest stubble. Cleaning is simple with the 7340 as it is completely washable. The Patented Reflex Action System automatically adjusts to every curve on your face for flexible, smoother shaving. Super Lift and Cut technology features a dual blade system that lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #6428 in Health and Beauty
  • Brand: Philips Norelco
  • Model: 7340XL
  • Released on: 2008-05-30
  • Dimensions: 9.45″ h x 3.46″ w x 6.30″ l, 1.02 pounds

Features

  • Fully washable men’s rechargable shaver with patented Reflex Action System that automatically adjusts to the contours of your face and neck
  • Super Lift and Cut Technology lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level
  • Individually floating heads align the blades next to your skin for exceptional closeness
  • Precision Cutting System features slots to shave longer hairs and holes to shave the shortest stubble
  • Rechargable batteries offer up to 10 days of cordless shaving; two-year warranty

Customer Reviews

Can’t Complain4
I bought the shaver from Best Buy for $52 three weeks ago. I’m 63 and have been using Braun shavers for the past 25 years because I felt they gave a closer shave than Norelco.

This Norelco, which although is made in China, seems very well made. It is remarkably quiet and comfortable, a pleasure to use. After three weeks of getting my beard accustomed to the shaver I can say it seems to shave reasonably close and gets all the hairs – something my Braun had a problem with.

I just completed a test, shaving half my face with the Norelco, half with my old Braun (not in the best shape), and after judging my beard the next morning, the Norelco easily won. It’s not as close as a blade – by 5 p.m I notice a stubble, but considering how easy it is to use (and washable) I really can’t complain! an excellent shaver at a reasonable price.

I like it!4
I’ve owned 3 Norelco shavers in my life. Each lasting more than 10 years. The local repair shop who has serviced my previous 2 Norelco’s noted that the new ones aren’t the quality of the old. Time will only answer that question but I can state that the 7340 system sold here is a much changed version of what I have used in the past.

First the 7430 is light….extremely light. It is very quiet, something that takes getting used to. It’s also the first Norelco I’ve owned without the comfort control setting. I was initially reluctant since on my previous 2 Norelco’s the comfort control setting seemed to affect the closeness of the shave. This particular razor has the HQ8 heads. The higher priced models use the HQ9s. From my research the biggest complaint about the HQ9 head is that it seems to take more time to get a clean shave. Based on 3 weeks of use of the 7340, even without the comfort control, not only do the HQ8 heads shave as fast as my older Norelco’s but the shave is also closer.

This shaver also allows the use of water to rinse the heads clean. This is a major advantage over my older Norelco’s since I use a pre shave product that can cause the blades to need frequent cleaning. Now the after shave rinse to the head assembly keeps things much cleaner without having to disassemble the heads, which was what I previously had to do.

On the negative side the razor is delivered bare bones. No case to store or transport it in. It won’t fit even my older cases. My previous Norelco had a battery gauge which allowed me to know when to recharge the shaver. This razor has a charge indicator but its only purpose is to indicate when the shaver is being charged and that it has reached full charge.

My older Norelco’s would slow down as their batteries started to fail. This one just stops when the voltage falls below certain level. Obviously not a good thing if you have no available AC outlet at the time. To get the best battery life you do need to let the batteries run down. If you constantly plug it in to keep it “topped off”, you will be replacing batteries on a more frequent cycle. Note that this service normally must be done by a service person since the batteries are soldered in. In past experience I got at least 4-5 years service out of one set of batteries.

Overall this is a good lower cost Norelco. It’s Chinese made so from my stand point I will have to wait and see if it holds up as well as my former shavers that were Holland manufactured.

Good but not perfect4
The good: a good shave; plenty of battery life (at least when brand-new); corded or cordless use; when corded, it shaves really well even if the batteries are nearly depleted; easy to clean (the heads can be rinsed under the tap).

That said: I would have liked an indicator when the battery is down far enough that recharging is indicated, like my old Norelco had. I guess it doesn’t matter, since if it stops dead you can finish up with the cord, but I still would have liked a “Time to Recharge” indicator.

The instructions say that, for best battery life, you should use it cordless as much as possible, and run the batteries almost all the way out before recharging. I’d rather have a razor I can use corded all the time, but this is the next best thing.

Philips Norelco SpeedXL 8240XL Men’s Shaving System

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.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #136 in Health and Beauty
  • Brand: Philips Norelco
  • Model: 8240XL
  • Released on: 2008-06-02
  • Dimensions: 9.65″ h x 6.93″ w x 4.33″ l, 3.18 pounds

Features

  • 50% more shaving surface for a fast, close shave
  • Contour Following System follows the contours of the face catching each hair with one stroke
  • Simply rinses clean for easy maintenance
  • Precision Cutting System – Ultra thin heads with slots to cut long hairs and holes to shave the shortest stubble
  • Super Lift and Cut Technology – Dual blade system lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level

Customer Reviews

Great new mid-line Philips Norelco shaver bests shave of top of the line from a few years ago4
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 is 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!

Outside of the shaving ability, this is a somewhat bare bones model. That means no shaving height adjustment, no digital readout of battery life remaining (just a light which lights only when you’re charging and blinks when the charge is done), and no stand. But the shaver itself is excellent. What a surprise.

Now I’m left in the strange position of considering relegating my old expensive Spectra to my travel kit!

Finally – Smooth Skin Again5
I have been trying out new razors, getting a charge out of all the different designs that have been coming out, and have gotten a lot of experience along the way. Amongst the types I have tried are : The tri-heads with and without foaming action, the newer heads that set like they are on a platform, and a few different types of clippers. Out of all the razors I have tried I like this one the best, and the reason for that is because I (1) like the mixture of old and new, (2) like the length of the long-hair trimmer, and (3) like the way the extra pivot works on this razor. It feels like an old friend, but with a better smile.

There are not really any downsides on the razor that are glaring to me, so I’ll list the positives I have noticed. First, there is a new pivot that allows the head to move forward and backward and does not make the head stationary. That means that more ground is covered and a better shave is given. A second thing I like is that the length of the long-hair trimmer has not changed. On many of the newer models, the trimmer has been shortened. This leads to a trimmer that is harder to see, one that doesn’t do as much work, and one that can break easier. So, the staying with the same build is a good thing. Next, the charge the item carries is long-lasting, making it a great tool to travel with. I have a problem with forgetting my cord, I already did that once with this model, and it did not matter. I was away for a week and still I got a good shave. And, lastly, it is does not throw too much glam t you and try to make something shiny to hide flaws in the design. As I said before, it is an old design but with some newer additions to make shaving better.

If you want a good shave and need something new, you should try out this razor. It has been tough, has been reliable, and has been the one razor I have liked after the newness has worn away. That says a lot about something: when the newness of something becomes day-to-day, what is it, really? For this product I would have to say “a little over five stars in my book.”

“Use this razor for its intended household use as described in the manual”5
The new Philips Norelco (formerly known as just Norelco) 8240 comes to you in a box with a window that allows the shaver to be seen within its clear plastic packaging. You will need a sharp pair of scissors and/or a Rambo-style Bowie knife to hack thru this hard plastic covering and remove the shaver. Use extreme caution when doing so. Once you’ve defeated the packaging, you will find the sleek, gunmetal gray shaver; a protective cap; a small cleaning brush; a curly AC power cord; English/Spanish instruction booklet and a basic black zippered nylon case.

The manual says you should plug the shaver in and let it charge for a full 12 hours before using it for the first time. The light on mine started blinking within the first hour, but I left it plugged in overnight anyway. When I tried the 8240 out the next morning, I was amazed at how quiet it is. My old Braun buzzes like a lawnmower, but this thing just whispers! The Norelco will supposedly go for up to 17 shaves before it needs recharging, and you’re not supposed to recharge it until the battery is nearly depleted. Note that this model lacks the LOW BATTERY indicator light available on the 8250 and 8251 models.

The overall design of this razor is quite impressive. The three shaver heads rock all around individually and the entire head assembly pivots on side bolts. This allows the cutters to hug your face while you shave for better results. Best of all, there’s a latch on the front that allows the hinged top to be popped open for easy cleaning. After shaving, you just push this button and run hot water inside the hair collection chamber and under the blades. Then you just leave it open to air dry. On the back of the 8240 is the standard spring release trimmer for mustaches and sideburns.

You can try the Philips Norelco 8240 risk-free for 45 days. If you’re not fully satisfied after using this shaver exclusively for three weeks, you can send it back to Philips Norelco for a refund–but it must be shipped prepaid by insured mail. So you really have nothing to lose but the cost of shipping. As far as I’m concerned, this is the best electric razor I’ve ever used. But, if you’ve got the extra cash, you might want to go for the higher grade 8250 or 8251 model.

“WARNING: Close supervision is necessary when this razor is used by children.”

Philips Norelco 7310 Men’s Shaving System

Product Description

The new 7310 showcases the core technology from Philips Norelco. Cleaning is simple with the 7310 as it is completely washable. The Patented Reflex Action System automatically adjusts to every curve on your face for flexible, smoother shaving. Comfort shaving heads provide smooth skin contact for a comfortable shave. Super Lift and Cut technology features a dual blade system that lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #354 in Health and Beauty
  • Brand: Philips Norelco
  • Model: 7310XL
  • Released on: 2008-05-30
  • Dimensions: 9.45″ h x 3.46″ w x 6.30″ l, 1.09 pounds

Features

  • Fully washable men’s rechargable shaver with patented Reflex Action System that automatically adjusts to the contours of your face and neck
  • Super Lift and Cut Technology lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level
  • Individually floating heads align the blades next to your skin for exceptional closeness
  • Comfort shaving heads with a skin-friendly profile for smooth contact
  • Battery full light and LED power indicator for cordless operation; two-year warranty

Customer Reviews

Great Budget Shaver…4
This is the 4th electric shaver that I have owned and the 2nd rotary type. I have owned the top of the line shaver from Panasonic, as well as mid-range units from Braun and Remington.

The same thing has happened every time in the past. I give it two to three months and then I am back to a disposable razor that can shave closer, with less hassle, and less irritation. The number one reason each time for going back to a disposable was how the electric shaver failed to handle my neck hair. None of them seemed to be able to the job no matter what and then the hassle on the units I had that had an expensive cleaning unit made it a pain to use.

Well I got the bug again to try an electric razor one more time and ended up purchasing this unit. And now after having it for a while I have to say that this is the best electric shaver that I have had. First and foremost it can handle my neck. It can’t get it all in one pass, but the others couldn’t do it no matter how many times I tried! Second, being able to just rinse the head under the sink is wonderful. No more cleaning systems that are bulky and expensive with the continual cost of the cleaning solution. Third, is that it is a surprisingly close shave. I kind of expected a 5 o’clock shadow by noon with a rotary shaver, but that isn’t the case here. It is very close to a shave with a razor, NO KIDDING!

It isn’t the perfect electric razor, but it is more than worth the price. There are only two things that stick out with me that could have been done better and both are related to charging. First, it takes 8 hours to charge the unit from being almost dead, with no quick charge capabilities. You can get around it by just using it plugged in when you are in the middle of the charge. Second, is that there is no battery level indicator. It would be nice to have some sort of idea of how much of a charge you have left.

In my book, these are just two minor issues that aren’t that important to me, but keep me from giving it 5 stars. I have and will continue to recommend this unit to friends.

Best Yet5
I bought this razor to replace a 6 month old Architec. The architec was one of the poorest performing razors I have ever owned in over 40 years. So I bought this razor with very low expectations.
I was totally amazed by the 7310. It is so quiet the bathroom fan almost drowns it out, but the cut is AMAZING. I have had seven Norelco shavers so when I tried this unit, I couldn’t believe it. I can shave in 30 seconds instead of the 7 minutes for the Architec. It is close, comfortable, no heavy pressing to get a close cut, and best of all is the price. The whole new shaver was cheaper than buying just the replacement head for the Architec. And the 7310 is EASY to clean. Flip the head, flush under running water for a few seconds, and let it dry. No static whisker cling like the Architec. I’d give it six stars if I could.
Thanks, Norelco