Philips Norelco Speed 8240XL Men's Shaving System Review.
"Finally - Smooth Skin Again" 2008-08-20
By TastyBabySyndrome ("Daddy Dagon's Daycare" - Proud Sponsor of the Little Tendril Baseball Team, USA)
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"" 2008-07-27
By iansomniak (USA, Planet Earth)
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."
"Great Upgrade From Norelco" 2008-08-06
By Daniel McKinnon (Tewksbury, MA USA)
Every upgrade that Norelco makes in its electric shavers is worth the time and money and the Philips Norelco 8240XL Men's Shaving System is no exception. In the past users have gotten better grip, LED lights and a movable shaving head. With this newest generation shaver we now get a bigger shaving head surface and a head that moves in and around the shavers face. If you have never used an electric shaver before you will get a wonderful shave from this unit which is easy to use, quick to clean and keeps a long lasting charge. Norelco has long made the best electric shavers on the market and this tradition continues with this great addition!!
***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
"Best value/comfort/performance for the dollar" 2010-01-08
By Candid Reviewer (GA USA)
The Norelco 8240 offers the best value/comfort/performance for the money I've found. Lower models in the Norelco line lack some very effective features (floating heads, multiple inset rotary heads, etc.), while higher models are much more expensive with no benefit to performance (some do a poorer job of shaving, including the ARC series).
Although the best foil shavers generally shave closer, the Norelco 8240 cuts nearly as close (not quite, but the difference is virtually unnoticeable). The rotary heads, however, are MUCH more comfortable and not nearly as prone to razorburn as foil shavers. The floating heads on this model are excellent (not as stiff and MORE effective than the $130 ARC series), conforming well to my face, even at my sharp chin and gentle adam's apple.
Here is what makes it really superb compared to any other shaver I've tried in my 18 years of shaving:
- The $80 price (at Walmart, December 2009), on the low end of the price range that consistently offers the best value/performance ratio ($70 - $110).
- The motor is wonderfully quiet... it purs in a low, comforting tone, without the high whine of most other rotary and foil razors I've tried (the ARC series is much louder, as are Braun foil shavers). When I first used it, I though the battery must be low on charge, but I finally realized that it really is just that quiet all the time.
- The shaving performance is excellent: It offers the 2nd closest shave I've had from an electric shaver (The Braun foil shaver I've used for the last 6 years shaves negligibly closer), yet gives almost zero razorburn to my sensitive/dry skin (the Braun gave mild to moderate razorburn daily). Better yet, the Norelco shaves close WITHOUT need to pull my skin tight with a second hand as I shave. That is the main reason I switched back to rotary... Foil shavers only give a close shave by constantly pulling the facial skin tight with another hand while shaving.
- The ergonomics are very comfortable: It fits perfectly in my hand and feels very light. My Braun foil shaver always felt like holding a large cell phone... no ergonomics to speak of, which occasionally led to dropping it.
I'm convinced that negative reviews of this razor are either by folks with very strange face shapes or, more likely, folks who don't understand that a razor MUST BE BROKEN IN for about two weeks before it offers an optimum shave. On the first shave, the Norelco 8240 is unimpressive, but by the fifth or sixth morning (assuming you use it exclusively), it will adjust to your face and give you a remarkably good shave. The quality continues to improve slightly until about the end of the second week. Stick with it, and you'll be glad.
"Completely happy with this shaver" 2008-08-05
By S. Potter
Philips Norelco recommends using this razor for 21 straight days before deciding if it's right for you. It only took one shave to realize my Mach 3 days were over. This "made in Holland" razor is great. While it does not shave quite as closely as the Mach 3 it shaves closely enough that I feel totally comfortable walking out every morning in my suit and tie knowing my face looks clean shaven.
My beard is tough, too. On my neck, especially, the whiskers go every which way and are thick. The Norelco chops them all down with no problem. On top of that, my skin is sensitive. I could count on nicking myself about one in ten times I shaved with the Mach 3. The Norelco does not nick, pinch, burn, or feel uncomfortable in any way. It even handled two days growth without causing any irritation to my skin.
The lightness of the razor is a plus. Lightness here does not equate with cheapness as the razor seems solid and durable. It is also very comfortable to hold and emits only a low buzzing sound. It recharges quickly and, so far, at least, holds its charge well. Cleaning under the bathroom faucet is quick, easy, and thorough.
After a little over two weeks of using this razor I am very pleased with it. I recommend it to anyone who wants to rid themselves of old fashioned blades and shaving cream. The only problem I have with the razor, and it is a slight one, is getting the area just under my nose. However, that is also a problem area with most old fashioned razors, as well.
By TastyBabySyndrome ("Daddy Dagon's Daycare" - Proud Sponsor of the Little Tendril Baseball Team, USA)
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."
By iansomniak (USA, Planet Earth)
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."
By Daniel McKinnon (Tewksbury, MA USA)
Every upgrade that Norelco makes in its electric shavers is worth the time and money and the Philips Norelco 8240XL Men's Shaving System is no exception. In the past users have gotten better grip, LED lights and a movable shaving head. With this newest generation shaver we now get a bigger shaving head surface and a head that moves in and around the shavers face. If you have never used an electric shaver before you will get a wonderful shave from this unit which is easy to use, quick to clean and keeps a long lasting charge. Norelco has long made the best electric shavers on the market and this tradition continues with this great addition!!
***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
By Candid Reviewer (GA USA)
The Norelco 8240 offers the best value/comfort/performance for the money I've found. Lower models in the Norelco line lack some very effective features (floating heads, multiple inset rotary heads, etc.), while higher models are much more expensive with no benefit to performance (some do a poorer job of shaving, including the ARC series).
Although the best foil shavers generally shave closer, the Norelco 8240 cuts nearly as close (not quite, but the difference is virtually unnoticeable). The rotary heads, however, are MUCH more comfortable and not nearly as prone to razorburn as foil shavers. The floating heads on this model are excellent (not as stiff and MORE effective than the $130 ARC series), conforming well to my face, even at my sharp chin and gentle adam's apple.
Here is what makes it really superb compared to any other shaver I've tried in my 18 years of shaving:
- The $80 price (at Walmart, December 2009), on the low end of the price range that consistently offers the best value/performance ratio ($70 - $110).
- The motor is wonderfully quiet... it purs in a low, comforting tone, without the high whine of most other rotary and foil razors I've tried (the ARC series is much louder, as are Braun foil shavers). When I first used it, I though the battery must be low on charge, but I finally realized that it really is just that quiet all the time.
- The shaving performance is excellent: It offers the 2nd closest shave I've had from an electric shaver (The Braun foil shaver I've used for the last 6 years shaves negligibly closer), yet gives almost zero razorburn to my sensitive/dry skin (the Braun gave mild to moderate razorburn daily). Better yet, the Norelco shaves close WITHOUT need to pull my skin tight with a second hand as I shave. That is the main reason I switched back to rotary... Foil shavers only give a close shave by constantly pulling the facial skin tight with another hand while shaving.
- The ergonomics are very comfortable: It fits perfectly in my hand and feels very light. My Braun foil shaver always felt like holding a large cell phone... no ergonomics to speak of, which occasionally led to dropping it.
I'm convinced that negative reviews of this razor are either by folks with very strange face shapes or, more likely, folks who don't understand that a razor MUST BE BROKEN IN for about two weeks before it offers an optimum shave. On the first shave, the Norelco 8240 is unimpressive, but by the fifth or sixth morning (assuming you use it exclusively), it will adjust to your face and give you a remarkably good shave. The quality continues to improve slightly until about the end of the second week. Stick with it, and you'll be glad.
By S. Potter
Philips Norelco recommends using this razor for 21 straight days before deciding if it's right for you. It only took one shave to realize my Mach 3 days were over. This "made in Holland" razor is great. While it does not shave quite as closely as the Mach 3 it shaves closely enough that I feel totally comfortable walking out every morning in my suit and tie knowing my face looks clean shaven.
My beard is tough, too. On my neck, especially, the whiskers go every which way and are thick. The Norelco chops them all down with no problem. On top of that, my skin is sensitive. I could count on nicking myself about one in ten times I shaved with the Mach 3. The Norelco does not nick, pinch, burn, or feel uncomfortable in any way. It even handled two days growth without causing any irritation to my skin.
The lightness of the razor is a plus. Lightness here does not equate with cheapness as the razor seems solid and durable. It is also very comfortable to hold and emits only a low buzzing sound. It recharges quickly and, so far, at least, holds its charge well. Cleaning under the bathroom faucet is quick, easy, and thorough.
After a little over two weeks of using this razor I am very pleased with it. I recommend it to anyone who wants to rid themselves of old fashioned blades and shaving cream. The only problem I have with the razor, and it is a slight one, is getting the area just under my nose. However, that is also a problem area with most old fashioned razors, as well.
