Norelco 6863XL Shaver: My 3rd, and best yet! (great battery!!!)

I have previously had 2 other Norelco rotary razors which I was very happy with, and therefore I stuck with Norelco in my latest purchase...

With both of my previous Norelco rechargeable razors, I was totally happy - they gave a great shave, and held a good charge. Each of them lasted for many years. I never had to buy new blades, and I only replaced them because after a few years of faithful service the battery would maybe start
holding 1 week's charge rather than 2 week's charge (at that point, rather than replacing the rechargeable battery and buying fresh blades, I figure for the same price I might as well get a brand new razor :)

Several years ago I also tried a Braun foil (rather than rotary) razor. I tried it for several weeks, even with the 3 different heads, and it was never able to correctly trim the whiskers on my neck (they grow rather flat). The rotary Norelco's have no problem shaving my neck.

This latest Norelco (6863XL) even has a few improvements over my 2 previous Norelcos...

The battery charges really fast, and a charge lasts a long time (it can fully charge in 1 hour, and that gives it 45 minutes of shaving time) - I think it accomplishes this by actually having 2 batteries in it.

Also, there are several lights on the front, showing you exactly how much charge you have left.

As in previous models, the rotary shaving heads float, but in this model the surface holding the rotary heads also flexes/floats, thereby letting the rotary heads get at even more angles. This makes shaving around tight angles like your chin quicker, for example.

The shape is ever-so-slightly more ergonomic and easier to hold than my previous Norelco.

The plastic cap that snaps on over the rotary blades seems a better design than my previous Norelco, and I think it will stay on better while traveling.

The on/off power switch is a push-button rather than a switch this time. A toggle push-button seems a little easier to use than the switch (hopefully it won't accidentally turn on in a tightly-packed suitcase(?)

The popup trimmer is basically the same as the older models. Some people complain that it is difficult to pup up, but this is no problem for me (maybe having a computer job, I have strong fingers from typing all day?? ;)

In my previous Norelco, the was an adjustment for the closeness of the shave. I don't think this new unit has such an adjuster (but I never could really tell any difference in closeness of the previous model, so I don't really miss this at all).

Also, the previous model had a more substantial (vinyl) travel pouch. This one has a very thin nylon travel pouch. The new pouch is probably adequate, but I'll probably use my old bag instead (the old bag will probably help keep the power button from accidentally getting pushed in while traveling, for example).

I found this razor on sale on the Sears website - regular price was $69.99, but it was on sale for $34.99 (too good a deal to pass up!) I had to check a couple of stores before I found one that had the razor in stock (basically, you have to give your credit card# online, and commit to buy it, and then they check the availability and email you within 2 hours letting you know if you can pick it up at the store, or if you'll have to check yet another store -- not a perfect system, but I guess it worked :)

-----

Update...

I've had this shaver about 2 months now, and am happy
to report no problems :)

I am extremely impressed that a single recharge
lasts month, and it really/truly does fully
recharge in 1 hour -- amazing!!!

-----

November 2006 Update...

This razor is still working perfectly, charging quickly,
and holding it's charge as long as ever (maybe even longer
than before - I stopped counting :)

-----