Philips Norelco 6880/81 Shaver 6800, Rechargeable Wet/Dry Electric Shaver, with Trimmer Attachment

Pros- closest shave of any electric razor I've owned- performs well in shower with or without cream/gel- low price for unit and replacement heads compared to other Norelco models- easy to clean- long, wide grip, easy to hold- head assembly does not pop off during difficult shave cycles- great battery life- additional low speed option for closer shave and less irritationNegatives- something in head assembly catches slightly at times when shaving difficult facial spots- still have to use straight razor at the end to complete perfect shaveAfter my Norelco 8950 died a couple weeks ago, I decided to snag this 6880 model as I’d heard many positives about it over the past few months. Well, after using it for a week, I have been more impressed with this unit than any unit I’ve owned over the past 20 years. First, it has not lost a step when performing in the shower. But, most impressive to me is that it shaves fast and closer than I have ever experienced with any other Norelco model. Normally, I have great difficulty in shaving my jawline and around the Adam’s apple, but, though I still have to use my straight razor to get a perfect shave, I have a whole lot less trouble in hitting those tough spots with this shaver. Hence, I use my straight razor for much less time than in the past. I have also used the new feature which reduces the shaver speed in order to reduce irritation and to improve shave quality if necessary, and this feature works quite well. But, I have mostly used the unit at regular speed with great results. Further, the unit remains easy to clean as are recent previous Norelco models. Another surprising perk is the noticeable drop in price for the unit and its replacement heads. In 2016, I paid around $122 for the 8950, so I was quite surprised in the nice price drop. I paid around $60 for the 8950 replacement heads and only $43 for these replacements. I have also enjoyed, at least for the past week, that the head assembly attached to the shaver unit has not popped off once during a shave as I experienced many of these occurrences with my previous shaver which was quite frustrating. Also, the grip for this shaver feels much more comfortable in my hand than previous models. The handle is longer and a bit wider around and seems easier to grasp, especially during more difficult parts of a shave. Unfortunately, I have noticed a slight "catching" sound in either the head assembly or the motor when I’m hitting tough spots; I don’t think it’s a huge problem and it may be due to having to press slightly harder than normal for those areas. Finally, as for previous models, this unit also has great battery life and I think it may charge faster than previous models as well. Of course, there are other features involving the display, but, honestly, I don’t utilize those often. In short, I really think for the price and performance, you will reap great rewards in giving this great unit a try!

Until using this electric shaver, I've never had a satisfactory shave with one before. Between my goat hair stubble and my old face, the foil razors could never get a close shave and it would take 3 times longer than using a blade and shaving cream. I decided that if I'm going to go electric, then I need to invest a little more money on the purchase and get good quality and an effective shaverLots of float on the rotary blade head means a quick and easy shave. Battery life is great and swapping out the shaving head to the trimmer is quick and easy. It also is the quietest shaver I've had as well.The only criticism I have is a minor one. It took a bit of time for me to easily get the blade head apart to clean it. But once I got the knack of it, easy peasy.

I bought this shaver with high expectations. But the reality has tempered them. This razor replaces my older Norelco three-head shaver. So here's my review: I was looking forward to the wet shave function. It shaves wet or dry, but I didn't like the wet shave results. I get a smoother shave when I do a dry shave. I think the shaver does deliver a smoother closer shave then my old Norelco. In fact, it's very close to being as close as my old Gillette razor. So kudos for that! Cleaning is a hassle. With my old Norelco shaver, I simply popped the button, and then ran water over the blades and the shaver clippings area and I was done. With the new one, I have to take it apart, set the blade assembly aside, wash the clippings out, wash the blade assembly and then snap it all back together. It's a pain. This shaver has a separate mustache and sideburn trimmer. One must completely remove the entire blade attachment, and set it aside and then attach the trimmer. My 68-year old eyes can't find the correct way to attach the trimmer without my glasses. Ditto when I re-attach the shaver blades. Meh! When I'm getting up most often, I don't have my glasses. Now I need them! My old Norelco had a built in trimmer. Just push the button and you're ready to go. Huh? Why do away with that feature? The shaver's saving grace(s) are the very close shaves and the very good battery life. It's why I give it 4 stars. The old Norelco had a rudimentary battery indicator. The new one has an excellent indicator. However, one can't shave when the battery is charging. Still, the new indicator should allow me enough time to begin a charge before it gets critical. I've had this thing since the end of May and it still has not required a charge, so time will tell on the battery charge issue--or even if there is an issue. This would be a great shaver if they fixed the issues I enumerated above.

Much better than my previous Norelco. Cuts through my thick beard fast and cleanly. No issues with battery life so far but too early to tell. I do have to clean it a bit more regular than my last shaver, but it's super simple. Just pop the top off and shake a little, clips back on just as easily. I bought it for the more open design to allow thicker fuller stubble to be trimmed quicker, and I'm not disappointed!Edit:Almost 2 years later, the battery life is still plenty good enough. I do have to recharge it a bit more frequently (every 2 weeks or so with about every other day use). And the blades don't give as close a shave. I know i could sharpen them or replace them. .. but still quite happy with how long it's lasting, and will probably sharpen the blades soon 🙂