Electric shavers are easily the best invention of the last century for the people who like to shave every day. These are comfortable on the skin, economical, and get the job done in no time. And when it comes down to this, Braun has a reputation of being the best in business.
Braun is known for providing quality shaver to its users, be it closeness or comfort, it is good at both. This company has been around for quite a while now and has managed to provide some brilliant shavers to its users. They release their shaver in series, with series 9 being the latest one, and the shaver in these series undergo updates periodically.
However, this time around, instead of merely updating the shaver, Braun has revamped the entire series. From the basic design to the material used in different components of these shavers are different from the original series 7 models.
The new series 7 models have undergone some major modifications but how have these changes panned out? In order to provide you with an answer, we will put 7085cc, a model from the same series, to test and will lay out its advantages and shortcomings. So without further delay, let’s start.
Table of Contents
- Ergonomic design for a steadier grip
- Better performing Auto Sense Technology
- Head can move in 360 degrees
- Flexible and sharp blades
- Comes with cleaning and charging station
- Water-resistance allows wet shave
- The battery can adjust to the changing voltages
- Quick charge for 5 minutes can provide a complete shave
- Comes with trimmers and travel pouch
- Stylish, elegant and attractive design
- Advanced LED Display
- Blades are not as flexible as original series 7 models
- Up and down movement of the head is limited
- Head is difficult to mount and unmount
Braun Series 7 7085cc Review - A Gem Or A Let-Down
As mentioned before, the new series 7 does not come with mere modifications; it is the complete revamp of the original series. Everything from the design of the handle to the material used in the head is different from what we are used to seeing in a Series 7 shaver.
The overall design of the shaver is thinner and sleeker compared to the original models of Braun’s series 7. The new 360-degree flex head is making the headlines and Auto Sense technology has also made a comeback with improvements.
In order to provide you with detailed information about these features, we have tested this shaver for almost a month. In the forthcoming section, we will try to articulate the performance of these individual features in an effort to provide you with a better understanding of the shaver.
Design and Construction
In this new series 7 model, we see a complete shift of design from bulkier and wider to lighter and narrower shapes. Besides making the shaver look good, it improves the ergonomics as well. The sleeker and thinner shape of the shaver makes it easier to hold and float around the face.
Braun has used the rubber generously on the top half and the sides of the shaver. In addition, rubber features a dimpled surface that aids in gripping especially when hands are wet. The sides at the top are also a bit curved and this provides really good ergonomics.
Though the ergonomics in the original series 7 were also decent, the wider size of the shaver provided inadequate control. Fortunately, this time around, you get almost the same firm and steady grip but with better control and accuracy. It is mainly because of the thinner and narrower design which makes it easy to float around, and the ergonomics like this serve as icing on the cake.
The use of plastic in the construction of this shaver may make some people skeptical about its durability. However, it is not something you should brood over as the quality of that plastic is not cheap by any means. In fact, the plastic has a nice feel to it and the construction is also sturdy and solid.
The interface is fairly simple but elegant enough to improve the aesthetics of the shaver. The advanced LED displays battery health and several reminders that can improve your experience with timely actions on them.
Moving on, the head has the same number of shaving elements as the original series 7 model and it is the only similarity between the two series. The rest of the features including the flexibility and the material of suspension is all different.
However, plastic limits the retracting capabilities of blades and it has some benefits to it as well. The plastic occupies relatively less space that makes the room between shaving elements a bit more spacious. This means that during wet shaving the debris will easily pass through and there would be virtually no clogging. A relaxing breath for people with sensitive skin after all!
Shaving Performance of 7085cc
When it comes to shaving performance, 7085cc checks all the right boxes. It is quick, comfortable, and provides a really close shave. It uses three shaving elements, two of which are ultra-sharp blades with foil covering them and one ActiveLift trimmer.
However, what sets it apart is the trimming accessories that come with it. In the original series 7 models, the positioning of the pop-up trimmer made it hard to use. Fortunately, in 7085cc instead of popping out from the side, you can mount the trimmer on the head. All you have to do is to remove the shaving head and put the trimmer back in and you are good to go.
This accessory is sharp and the positioning over the head gives you more control and accuracy. Therefore, you can style your beard, shape the edges of the sideburns, and can even trim the beard before shaving it.
Coming back, the closeness and comfort of the shaver surely place it among higher ranks. Let’s find out more about them.
Closeness of Shave
The three shaving elements that the shaver uses are ultra-sharp and foils covering them are pretty thin. The point is, there is not much space between skin and blades when you put the shave into use. The thinner foils allow the blades to make as close cuts to the skin as possible.
Furthermore, the shaver features a 360-degree flex head capable of moving in every direction. The movement of the head adjusts it as per the contours of the face, thus, there is a constant connection between blades and skin. Consequently, you get a closer shave that makes your skin gleam and glow.
To make sure there is no strand left, the middle trimmer lifts the flat-lying hair and brings them towards the blades. Therefore, with other elements cutting the shorter strands and the middle one massacring the longer ones, your skin would be as new as a baby’s.
The bulky head of the shaver made it difficult for the users of previous models to use over the tricky parts of the face. Fortunately, the head is slightly thinner in 7085cc that makes it easy to get the hairs from under the nose and jawlines. The point is, the shaver would not spare a single strand on your face and will get you that clean shave you always wanted.
Comfort of Shaver
Just like the original series 7 models, there is no particular element in the head to ensure comfort, like the active Skin Guard in series 9. However, it does not mean the shaver will leave cuts or nicks on your skin. The features in this shaver are well-integrated to ensure good comfort.
For starters, there is Auto Sense Technology which works by reading the beard density and adjusting the motor speed accordingly. While it makes the shave quicker on denser areas, it slows down the motor where there is less growth. The slow speed of the motor cuts down the chances of nicks and the irritation that follows.
Auto Sense Technology has been around for years now but Braun has successfully perfected it. During my time with this shaver, it left me impressed by the performance of this technology.
Water resistance is another feature that makes the shave on sensitive skin comfortable. People with mildly sensitive skin can simply use it under the shower and it will get the job done. Those with highly sensitive skin can use shaving foam or gel to keep the shaver gentle on the skin.
During the wet shave, the most common issue encountered by the user is clogging. Fortunately, in 7085cc and 7071cc, the space between the elements is wide enough to let the debris pass through. Therefore, you would not have to tap the shaver against the wall over and over to unclog it.
Battery Life and Charging
This shaver uses Li-Ion batteries and the company has made huge claims regarding its runtime. As per the company, it provides enough runtime to last about three weeks’ worth of shaving which is a bit of disinformation.
The runtime this shaver provides is 50-60 minutes which is a good time no doubt about it, but the average shave costs around 10-15 minutes. So, forget three weeks, it would not be able to provide enough battery for a single week if you shave every day. I think it is needless to say that this claim is merely a gimmickry to attract the customers and nothing more than that.
The area where the shaver earns its due credit is its ability to adjust according to different voltages. It is not because of the battery itself but the smart plug that comes with it. The standard voltages vary from country to country and it renders the shaver useless if they are not able to adjust accordingly.
Fortunately, mainly because of the smart plug this shaver is quite good at it adjusting the voltages from 100 to 240 V. It makes the shaver best for traveling especially if your work involves visiting different countries where standard voltages are different.
Another benefit of the Li-ion battery is that it provides fill power till the last second. Therefore, you would not have to suffer just because your battery is not fully charged.
Cleaning of Shaver
Cleaning the shaver is not an issue since it comes with a cleaning and charging station. All you have to do is to put the shaver into the station and it will get the job done. What makes this station different is its ability to lubricate the shaver as well which is not very common.
Another plus point is, the cartridges for this station are easily available at an economical price.
In case you run out of these cartridges, still, there would not be an issue, thanks to the water resistance of the shaver. All you have to do is to subject the shaver to running water and it will take care of everything.
Accessories:
This is what you get with this shaver
- A 7085cc Shaver
- Cleaning and charging station
- A couple of beard attachments
- A couple of stubble beard trimmer attachments
- Precision trimmer
- Travel pouch
- Cleaning brush
Braun Series 7 7085cc Vs 7071cc - How They Differ
If you are familiar with Braun shavers you must know that there are not many differences within a generation of a series. The only differences between the models are in their color schemes or the accessories they come with.
Apart from a silver head, 7085cc comes in almost complete black color contrary to 7071cc that has silver accents. Those who prefer a bit of lustrous and glowing design would love to get their hands on the 7071cc.
When it comes to accessories, both of these models come with the SmartCare Center which is the new name for cleaning and charge station. In terms of other attachments, both have a precision trimmer.
Conclusion
The revamping of series 7 has produced the shaver that can give competition to Panasonic when it comes to closeness. It was long due to the Braun and it seems this time they have managed to give them a competition after all.
The perfection of Auto Sense Technology says a lot about the determination and hard work of Braun in this series. There are some shortcomings as well but not of the kind that can make the customers go away.
In the end, I would say the price drop is a pleasant change and gives a wider user base a chance to try a premium electric shaver at a decent price.
That is all we have on the Braun Series 7 7085cc review. If you have questions or would like to add something, please feel free to comment below.