The 1280X/86 Philips Electric Shaver 8900 series is just the right electric razor with its innovative features and easy-to-use design. A quick yet super smooth shave is within your grasp as this Philips Norelco 1280X/86 Electric Shaver 8900 Review would reveal to you a detailed description of its pros and cons helping you choose the best shaver that gives total value both cost-wise and ineffectiveness.
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If you are an avid online shopper, you would have come across several brands of shavers each promising the best performance and results. But, everything that shines isn’t gold, is it?
Don’t worry; we have just the review to help you find your smooth shave.
When it comes to shopping for shavers, if you prefer rotary shavers over the foil types, considering Philips Norelco 1280X/86 Shaver 8900 is an ideal choice.
If you have very little time to spare to shave every day, using a rotary shaver like Philips Norelco 1280x will cut down your time and keep you looking clean-shaven and handsome.
Well, if this does not convince you, the review here shows some really wonderful features of the shaver to help you decide on how good a choice it is for you. But before we go into the features…
What do you look for in an electric shaver?
Here are some obvious questions people have when they shop for an electric rotary shaver:
- Will it be easy to use?
- How effective is it with wet and dry shaving?
- Can I clean it easily?
- Does it have special attachments?
- Is the battery long-lasting?
- Will it be okay for my sensitive skin?
- With I save money using this shaver?
The above are just a few of the many queries that people have when they look for a shaver. This Review of Philips Norelco 1280X/86 Electric Shaver 8900 here will cover all these and more giving you a clear picture of how useful the product is, so you can decide if it is a smart buy or not.
Attractive, ergonomic, and convenient design
We’ll start with the design first, as to how it looks matters just as the performance. Designed in Holland, Philips Electric shaver has a sleek and stylish long silver and black body that is not too heavy or light, with a three brush head crowning it. An inbuilt trimmer is present in front.
The power off and on button is placed just underneath where you hold your thumb making it easy to operate. The shape is ergonomic, fitting perfectly to your hand contours.
If you are a frequent traveler, this shaver is just the thing you need, as it is easy to clean. You can remove the head and open up the three prongs for cleaning it easily.
The shaver comes with an LCD display that indicates the amount of power present. The battery usually lasts for an hour. When the battery is dead you will get an audio signal. The razor shaver also has a lock feature.
How good is the dry shave?
Although nothing can outdo the results of the traditional wet shave, dry shave does have its share of advantages, particularly in this Philips electric shaver. The major difference is the time factor. You can finish your shave in just 3 minutes. The direction of the razor head is in circles instead of straight lines.
In terms of effectiveness, you will definitely find that hair is not cut as close as in a wet shave particularly in the region beneath the nose and neck. While the difference is not as visible immediately, you will certainly feel it. The remaining hair is longer when compared to a wet shave.
So, why choose a dry shave?
If you are short on time or find the wet shave routine tedious, this will do just fine. And if you are a frequent shaver, this will save you time.
Will a wet shave be as good and safe?
Many people think it is not safe to do a wet shave with an electric shaver. The Philips Norelco 1280x is completely waterproof, so you need not have any worries on that front.
While the preparation time that is the application of cream etc. is the same as in the traditional type, the only difference here is you save on shaving time.
The results are as good as the traditional shave. And the handle is designed for a non-slip firm grip, so you get better results.
Exclusive features in Philips Norelco Shaver 8900
Here are some special features that make this Philips electric shaver a truly worthy product.
Gyroflex 3D contouring
The Philips shaver head is very flexible. It moves expertly on any type of sharp-angled facial contour. The head has 3 parts functioning independently making gyro flex movements with ease, which include outward flex, inward tilt and pivot around movements.
The result is you get a clean and smooth shave with minimal irritation and no harsh pressure is needed. For a thick beard, you may, however, need to do a double shave to get the skin as smooth.
Ultra-track Head
The razor shaver head is designed with tracks to suit three different types of hair namely short stubble, long and long hair. The track for longer hair eliminates the need to trim the beard before you shave.
How good is the performance?
Aquatic technology in the Philips Norelco Shaver 8900 helps you use wet shave with foam or gel giving added skin protection. The skin glide surface of the shaver gives an ultra-smooth ad easy shave. For mustaches and sideburn trims, there is a pop-up in-built trimmer adding convenience.
Cleaning and maintenance
The head is easy to detach, so you can remove and clean it within a minute. Holding it under simple running water would suffice in most cases. If you want to do a thorough cleaning of attached hairs and skin particles, the shaver has a Jet Clean System that cleans, lubricates, and also charges simultaneously. But this is an add-on that will cost you an extra $30.
Travel friendly
The battery lasts easily for about two weeks, so it is not necessary to have a charger along when you are on a short trip. The cord-free shaver has a protective pouch for travel and a lock making it great for travel. And it is very quiet too, which is an added plus definitely whether you are at home or traveling.
Difference between Philips Norelco 1280X/86 and Model 1280X/42
Philips Norelco 1280x/86 and Model 1280X/42 shavers belong to the 8900 series of Philips Norelco models. The 1280X/86 model comes in frustration-free packaging, while the latter comes with standard packaging. The frustration-free packaging involves easy open and uses packaging with no plastic cuttings that make it difficult to extricate the shaver from the pack.
The 3D contouring gyro flex, ultra tracking heads, aquatic, and trimmers are similar in both products but the Philips Norelco 1280X/42comes with an additional Lift and Cut feature, which is an innovative and patented design that makes the razor give the best results. The Philips Norelco 1280X/42 package also includes a cleaning brush and protective cap as additions. The battery time and cost are quite similar in both models.
Why is this product not for you?
- The shaver does not produce as close a shave as when you use straight-line razors, especially if you have a thick beard.
- The charger stand is flimsy and it is not possible to charge the razor without the stand
- The battery is not replaceable and the unit has to be disposed of when it does not accept a charge anymore, but the shaver is guaranteed to last for a minimum of 5 years so this is not a drawback actually.

Why should you buy this product?
Here are some strong points on why this product is perfect for you.
- It saves shaving time tremendously
- Very quiet during use
- Charges fast
- Does not produce any irritation and is good for sensitive skin
- Easy to hold
- Best for travel

Bottom line
Durability, performance, and battery life are vital features that you look for in an electric shaver. This Philips Norelco 1280X/86 Electric Shaver 8900 Review shows how the shaver meets all the important criteria appropriately. With only minor hitches such as flimsy battery stand and inability to replace the battery, the Philips Norelco 1280×86 is certainly a good buy, if you are in search of an effective shaver that works fast and gives you minimal maintenance hassles.
Summary
Finding the finest electric shaver is not an easy task so posted an in-depth review of Philips Norelco 1280X/86 Shaver and comparison with Model 1280X/42.It has strong build quality, powerful blades that are fast and overall smooth shaving experience that’s why for a safe shaving we will recommend this without any doubt.