Braun 8585 Activator Self Cleaning Shaving System
Braun 8585 Activator Self-Cleaning Shaving System
Braun 8585 is the world's best self-cleaning shaver with a unique foil pattern featuring 4 differently shaped and sized holes in 5 different positions. This offers 20 different hair-capturing opportunities compared with just 1 from a regular foil.
Its 4-way moving head follows every contour of your face for ultimate closeness and comfort. The cleaning center automatically selects the cleaning regimen for optimal shaving performance.
The new Clean&Charge offers three different cleaning programs to meet three different cleaning needs: Eco: One cleaning cycle for people who clean every day. Normal: Two cleaning cycles for people who clean every 2 to 3 days. Smart Logic monitors the battery performance and services the battery when needed by discharging and recharging it automatically. model braun8585
Amazon.com Product Description:
Get ready for a shaving breakthrough. With the Activator self-cleaning shaving system, Braun brings cutting edge technology to the modern face. At the heart of the system is a revolutionary new "Smart Foil." This unique material has differently shaped holes that capture hair growing in any direction for a closer shave in fewer strokes-- even in problem areas like the neck. The other key feature of the system is called "Clean and Renew," an automated cleaning technology that keeps the Activator feeling like a new shaver every time you use it.
All in the Head
The Activator's unique head boasts a number of clever innovations, not the least of which is the smart foil. The foil is made up of differently shaped holes which, in combination with other Activator technologies, effortlessly shaves any hair type in fewer strokes. The holes within the foil vary in direction, size and shape-- much like the hair on the face. This variation allows more hairs to be captured on each stroke. The smart foil provides no less than 20 different hair-capturing opportunities compared to ordinary shaver foils that only provide one.
What's more, the shaver head also oscillates from side to side. These micro-oscillations enable the shaver foils to capture even more hair, and provide smoother gliding for maximum skin comfort, even in sensitive areas like the neck. Meanwhile, the Activator's shaving head adjusts automatically to facial contours, ensuring the shaver foils are always in optimal contact with the skin. This contour-hugging action can be switched off for facial areas where manual control is preferred. A three-stage cutting system is integrated into the head that works to deliver smoother, faster shaving results. First, the top foil shaves short hairs and stubble. Next, the Activator's high-performance middle trimmer effortlessly cuts longer hairs, before the second foil completes the shave for an exceptional finish.
Clean Living
The Activator's clean and renew system keeps it feeling like a new shaver. There are three different cleaning programs available, one of which is automatically selected based on how often the shaver is used and how much cleaning it needs. During the automatic cleaning program, a fresh alcohol-based cleaning fluid is pumped through the shaver head, so it quickly and hygienically cleans away shaved stubble. During the intensive cleaning cycle the cleaning solution is heated, so even the most stubborn debris and grease is removed from the shaver head. The alcohol-based cleaning solution is specially formulated for optimal hygiene. As an added bonus, the cleaning formula also lubricates the cutting elements for optimal cutting efficiency.
Once cleaning is finished, the shaver is silently dried using an inductive heating system. This thoroughly dries the shaver head to extend durability and maximize the shaver's performance. After drying, the shaver is automatically charged leaving it fully powered and ready to deliver peak performance at all times. Washed away stubble is retained in the cleaning cartridge, which can easily be disposed off with regular household garbage. There are no filters to replace and no cleaning of the unit required. Everything is neatly contained within the cartridge.
Brain Power
The Activator uses a special control chip to optimize battery life. This "Smart Logic" system is activated every time the shaver is charged, and maintains the battery at its peak. The new chip monitors the battery performance and services the battery when needed by discharging and recharging it automatically. This means the Activator is always ready for ultimate shaver performance whenever you need it.
Fully charged, the shaver offers up to 50 minutes (2-3 weeks) of cordless shaving. The batteries fully recharge in one hour, and there's a quick charge mode that gives you enough juice for one shave after a three minute charge. The Activator uses environmentally friendly Ni-MH batteries and features automatic worldwide voltage adjustment. If you desire, cord power can also be used with the Activator.
What's in the Box
Activator 8585, cleaning and charging stand, one replacement cleaning fluid cartridge, protective shaver case, power cord, user's manual.
Average
I've had this shaver for over two years. My interest was in *not* having to clean my shaver - just let the magic box do it. I tend to have to replace the cleaning solution around every 30 days - I would clean the shaver every day. I have a slender face and average to heavy beard growth and for me the shaver did an average job. I noticed I had to go back over some areas and I must have been pressing harder then usual as I would never get 18 months of screen use...more like a year.
The cleaning process is noisy it would have been nice if Braun had a delay start or an automatic timer - but since my Braun coffee maker can't keep time on a power loss maybe just a delay start. If your bathroom attaches to your bedroom and you kick off the cleaning process while the spouse is sleeping plan on an early morning fight as you will surely wake up the better half.
The cleaning unit takes up a lot of space on the counter and the plug for the unit is oddly shaped and sticks out about 6 inches for the wall. I have knocked it out a few times. This may be a non issue for some as they have kicked off the cleaning process too early too often and now find themselves shaving in the same place you keep the power tools.
The shaver is not as loud as my Remington - I think the blades may move slower.
The battery seems to have keep it's charging power even after two years.
The beard trimmer pops up high enough so you can see what your trimming.
As a side note I also bought one for may dad who has more of a rounder face and he noted this shaver did a better job then his Remington.
Mediocre at best, a razor might be better
First off, I quite using the self-cleaning system when the included fluid ran out. It was pointless and too expensive to buy refills. But I found the shaver itself rather mediocre. It requires running over a patch of skin several times from different angles in order to get all the hairs.
A razor might be faster and would definitely be less annoying. The only reason I still use this is that I shave frequently enough that busting out shaving cream is too much of a mess/hassle.
My advice: buy something without a self-cleaning system and spend a little more money to get something nicer.
Gift for husband gone bad
I bought this as a gift for my husband based on the great reviews. He was not pleased with the shave the product gave. He said that the razor did not give him a smooth shave on his neck area and it irritated the skin. I ended up returning it.
Poor Customer Service
The razor gives a close shave, but I have had problems with Braun's customer service. I have owned the razor for almost a year. After approximately six months, the lights on the charging/cleaning base would not come on and the base would not clean the razor. I called Braun and they told me which service center to send it to and gave me the number so that I could call first. I called the service center, described the symptoms and was instructed to send in the base at my expense. Well...weeks became months with no word from Braun or the service center. I called Braun and they told me to contact the service center. I did as instructed and they told me that the base was fine and that maybe there was a problem with the razor or the charging adaptor and that I would have to send them in at my expense even though I was originally asked to send in only the base. Interestingly enough, I have been using the razor and charger without incident. I am frustrated that they have had my base for months and have not contacted me to tell me their conclusion. I will send in my razor and go back to a blade until I receive my repaired setup; hopefully it will be back in a reasonable amount of time. Though I like the ergonomics and shave of the 8585, I will probably not buy any more Braun products due to the poor attention Braun gives to the buyer after the sale.
The most reliable razor I have ever had.
I've had my Braun 8585 for just under 2 years now and I continue to swear by it. This spontaneous purchase raised the bar for what I expect from my morning shave. The unique shape of the foil and the cleaning system were the main draws for me while I was comparison shopping. I decided to spend the extra money and I have no regrets.
I find the cleaning solution (which has a light lemon scent) needs to be changed about once a month, and 3 packs cost somewhere between - 20. The cleaning process is a breeze and takes about 15 - 20 minutes. I just pop it in the stand, push the button, and walk away. The stand lets you know when your razor needs a cleaning or a new container of solution.
I recently ordered a new set of foils & blades, (after about 19-20 months) and while the shave is obviously not nearly as close as it was the day I got it, the shave with dull blades/foils is still better than what I was getting with my past razors. My neck is prone to irritation and nicks, and my stubble is thick, so this has been a huge improvement across the board. If I get a new razor at any point in the next 1-3 years, it will definitely be the Pulsonic or another Braun razor that builds upon the strengths of this model.
