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Please note this is now a slightly older model (and a slightly older article by Groom+Style) – the Philips Norelco series 9000 is the latest model. The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3d models have now been rebranded as the Norelco Series 8000 shavers (8900, 8800, 8700 etc). |
Read this article to understand the key differences between the Philips Norelco Series 9000 and the Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D 1250X models – Top 5 Best Electric Shavers for Men.
The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D 1250X Model is a Rotary Style Shaver
There are key differences between foil and rotary shavers. If you are the kind of person who would benefit more from a rotary shaver compared to a foil one, this particular review of the SensoTouch 3D is absolutely a must-read for you, with most relevant sources suggesting it is the best rotary shaver on the market.
Different Variations of the SensoTouch 3D
Currently, four available variants of the SensoTouch 3D shavers exist; despite the fact that it is a entry-level model, the SensoTouch 3D 1250x/40 “non Jet Clean” (and the 3D 1250x/42 with Jet Clean) remains a choice that many customers turn to. That could be because of the fact that the other models come with some more pricey features that many users feel are not required. The two other available variants are the 1280x/42 (5 level battery indicator with Jet Clean) and 1290x/40 (Auto travel lock with no Jet Clean).
Overall, this top of the line rotary shaver makes an ideal choice for those who have trouble getting a close shave on the jaw line or neck – it also makes an exceptional choice for those who like wet shaves.
Prominent Features Of The SensoTouch 3D
- 3D Contour “GyroFlex” System: The head included on this shaver is highly flexible, capable of gliding smoothly along any facial line with relative ease. It is comprised of three parts that move independently, capable of flexing outwards and tilting inwards. Norelco has named this the GyroFlex 3D mechanism, and it affixes the heads to a 3 dimensional pivoting sphere mechanism.
This mechanism is designed to provide close, clean shaves without having to apply much pressure which greatly reduces irritation during shaving.
The Groom+Style team think the Braun Series 7 (and 9) and Panasonic Arc 5 shavers provide a slightly closer shave, with less passes required, however they are more expensive shavers than the SensoTouch 3D.
- Ultra Track Head: The actual head attached to the shaver comes with three specialized tracks designed to catch all manners of hair when shaving: medium length hair, short stubble and longer hair all at once. Generally, you could find that you no longer have to trim that beard before shaving, unless you have let it grow exceedingly long. If your beard is rarely left to grow for over 3 days, this shaver handles the length well.
- Super Lift & Cut: Nobody likes shaving hair from the jaw and neck line areas. This is where most of your difficult hairs lay flat. Trying to shave this area with a manual razor often results in nicks and cuts. The most common issue with other electric shavers that people tend to experience are the rashes and irritation that can develop in either of these areas because of the attempt to eliminate the flat hairs that reside there. Super Lift & Cut system of the 1280x/40 performs exactly as advertised – lifting and cutting flat hairs directly at the level of the skin with ease and comfort.
Wet/Dry Shave Options on the SensoTouch 3D
The SensoTouch 3D is very capable of giving you a comfortable and close wet shave any time you may decide to do so. Many people feel they get a better more comfortable result from this shaver while wet shaving as opposed to dry shaving. It comes with a slip-proof grip.
Maintenance Requirements of the SensoTouch 3D
Cleaning this shaver is easy, as it has a detachable head which can be simply removed and rinsed. If you are in a rush you can simply rinse the entire head (while still attached) under the tap. If you like the idea of the shaver being cleaned automatically you can pay a bit extra to purchase the optional cleaning dock. The dock is included as part of the SensoTouch 3D 1250x/42 option.
The battery life of the 1250 is about 50 minutes which equates to about 15 shavers. The SensoTouch 3D 1290/40 and 1280/42 offer even better battery life, of around 60 minutes from a single charge. The shaver can be used free of any power cable and it comes packaged with a convenient travel lock, as well as a protective pouch, making it an ideal travel companion. In addition, it is amazingly quiet.
Disadvantages of the SensoTouch 3D
Unfortunately, the shaver does not feature a replaceable battery, meaning that many people will be forced to throw the shaver away once its battery becomes defective, if the warranty has elapsed. That can only be avoided if you or someone you know can take the shaver apart and perform the battery replacement.
Warranty and Return Guarantee for the SensoTouch 3D
Philips electric shavers are high quality, reliable devices. The Philips brand has great confidence in their 3D models and even offers a 45 day guarantee to all of their customers. If you are not satisfied, you receive a full refund. Apart from this, it comes with a warranty of two years against defective parts.
Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D Review
Final Verdict of the SensoTouch 3D
The SensoTouch 3D 1250x deserves to be called the best rotary shaver on the market (other than maybe the Philips Norelco Series 9000 which is the latest model). The only better options available would be for people who desire a foil shaver or a less expensive option. |
Hi Pierce,
Thank you for the detailed explanation of the evolution of the RQ12 shaver heads.Was lost in all the different models out there until I read this site.
Planning to purchase the latest RQ12PRO (RQ12/72). Just to stock up on replacement (in case the razors get dull before 2 years), would you know what replacement heads it uses? SH90/62 also or are they not sold separately in the market yet?
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for the question.
The cutter heads SH90/62 [ http://amzn.to/2mcLqIC ] are compatible with the RQ12PRO
(RQ12/72) [ http://amzn.to/2m7wwDg ] shaver head. Furthermore, the RQ12PRO
(RQ12/72) Shaving Head contains the SH90/62 cutters i.e. Philips have not created a
separate/additional cutter to put in the RQ12PRO (RQ12/72) shaving head.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
This is a great product but there is a real problem with replacement heads. The original head (RQ12) has been changed to the RQ12+ and the reviews suggest it is a cheaper, flimsier head that gives an inferior shave. Despite this it is priced at $60. A few older heads are still available online but are running $150 which is ridiculous considering that’s almost what I paid for the shaver. I will be switching to Braun.
Hi Eric,
Thanks for the comment. Yes, the reviews for the Philips Norelco RQ12+ (otherwise know as the RQ12/62) replacements heads for the Philips Norelco Series 8000 (SensoTouch 3D /1250x) were certainly not all complimentary.
http://amzn.to/2lpmuJs
The key functional difference between the RQ12/52 and the RQ12/62 (RQ12+) was that with the original RQ12/52 the cutters flipped open to clean. Apparently, Philips got complaints about breakages on the orignal RQ12 models when the cutters were flipped open. Therefore on the RQ12/62 (RQ12+) the cutters do not flip open to clean.
The other supposed benefit of the RQ12/62 (RQ12+) was that when the cutters wore out you could just buy SH90/52 Replacement Heads (rather than replacing the whole shaving head unit). The SH90 received a negative reception as well.
http://amzn.to/2lVU4sl
Philips now have newer replacement heads SH90/62 (which work with the Philips Norelco Series 8000) – these appear to provide a far superior cutting experience.
http://amzn.to/2mcLqIC
Either way Philips have also updated the RQ12/62 (RQ12+) with the Philips Norelco RQ12PRO Replacement ShaverHead for Series 8000 (SensoTouch 3D). The RQ12PRO (RQ12/72) is the new and improved shaver head replacing the RQ12/62. You might want to check these out?
http://amzn.to/2m7wwDg
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I’ve used norelco shavers for 30 years. It seems like the last few have less powerful motors,
Have others noticed that?
Are the 8000 or 9000 series using more powerful motors?
Hi Larry,
The cuts per minute, which is what Philips would argue is important, has increased steadily over the years. In addition the number of speed settings increased from 1 (on the series 5000 shavers) to 3 (on the series 9000 shavers). What is your exact concern (time to complete a shave, shaver durability etc.)?
Kind Regards,
Lisa
My shaving experience is ones in a week. So usually my beard get a bit long. A foil shaver cannot meet my need to remove my long beard completely off. That’s why I choose rotary shaver instead of foil shaver. And I think everybody using electric razor knows that Philips shavers are the best ones for the rotary shavers. I am in love with it.
I have been using aNoreclo for 25 years and decided to try the Braun 7000 series because of reviews I read. But after using it for 3 months I used thr old noreclo and it gives a much better and closer shave than the Braun . I am going back to the Noreclo.