We lastly got our hands on the top with the line Norelco 1290X and have spent the past couple of weeks pondering its strengths and weaknesses. Contrary to what Philips may possibly claim, the SensoTouch design is just not all new from grounds up but an update towards the older Arcitec. Nonetheless, you will find enough new functions and improvements to merit a complete assessment.
First some background on the older Arcitect lineup: The Arcitects had been a major departure from the standard rotary shaver design when introduced 3 years ago. As an alternative to becoming encased inside the major body, the head assembly on these shavers had been created as to stand out, each literally and figuratively. At the time we felt the adjustments had been all purely cosmetic. It was absolutely new and eye-catching and worked fairly well, nonetheless we felt even the lineup’s most pricey model 1090 felt too light weight and toy-like for the cost it sold ($249.99 in the time).
In this review, we take into consideration the 1290X model the leading of the SensoTouch line even tough 1280XCC is higher priced. The reason is two fold: 1290X has a actual metal trim gracing its front as opposed to the plastic trim of the 1280XCC and it also has an automatic travel lock which activates on movement. The 1280XCC, conversely, has a Clean and Charge unit (CC) which explains the higher price.
The 1290X feels substantially heavier than the old Arcitec 1190 and has a superior fit and finish. We felt the old Arcitec had a inexpensive plasticky really feel to it and felt too light in our hand. The 1290X is slightly noisier than the Arcitec line and the electrical motor has a strong counter-spin kick when you initial turn the unit on but we suspect that’s primarily due to a beefier motor. The unit charges to full 90 minutes of cordless use in about 85 minutes. Quick charge gives 3 minutes of shaving for the times you may have forgotten to charge the unit.
Norelco keeps modifying the shaving combs its razors use. Ordinarily, wider slots seem to give the very best all around shave but Norelco changed the oldest all slots design to slots and holes in the SpeedXL line (holes supposedly shave shorter stubbles greater) and now has changed them again to slots, holes, and channels. Channels, Norelco explains, cut the longest hair most effective whereas slots cut shorter hair and holes cut stubbles. We feel wide slots (with high speed cutters) work very best for many many people, but the 1290X does a superb job of cutting through a day’s growth rapidly.
The shaver can be a bit noisier than we’d like however it does shave fast with little to no neck line irritation. The hair collection chamber, still, is really small and shaved hair does fall out into the sink. Clean up of the hair chamber requires a bit of function as you must open and close each and every head individually rather than a single flip up design, but holding the chambers under running water cleans up promptly. Luckily, combs are fixed towards the head assembly and cutters do not fall out simply. Not surprisingly the counterpoint towards the fixed combs will be the cost of replacing the entire head assembly which falls among $60-$80.
The electronic LCD display reminds us that the 1290X is far more for show than anything else with its start out up routine which lights up the entire display in a manner similar to contemporary car display gauges. You get minutes of remaining shaving time, battery low and high reminder, cleaning reminder, head replacement indicator, and travel lock indicator. The automatic travel indicator may perhaps have a mind of its own as it kept locking our shaver. A lower model with no automatic travel lock and a even more fundamental display might prove a bit a lot more trustworthy.
Tubular trim on the back necessitates the removal of the head assembly initial to obtain an excellent view (and adequate space) to function. It trims effectively but seems a bit underpowered, plus the rectangular button to turn it on feels inexpensive and just isn’t fluid.
Included accessories are all normal plus a bit disappointing: a shiny plastic display stand with make contact with point charging, a low-priced storage pouch (rather than the older solid case), a cleaning brush, head cap, and energy cord. At this price range, we were expecting a higher good quality storage answer to sweeten a $280 acquire. Overall, we truly like the hefty really feel and create top quality with the Philips Norelco 1290X and its high quality shave. We just think it could be a bit gentler on the consumer pocketbook and wish its cutters/combs could be quickly replaced without having replacing the entire head assembly.
Pros:
– Very good looks
– Very good even shave
– All the bells and whistles of a best model
Cons:
– Expensive head assembly
