Philishave HQ686 (Other Shaving Products for Men)

Member Name: mo79

Product:	Other Shaving Products for Men
Date:	11/08/02 (721 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good design, fast charging, value for money, easy to clean, cuts stubble better, battery low indicator and luxury storage

Disadvantages: Reflex action is just a novelty, 3 heads would've been better, but for this price I can't complain. Those new to Philishave may need time to adjust to it

I've never been a great fan of shaving (who is?), and resultantly I only do just before or around about when a forrest has taken over my face.

This shaver however, replacing a 3-head but inferior Philishave, has thus far changed my life in that I have begun, atleast for now, to shave everyday. It could be just temporary novelty, but it helped me acheive what's prior been minorly impossible to me.

The HQ686 is a silver and green (sporty look) 2-head Philishave unit. It's the cheapest shaver I know that is really easily washable under a tap within seconds (Aquagenic), has a Reflex action to adjust to facial contours, and the blades are Quadra action, meaning that the blades one side are long for longer stubble and the other side has short-holes for smaller stubble.

The fact that the shaving unit and head is easy to clean was the initial thing that turned me on to it, as my other one required a bit of brush digging into the awkward head, all that's required here is a bit of adequate hot water which helps the hair flow out of the intelligently constructed body. As for Reflex which basically means the blades can flop about, isn't so revolutionary, it's good, but not neccessary, I can't notice any conscious benefits of it.
The Quadra action is amazing though as the dotty stubble on my face is really less prominent. Making me look much more of a smoothy than some kind of criminal. I wish there was a 3rd head as I miss that, but for this price you have to sacrifice something. The quality and efficiency is really quite remarkable.

The unit also comes with a simple red light indicator informing you of when charge is low. An essential thing in making sure you won't end up with a half-shaved face sometimes. Charging takes 1hr and gives you 30mins, though for the first time or usage after a long time you'll need to give it 4hrs. A flashing green light will inform when charging's complete. You'll
need a 2-pin adapter for this. Also note you can shave straight from the mains, and you can use it abroad as there's an automatic world-wide voltage selector (100-240v).

The shaver is light, slinky and comfortable to grip. It also doesn't hum very loudly, and to turn the unit on there's a comfy rubber push button. A moustache and sideburn trimmer is also included and pops up with the flick of a switch on the reverse. The hairs that get caught on the underside of the trimmer can also be easily brushed away thanks to the good design.
The blades and the rechargeable battery can be removed and changed if/when needed, and with ease.
Completing the kit is an obligatory transparent plastic cover for the head, a power lead, a little brush, and a little lunch box sized cassette case to house them all neatly in. A send-off form for a 1yr guarantee and a thick (multi-language) instruction booklet accompany the package.

I do wet shave sometimes, but I prefer the convenience of an electric, and particularly for the benefits of the trimmer as I do maintain some facial hair. Overall for around £60, getting the 'lite' features of the best of Philishave's more ridiculously expensive shavers in here is more than worth it. It's an absolute bargain and life changer to me.

I must note though that skins not used to Philshave's system may take 2/3 weeks to adjust to it. You may get red patches and feel dry, but hopefully like me, you'll find your skin will become immune it to and begin to lessen and/or never/hardly appear thereafter. Apply some Nivea Cool Skin aftershave if you really need to.

I can't recommend this enough if you're looking for a good mid-priced electric shaver. Value for money + lots of features for your money, equals a top full marks. Now, if only I could attach a bit of facial skin to this op to let you see/feel how soft and nice it is.

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