Philishave Electric Shaver
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Philishave HQ483 Micro Action Shaver
by Nar2 My Philips shaver, the "Tracer," is a typical shaver from the early 1980's. My parents bought it for me for my 17th birthday. Like most things from that generation, it's a slim shaver encased in black and has a red stripe from top to toe either side of the unit made entirely of rubber - presumably to aid ease of use and grip ... when using the product - let me tell you, it may look tacky but it certainly seldom never fell from my hands whenever it was on. My "Tracer," model was quite advanced at the time. It was rechargeable and it could be used with a mains cord as well as without the cord. It came with a mains cord; a cleaning brush, a soft travel pouch and a funky two stage flip up hard plastic storage box that held everything including the mains adaptor. It also came with Phillips patented "Double Action Lift and Cut" twin blades and a handy pop-up trimmer. The Tracer died however after giving 11 years of faithful service and was replaced by this HQ483 model given as a gift from a very good friend. Further research for the Philips Rechargeable "Micro Plus," HQ483 reveals that this is no longer available to buy on the high street. From time to time it may pop up on EBay however and buyers looking for a basic no-frills electric shaver would do well to consider this old but trusty model. Back in 2007 by Argos, it cost around £24-99 before it dropped to £19-99. Included with this model is a manual book, a mains two pin plugged cord, soft "luxury" travel pouch, head blade protection snap on hat, cleaning brush and...well that's it. The "luxury" travel case is nothing more than a thick washable cloth zipped bag which houses just the shaver. However closer inspection reveals a handy sewn in extendable flap that allows the mains cord to be stored as well. It's a pity there isn't an individual compartment for the cleaning brush though...It is everything that my "Tracer," shaver has with one most important difference; "Micro Action Lift and Cut," patented blades from Phillips. I didn't mind the "Double Action, lift and cut," blades on my old Tracer model, but I find that I have to go over and over the same patch of skin twice to remove any existing fly away stubble. You'll know yourself when you look in the mirror and see a little path of hair looking out at you that you think you know you have shaved - yet it's still there for all to see! You may assume correctly that this could well be the newness of this shaver but when the HQ483 was received as a gift in 2005, three years on now, it still performs admirably and the blades are still a revelation compared to my old Tracer shaver. The "Micro Action," of the blades on the HQ483 beats cutting time by half compared to the "Double Action," blades on my Tracer model; both models are remarkably similar, only consisting of two individual round blades as opposed to the normal standard of three. My skin feels smooth and silky once this shaver has been used but importantly, doesn't need to go over and over unlike the Tracer shaver. Now in hindsight, a shaver at this price won't have Phillips' newest invention of invariably sprung suspension type blades and blade seats. It won't feature the "Reflex," feature that is available on higher priced models made by Phillips and neither can the model be ever used with water. It would be more expensive for any or all of these features to be included - but as shaver that I think has basic functions and is reasonably priced - and this was a gift to me, remember - you can't really go wrong with these blades at all! The shaver lasts for a 30 minute shaving time though which is fair for the price, I feel and the shaver isn't too noisy in use, with only the side trimmer being noisier when in use. Like all kinds of Philishave shavers, the round blades offer the standard "up and down," action and principal use that is required with standard cylindrical foil shavers, or moving the shaver in a circular motion gently over the skin. I guess this is why I have favoured Philips shavers to this day -because I have used other electric foil shavers and still, I find Philips circular motion a lot easier and less of a struggle to use; I have only ever cut myself once in the three years I've owned this, which is more than I could say for wet shaving. There is also a pop up trimmer which is welcomed for side burns or any touch up areas such as moustache or beards. To hair, the blades are very sharp - but it won't damage fingers if you brush a finger past the edge. I'm just saying it's sharp because it removed hair from my side burns much more quickly than my old Tracer does - and the mechanisms on both shavers are identical; a flip up button is located just below at the back of the shaver just below the main blade heads. Slide the green located button up and the trimmer pops-up. Simple, and yet it shows twelve years down the line, Phillips haven't changed a thing in this additional cutter. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Most men however prefer wet-shaving because its healthier for the skin, and to avoid the grey look on skin, it is better to wet shave rather than use an electric shaver. I on the other hand am lucky that I can chop and change whenever I want to, but ultimately prefer using my electric shaver if I'm in a hurry or want to feel as if my face is soft as silk. Like my old shaver, this shaver has an automatic voltage selector. It is rated to work at between 100 to 240 volts. The manual states that the shaver has a worldwide voltage selection. Unlike my Tracer model, the charging light on the shaver just below the main slide up power button (which also has a green button line to push in, to release the button in the first instance) will remain constantly on in it's green colour when charging is taking place and repeatedly flash once charging has completed. Therefore, cleaning is easy thanks to the flip up head, which comes off as soon as the release button (again like everything else on the shaver, it's a grey button with a green line recess on it) located just below the main head on the front side (remember the back side of the shaver at the top is where the trimmer is). Push this and the head will come off. Once inside, a handy "S" shape hinge is easy to see. Pick this out by pushing the "S" and the cradle holding the blades will drop out of the main head. Each blade slides out and can be brushed out for any remaining, clogged up hair. The manual states that the heads must be cleaned every 6 months as well as additionally replaced every 2 years. The manual has the first 14 pages written in English, and there after in German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish and Greek. The only aspect I feel that is totally misleading is the charging information, or more to the point a lack of it. Put simply the manual doesn't give an approximate charge time even if the shaver is used for the first time...All that the manual does say is that the shaver will last for over 30 mins shaving time. Another downside is the S cradle which houses the 2 cylinders is very fragile, and if it gets bent in any way, it will crack which loosens the lock action of the cylinders, therefore stopping one of the blades monetarily. Philips charge up to £25 for a S cradle replacement so you have to careful with the cleaning brush when taking each cylinder out to clean. By far the most concern I have though, is the body of the shaver. Whilst it looks good, it doesn't feel good to hold, and this is because no thought has been given to include any grips on the shaver - neither is it ribbed in anyway for a hand to be able to successfully grip it while it's switched on. I have already dropped this shaver on the floor in my bathroom and luckily it fell on a soft mat at the time, but I wonder how many guys will drop this shaver accidentally on a hard floor in their bathroom and wonder how long it will last? The shaver is held together by one identifiable screw head and whilst the shaver looks good, it's lightweight and comparatively cheaper in feel to my old shaver. The problem I find is that the shaver is just too slippery and it's all because of the model's clean, silver/blue smooth appearance. Style over substance? Definitely I think in terms of holding the unit and using it - particularly if you are in a hurry. As far as a gift is concerned though, I am very thankful to have received it. There are some shavers out there that look very cheap - this one doesn't - and it doesn't give a bad shave. Thanks for reading. ©Nar2 2008 Read the complete review |
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Philishave HQ4826 Mains/Rechargeable Shaver
by stuleg The daily ritual of shaving is nothing more than a pain as far as I’m concerned. I stumble into the bathroom still half-asleep and proceed to drag a razor around my face and throat. It’s a small miracle I haven’t sliced anything off during this blurred morning performance, on the far to numerous occasions I do nic myself it seems to take ... an age to staunch the blood flow. Unfortunately, as soon as I stop bleeding I forget that I’ve cut myself and decide a liberal dousing of after-shave will set me up for the day. A strange grunting and yelping then follows with a jig thrown in for good measure, It feels like my face is ablaze, how can such a small cut hurt so much? Add to the mix the fact that I also shave my head, and something really has to be done. I’ve tried hair removers like Veet (Imac), with little success. Just on the point of giving up shaving my head and face forever and resigning myself to being Essex’s answer to David Bellamy, I notice, in the studio gifts catalogue a rather good looking offer for a Philishave 4826 for £40. Could this be the answer to all my hairy problems? I’ve tried chemical and mechanical so why not electrical? The days past, I got hairier, until the postman delivered my brand new Philishave 4826. I was like a child on Christmas morning, the worm had turned, my hairy days were over, and I would soon be as smooth as a billiard ball. The Philishave 4826 has what is known as a Patented lift and cut system, 3 individually floating heads and Microgroove, which all add up to a very close shave. The inbuilt battery needs to be charged for 12 hours the first time and 8 hours every time thereafter. This gives a cordless shaving time of up to 30 minutes, more than enough for most peoples needs. If you prefer, and have a shaving point in your bathroom, you can use the same cord that charges the battery to use the Philishave as a mains electric razor. I have tried both and did not notice any difference in performance either way. The first few shaves were a little painful in that I got a bit of razor burn. To be fair to Philips they do warn this could happen for the first 2 to 3 weeks until your skin gets accustomed to the way the Philishave works. I just remembered not to use after-shave. One of the best features of the Philishave 4826 is that it collects the hair behind the shaving heads. This ensures a clean shave and no mess if you are already dressed, no one wants a hairy shirt after all. To empty the hair out you simply pull the shaving heads off and tip the hair away. A handy little brush is included to enable you to clean the unit thoroughly and it does the job well. The Philishave also has an inbuilt trimmer for grooming sideburns and moustaches, but as I have neither I cannot comment on the effectiveness of this add on. Another point worth noting is the Automatic Voltage selection when charging the Philishave. Basically this means you can take it abroad and pop it straight into a plug with no risk of blowing it up. A rather good idea to make life a little easier. In the pack you receive the Philishave, a charging cord, small cleaning brush and a pouch to keep everything together. A 2 year guarantee means no worries if it goes wrong. On the Minus side, I have found that the shaving heads seem to have gone a little blunt, which is disappointing since I have only had the Philishave around 5 months. Philips recommend you replace the shaving heads every 2 years but I will probably have to replace mine after about 8 months. I still recommend the Philishave 4826 though; it is far cleaner, safer and quicker than other shaving methods, with the added bonus that you cannot slit your throat in a moment of absentmindedness. Price: - £40 (this was on offer so may be higher) Manufacturer Website: - www.philishave.com Read the complete review |
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Philishave HQ4826 Mains/Rechargeable Shaver
by newb00ts After having used wet shavers since I first learnt and had to shave I had been suffering from progressively worse rashes and skin irritation on my face and neck. I tried a number of different wet shavers and shaving foams but none seemed to make any difference. Along with this I regularly cut myself when shaving, this wasn't fun, ... surely there was some other way of removing those bristles? After thinking about the problem, I decided I had two options the first was to grow a beard and turn out like David Bellamy, not so great and the second was to get hold of a dry shaver, ideal! I was delighted then when I received a Philishave HQ4826 as a Christmas present. All the old wet shaving materials were thrown out and I started to look forward to trouble free shaving and no more nightmares about turning into a David Bellamy look a like (though in hindsight this seems pretty unlikely as David Bellamy's small and Iam 6"4). ---Style & Function-- First impressions of the shaver were good. It's nicely curved and easy and comfortable to hold when shaving, showing good ergonomic design by Phillips. Its also in a rather fetching gun metal metallic colour. It looks and feels durable, having unintentionally put this to the test by dropping it onto a tiled floor whilst unpacking it I can vouch for the strength of its construction! The front of the shaver has two small LED lights (a red and a green one) showing whether the shaver is charged or needs charging. Located above these is the on and off switch. When you need to recharge the shaver the two pin power cable is inserted in the bottom. If you have a shaving point the cables ideal for recharging but if like me you don't, buy a two pin to three pin adapter from Woolworths they cost less than a £1. ---The Shaving System--- Located on the rear of the shaver is that all essential item.... an inbuilt trimmer for grooming sideburns and moustaches!. Ser iously though I've used it a number of times and found it to be pretty effective on my sideburns (unfortunately I can't tell you what its like on moustaches as Iam lacking in the facial hair department thanks to the other part of this shaver!). The most important part of this shaver is as we all know the shaving heads. Well there's three shaving heads, they come protected with a clear plastic cover, which needs to be removed when shaving. These three individually floating (this means that they move to the contours of your face, producing a better shave) heads with microgroove both lift and then cut the stubble. Unfortunately I can't find out what the term "microgroove" means so I presume its just a unique Phillips marketing phrase. The shaving system according to Phillips is supposed to add up to a very close shave but in practice does it live up to these claims? Behind the heads lurks a hair collection chamber, which is accessible by removing the whole top of the shaver. This is a really great idea, it saves on having to clean up all the time, though it fills up pretty quickly and needs emptying at least every week (the best way to do this is by using the little brush supplied with the shaver). ---My Experience--- Compared to a wet shaver the quality of the shave is noticeably worse . Any decent wet shaver such as a Gillette Mach 3 provides a close shave. Though on the other hand all wet shavers should be issued with a health warning do not use if you don't want to give blood. Everyone who has wet shaved must have cut themselves once. I suppose though using a wet shaver also has that risk/adrenalin element, the same one that makes people bungee jump and sky dive though on a miniscule level. During use the shavers pretty quiet and the anti vibration design really does work! The Philishave provides an average/good shave though when I feel my chin after having shaved with it it still feels a l ittle stubbly. The main advantages of the Philishave are that its quick to have a shave, you can shave anywhere and there is no risk of cutting yourself. Compared to a wet shaver the Philishave does'nt irritate my skin as much but its not perfect and after shaving every day for a week with the Philishave my skin is very dry, a side effect I would not get with a wet shaver. ---Batteries & Charging--- The Philishave HQ4826 operates on mains power or on rechargeable nickel - hydride batteries which contain no cadmium mercury or lead. Charging wise it takes around 8 hours for the shaver to charge fully and this then enables you to have around 10 thirty minute shaves. The shaver also comes with a piece of mind two year guarantee, I've had no occassion to use this yet. The shaver also rather usefully has worldwide automatic voltage selection between 100-240V,AC 50-60Hz, especially if your a frequent traveller. ---To Conclude--- I've now been using my Philishave for over a year and a half and Iam quite happy with how its performed. It can't get the same closeness of shave as a wet shaver so if I want a really close shave I go back to wet shaving usually every 3-4 days it also helps to moisturise my skin. According to Phillips the heads of the Philshave are supposed to be replaced every two years but the quality of the shave I have been getting has been deteriorating for the past 6 months (as the heads have been getting progressively more blunt). I would recommend that you change the heads around the year mark. Compare this to wet shavers then you see that the Philshave heads last far longer! Less wastage in both heads and shaving foam means this is a far more environmentally friendly way of shaving. ---Further Information--- Included in the shaver pack is a pouch for convenient and protective travel storage, a power cord,cleaning brush and shaving head prote ction cap. Shaver weight: 163g Cost - around £40 from Boots or any other similar shop Read the complete review |
Philishave Electric Shaver |
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