Philips HQ6996 Close Cut Electric Shaver
This ergonomically designed griphandli easy handling for a comfortable shave.
2 Reflex Action System
Automatically adjusts to every curve of your face and neck.
Pop-up Trimmer
Full width, pop-up trimmer is perfect for grooming sideburns and moustache.
Close Cut blades for close efficient shaving
CloseCut blades are precision-engineered to give you a reliably close, quick shave every time
Cord/Cordless Operation
30 minute cordless operation
You could save the $10 shipping fee by going to your local Shaver Shop store if they have it stocked. I made the mistake of buying a hair clipper kit from the online store and paying the $10 extra for shipping thinking it was an online only deal price but found out the next day that the local Shaver Shop store only a 5 min drive away had it stocked for the same price and yet my delivery came dispatched from that same store.
Unless you really need battery power, the mains version for $29 is much better value.
MrZ is correct. The mains unit for $29 is much better value (HQ6906) as the cutting heads are the same on both models (HQ55) and on a mains powered unit you won't have to worry about motor slowdown (non-linear motor) when it loses charge as this particular unit has a Ni-MH battery. Only drawback is the $29 (HQ6906) model does not have a pop up trimmer.
Hollykryten is correct as well. If you order online from shavershop they will dispatch from closest store to your delivery location and always charge $10, unless it is a bulky item such as a massage chair etc. then postage becomes $20 or more. The only exception is you can get free delivery most of the time if you order from the shavershop ebay store. Also whatever they do advertise on their website or ebay store they will 99.9% of the time have it in store. Unless it is stated as a online only deal.
Hope that helps.
Sorry, didn't realize it had no pop-up trimmer! Not good at all. However, not only are mains powered ones better for the above mentioned reason, they're lighter too making them easier to use. It seems the equivalent mains model is $34.95.
No need to apologise. Just pointing out the differences is all. A trimmer would only be required if the hair gets too long so as to trim it down to a 'shaveable length'. So if you are someone that regularly shaves then one without a pop up trimmer could be viable.
But you are correct that it is lighter and the $34.95 (HQ6946) is the mains equivalent. Anything below approx. $70-$80 would be better mains powered as that price point delineates mid-range from entry level in terms of battery, cutting heads, motor (to an extent), movement in head frame and features in the philips range.
Hope that helps.
Good Price. I really dont understand Philip's business model to have so many different types but veey small differentiating factors in them.
It is the standard price for this shaver. It has been that price for approx. 1-2 years.
I don't understand the business model as well. But from what i do know the reason there may be so many types as you say could be down to there being "exclusive" models offered to certain retailers, thus "muddying" the product line.
For example. The AT890 (trade wide) AT891 (Shaver Shop Exclusive) only difference being AT890 made in china and coming in blue vs. AT891 made in holland coming in silver.
When you get to top of the range 9711, 9511 etc. its only down to what "luxuries" your willing to pay for eg. Clean and Charge unit, digit LCD display etc.
Hope that helps.
I'm using a PT731. Dont ask me what does that mean since its pretty much the same as this model on sale (triple head unit, Pop up clippers, blinking LED light in front) but selling for pretty much $100 AUD (though I got it overseas). Absolutely no idea on the differences making it stupid for consumers to pick the right model. In fact, it confused most of the sales reps I've asked too.
Have always used manual razors….never bothered checking about electric shavers. I have heard wet electric shavers are better than the dry ones? These can't be used on wet can they? I can't imagine shaving without shaving cream and Brut aftershave :)
You ask a loaded question. I can answer it by saying this.
Wet electric shavers can be better than dry ones for the following reasons:
Wet shaving allows you to use hot water, thus opening the pores of your skin up allowing the hair to "stick up" higher thus allowing for a "closer" shave
Wet shaving also allows you to use any pre-shave of your preference which also encourages the above ^^^
If you do have sensitive skin both of the above can make wet electric shaving a better choice than dry shaving. (especially for someone like yourself who has never tried electric shaving before)
However what shaver you do pick does depend on your type of skin and hair growth as well, thus why you need to make a choice between a foil/rotary shaver. But at the moment 85-90% of the philips shaver models are wet/dry.
This model CANNOT be used wet as they are not "sealed". Furthermore if you were to use this model on the cord and wet i think you would also have a close shave…with death. The only company which is totally wet/dry from top range to entry level is Panasonic in the Australia at the moment from my understanding.
Hope that helps.
I very recently was in the market for a new razor to replace a razor very similar to this one.
If you are after a more upmarket rotary razor then the reviews for the Philips Norelco 1250X/40 SensoTouch 3D Electric Razor (Series 8000) are quite complimentary.
I was able to source the 1250X from Amazon US rather than any Australian retailer. It was $158USD delivered from Amazon. Australian retailers were at least $100AUD more.