Due to the consistently good reviews and the very positive tests by the end of 2009 Stiftung Warentest I decided for the Philips HS 8640/25. The decor is impressive fairly well: besides the shaver, the charging / refill station and a can of lotion is still travel charger, a cover cap for the shearing head (presumably planned for the trip) and a trimmer available. The trimmer can attach to the side of the charging station so that it does not is lying around somewhere, but is always within reach. Before I point to raise the quality of the shave, I'd like to say that I have very thick and very dense beard. The following information therefore refer to my beard type. The shaving is impressive indeed. Although I previously had only three other dry shaver in low range, but the difference is the Rasierqualität very large. The lotion feels very good on the skin and facilitates shaving noticeably. As always, however, here too: The longer you take your time, the better the result. Unfortunately, in my opinion, is the skin protection, in order to achieve a perfect result, only a little better than in the wet shave. The time saving is also lost in a very close shave. Unfortunately, I have a bad stroke, so I'm having trouble with this razor in the larynx and a few Häärchen (always in the same place) remain. This I have to remove the razor (which, however, only a few more seconds takes up). Overall, the aftershave burns as strongly as in the wet shave in my subjective observation. Wounds remain, however, go far from what at me in the wet shave is not the case, so that frequent shaving is quite possible. The trimmer does its job quite well, however, a change of heads is a bit disturbing and proves somewhat impractical as logistically. The cleaning does not take a lot of time and by the lotion the stubble are all bound and can therefore wash away well, so that the cleaning of the sink goes quite quickly. The charging time is quite short; I recommend always the plug to pull and to load if necessary (takes approx. four hours) because the station has no on / off switch.
Somewhere under the dash a highly recommended device that works safely and quickly, and well suited for daily shaving is, if one is not a perfectionist.
Addendum of 03/03/2011: After about a year I use would like to add some helpful tips. Perhaps one or the other gentleman can benefit:
1. Not too much emulsion. The emulsion is mainly intended as a help for the lubricity and does not replace the necessary moisture (water) to effectively and quickly hinzubekommen shaving. 2. whiskers soaking: either previously Wash thoroughly with warm water the face or (even better) shave after showering. Keep the face wet beautiful! 3. Proceed slowly and with circular motions on the skin. 4. In between flush repeatedly the stubble from shaving head. 5. Important (!!) Start shaving with the sensitive skin. Thus, the strongest confusion can be prevented. 6. Not to fixed impress. 7. Finally let me say that you prefer but should trim before a long beard. The shaver is unreliable with increasing Baarthaarlänge. From (estimated) about 3-4mm I'd rather pick up the razor.
For durability, however, I would like also to say something: After an estimated 70-80 shaves the performance of the battery or shaving has (or the integrity of the shaving heads) not abated.
