This shaver has a "lockable head" and the Braun 340s does not. What is this "lockable head" all about and is it a worthwhile feature?
1709842
It's very worthwhile, especially if you have sensitive skin around the nose and under the lips. I use it every time I shave.
1709843
I've never found any value in it. If I had to do it over again I'd get the 340 for the cost savings.
1709844
I don't use it, always keep the head in floating position. My guess is that if you want to only use one of the two heads, one is locked and you have a little more control of what your are shaving. Not a feature I would pay extra for, since I don't use it.
1709845
Basically, its got the two foil heads on each side. the switch locks the front one into a lower position to allow for more precision shaving. great for under the nose. makes it easier to target one small area (ie under the nose) without irritating area where you're not shaving (ie you're upper lip). GREAT FEATURE!!!!! I love the shaver!!! highly recommend!! check out my review!!
663388
It has a standard Braun cutting head and foil, but as I mention in my review, it's a smaller surface than on something like the 7,000 series. So when shaving with it (especially if you have a "heavy" beard) it will take a bit longer, but it is definitely a good quality Braun razor - just smaller (excellently set up for travel).
1492712
I have the Braun 360 and I am satisfied with it; it shaves close enough and is not too aggressive on the skin. (My Remington MS2-390 shaves closer in fewer passes, but one needs some soothing after-shave gel afterwards.) I do not think the Braun Pulsonic is worth the extra cost. I believe the vibrating head of the Pulsonic is mostly a marketing gimmick. Apparently Norelco (owned by Philips, Netherlands) thinks so too, because in December 2007 they initiated a lawsuit against Braun (owned by Procter and Gamble) in Federal Court (Southern District of NY) claiming false and misleading advertising in Braun's Pulsonic advertisements. See http://www.reuters.com/article/consumerproducts-SP/idUSN1744077120071218 and http://cpglitigation.blogspot.com/2007/12/philips-alleges-false-advertising-of.html It is interesting to note that Braun's immediate parent Gillette (Gillette in turn is owned by P&G), was successfully sued a few years ago by Schick in Connecticut for false and misleading advertising of its battery-powered hand razor. Caveat emptor!
831213
The Norelco heated up MUCH faster for me...this doesn't heat up at all...on my face etc. I don't shave my head. As for battery life, it lasts less than the Braun because it's much more powerful...13,000 rpm compared to Brauns 10,000...so that makes sense. It's ez enuf to recharge isn't it...1 hour or less & it's fully charged! C'mon now...we are so spoiled aren't we, myself included..Lol. Enjoy!
1649943
Same deal here - I think the charger base has a fundamental mechanical design problem with the mechanism that mates the charger contracts to the shaver while in the base. For a while, I used q-tips to force the shaver up against the contacts, but even that method is failing me now. I find I'm still a razor man, so I'm going to put this turkey (Braun) out to pasture. Total cost of ownership is very high, between the acquisition cost, cost of replacing the head/foil, and the cleaning fluid. Even when I try to stick with the program for a month or two using the Braun, the shave is not even in the same league as one of these multiblade razor systems.
38192
A heads up to everyone who hasn't bought this yet: Amazon now has it available for preorder, available Sept. 1, 2014 as direct from them with Prime shipping. And at a discount from the $ 64.99 MSRP: As of today, $ 49.65. I recommend locking in the price now. If it goes up, you've saved. They have a policy if there's a price drop up to when it is released, you get it at that price. Sweet! Heres the listing : Philips Norelco RQ12/62 Replacement Head for Series 8000 and ArcitecThe picture looks different cosmetically. The actual cutting heads look similar to the original functionality, and should work for all shavers. I preordered this for my 1290X. A heads up to everyone who hasn't bought this yet: Amazon now has it available for preorder, available Sept. 1, 2014 as direct from them with Prime shipping. And at a discount from the $ 64.99 MSRP: As of today, $ 49.65. I recommend locking in the price now. If it goes up, you've saved. They have a policy if there's a price drop up to when it is released, you get it at that price. Sweet! Heres the listing : Philips Norelco RQ12/62 Replacement Head for Series 8000 and ArcitecThe picture looks different cosmetically. The actual cutting heads look similar to the original... » Read More A heads up to everyone who hasn't bought this yet: Amazon now has it available for preorder, available Sept. 1, 2014 as direct from them with Prime shipping. And at a discount from the $ 64.99 MSRP: As of today, $ 49.65. I recommend locking in the price now. If it goes up, you've saved. They have a policy if there's a price drop up to when it is released, you get it at that price. Sweet! Heres the listing : Philips Norelco RQ12/62 Replacement Head for Series 8000 and ArcitecThe picture looks different cosmetically. The actual cutting heads look similar to the original functionality, and should work for all shavers. I preordered this for my 1290X. « Show Less
82805
I agree. It's very noisy. Much more so than previous Panasonics and Braun.Also, for me it did not shave well, wet or dry. Another problem is that the shaver heads get HOT and uncomfortable, soon after you start shaving.
2003086
If I recall right, these are after-market replacement heads from a different company. If they are from Panasonic then they did a half-ass job because they cut maybe half as well as the original heads that came with the shaver.Personally, I've moved on to a Norelco with the rotary shaving heads. Not a super close shave, but a very comfortable shave and great for everyday use!
2001177
I assume it will work just fine. My PhNorelco 3100 works wonders on my face. I'm one to believe the human face has more contours than a head, therefore I would say the 3500 Will work nicely. I speak with no head shaving experience as I enjoy my flowing locks. My son is off to collage with my 3100. I have ordered the 3500 as replacement. Good shaving.
1322274
It is CERTAINLY not intuitive. Works well, though, so maybe it isn't a design flaw. Anyway, grasp the very end of it and twist COUNTER-clockwise (i.e., to the left). The end will "break" and slip off. I usually shave twice - the first time w/o power assist; the second time, with. Good luck to you.
1701885
It looks like Amazon and Braun are using the terms interchangeably. The pictures clearly show what you'll be getting. I've replaced my shaver's head/foil/cassette twice now. It takes seconds to do and is well worth doing every 12-18 months or so, depending on usage. Other than the motor, the head is what makes the electric razor do its job, so replacing it periodically is like getting a new razor. And, the price for replacement heads (etc.) has come down while the price for razors has gone up. Well worth the price.
1669726
I'm not familiar withe the 320 but I do know that the 190s isn't a 'serious' shaver with its one head shaving surface. I'm giving mine away. I purchased the Braun 720 and so far I'm very satisfied with the closeness of the shave. Save your money and don't buy the 190.
1929026
The extra $30 for the 380 (according to the instructions - I have the 340 but the instructions booklet is used for both) gets you a hard case, a charging stand so you don't have to go through the huge trouble of plugging the charging cord directly into the shaver (sarcasm intended), a "precision setting switch" which lowers one of the foils to make it easier to shave under your nose (not a bad idea), and a set of lights that apparently gradually tell you when the shaver battery charge is running down. The 340 has one charge light that starts blinking when its charge is low. Note that the instructions say to run the shaver battery all the way down the first few times and every 6 months thereafter. Note also that the instructions state that a 5 minute charge is enough to get you one shave.
1464694
When purchasing a replacement for the Braun, you need only remember the 320 number. That number is the style for that type of replacement shaver head. All 320 replacement heads fit the Series 3 320s. Note: the shaver coil that you have may be different in color but the 320 still fits your shaver as long as it is part of he 320 series. (My original shaver had a black mount around the blade coil but all the replacements I have purchased have a 'chrome' finish. It still fits and works perfectly with my shaver. I have purchased three replacements from Amazon for the Braun shaver I have. They are all excellent and work perfectly. When purchasing a replacement for the Braun, you need only remember the 320 number. That number is the style for that type of replacement shaver head. All 320 replacement heads fit the Series 3 320s. Note: the shaver coil that you have may be different in color but the 320 still fits your shaver as long as it is part of he 320 series. (My original shaver had a black mount around the blade coil but all the replacements I have purchased have a 'chrome' finish. It still fits and works perfectly with my shaver. I have purchased three replacements from Amazon for the Braun shaver I have. They... » Read More When purchasing a replacement for the Braun, you need only remember the 320 number. That number is the style for that type of replacement shaver head. All 320 replacement heads fit the Series 3 320s. Note: the shaver coil that you have may be different in color but the 320 still fits your shaver as long as it is part of he 320 series. (My original shaver had a black mount around the blade coil but all the replacements I have purchased have a 'chrome' finish. It still fits and works perfectly with my shaver. I have purchased three replacements from Amazon for the Braun shaver I have. They are all excellent and work perfectly. « Show Less
1848970
I'm not sure. Mine only came with the shaver and charger. I've owned a Braun with the clean and charge system but it did not have the cooling strip in the middle, this is something new for Braun.
1586986
Depends on how stiff your beard is an how long the hair is. I does not do well for soft long neck hair, but brissels it kills. I often shave with a razor and then use the Braun to on my to get my upper lip and chin closer. Like a previous answers, this is my 4th one. I also don't buy new heads. I just buy a new one. If they were to discontinue this shaver, I would buy 4. The heads last longer than Braun suggests, unless you drop them. I don't travel with mine - it is my daily shaver.
1470032
Remembering that this is a travel shaver or for a quick shave on the go, I think the Braun is terrific for mustache, beard and sideburn trims. I use a razor to supplement when I want a real close shave. I have purchased three of these Brauns already, one as a gift and one as a backup...but still getting good use from the original after two years of frequent usage.