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Topic: 9190XL(HQ177)versus 8894XL(HQ8) (Read 221 times) |
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revt
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9190XL(HQ177)versus 8894XL(HQ8)
« Thread started on: Nov 6th, 2009, 06:43am » |
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To qualify this I need to make the following comment at the beginning. Using the original SmartTouch HQ9 heads does not shave as close as either the HQ177(all slots), or the HQ8(slots and holes heads, on either my SmartTouch 9190XL, or my Spectra/Sensotec 8894XL. Needed to get that out of the way.
My shaving procedure per my review on the Remingtn Rotary R-7130 was the same for this test. Just don't feel to repeat it again. If interested check out that review on page 2!
Just shaving with these two was a revelation in itself, as they shave so differently. When shaving with my SmartTouch with the HQ177 heads I go pretty fast using many passes, until I can feel no stubble. When trying that with the Spectra with HQ8 heads it just didn't work at all, so had to slow down with it a little. As I switched sides of my face daily using both shavers daily, I did notice that the SmartTouch shaved a bit closer then the Spectra. Later in my testing, when I put the HQ8 heads on my SmartTouch and the HQ177 heads on my Spectra, I couldn't tell the difference between the two shaves. If I hadn't known my shaver rotation I wouldn't have known which shaver shaved which side of my face! So much for the closeness part of this review.
Now for the, complete shave segment of this review. Just remember that we are comparing Philips/Noelco's with each other, not with Remingtons. The SmartTouch was noticeably harsher and and at times seemed to pull a bit, rather than cut the hairs, using both the HQ177 and the HQ8 heads. The Spectra/Sensotec on the other hand was very smooth, in fact I would go so far as to say, that it felt smoother than smooth, silky would be a better way to describe it. It was a real pleasure to shave with it using it's original HQ8 heads. It was not as smooth when using the HQ177 heads. The SmartTouch on the other hand was rougher when using either the HQ8 or the HQ177 heads.
In conclusion, I was completely swept away. I have been using the SmartTouch with the HQ177 heads for over two years, while my Spectra/Sensotec set in my retired shaver box! As of today Iam retiring my SmartTouch and will go from now on with my Spectra James Bond 8894XL, period! I considered buying the 7810 as it was so cheap, but I resisted for this reason. Why buy a Corvette when you already have a Ferrari in the garage!
As an added thought. If it hadn't been for all the hype about the new HQ9 heads being so great, I mean they were the latest, so they must be better than the HQ8 heads, I never would have put down my 8894XL! After putting the HQ9 heads on my 8894XL, with not so hot results, I got a steal of a deal on a SmartTouch 9190XL, and just put the HQ177 heads on it. I never thought to try my HQ8 heads on it, until just lately when I began to hear about how good the 7810 was, and it had the HQ8 heads on it, and the many comments from folks that had used and loved the Spectra/Sensotec in the past. Thanks to them all, I am back to where this whole changing heads thing started. Oh well, it was an interesting and enlightening experience, and maybe this little review will help someone, or maybe keep them from having to go through what I went through.
I would love to see something from someone that has used both the Spectra/Sensotec, and the new either 7810 series or the 73_ _whatever series.
Remember, this is on my face, using a semi wet procedure. I don't have a clue about using these in the dry mode.
Richard
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| « Last Edit: Nov 13th, 2009, 06:53am by revt » |
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Jim Elliott
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Re: 9190XL(HQ177)versus 8894XL(HQ8)
« Reply #1 on: Nov 7th, 2009, 07:11am » |
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Thanks, Richard. I'm happy you have re-discovered the 8894XL. It is a great shaver. I've thought about buying one. I think your post helped make my decision for me. 
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Jim Elliott, Shavermeister
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porteno2
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Re: 9190XL(HQ177)versus 8894XL(HQ8)
« Reply #2 on: Nov 9th, 2009, 6:21pm » |
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Since you're asking I did try a 7380 and it was an ok shave and also put the HQ8 heads from it on the Smart touch that I owned for a long time and it was a lot better. Then I've got a 7810 and man that is an incredible shave to say the least So smooth and quick!!!
I would like to try the Spectra 8894 but the question is Where would I find one? I mean a factory refurbished one.
Suggestions are welcome
Happy shaving!
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JCN
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mrradio
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Re: 9190XL(HQ177)versus 8894XL(HQ8)
« Reply #3 on: Nov 9th, 2009, 8:39pm » |
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In the opinion of advocates what's the big deal with the HQ8 heads? Hearing a lot about this in several places.
Why do you think the work better than new heads for example?
What models do they come on ,or are caompatible with?
How are they different than for example whatever is on my current SpeedXl 5240? Think those are HQ9's.
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porteno2
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Re: 9190XL(HQ177)versus 8894XL(HQ8)
« Reply #4 on: Nov 10th, 2009, 01:35am » |
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I don't know and I really don't care what the difference is between the HQ8 and the newer heads like HQ9 and HQ10 but the only thing that is important to me is that the shave is far superior (with the HQ8's) in speed and quality for my face and beard.
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| « Last Edit: Nov 10th, 2009, 01:36am by porteno2 » |
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JCN
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revt
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Re: 9190XL(HQ177)versus 8894XL(HQ8)
« Reply #5 on: Nov 10th, 2009, 3:50pm » |
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on Nov 9th, 2009, 8:39pm, mrradio wrote:In the opinion of advocates what's the big deal with the HQ8 heads? Hearing a lot about this in several places.
Why do you think the work better than new heads for example?
What models do they come on ,or are caompatible with?
How are they different than for example whatever is on my current SpeedXl 5240? Think those are HQ9's. |
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They are a single row of slots and holes for one thing. The original HQ8 heads are about 70% slots and 30% holes. Having said that, they are not the same configuration as the new HQ8 heads that are on the 7340 and the 7810! The new ones, if I can remember correctly have maybe a 60% portion of slots, then a 15% portion of holes, then a 10% portion of slots, then another 15% portion of holes. My experience posted on this thread was using the original HQ8 heads. From what I have read the newer configuration is better then the original. If ordering just the heads, one should look at a picture just to make sure that you are getting the new configuration.
As far as price is concerned, the big difference between the 7340 and the 7810 is the amount of time that it takes to recharge the battery., and maybe the length of shaving time that you get with a full charge. The 7340 takes 8 hours, where as the 7810 takes 1 hour. Neither of them have LCD display, or head adjustments. However the head adjustments on the Spectra/Sensotec shavers don't really do anything anyway. If it were me and I was thinking about getting the HQ8 heads, I would either buy the 7340 for I think $39.99 or the 7810 for I believe $69.99, that was at Walmart! They fit right in the SpeedXL, the SmartTouchXL, or any Spectra/Sensotec, no models below that. Just go to any site that sells replacement heads and bring up the HQ8 heads, and they will list all the shavers that the HQ8 heads will fit.
Here is an interesting tidbit of info. At http://norelco.factoryoutletstore.com they are listing the 7340 as a Spectra Shaver and the 7810 as a Reflex Plus Shaver. It is a great place to compare before you run to Walmart to buy. I can't believe that sites prices!
Hope this helps a little.
Richard
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| « Last Edit: Nov 10th, 2009, 6:29pm by revt » |
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