Customer Reviews
Great Razor 
2008-08-24
My last Braun foil razor was over 6 years old, and the battery wasn't lasting long. I decided to replace it with this after reading many reviews.
It's great--the charge lasts a long time (a few weeks of shaves for me). It works very well on my face. I'm extremely pleased.
As far as it being refurbished--it's virtually unnoticed. You get a new battery, a new blade, a new foil, and the rest is meticulously cleaned and renewed. It's a great deal.
THE BEST 2008-08-11
Without a doubt the best electric shaver I have ever owned. I have one of those rough, fast growing, thick beards and this shaver gives me a shave that is as close as any wet razer. Self cleaning is a bonus, and when on road trips I can get a week out of one charge easily. Great purchase
Typical Braun quality 
2008-07-07
After purchasing the highly rated Panasonic ES8043SC Pro-Curve I returned it for this Braun 8585 solo and believe I made the right choice. I've had over the years 2 Norelcos and this is my 3rd Braun. My old Norelco lasted forever and in fact it still works, but I'm amazed at how quickly electric shavers are improving. My previous Braun still works as well, but by comparison the new Braun shaves faster, holds a charge longer and shaves about as close as you can possibly expect to shave with an electric shaver. The Panasonic by comparison doesn't even come close to the Braun -- not even my 7000 series Braun.
I've seen other reviews stating the shaver is loud, but this shaver is 10 times as quiet as my 7000 series Braun and every bit as quiet or perhaps more quiet than the Pansonic that I returned. The new Norelcos are more quiet sure, but you sacrifice a close shave for a very slight difference in "noise". I can't imagine anyone calling the Braun 8585 a noisy shaver by any stretch of the imagination.
The Panasonic shaved decent, but was awkward to handle and it took a long time to get a reasonably close shave. The Braun 8585 feels comfortable in the hand and the face and shaves quickly and fairly close without taking multiple passes. I think my old 7000 series Braun did shave a bit closer, but it took a lot longer to do so and is much noisier that the Braun 8585.
For the time being I believe the Braun 8585 is probably the best value for an electric shaver on the market.
Excellent Shaver 2008-03-08
I purchased this after using another Braun Shaver, a Braun 3612. The 3612 is an inexpensive shaver, however, I was unwilling to spend more for an electic shaver at that time because they have never worked for me. I have bought, in the past, the Premimum Norelco, didn't work for me, always left a rash. Purchase a Good Remington, wouldn't use it, it pinched. After using the 3612, without pinching and it doesn't leave a rash, I decided to get a better one. Bought this one, and now the 3612 is for travel. I did well.
By the way, when I don't use an Electric Shaver, I use a mug and brush, and I spent $100.00 for the mug and double bladed shaver. I don't use disposibles, too much waste, landfills and money. The double blade is made in Germany... They been around a little longer...perhaps they filled their landfills.
Braun Activator 8585 Solo Shaver 2008-02-29
The refurbished shaver was in superb condition, just like a brand-new, factory product. Hard to tell it had been ever used. I saved quite a bit of money and I am extremely satisfied with the quality of the purchase. The shaver provides a very close, smooth shave and it is quite an improvement from my old Braun.
excellent value 2008-02-28
I bought this refurbished razor rather than repair my previous one. I am very pleased with this razor.
Like it 2008-02-06
I agree with Ronald Arden's review. It doesn't seem to shave any closer than my old Flex Integral 5614. But...It's faster shaving, quieter, and seems like a faster motor. I like the price of the refurbished model. No cleaning stand, but who cares? Battery seems to last forever. Also, the trimmer is a big improvement compared to my old shaver. Overall, very pleased.
Not worth the money 
2008-02-02
Bought this recently on amazon. I have had Braun electric razors for several years now. Prior to this I had the Braun 7526. For whatever reason, I don't know if its the new foil on the 8585, but this razor just doesn't shave as close as my previous Braun. I am actually going back to my old one. Not sure what the design flaw is, but definitely not worth the money.
Improved again .... 2008-01-07
I've been using Braun shavers since the first models in the '60's. This model 8585 succeeds my 7000 series after the clipper got defective. Though almost identical the 8585 is somewhat quieter while the shave is definitely smoother with the new foil. At $69 an excellent value.
not as good a norelco xl 2006-11-09
I have a very thick beard with hair that grows in odd directions on my neck (problem area). This was too rough and powerful and if i pushed too hard it would burn my skin. With the norelco xl i could at least push as hard as i wanted too. I know it sounds odd, but this was way too powerful for my beard. I tried to switch to this from the norelco quadra action, but i ended up returning this for the norelco xl.
