Braun Series 7 760CC-4

The foil head on the Braun Series 7 760cc shaver (previously known as the Braun Pulsonic) vibrates laterally, making the user's skin ripple and presumably causing the hairs to stick out a little straighter for an easier shave. Several shave settings make the Braun Series 7 shavers suitable for a range of skin and beard types.

A quick, clean shave for just about everybody

Although the Series 7 760cc has slightly fewer bells and whistles than the more expensive Series 7 790cc (*Est. $235), reviewers say it delivers the same close, comfortable shaving performance for less money. A flexible foil shaving head contours to tricky areas, such as the chin and neck, and the Series 7 comes with several shave settings to accommodate different skin and hair types. Most reviewers say the 7 760cc works equally well on sensitive skin and tough, coarse beards, even if beard hair grows in different directions. Only a few dissenters say that the 7 760cc irritates sensitive skin or misses a hair here and there.

The Braun Series 7 760cc receives the highest ranking in tests by a major consumer research organization, and users from several websites -- Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and BestBuy.com -- report that it has no problem dealing quickly with several days' worth of beard growth. One Amazon.com user says: "I shaved two days worth of stubble today like a hot knife goes through butter. This shaver has easily cut my shaving time in half." Others report shaving times of as little as two to four minutes. They also say the shaver's Pulsonic (vibrating) feature almost feels like a facial massage as you're shaving, and they agree with the manufacturer's advice to set the Pulsonic feature to high for the best shave.

Many reviewers expressed some consternation about the 7-760cc's pop-up trimmer, which is shorter than the previous model's trimmer, has a slight curve "like a kitchen knife" and sticks out from the shaver body at a slight angle. However, a few say that it works better than the old trimmer once you get used to it, which usually takes a few days).

New version feels better in your hand

Users say that the newest version of the Braun Series 7 760cc-4 feels better in your hand than the older models; the shaver's body is shaped more like a banana than a bar of soap, with the shaving head tilted slightly inward. It also feels more secure, thanks to what one Amazon.com reviewer describes as "a slightly cushy rubberized covering."

Users also report that the cleaning base for the Series 7 760-cc works very well; just drop the shaver into the base, shaving foils down. The base automatically detects the appropriate level of cleaning, but it waits for you to push the GO button before it begins.

Charging is similarly efficient; the Series 7 760cc will run for 50 minutes on a single, 60-minute charge, and it also offers a five-minute quick charge feature. The only complaint we found from users was that the dial-shaped charge indicator at the shaver's base looks a little gimmicky, but  they say it works well. It also has an illuminated indicator to remind you when it's time to change the foils; the manufacturer suggest every 18 months.

The only major cause of complaints is the 760cc's carrying case, which isn't large enough to hold the shaver's power cord; owners are less than thrilled. (The 790cc has the same case, and gets similar comments because of it.) "This one is a joke," writes one Walmart.com reviewer, who uses the carrying case from another shaver instead.

Whisper-quiet shaving meets not-so-quiet cleaning

Expert tests show the 760cc to be a little quieter than other models; it receives one of the best noise ratings in testing from a major consumer research organization. We were a little surprised to find a complaint from one Walmart.com user, who complains that it "is very noisy," but doesn't elaborate. An owner commenting at BestBuy.com may have an explanation: "The self cleaning mechanism is useful, loud but useful," he writes.

We found several other users who say it's the cleaning cycle -- not the actual shaving process -- that can cause an unpleasant noise. One Amazon.com reviewer says that even though the new version of the 7-760cc's cleaning base is quieter than the previous versions – "no more whiny squeal" -- when the shaver itself can be fairly loud when it switches on as part of the cleaning cycle. He estimates that the entire cleaning cycle, including heated drying time, takes 35 to 45 minutes.

Standard warranty, but long money-back guarantee

The Braun 7 Series 760cc-4 comes with an industry-standard two-year warranty and a longer-than-usual 60-day money-back guarantee. Some users initially balk at the high price, then report that it's worth paying more for the quality and performance; "You get what you pay for," they say. We found one isolated complaint from an Amazon.com user who says the cleaning system "died unexpectedly" after four months, and Braun's customer service wouldn't deal with him directly -- he had to deal with a private company three hours away.

Otherwise, users say they are happy with this shaver's quality and durability, and the relatively low ownership cost helps defray the initial cost; replacement heads (*Est. $32) need to be replaced every 18 months or so. The only snag is the cleaning cartridges (*Est. $13 for three); users are split as to whether they're worth the price.

The bottom line

ConsumerReports.org offers an excellent, expert opinion about the Braun Series 7 760cc-4. This shaver also receives more than 130 user reviews, almost all positive, on Amazon.com, cementing its placement as our overall best-reviewed electric shaver. The Braun Series 7 790cc-4 (*Est. $235) offers a similar shave, plus a faster cleaning cycle and upgraded display screen, in return for the extra $35.