I never used a razor (shaving cream, etc) in my teenage years because I would develop painful ingrown hairs that would develop into unsightly razor bumps, so from age 16 until this year (I'm 24 now) I relied heavily on Magic Shave, a depilatory. Unfortunately, I had to leave Magic Shave on for at least a half hour (well beyond the "safe" time limit) for it to work...and this damaged my skin in the process.

I quit Magic Shave (fearing I would get a more serious skin condition) and started shaving with a razor, and a "special" razor-bump prevention shaving cream. Sure enough, the razor bumps eventually appeared. I then went back to Magic Shave, and got the burn of a lifetime...my skin was bright pink and bloody. It was disfiguring. Then, a family friend of mine told me about this Braun shaver. I listened, and I followed his advice -- let me tell you, this shaver has been the answer I've been looking for!

Now, I still use a triple combination of the shaver, a cylindrical shaver (normally used for ears/nose -- the kind with the straight combed edge), and a smaller edge trimmer to shave (since the Braun shaver can't pluck out ingrown hairs) but I couldn't be where I am today without this shaver. If razor bumps are a problem for you, and you want a close shave...try this one out.

Thanks for reading!!!

P.S. "Bump Stopper" is a great product to use as well. I hope this helped those of us who aren't normally served by "mainstream" media.

Had it not been a gift, I'm not sure I would have bought it. The idea of a self cleaning razor seemed nice but I wondered how much of the price was going towards the "gadget factor" and how much was building a solid razor. I also would not have spent the money to get the LCD display model but I'm glad to have it now having used it.

Compared to the Flex Integral Ultra Speed, the Syncro doesn't seem as tough and strong. However, it makes the difference in the design of the head. Aside from an extra 1000 or so passes per minute, its real advantage comes from the side to side pivot of the shaver head. I still find myself surprised how much the small degree of side to side pivoting can make. Its a bit hard to describe the result except that the head just grips better.

The end result is a shave that is definitely closer and longer lasting than the Integral's, though I wish it had a bit more power behind it for cutting through second day facial hair.

The Syncro also maintains its improvements with the self cleaning system. (check models). When you finish shaving each day, you place the razor into the cleaning / charging / storage cradle which then proceeds to clean and sterilize the razor. The process takes about 15 minutes for cleaning, 60 minutes for cleaning and charging. It requires special cleaning fluid refils which will run you about $9.99 each. They last about 30 cleaning cycles. The fluid acts as a cleaner and as a lubricant and is surprisingly effective...at cleaning...though I wish they would have left the fragrance out. Unfortunately the fluid is very flamible which limits where the cradle can go. The fluid refil cartridges don't lock in to the cradle and can spill if the cradle is knocked over...The cradle uses the razors power cord and also charges the razor as needed.

For the most part, the inside of the razor head and cutter blocks look as if they just came out of the box. However, there is a residue build up that requires a quick brushing (included with case) every now and then. Usually the LCD will display Clean! or Oil! during your shave if this builds up.

Overall I'm really impressed. What I would have passed off as gadget is really quite nice. It's nice to pick up a fresh, clean razor in the morning.

The Syncro UltraSpeed is pretty good. When plugged in the shaving head moves faster and delivers a better shave then when cordless. I have a thin, angular face, and the Braun can't seem to get the corners of my jaw line or chin very well. It also can't deliver a close shave on some portions of my cheeks. On the salesman's suggestion, I used a "pre-shave gel" for electric shaver. It seemed to really improve the shave for me (though Afta is terrible).

Compared to a razor, the Braun delivers a shave equivalent to 1.5 days after shaving with a razor (your beard growth will vary). That is, it's not a "close" shave, but it's good enough. If I could use a razor without cutting myself, I would. If you use a razor now, definitely stick to it.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase.