Braun Series 3 Proskin 3040s Review – Affordable and Basic
Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s
The Braun Series 3 Proskin 3040s is a shaver that’s just under the mid-price range of electric shavers from Braun. We are looking at a shaver that is basic — without the bells and whistles –which is not a bad buy, but don’t expect a Series 9 Pro performance.
Pros
Good build quality
Shaves wet and dry
Good grip
Easy to keep clean manually
Affordable but not a cheap and tacky type of shaver
Basic functions keep it simple for many users
Cons
It takes longer to shave with this shaver compared to others in a higher price range
Flay-lying and straggler hairs could be difficult to shave
No travel lock
A few weeks have passed since picking up a new electric shaver to test out and review.
The most recent reviews I covered were for the higher price range shavers such as the Braun Series 9 Pro, Panasonic Arc 6, and others. But the recent purchase for a shaver — Braun Series 3 Proskin 3040s — is below the mid-range in terms of costs and more suitable for those who don’t want to spend too much and prefer to budget somewhat.
Braun 3 Series Models
Braun has various models of the 3 series, which include the standard 3 series, shave & style, and then the Series 3 Proskin.
The Proskin 3 Series includes model numbers 3000s, 3080s, 3040s, and 3010s, with the main difference being attachments that come with the shaver and minor cosmetic details. Otherwise, the Proskin is the same shaver.
Braun states about the Proskin – The difference to other shavers is noticeable, especially in the torture test of 3‐day beards.
* vs. previous Series 3, on 3-day beards.
The model I reviewed here is the most popular from the 3 Series Proskin range and available in most countries, the Braun 3 Proskin 3040s.
Within this review, we will look at its essential features, pros & cons, and who it is best suited for after testing and using the shaver for 3+ weeks under various conditions.
Video
The YouTube video I created for the S3 3040s might provide some additional information, and/or the visuals might help you out.
Description & Features
Unboxed, the 3040s comes with the basics, a shaver, small cleaning brush, protective cap, and a charger cord with plug. You can consider the Proskin 3080s, which has an additional pouch and charging stand if required.
- Blades/Foils – The Proskin has two foils seated on both sides of the middle trimmer. The foils cut the hair, and the middle trimmer aims to pick up longer and more difficult hairs.
- MicroComb technology – This is fancy technical jargon that means the blades have grooves that pulls in hair quicker to be cut, giving a quicker shave.
- Triple Action FreeFloat System – This tech jargon means the three cutting elements move independently when shaving along the various contours of the face.
- Wet & dry – The Braun Series 3 Proskin is waterproof and can be used when shaving in the shower or bath. Users may shave dry or wet with their favorite shaving cream or foam.
- Trimmer – A trimmer is attached to the shaver’s body. This can be used after sliding the trimmer tool out and above the shaver head.
- Rubberized sides – Rubberized dotted sides of the shaver offer users grip while shaving to prevent slipping.
- Charging – 1-hour full charge provides 45 minutes of shaving time. A quick 5-minute boost can also provide one shave.
- LED Indicators – The basic LED display consists of low-battery and battery-charging lights.
- Warranty – Braun offers a standard two years warranty on shavers. If bought directly from Braun, a buyer may get an extra 1 year, but it’s just a lot more expensive to buy from them.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The build quality of the Series 3 Proskin feels much like any other Braun shaver and is quite solid, with rubberized sides that provide enough non-slip grip when shaving wet or dry.
The ergonomics are quite basic, with the whole unit having a curved design, unlike other more expensive models that mold to the hand much better. I’m not saying the shape is poorly designed; it’s just basic, and works.
I like the plastic blade cover cap. It covers and protects the blades very well.
Attached Trimmer
The attached trimmer that slides open at the top of the shaver is designed very well and does not get in the way–while providing users with a trimmer without the need to attach and detach.
The issue I have, and with all other trimmer attachments, is that it does not trim well. I only used the shaver trimmer for lining up the sideburns, and it could help with lining up a bit but not removing all the hair.
I used the shaver foils to shave in the sideburns and gave up on the trimmer.
Noise Level
The Series 3 Proskin is not a noisy machine like an Andis shaver, but the sound is noticeable. It is very similar to other Braun shavers like the series 5, 7, and others.
If the sound of a shaver is a deal breaker for anyone, then they’re better off looking at rotary shavers. Rotary shavers are much quieter.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Many shavers these days come with cleaning stations, but the Series 3 Proskin reviewed here requires the standard manual method of shaver cleaning.
It cleans up nicely when using the small brush with the shaver and some good old-fashioned blowing. This brush is not to be used on the foils and only on the inner section when the cassette is taken off.
Because the shaver is fully waterproof, it can also be cleaned with water and a cleaning solution (i.e., liquid soap). I just add a little antibacterial liquid soap on the foils and run warm water through the shaver while it is switched on.
I recommend putting a spot of oil on the blades after thoroughly washing the shaver, which will help the blades last longer—only a minute amount of oil, though.
The blades/cassette should be replaced every 12 – 18 months. The life span always depends on how often they are used, beard growth, and hair type.
Shaving Experience
I had no real expectations of how good the Series 3 Proskin would shave, but I knew it was much more basic than the higher-end shavers I have recently used and reviewed.
As usual, I used this shaver for close to a month and shaved with various levels of hair growth. I also did my usual head-shaving test (it’s not designed for heads, but I gave it a try, being a follicly challenged man) and shaved wet with shaving cream.
Three days of growth was the maximum I felt this shaver could handle or shave efficiently without working too hard and for too long.
Two days was the perfect fit for this shaver and my face. I did try shaving daily, and the Proskin shaved well.
The shave was not as close as other more expensive shavers I have used, and I did have to spend more time going over the same areas. In addition, the neck area was the most challenging area to remove stubble completely, and the finish was not baby-bottom smooth-like.
Wet shaving with shaving cream was more comfortable, which is the typical response I get from an electric shaver. However, when shaving with cream, the missed areas or patches are not noticeable until washing the face clean, and then I have to go back over these patches without cream. The bottom line is it’s not worth wet shaving for the extra mess and effort that goes into it for a slightly more comfortable shave.
The foils and center cutter seemed to move along the contours of the face, especially the chin area, independently –very well.
Unfortunately, head shaving was not great with the Proskin. It was difficult to remove all the hair from the back of the head, even when going over the same area many times. However, it is not supposed to be a head shaver, so that’s not a deal breaker.
The Series 3 Proskin feels very similar to shaving with the Braun Series 5 (easy clean) but less powerful and does not produce the same closeness of shave.
I have to judge the performance on its price range, and it faired well.
Value for Money
Based on shavers within the same price range as the Braun Series 3 Proskin 3040s while keeping in mind it’s a shaver just below the mid-price range — a buyer is getting value for their money.
The shaver costs around $59.99 USD, £55 UK, and €79 EU (varies from country to country).
The replacement cassettes (32B and 32S) cost around $25 USD, £22 UK, and €27 EU (varies from country to country).
Final Thoughts – Who Is It Best Suited For?
While the 3040s does not give me the best shave I have had from electric shavers, it was not that far off the performance of the Braun Series 5, and this shaver is cheaper.
This shaver could be a good option for those new to shaving or just switching to an electric shaver and not wishing to spend too much money.
Sensitive skin types and those that like to shave with over three days of growth should look toward the more pricer shaver options, if it’s an electric shaver they want.
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