Braun Series 7 Review (360° Flex) – A Powerful Slimline Shaver
Braun Series 7 Shaver
The Braun Series 7 360° Flex is one of the most popular shavers in the Braun range. I found it has a good balance between cost and performance compared to the top-of-the-range electric shavers. However, it was not great for heavy growth and can feel overly aggressive at times.
Pros
The ergonomics are very good, and the maneuverability around tight spots
It shaves extremely close for an electric shaver
It will provide great performance as a daily (for some) or every-other-day shaver (for most)
Efficient shaving around the mustache and mouth area
Useful indicators for charging, cleaning, travel lock, etc.
Very easy to clean with or without the cleaning station
Cons
It could be quite aggressive for some guys and not best suited for those with sensitive skin
The clipping on and off the cassette is not as easy as the press-ins (S8 and S9 Pro, for example)
It can leave stubborn and tricky hairs when shaving over 72 hours of growth
The current Braun Series 7 generation has remained unchanged for several years, with no major upgrades or changes (minus the shaving mode feature I will discuss here).
This review will cover all S7 shavers, collectively referred to as the 360° Flex model generation.
Update 2025: This page has been updated with the latest change to models that offer three shaving modes (including a turbo). However, it remains fundamentally the same shaver.
As guys, anything mentioned about a “turbo” tends to pique our interest! But is this upgrade a genuine game-changer, or just a gimmick? That’s partly what I discuss here and answer.
In my view (based on my experience using the turbo mode model and standard), I would not upgrade from the standard Braun Series 7 360° Flex. If I were looking to buy an S7, I would opt for the shaver priced best rather than focusing on the shaving mode feature. However, I cover this feature in more detail in this review, and some gents may find it more beneficial than I do.
Availability: Shaving Mode Feature Models
This turbo mode feature is primarily available in the USA. While I have spotted one model in the UK (72-C7650cc), it’s primarily a US-specific release for now.
Note: I am now seeing more availability in the UK, but only on the official Braun website.
If you’re outside the USA and considering a Braun Series 7 360° Flex without the turbo mode, this review remains highly relevant. The shavers are essentially the same, with the only difference being the presence of these three shaving modes.
It appears that Braun is testing the turbo mode feature in the US market. Whether it’s a strategic marketing move, a performance test, or something else entirely remains to be seen. They might roll it out worldwide, or they might not. I haven’t seen it available in Germany, where Braun is based, which leads me to believe it’s still in an experimental phase (or will remain a USA thing).
Description & Features
As mentioned, I recently purchased the 7177/CC (US model), which comes with most of the accessories available in a bundle.
Unboxed, I got the shaver (with shaving mode feature), attachment trimmer and combs, body groomer and combs, fabric travel case, 4-in-1 SmartCare Center, cleaning cartridge, cleaning brush, and instruction manual.
I previously used and reviewed the Series 7 70-B7850cc (UK/EU Model). This came with beard stubble attachments rather than a body groomer, and all the other accessories mentioned above that came with the latest I bought (including the 4-in-1 SmartCare Center).
Design and Ergonomics
The shaver’s body is nice and slim, and it fits snugly in my hand. I like how my forefinger sits within the top section before the head, as this provides even more stability and maneuverability when holding and shaving with it.
Design & Ergonomics Ratings
My thought is that the slimness is partly (or mostly) due to the S7 not having a built-in trimmer (it has an attachment trimmer). This obviously reduces the size of the shaver’s inner and outer components; however, having a built-in or attached trimmer comes with pros and cons (more about that further on).
The shaver features a rubberized grip around the back and sides, perfectly designed to allow the hand, fingers, and thumb to make contact while shaving. The section where the buttons are placed is also rubberized, which is beneficial for thumb placement when in use.
I find the S7 (and S5, S6) has a better fit in the hand than many other shavers, including the Braun S8 and S9 Pro (and they are top-level shavers). The only other shaver that comes close to this design and snug fit is the Panasonic Arc 5 (and Arc 6).
Removing the cassette is not difficult. Still, it is not as easy as with shavers like the Braun S8 and S9 Pro, which feature a push-button design on the side that easily pops off the shaver cassette. With the S7, we have to clip it off with a thumbnail or thumb. I like the S8 and S9 Pro style much more.
Cutting Actions (CPM)
This is always a tricky aspect to rate and measure, as it’s based on the number of elements a shaver has. It’s also somewhat of a marketing aspect that can look good on paper (or on devices nowadays).
However………..
It’s a good measurement between shavers from the same brand and in a different series for getting an idea of how fast a shaver cuts.
The S7 standard (without a shaver mode feature) operates at 24,000 actions per minute (CPM). That’s three elements providing 8,000 actions per minute.
The model with turbo and gentle mode operates at a higher (Turbo) and lower (Gentle) speed, but I found no documentation regarding the corresponding CPMs. Braun states the turbo mode provides +28.5% cutting actions/seconds.
The Braun S8 provides 30,000 CPM, and the S9 Pro provides 40,000 CPM, which may help more tech-savvy individuals with a comparison.
Head and Blades Movement/Flex
The S7 is named the 360° Flex because of its ability to move back and forth, as well as left and right—which means in all directions.
Head & Blade Flex Ratings
This is the biggest change from the S5 and S6, as the S5 provides no movement, and the S6 is just back and forth movement.
I find the additional head movement useful for shaving along the jaw and chin contours, as well as other areas of the face. However, this head cannot be locked into place, so I have noticed that, at times, I would prefer it not to move. Nevertheless, it’s no deal-breaker, and I prefer this flexible movement over none.
Shaving Elements (i.e., blades/foils)
The S7 features three shaving elements, including two outer foils that perform the primary shaving and a center trimmer designed to trim longer, more challenging hairs.
The three elements all flex independently, which I have found beneficial when shaving over the various contours and maintaining contact with the skin throughout the shave.
While some shavers, such as the Braun Series 9 Pro and Panasonic Arc 5, utilize five cutting elements, I find that three are sufficient if they are adequately powered.
Shaving Modes (certain models – USA mostly)
One version of the S7 shaver provides three Shaving Modes (Gentle, Standard, and Turbo), allowing us to select our preferred intensity and customize the shave.
- Gentle Mode: Ideal for sensitive skin or possibly on those days when you need a very mild shave and have minimal stubble.
- Standard Mode: The balanced everyday setting, suitable for most users.
- Turbo Mode: Provides maximum power for faster shaving. It may be useful for slightly coarser beards.
To activate these shaving modes, an additional button is located below the power button. When we press the button, it easily switches to another mode, activating an LED for the Turbo and Gentle modes.
It’s easy to hear and feel the change in these modes (unmute video above for sound).
On the non-shaving mode S7 versions, this button lights up to indicate the remaining battery charge without activating the shaver.
Detail Trimmer
The S7 doesn’t have a built-in trimmer. Instead, it comes with an attachment trimmer head. I’m okay with that—I mostly use it for tidying up sideburns, and I don’t have much of that to do.
The need to remove the head and use a separate shaver component means some users could find the lack of a built-in trimmer inconvenient or even a deal-breaker.
The trimmer does an adequate job of trimming my sideburns, but it’s nowhere near as effective as a dedicated trimmer. It is bulkier and wider than any of the built-in trimmers I have used on shavers.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery performance is adequate and as expected.
We can expect approximately 50 minutes of runtime in standard mode and with the non-shaving mode feature S7 model shavers. Switching to turbo mode reduces this to approximately 40 minutes, while gentle mode extends the battery runtime to up to 60 minutes.
If you’re ever caught with a flat battery, a quick 5-minute charge will give you enough juice for a single shave. A full charge takes about an hour, though in my experience, it often feels quicker, and I consistently get plenty of shaves from a single charge.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Manually cleaning the S7 is straightforward. We can also opt for the cleaning station option, which is available with certain models.
Cleaning & Maintenance Ratings
To clean manually, I usually remove the head, blow out any loose debris (and possibly use a brush), apply a small amount of hand antibacterial soap, reattach the head, and run the shaver under water for 10-15 seconds. This method gets it perfectly clean.
However, if you opt for the model with the cleaning station, like mine, it’s a useful addition. Living in the area I do in the UK, where hard water and limescale are a concern, the cleaning station is invaluable (hard water is not good for moving metal parts).
The 4-in-1 SmartCare Center not only cleans and lubricates the shaver but also leaves it hygienically clean, smelling fresh, and fully charged. I won’t delve into much detail about the cleaning station here (I’ll likely write a separate article on that specific unit, as it differs from the Series 8 and S9 Pro — 5-in-1 SmartCare Center I reviewed).
If I were not using the cleaning station, then I would also put a drop of oil on the blade cutters to keep them lubricated (once every three shaves).
Cassette Replacement: The cassette is designed to last up to 18 months. Braun’s cassettes will last long when taken care of properly and cleaned frequently. The cassettes have two part numbers—73S and 74S. Part number 74S for the cassette became available after the introduction of the new shaving mode models (e.g., 71** models). However, it’s exactly the same, and the 73S or 74S are compatible with all current S7, S6, and S5 models.
LED Indicators & Travel Lock
The S7 has a battery charge left indicator. It’s not a percentage or segment indicator. Still, the line that lights up works similarly to a segment indicator, displaying the amount of change remaining.
We also have a few other indicators, such as the battery being nearly flat, the warning light that appears when it is plugged in and attempted to be switched on, and indicators for cleaning and cassette replacement.
The travel lock, activated by holding the power button, also displays an LED light once activated. We deactivate this travel lock by pressing and holding the power button for a few seconds again.
Accessories and Attachments
A standard model is likely to come with the fabric travel case and trimmer attachment only.
While the travel case is made of fabric, it features a hard shell, allowing me to fit the shaver and trimmer attachment inside. It’s simple and useful.
Other shaver bundles (like the models I have) come with stubblers (for trimming the beard down to stubble), beard trimmer guards, or combs for the trimmer. The latest version I bought also includes a body groomer and additional combs.
I have experimented with these attachments a little and, as expected, found them to be capable of doing what they are supposed to do, but nowhere near as efficiently or as well as dedicated tools. I prefer to stick to dedicated trimmers and body groomers.
I have already mentioned the 4-in-1 cleaning station, which some guys will find useful. However, we must keep in mind that the cartridges require replacement, and this is a recurring cost that we need to fund alongside replacement cassettes.
Note: Users can make or purchase their own cleaning fluid, thereby reducing the cost of replacement cartridges. Of course, Braun does not recommend this, but it is possible.
Shaving Experiences
I have used this 360 Flex generation of Series 7 numerous times and first reviewed it in 2021. I have also tested and used the model with the turbo feature and can address how that compares.
Shaving Experince Ratings
Contours and Skin Contact
As mentioned in the features section above, the blades flex individually, and the 360° head movement enables the shaver to follow contours very well.
I had no issues with maintaining skin contact throughout the shave, and the shaver moved smoothly over the chin and jaw areas.
Comfort
The S7 is not the most comfortable shaver for me. While I found the turbo mode on the latest shaving mode model to be slightly quicker on the cheeks, it was too uncomfortable for my liking on the neck area (I switched back to standard).
I do feel a slight sting after shaving with the S7. The slight sting passes after 20 minutes or clears up immediately when I apply moisturizing aftershave balm.
The turbo mode feature felt quite harsh around the mustache area. However, while the normal non-turbo mode S7 (and normal mode on the turbo model) still felt quite aggressive, it was not too harsh.
When I tried shaving daily with the S7, after the second consecutive day, it became too harsh for the skin on my neck. That is quite the norm for me and not just a S7 issue!
I tried the gentle mode on my S7, which features various shaving modes and found it to be much gentler. However, I spent way too long going over the same areas, which then misses the point of being good for sensitive skin (i.e., more shaving strokes on the skin are not beneficial for sensitive skin).
Tricky Hairs/Areas and Leftovers
Once I go just over three days (72hrs) without shaving, the S7 struggles with shaving areas where I am prone to having stubborn patches (under the sideburns and the far corner under the jawline). I end up with stubborn patches and have to keep shaving over the same area too many times for my liking.
However, when I shave under the 72 hours around the two-day mark, I get minimal patches left over, if any.
I have to shave around the two-day mark to avoid presenting tricky and stubborn hairs that the S7 finds challenging.
Please note that this is based on my personal experience with my hair type and skin, and we all differ. Individuals with finer hair are less likely to experience the same issues.
The S7 is very good at shaving under my nose and all around my mustache and mouth area. It beats my rotary-style shavers in shaving these areas.
Speed
The S7 shaves fast, especially in turbo mode.
The only problem with the speed is that it can make the shave quite harsh, as mentioned earlier.
When I have too many stubborn leftover patches (shaving over 72 hours), I will spend more time removing them, so I have to add that additional time onto the shave.
Closeness
I achieve a good result with the S7, which comes close to that of a manual razor.
Most of the face, especially the cheeks, ends up completely stubble-free. I will get some slight patches on my neck, but only when I feel my face against the grain.
I can remove those slight patches on my neck when shaving against the grain; however, I avoid that if it feels too aggressive, especially if I have to take multiple strokes.
If you do not experience irritation while shaving against the grain on your neck, then you will get a very close shave.
Wet and Head Shaving
I tested wet shaving with the Braun Series 7, using traditional shaving cream. The shave was comfortable, with no notable difference in comfort compared to dry shaving. If you typically wet shave with an electric shaver, it should work well with most lubricants, but I would not expect significant changes.
As someone who shaves their head, I also tried it for shaving my head. It was effective and relatively quick, and it gives a closer shave than the dedicated head shavers I use and review. However, shaving the back of the head took a bit longer due to the design (unlike a dedicated electric head shaver).
Overall, the Braun Series 7 is a viable option for shaving your head, especially if you’re also using it for your face. However, I would not buy it solely for shaving the head and would recommend purchasing a dedicated head shaver instead.
Overall Shaving Performance Ratings
Debris and Sound
One thing to note about Braun foil shavers, including the Series 7, is that a significant amount of shaved debris tends to fall onto your shirt. This isn’t an issue for me, but it’s something some guys have asked about.
Rotary shavers, such as the Philips S9000 Prestige, tend to collect all the debris within a chamber, which is a neat benefit if you want to avoid getting debris on your shirt or chest.
In terms of sound, the S7, like many foil shavers, is quite loud. If a quiet shaver is important to you, then the S7 is not the right choice.
It is worth mentioning that the shaver also vibrates quite heavily in the hand. The turbo mode on the models with that feature vibrates even more, as expected, I guess.
Value for Money
The current cost of a Braun Series 7 shaver generally ranges from $90 – $240 / £100 – £220 / €150 – €270. Prices vary based on the specific model (e.g., whether it includes a cleaning station or additional attachments) and current sales or promotions.
Value for Money Ratings
Purchasing one for around $120-$150 (using US prices) is not a bad price point for what we get. For over $150, I might start thinking about a Braun S8 or Panasonic Arc 5 if I were looking for a foil-style shaver.
If you’re aiming to spend under $100, consider the Braun S5 and S6, which are very similar shavers, albeit with some features omitted. However, the main shaver, shaving elements, and power are the same.
Would I pay more for the shaving mode feature model (with turbo) over the standard S7? I would not, and I would buy whichever model was priced best.
Final Thoughts – Verdict (Who Is It For?)
I’ve covered a lot in this review, and it’s clear that this is a powerful, slimline shaver that provides a close shave with features that are both useful and practical.
I would not recommend this for guys who shave every three days or more and also have tricky hair that electric shavers do not always pick up. However, you can trim first to help reduce the stubble!
If you like everything about it but the price, then you can consider the S5 and S6, which are mostly the same shavers (minus flex features).
I’m also not sure this is the best choice for those with sensitive skin. I would say it is better suited for those with normal to hardy skin.
If I have missed anything in this review, please feel free to drop a comment below. Leaving a comment if you have experience with the S7 would also be useful for other guys considering this shaver.
