Braun Series 7 Review (360° Flex Models) – Tested and Reviewed
Braun Series 7 (360° Flex Models)
The Braun Series 7 360° Flex is the most popular shaver of all from the Braun range. It has a good balance between cost and performance compared to the top-of-the-range electric shavers.
Pros
Powerful motor
Ergonomics are very good
Provides a comfortable mild shave
Flex Head helps to shave tricky parts of the face including sideburns that limits missing hair, and leaving patches
Shaves extremely close for an electric shaver and better than most near the price range
Great performance as a daily or every-other-day shaver
Comfortable without irritation
Very easy to clean with or without the cleaning dock
Useful indicators for charging, cleaning, travel lock etc.
Cons
Quite expensive
The clipping on and off the cassette is not as good as the press-ins (old series 7 and series 8 to 9 Pro)
Replacing cleaning solution cartridges is an added extra cost
The Braun Series 7 electric shaver is getting close to the top of the range in electric shavers in terms of both functionality and cost, and of course, performance. It made it into our short list of the best Braun shavers recommended.
This review is for the Braun Series 7 flex head version from the Series 7 range.
How many Braun Series are there, and what do the Series and Generations mean? – I shall mention this for those that are unaware of the Series that Braun offers. The series begins with number one and ends with nine, although Braun, for some reason, does not have a series 2 or 4. The Series 9 (well–9 Pro now) that I have recently reviewed is at the top end of their shavers regarding functionality and costs, and then the Series 1 is at the lower end.
Each of the series over the years, including the Series 7 have seen improvement changes (known as generations) that show Braun is always trying to make their shavers better than the last models. Most of these improvements are great; however, like most companies, they make some changes that look more like cost-cutting motives than improvements (if I notice them, I point them out).
The Braun Series 7 Flex is a very different shaver compared with the previous 7 Series, and while some people feel improvements were made, others feel differently. The previous 7 Series without the flex head can still be purchased; however, for some reason, they are more expensive.
Here are the Series 7 Flex model numbers available.
Braun Series 7 Flex Head (model 70-N**** UK/EU or 70** USA)
UK/EU 70-N1200 s (+ trimmer), 70-N7200 cc (clean & charge station + trimmer), 70-B7850 cc‘ (clean & charge station + trimmer + attachments) are all the 360° Flex Head models.
USA 7020s (+ trimmer), 7025s (+ trimmer + trimmer attachments),7027s (+ trimmer + trimmer attachments + charging stand), 7075cc (+ trimmer + cleaning & charging station),7071cc (+ trimmer + trimmer attachments + cleaning & charging station).
Each number 70-***** (UK/EU) or 70** (USA) is the exact same shaver but each one will differ in accessories and clean & charge station.
Just to confuse consumers more, or at least us that review shavers for readers – Braun uses different model numbers for that same model in various countries alongside different numbers for the accessories included.
The various models within a series can get confusing, and they differ, which is why I have mentioned all those available within the Series 7 Flex Series. The main point is the model reviewed here (Braun Series 7 70-N7850cc) is the same as the others in terms of build, motor, and performance.
The Brand – The brand ‘Braun’ was founded a 100 years ago that created their first electric shaver during the 1950s. The German-based company (a subsidiary of Procter and Gamble) is known worldwide, and just about everyone looking to buy a foil electric shaver today will see a Braun shaver as a buying option.
Description & Features
This updated Braun Series 7 has had a major makeover. The ergonomic design is more user-friendly and less bulky, and the 360° Flex Head aims to work much better at shaving comfortably along the various contours of a user’s face.
Which model should I buy? If a buyer does not need or want the clean and charge station or accessories, then they can purchase the slightly cheaper model. A buyer doesn’t really save much when buying the models without attachments etc., and if there is a possibility of the attachments or cleaning & charging station being used, then it may be worth the extra bit of cash spent.
- AutoSense Technology – This enables the shaver to sense beard density and adjust the motor to the power that is required.
- Cutting Actions – The 7 Series offers 24’000 cutting actions per minute.
- 360° Flex Head – This is the big feature of the new 7 series. It has the ability to adapt and move with the various contours of the face and aims to make shaving tricky areas much easier. At the moment, it is only the Braun 7 series that offers this feature.
- Shaving Elements – This shaver has 3 flexible shaving elements/blades. Two of these are foils, and in the center there is a cutter that aims to cut hair that grows in various directions and lift up other hairs to be cut.
- Easy Click Attachments – The shaving head can be clipped on and off for changing the head or using the attachment trimmer. The beard trimmers must be attached to the precision trimmer.
- Wet & Dry (100% waterproof) – The Flex Head series is fully waterproof and can be used to shave either wet or dry. Users may shave with their favorite shaving, cream, soap or foam.
- CleanCare System – This system cleans and lubricates the cassette and charges the battery. The cleaning fluid requires replacement cartridges that will need to be replaced every 3 months (longevity depends on use).
- Charging and Battery – A fully charged battery takes up to an hour to be charged, although users can give the shaver a quick 5 minute charge for 1 or 2 shaves. A full charge will give users about 50 minutes of cordless shaving time.
- Light Indicators – A cleaning light will indicate after using the shaver. A red cord indicator comes on when a user tries to use the shaver when it is plugged in, and another red padlock indicator comes on after holding the button (also bleeps) for a few seconds to activate the travel safety switch. There is also a battery life and foil cassette indicator (lets a user know when to replace – every 18 months).
- Travel Safety Lock – The on/off button can be held to lock the shaver and unlock it when a person takes it on their travels.
- Battery & Foil Checker – This generation of the Series 7 has an extra button underneath the power on/off button. When pressed, it indicates the battery charge and if the foil cassette needs replacing without switching the shaver on.
- Warranty – Braun offers a standard 2 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 and not worth it at twice the price.
How well does the Braun Series 7 360° Flex Head perform and Shave?
After using, testing, and reviewing the Series 9 not so long ago and having previous experience with the older 2nd generation of Series 7 shavers, I was intrigued to see how the Flex Head 3rd generation of Series 7 shaver would perform.
As per usual, I spent about a month using this shaver. I tried it out on 3+ days of beard growth, 1 – 2 days dry and wet (also with shaving cream), and I tested how it would head shave, although I know it is not designed for head shaving.
This shaver has consistently provided a smooth shave for an electric shaver and was the best out of many electric shavers for shaving the sideburns and chin area without leaving patches. The ease of shaving and not leaving patches is most certainly due to the Flex Head, as the Series 9 and the older generation of Series 7 could not perform as well in these areas.
Shaving with this new generation felt very much like holding the Series 5 or 6. The body is much more slimline and feels better to hold than the last series.
How was shaving daily or every 2 days? – The first, second, and third day was the best time to use this shaver, and the absolute best personally was every 2 days.
I never like to shave with any shaver or razor daily. It’s gonna cause me irritation!
How was shaving with 3 or more days growth? Three days was the limit for me. After three days, it just took too many shaving strokes, which is the case with all other electric shavers I have used.
Does it head shave very well? I know the Series 7 is not designed for head shaving; however, I always have to give it a go. I am balding and keep my hair close to the scalp or completely shaved bald, and I am always testing ways to shave my bonce in better and smoother ways.
It did a fantastic job after trimming it down with the hair clippers and no comb attachment (I used the Remington QuickCut) . However, while the design is excellent for facial shaving, it is quite tricky to use around the back of the head and takes some time to shave it all properly.
It worked much better and easier for head shaving when there were only two days of growth. Regularly using it daily or every two days to buzz around the head quickly would work.
I would stick with using an electric shaver designed for head shaving, like the Skull Shaver when using an electric type razor. They do the job so much easier, quicker, and better!
Does this shaver work well when wet-shaving?
A user really does not need to use the Braun Series 7 Flex Head wet or with shaving foam or soaps. However, it does really help to use it with shaving cream to make it more of a smoother shave.
Shaving with cream wet did make head shaving so much easier and better. It did also improve the comfort and ease of facial shaving somewhat.
A word of advice though, when wet shaving! These shavers can stick and kind of judder on the skin, if there is not enough shaving foam or cream on the skin –and a way to make this work better is to keep as much soap as needed on the skin all the time.
I’m not sure how these can be used in the shower, and when they are, a user will need to keep their head out of the shower with their head soaped up. It is great shaving in the shower, but I can’t use it with just the water running because of the juddering on the skin.
Electric shavers are about speed shaving, and the Series 7 does this well enough dry without any type of soap. Dry shaving makes the task of shaving fast and less messy.
What do you think about the Flex Head feature?
The Flex Head 360° feature was something that I had hoped to see on one of Braun’s shavers, and they introduced it to this generation of the Series 7.
I have to say I am impressed, and I know many other guys will be as well.
This makes all the difference when shaving tricky areas, including under the chin and neck, and especially the sideburns area. I even had trouble with the Braun Series 9, leaving patches on the sideburns and having to run over the same area many times, but not so with the Flex Head.
How about the attachable trimmer and accessories? Some users are going to be happy that the trimmer is not attached to the body, while others do not want to remove the cassette and attach the trimmer.
I had problems with the attached trimmers being able to trim my sideburns (older Series 7 and the latest Series 9). On the Series 5 and this generation of the Series 7, the attachable trimmer actually works better, although it is a slight annoyance to have to change it and clip on and off the cassette.
The beard attachment combs are useful for those that might alternate between growing a bead and needing to trim it and shaving fully at other times. These are never as good as a dedicated beard trimmer, but they do get the job done.
Overall Shaving Experience?
I’ve gotta say this has become my number 1 electric shaver because of how comfortable it is to use, and it gets as close as any electric shaver needs to get to the skin. It beats the last generation of the Series 7 for me personally because of the ergonomics and Flex Head. Of course, other shaver like the Braun Series 9 Pro performs better, but it costs a lot more.
As always, I don’t get a shave as close as I get from a cartridge or safety razor; however, electric shavers seem to be catching up, and the ease, speed, and lack of mess are real pros when comparing them to razors.
The lack of missing areas and shaving over the sideburns many times that I have had from other Braun shavers, including the Series 9 has won me over on this Series 7 generation.
Build quality, design, and ergonomics – 9/10
The comfortable ergonomics and Flex Head 360° feature really make this generation of the series shine. The sides and back of the shaver have a rubber grip that makes holding it comfortable and non-slip.
The new additional button may be useful for checking battery charge and the cassette without switching the shaver on, and the safety lock is a very useful travel feature.
I’m not a big fan of clipping on and off the cassette as I think it is going to break or wear in time. I much prefer the press-in and release types that the Series 9 and older Series 7.
Braun states the Series 7 is built to last for seven years (it’s all about 7’s).
Cutting power – 10/10
The Series 7 offers 24’000 cutting actions per minute which is fairly powerful. You can hear the motor powering the shaver, but it isn’t too loud.
The Series 8 (30’000) and 9 (40’000) have more power; however, the Series 7 certainly feels powerful enough.
The motors AutoSense feature is said to adapt to the beard density, although I can’t say this is anything I can visually see or notice (not to say it does not).
Ease of Use – 8/10
Ease of use in terms of shaving, charging, and other aspects are great. However, the clipping feature for the cassette and changing to the trimmer is not the best. Companies often try to make a product like shavers multi-task when, in fact, that often lets users down, and they should focus on the main task.
Charging and battery life – 9/10
A user should get around an hour of runtime from a fully charged battery, and Braun states one charge will provide three weeks’ worth of shaving. I probably do get just over 3 weeks and over ten shaves which is good enough for me.
All cordless Braun shavers I have owned have had good battery life and longevity.
Cleaning and maintenance – 9/10
I was surprised to find that this new generation of Series 7 shavers had a different Charging & Cleaning station that does not offer cleaning modes, has no LED indicators, and does not automatically dry like the one that comes with the Series 9. The new station cleans just as well, and it’s not a deal-breaker, but I think Braun has done a cost-cutting thing here.
While the SmartCare Center is excellent and will clean and lubricate, a user can also clean the Series 7 by hand. A brush provided can be used to clean the inner section of the head gently (or/and blow debris out), and then the shaver can be run under a tap while it is switched on.
Setting up and replacing the cleaning cartridge – The cleaning cartridges are easy to place in the SmartCare Center and to replace. They should last for about 3 months before replacement, and the cartridges may be bought in packs.
Some users use the old cartridge and its lid and then add their own liquid cleaner. Braun advises against this, but then they would as they are not making money from them if consumers buy elsewhere or find a DIY hack.
A fresh zesty scent comes up from the cleaning dock, which can also be smelt on the shaver after.
How much do the replacement cartridges cost? Cleaning fluid cartridges usually cost around $5 USD (£4 GBP – 4 € EU) each (they cost less when bought in bigger packs). As mentioned, some users refill old cartridges with liquid that is sold online or in stores.
Replacement cassettes cost? – The cassette lasts for up to 18 months which makes the cost of replacements (approx. $40 USD, £30 GBP, 40 € EU) non-expensive. Braun’s cassettes will last longer when taken care of properly and cleaned frequently.
Value for money – 8/10
The new generation of Series 7 shavers costs around $130+ USD (£150+ GBP – 178,00 € + EU). Prices will vary and be more than these stated when including accessories like the SmartCare Center.
These are still very much on the expensive side of the scale for electric foil shavers. It does perform like a top-of-the-range shaver, so I guess they are value for money (we would all like to pay less).
Any Common Consumer Issues, Complaints, or Positive Reports?
I could not help but laugh and agree with one consumer that mentioned the very poor instruction manuals that come with the shaver, although it has multiple languages. I think Braun spends more time translating than giving clear, detailed, and concise directions.
Quite a few people have mentioned it feels very plastic.
There have been more than a few users reporting patches of hair left, which I found surprising. Despite having this issue with other shavers I found the Series 7 eliminated that with the Flex Head design.
Many users comment on how comfortable and close the shave is with this shaver and mention it is the best they have used.
User reports go from it’s the best to it’s the worst shaver ever. Most electric shavers are commented on in this manner!
Final Thoughts – and who is the Braun Series 7 Flex Head best suited for?
In a way, this would be perfect if it included the head removal buttons of the previous Series 7 and Series 9.
Some users are going to prefer the non-attached trimmer, while others won’t.
The Flex Head is a major great change, and if it was placed on the Series 9 then that shaver would be near perfect, although more pricey and less ergonomic.
Buyers that find the Series 7 within their price range and want a shaver that provides the best of what comfort and closeness an electric shaver could possibly provide should check this new generation out. Also, buyers that would like to upgrade from a cheaper shaver could benefit from upgrading to the Series 7.
If buyers would like to cut costs, then consider buying the shaver without the cleaning and charging station and the beard trimmer accessories. The Series 7 is one of the Best Braun Shavers when it comes to balancing out costs and performance.
A high-performance and comfortable shaver that gives as close as a man could get!
Alternative Shavers
The Braun Series 7 is a foil shaver that offers what most gents need for their grooming needs. However, there are alternative shavers that will be cheaper and offer less features or performance, and then there are others that may offer more features that are required.
Braun Series 5
The Series 5 from Braun is much more affordable than the Series 7, although it does not have the same features. It has much of the same design in terms of ergonomics and has three shaving elements, and a feature that is liked is the easy cleaning aspect of it without using a charge and cleaning station.
See Review: Braun Series 5
Braun Series 9
The Series 9 is at the top end of any shaver roundup in terms of costs and features. The motor is more powerful than the Series 7, and the SmartCare Center is better because it also dry cleans the shaver. This Series also had a much better method of removing the cassette, and the trimmer is attached to the shaver body.
See Review: Braun Series 9
Panasonic Arc 5
The Panasonic Arc 5 is a five-shaving element shaver that packs a punch in terms of power, even more so than the Series 9. The Series 9 and this shaver are direct competitors within the shaver market today. Buyers can reduce the costs of one of these considerably when buying one that comes with fewer features or accessories.
See Review: Panasonic Arc 5
