Monday, October 3, 2011

Braun Series Pulsonic Shaver System

I have accumulated quite a few 'shavers over the years, with the three most recent new models from Norelco, Braun and Panasonic. So, I decided to make a comparison, perhaps to help those who are debating between these high-end models.

But first we need to get a basic question of the way: you should not spend so much to get a good shave from an electric razor? Absolutely not. Lower-end models such as the Braun Series 5, 7000 and 8000 Series Norelco shavers ArcIV and Panasonic are great. What you get for the extra money is a slight improvement in his beard, a little design 'better, and a couple of bells and whistles in some useful way.

The quality of construction - all are very well put together. The Braun feels more substantial, the 3D feels more "plasticy".

Sound - 3D very quiet, Braun and Panasonic are much more "exciting", but not too strong.

Overall feel - for me, Braun feels the most comfortable to hold. Easy to grip even with wet hands. The Panasonic is in second place. The 3D is the most awkward feeling. It's not horrible, but not everything that is comfortable.

Dry shave: close - this is a difficult choice, with Braun and the Panasonic is providing very close shaves. The 3D does a good job, but my face does not feel as smooth as with the other.

Shaving Dry: Speed ​​- the 3D is the clear winner here. Only through my beard, cuts, shaving with a total time of less than 3 min. The Panasonic is about 4 minutes for a good shave, the Braun watches in about 5 min.

Smoothing dry-neck - this is the most difficult for most razors, and all these models a few hairs left wandering here and there. The 3D is the best, but it comes at the expense of a certain irritation (see note below). Braun and Panasonic are about equal.

Dry shave: Comfort - Braun is the winner for me, followed by Panasonic. Zero redness on even the most sensitive (the jaw line and neck). The 3D has left me with some red spots on my neck. Nothing serious, but it is clearly a step below the other amenities on the counter.

Wet shave - this is limited to Panasonic and 3D. I'm not a big fan of wet shaving, but both do a very good job. The Panny does better with a very thin layer of gel-like cream, 3D works better with a heavier foam (I've gotten good results with Edge). Both came close shave, with a little 'sweeter than the Panny 3D. But, the 3D has done a better job on the neck and jaw line.

** Update: Just tried the new Remington Alphagel shaving cream and that works very well with both the Panny and Norelco. The scent is a bit 'heavy (menthol), but no-foam consistency is a perfect partner for a wet electric razor. Much better than any other shaving cream I've tried. I examined the Alphagel if you want more information.

Maneuverability - it is here that Braun really shines for me. I have a mustache, and beading with the Braun is a piece of cake. The 3D requires some practice, but can do a decent job. Far worse was the Panasonic - the big head makes it very difficult to create a clean edge around the `stash.

Automatic cleaning - I love the Braun cleaning station. Works well, cleans well, and the razor-out lemon fresh. The cleaning station Panasonic is OK, but is stronger, it takes longer, and the aqueous cleaning solution is not as effective. I can not comment on the station since the 3D model I bought did not come with it.

Manual cleaning - both the Panasonic and 3D are very easy to clean manually. It really is not necessary station car wash (even if it is useful for the storage for the Panny). The cutters are removable from the 3D (unlike the Arcitec models) for cleaner every so often. Braun can be cleaned with water, but it's hard to get very clean because the cutter block is a single unit.

I could say much more about these razors, but this review is already too long. If I had to pick just one, I'd go with the Braun. While not perfect, it excels in many areas and he feels the best. It also offers three settings (gentle, normal and intensive) that vary the speed of the cut, a characteristic of the other two are missing. I find it very useful. In addition, the heads of parts are readily available and frequently discounted (as are the cleaning cartridges). But the 3D and Panasonic are very good too razors and get the job done. If you're willing to spend the money, one of these would be a good choice.

Note: I have the Braun 790cc-4 since I was able to do it at a fantastic price (on another site - sorry Amazon!) On Black Friday. But, in the normal price, the 760 is cheaper and a better value. They work the same way, with differences limited to the color of the kind of razor, indications on the handle, and the fact that the 760 does not have the "Quick Clean" in the cleaning station. None of these are really important, so if you go with the Braun, choose the one that is more convenient.

But, we must learn to properly use an electric razor to get a good shave. Some quick tips:

1) Do not press too hard - use a touch easier. If the heads are always hot or warm, you are pressing too hard.
2) Shave against the grain when using a sheet of paper, shaving in a circular motion when using a rotary.
3) Stretch the skin taut when shaving neck
4) Wait at least an hour after getting up before shaving (face, we all become a little 'bloated when sleeping).

Shaving happy!

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Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells

First of all, this is a great product, but do not want to spend time reviewing the great things about this product because I feel that there are many other reviews that have already done. Here are some things I've found that I thought would be helpful to others:

1) In the "most helpful critical review" is listed that the rectangular chrome handles are a pain to deal with. This almost forced me not to buy this product. However, after trying the DB, I have not found much more than a nuisance. The "square" handles are almost round with a pinch of "rectangulariness" if you will. Not much of a hassle for me, but some thick cloth tape should fix the problem if your hands are sensitive.

2) To those who do not want to buy the stand $ 150, I discovered that instead of taking the DB from the floor, you can simply use the shipping boxes as a personal stand. Just turn the foam and cut the top cover of the window and enter the DB inside the box and got stuck. DBs are still a bit 'low, but it is better to collect them from the ground.

3) If you have a problem with a DB that does not fall within the base evenly, the dials are locked, and one of the dishes do not attach the DB, do not send in the DB to the manufacturer just yet (I had this occur me today). After some experimentation, I finally realized that all I had to do was remove the DB from the base and remove the plates from the base to the base has been completely emptied. Then, with the base emptied at the rear of the base within the DB (no plates remaining on the floor). You should be able to switch the rear of the quadrants of £ 10 with plates coming out from the DB. Then simply place behind all the dishes inside the base and place the DB back into the base with the dishes ready to go. The DB should pick right back up the dishes. This experiment has saved me a lot of money because I forgot to send mail within 30 days of warranty (it's on the back pocket of the instructions). I hope you found at least one of these stitches!

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Saturday, October 1, 2011

Coleman Instant 14- by 10- Foot 8- Person Two Room Tent

I used to own an 8-man tent, Coleman was almost as big as this: Old tent was 14 X 9, while it is 14 X 10. The blind old man took me 30-40 minutes to get to me and I was tired at the end of it.

Instant new Coleman tent, it took me two minutes to get from me (I took my time) and when I was done, I was there for a few minutes will not believe how easy it was! I am almost 6 feet tall and could go around the entire tent without ducking. There was a lot of ventilation because of the two large doors and wider windows.

The tent material is robust and well sealed. The tent poles extended and locked into place with ease.

The curtain has come down as easily as they went up. Hardest part was coming back in the bag it came in but that is something you get to the bottom of each tent.

The only thing that probably do without is the partition panel that hangs in the center of the tent, I do not want to break the roominess of this tent!

In conclusion I would just say that I love camping with all my heart and I would give up every piece of camping equipment I have ever owned in order to have this tent!

Bravo, Coleman. Well done, sir!

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Intex 4 Person Mariner Inflatable Boat Set

I read lots of reviews for rafts / inflatables before choosing the 4 sailor. I purchased the motor mount and a Minn Kota 30 pounds thrust trolling motor to go with him. I was looking for a boat that would be fine with my boyfriend, large dog and myself in it. We took the boat out today and had a blast on the lake and moved well even though it was windy. It 'very comfortable and sturdy. I am a man 225 pounds and stood up well in the boat. The material looks quite heavy and durable. I was worried a bit 'of my dog's claws tearing a hole in the side but at the end of the day had gone in and out, and not a scratch on the boat. I recommend this boat to anyone looking to go out to sea and relax. Two people lying with plenty of space for a dog of good size in the middle and a cooler is great. The only things I would recommend would be to add a trolling motor to handle exstension and some sort of cushions to lean back. The engine sits a little 'far away and can get uncomfortable constantly reaching back for drive. As soon as we got home I ordered the extension so the next time I will be very comforatable. Someone said it's like a toy or tears easily, but I do not know why. It looks like a raft, we can say that e is a material often has a built in hard and hard floor. Not much else to say. Hope this helps.

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Coleman PerfectFlow InstaStart 2-Burner Stove

Coleman got it right this time. The handle is substantial and remains cold. The handle also facilitates pressing the lighter without reinforcements against the hot metal. The curve, sealed design eliminates sharp edges, and makes cleaning easier. Burners spacious allowed us to use our 9 "frying pan over a single burner, with the wind shields up, and still have space around it (we could use a frying pan slightly larger).

Boiled water reasonably quickly.

The piezoelectric ignition worked fine. Just keep clicking it until you see the flame (hard to do in bright light) or feel the heat.

This is our first experience with propane. PROS: clean and warm. Unlike gasoline stoves, propane does not dirty the bottom of your pots and pans. It does not have the smell and mess of gasoline stoves. CONS: invisible flame in daylight. I can not say if the flame is over or decrease in the bottom of the pot. The flame may actually be too hot. Boil the water with a full flame (I think the burner on the right is a bit 'hotter than the left). But frying pancakes over the fire as low as possible, and keep an eye on it. A flame so hot it can be more that can discolor the metal, or reduce oil to an oven with rubber.

This stove made ​​our recent camping trip a real pleasure.

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