Braun has been releasing many upgrades in their Series 9 shavers, even though they already have a Pro version and newly released a Pro+ version of Series 9. You might wonder why Braun is doing this instead of launching a Series 10 like Panasonic did with their Arc5 to Arc6 transition. The reasson might be that Braun Series 9 is a market leader in the foil shaver segment, and Braun wants to capitalize on its popularity. Braun might also think that some minor changes do not warrant a series change and that they can improve the Series 9 shavers with some tweaks. In this review, I’ll examine the Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers in detail and compare them with the regular Series 9 and Pro shavers. I think it will help you decide whether it is worth buying a new Series 9 Pro+ shaver or upgrading your current Series 9 shaver.
Pros
- Close and reliable shave
- Extremely comfortable
- Wet/dry shaving and 100% waterproof
- Premium battery backup
- Great for shaving long stubble
- Robust built quality and elegant design
- Premium slide-out trimmer for precision trimming
- Very useful LED display
Cons
- Very expensive price tag
- Considered noisy regarding its range
- Plasticky
Insights
As the highest-end shaver range by Braun, the Series 9 Pro plus is expected to have the best features and mechanisms that will persuade the users to buy a new Pro+ shaver or upgrade their existing one. To test the Braun Series 9 Pro+ shaver and learn more about its insights, I purchased one and used it for a few days. I also tried some other models of my friend’s and colleague’s of this series to compare them with mine. So, let’s see if it lives up to this expectation.
Shaving System: Like the regular Braun Series 9 ideology, the Series 9 Pro+ shavers are also equipped with typical Braun’s five synchronized shaving elements. These include four cutting elements and a SkinGuard that helps reduce skin irritation and prevent razor burn. But the Braun Series 9 Pro and Pro Plus come with more refined mechanism and an altered element for more efficiency of long beard shaving. The four cutting elements consist of two OptiFoil blades for capturing and cutting even the shortest hairs, a ProLift trimmer (Altered the Hyperlift&Cut trimmer) for cutting long and flat-lying hairs, and a Direct & Cut trimmer for aligning and cutting hairs growing in various directions. SkinGuard technology protects the skin by smoothing it out before the blades come into contact with it, minimizing the pressure required for a close shave. It reduces the chance of skin irritation and razor burn, making shaving more comfortable. The Series 9 Pro+ shavers feature identical shaving heads to the Series 9 Pro and that are interchangeable. Moreover, you can use the new shaving heads on your standard Series 9 (93xx) shavers as well.
Flexing Head: The latest Braun Series 9, Series 9 Pro and Pro Plus shavers come with a 10-D pivoting head. To clarify, the shaving elements can swivel up and down independently, and the entire head can flex in 10 different directions; left, right, back, forth, turn right, and left. Thus it allows the shaver to follow the natural curves of the face and neck, including difficult-to-reach places like the jawline and chin. Because of its flexibility, the shaver maintains constant contact with the skin, even on uneven surfaces, resulting in a more thorough and efficient shave. Moreover, the flexible head decreases the pressure needed for a close shave, lowering the risk of skin irritation and razor burn. So, if you have sensitive skin, it would be great to make your shaving life irritation-free.
Headlock Technology: Braun Series 9 Pro Plus shavers come with standalone precision headlock technology. To clarify, the shavers are equipped with a unique button that allows users to lock the shaver head in five different positions. The five locking positions are 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 degrees, allowing you to adjust the angle of the shaver head to what you prefer. The Braun Series 9 Pro Shavers’ Headlock System is meant to provide customers more control and accuracy during shaving, especially when shaving in hard-to-reach places or facial hair in different directions. I found the locked head convenient when shaving in the edges and below the chin.
Inner Power and Motor: The Series 9 Pro+ shavers come with a 32-bit chip and a powerful synchronized motor. As a result, it can make high torque to make the shaving process fast and efficient. The shaver can create 40,000 cross cutting actions per minute with its 4 cutting elements (10,000 each) to ensure fast and effortless shaving. On the other hand, the shavers have been engineered with advanced AutoSense technology that allows the shaver to adapt your beard density and adjust the shaving power accordingly. To clarify, the shaver can automatically raise or reduce the power output based on the thickness of the beard to deliver a comfortable and efficient shaving operation. But, the shavers use the highest power most of the time in operation. I found it just reduces the power while it is on but not in use. However, I did not try the shavers with a light beard, so it’s not rational for me to blame or judge this technology.
Wet/dry Shaving: The Braun Series 9 Pro Plus shavers are designed to offer both wet and dry shaving capabilities. It makes the shavers a versatile choice for users who prefer either method or those who like to switch between them. Dry shaving is the traditional method that allows using a shaver without any water or shaving cosmetics. With the Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers, you can do dry shaves comfortably since the shavers feature advanced cutting elements and a flexible shaving head that adapts to the contours of the face, resulting in a close and comfortable shave. The Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers can be used for wet shaving, either with shaving cream or gel or even in the shower. Wet shaving is perfect for people with sensitive skin since the increased moisture helps decrease irritation and gives a more pleasant shave.
Cleaning and Shower Shaving: The Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers are 100% waterproof. So you can rinse them under direct running water for manual thorough cleaning. After every dry shaving, you can also clean the debris with the included (all the Series 9 Pro+ models come with a small brush) cleaning brush. On the other hand, the CC models come with a SmartCare center that automatically cleans, charges, dries, and lubricates the shaver hygienically. For being 100% waterproof, you are allowed to use the shaver under the shower for refreshing daily shaves.
Battery Life and Charge: The Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers include a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery with extended power output, making it a convenient and practical choice for on-the-go shaving. The rechargeable battery allows you to use the shaver continuously for 60 minutes on a single charge, which is enough for several shaves. I found the shavers can accurately provide the promised 60 minutes of cordless performance, whereas most of the shavers disappoint. On the other hand, the shavers can provide a full shave’s power in just five minutes of charging, which is particularly helpful for those in a hurry who forgot to recharge after making the power empty. The shavers also offer several safety features, including overcharging protection and automatic voltage adjustment, which help to prolong the battery’s lifespan and ensure safe and reliable operation.
All the Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers take 50 minutes for a full charge, and you can charge the shavers in four ways:
- Charge directly with the charging cord– Every shaver comes with a charging cord and a universal adapter. You can connect the charging cable directly to the shaver with an electrical outlet to recharge the battery.
- Charging with charging stand– The solo models (95xxs) of the Braun Series 9, Series 9 Pro, and Pro+ shavers come with a charging stand. It’s a safer way to charge the solo shavers on the countertop.
- Charging with SmartCare Center– The CC models (95xxcc) come with a cleaning and charging station (SmartCare Center) that charges the shaver along with cleaning. You need to put the shaver head inside the Smartcare center and power it on to charge the shaver. I’ll talk more about the SmartCare Center later on.
- Charge with PowerCase– Some S9 Pro and Pro+ models include a power case that replaces the usual travel pouch. The power case has a built-in battery that can charge the shaver up to 50%. You can also connect the power case to an electric outlet with the charging cord and place the shaver inside to charge it. I’ll cover more about the PowerCase later on.
LED Display: The Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers have an advanced LED display that provides essential information about the shaver’s battery life, charging status, hygiene status, travel lock status, and more. It is, however, entirely identical to the recently upgraded regular Series 9 shavers. The LED display is located at the front of the handle, designed to be easily read and navigate. The display shows the current battery level, which can help to take further action (shave or recharge). The display has five battery-level segments, each representing 20% of the power. Moreover, it counts the last 9 minutes of the battery power with a numeric sign to be fully alert and recharge it. It also displays the shaver’s hygiene status (CC models only) and replacement head status, reminding you when to clean and replace the shaving head. The LED display on the Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers is functional and adds a modern and sleek look to the shaver’s aesthetic.
Premium Slide-out Trimmer: The Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers come with a precision trimmer called ProTrimmer that is designed to maintain a well-groomed appearance or make a final touch after the shave. Braun has finally improved their usual slide-out trimmer that I have been waiting for in every new release of the Series 9 for years. The S9 Pro+ has a better slide-out trimmer than the Pro and the standard S9 shavers, thanks to the new design of the blades. The Pro+ trimmer’s blades are straight, while the previous trimmer’s blades were curved, which made the precision trimming difficult and imperfect. The trimmer, placed at the rear of the shaver head, is straightforward to activate with a simple slide-up and power-on. Once activated, the trimmer can trim and shape sideburns, moustaches, and other facial hair precisely and accurately. The Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers’ precision trimmers are designed to be gentle on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation or discomfort during use.
Travel Lock: Travel lock is a useful feature that provides an easy and convenient way to lock the shaver when travelling or when it is not in use. All the Braun Series 9, S9 Pro, and S9 Pro+ shavers come with this feature. Once the travel lock is activated, the shaver will be completely disabled and prevent the shaver from being turned on accidentally while travelling, which might deplete the battery or harm the shaver’s components. One of the key benefits of the travel lock is its ease of use. It can be activated and deactivated with just a few simple steps, making it a convenient and user-friendly feature for always on the go. This function is helpful for regular travelers who need to pack and unpack their shaver frequently and want to keep it safe during transit.
All the Braun Series 9 Pro+ models have the same design and technology, so the description above applies to all of them.
What’s in the Box?
***All the models have the following items common in their package including the main device:
- A small cleaning brush
- Charging adapter (universal voltage) with S9 typical charging cord
- User manual
- Warranty card
***There are some uncommon and new accessories in the S9 Pro+ family what may vary upon different models and for what the price range vary from each other. So, let’s take a look of the uncommon items of the shavers packages.
SmartCare Center: The new S9 shavers (Pro and Pro+) from Braun have an automatic cleaning and charging station, which is a typical feature of Braun’s CC models. However, the cleaning and charging station has been upgraded to a SmartCare Center for the Braun Series 9 Pro+ CC shavers. The SmartCare Center has a different look from the older version, as it has some aesthetic changes. It has a new sign (written “SmartCare”) under the Braun logo on the front, which gives it a more luxurious look. The top of the center has a matte finish, which makes it look smarter than the older versions. The SmartCare Center can choose the best program automatically and clean, dry, lubricate, and charge it with just one press of the power button. The SmartCare Center uses an alcohol-based solution to hygienically clean the shaver head and keep it free of germs. The CC models come with a cleaning cartridge in the box, along with the SmartCare Center. The cartridge needs to be replaced after it is empty, which adds a recurring cost of the CC models.
PowerCase: Some Braun Series 9 Pro and Pro+ models come with a PowerCase. This unique and innovative accessory is designed to give you a convenient and portable way to charge your shaver up to 50% while on the go. So, it’s a more 30-minute charge you can carry with your shaver while carrying the shaver with the power case. Moreover, you can charge the shaver inside the PowerCase very securely by plugging the case directly in the electrical outlet. It has a digital display to show the pluging status, charging status and battery status. The power case is compact and lightweight, designed to fit the shaver perfectly, providing a secure and protected space for storage and easy charging. There is another small space to carry the cleaning brush for instant cleaning. Most importantly, the power case fits all the Series 9 Pro or regular Series 9 shavers. Moreover, you can use the power case with the latest Braun Series 8 shavers. Note that, the models come with a power case, don’t have a travel pouch in the box. However, the power case is available to buy separately from the manufacturer.
Charging Stand: Some of the S9 Pro+ shavers are solo models that have a charging stand rather than a cleaning and charging station. The charging stand is a convenient accessory that comes with the solo models and allows the shaver to be charged safely on the countertop.
ProComfort Head: The ProComfort head is a new attachment with some of the S9 Pro+ shavers that adds a new layer of luxurious shaving. It gently massages the beard and lifts the hairs from under the skin, preparing them for a closer and more comfortable shave. The ProComfort head is compatible with all Series 9 models. To use it, you need to remove the foil cassette by pressing the release button on both sides of the shaver head and then attach the ProComfort head in its place. Then you can turn on the power and enjoy the massage and the shave.
Personal Experience
The built quality and technology of all the Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers are almost identical. Even most things, including the shape and design, are similar to the Series 9 Pro shavers. Both versions are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and provide a comfortable and efficient shaving experience. The shavers are built with metal and plastic combinations, making them sturdy and durable. I found the shaver’s body is solid and has a robust feel in the hand. The manufacturer designed the shaver with an ergonomic grip that provides a comfortable and secure hold during use. The handle is well-balanced, making maneuvering the shaver around the face and neck easy. When inspecting the shaving head, I found it is composed of high-quality materials such as titanium and stainless steel, which ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Although there are five shaving elements, the head feels slim and fit for precision shaving. Personally, I like their slim shaving heads over competitors like Panasonic Arc6 and 5. The notable things at the front of the shaver are the Pro display and the dedicated travel lock switch. The premium display is made with valuable information that makes operations and maintenance very easy and handy. However, the S9 Pro shavers feature the same display, and I think the manufacturer’s advertisement about the Series 9 Pro+ display has no impact. On the other hand, the new dedicated headlock switch is pretty soothing now. The rear side of the handle is covered with a textured rubber grip. It makes the maneuvering more secure and comfortable in the grasp. Thanks to the advanced technology used in the foils and cutters that makes the performance they are engineered for. I got the optimal close result in every test, and I never get tired of pulling and tugging issues. Most importantly, the Optifoils are responsible for contacting the skin level and cutting the hair from the very close to the hair growth. Thus it results in an immaculate appearance, like a baby face. On the other hand, the innovative Prolift trimmer element cuts the long hairs that were impossible with other foil shavers. I tried the shaver with my five-day beard, which made me shave efficiently without any spare. So, I must admit the great work done by the unique Prolift trimmer. Another job the ProLift trimmer does is lift the flat-lying hairs and cut them for flawless operation. The direct and cut trimmer also does a great job of aligning the messy hairs to cut and direct them to the finishers (OptiFoils). I described these to make you understand the strategy of how the shavers make the performance close and flawless. To be precise, I’m delighted with the shaving closeness that can compete with the market monsters Panasonic Arc5 and Arc6. The S9 Pro+ shavers are designed to provide a comfortable shave, with features such as flexible head movement and advanced shaving technologies. The shaving elements are fully gentle to glide over the skin and never give the change to the skin to realize the cutting actions with the blades. For a fully flexible head, shaving reduces the wrist work to operate on the facial curbs. The shavers may also be used with shaving foam or gel, making them even more pleasant. According to my experience, there are too many competitors, but there is no alternative to Braun Series 9 and its newer versions (S9 Pro and Pro+) to provide such shaving comfort in my experience. The Braun Series 9 Pro Plus has an improved ProTrimmer that enhances precision trimming and detailing. The new ProTrimmer is easier to use and more effective in delivering flawless results. The ProLift trimmer is a significant improvement for those who were dissatisfied with the previous versions’ precision trimmer.
To summarise, my experience of Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers is very positive and I think they are worth the price. They can satisfy the users with their performance and quality.
Braun Series 9 Pro+ Models and Comparison
As mentioned before, all the Series 9 Pro+ shavers are identical in terms of technology, shape and design. The only differences are the accessories and the appearance of each model. So let’s have a look at the S9 Pro+ shaver models and their differences.
Braun Series 9 Pro+ 9567cc: The Braun 9567cc is the shaver that comes with the same accessories as the standard S9 CC models. To clarify, the shaver comes with a cleaning and charging station (SmartCare center), a solid textile travel pouch, and other standard accessories. As a result, this charges a bit lower than the other S9 Pro+ CC models. So, if you need a CC model from S9 Pro+ and find no need for other luxurious items with the shaver, this is the model for you.
Braun Series 9 Pro+ 9577cc: The Braun 9577cc is more expensive than the 9567cc. It has all the accessories of the Pro+ 9567cc, plus a PowerCase. The PowerCase is the main reason for the higher price. The PowerCase protects the shaver when not in use and charges it securely. It also has a backup battery that can provide an extra 30 minutes of shaving time. The Braun 9577cc is a good option for those who want this extra convenience with their shaver.
Braun Series 9 Pro+ 9597cc: The Braun 9597cc is another S9 Pro+ shaver that is more expensive than the 9567cc. It has all the accessories of the 9567cc, plus a ProComfort head. The ProComfort head massages the beard and lifts the hairs, making the shave more comfortable and effective than the regular S9 shavers. While comparing it to the S9 Pro+ 9577cc; the Braun 9597cc has a fabric travel case, whereas the 9577cc has a PowerCase. However, the 9577cc does not have a ProComfort head like the 9597cc. The Braun 9597cc is ideal for those who want a comfortable shave or have sensitive skin.
Braun Series 9 Pro+ 9599cc: The S9 Pro+ 9599cc is the most expensive and the most complete model of the S9 Pro+ shavers. It has all the accessories of the other models, plus some extra features. It includes a SmartCare center, which is an automatic cleaning and charging station that all the CC models have. It also has a PowerCase, which is a protective case that can charge the shaver and provide an extra 30 minutes of shaving time. The PowerCase is also included with the Braun 9577cc. In addition, it has a ProComfort head, which is a massage attachment that lifts the hairs and makes the shave more comfortable and effective. The ProComfort head is also included with the Braun 9597cc. The Braun 9599cc is the best choice for those who want to enjoy all the luxury and the latest technology of the S9 Pro+ shavers. Because it has a PowerCase, it does not have a fabric travel case.
Braun Series 9 Pro+ 9517s: The Braun 9617s is the solo model of S9 Pro+ family. It comes with a charging stand altering the SmartCare center of the CC models. Moreover, it doesn’t come with the other luxurious accessories like ProComfort head and Pro+ PowerCase. As a result, it is much cheaper than the other models above. Since there is not PowerCase, it comes with a textile travel pouch for secure carry and storing. If you want have the taste of Series 9 Pro+ and save some extra cost, this solo model is great option for you.
Verdict
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ shavers are the finest choice for people looking for a superior shaving experience. These shavers provide a smooth and comfortable shave with exceptional accuracy. But you have to consider the price range first if you are price-conscious. However, the shaver is greatly worth its high price with its premium built quality and performance. If you are fond of luxury, it really worth upgrading your S9 and S9 Pro to a S9 Pro+ shaver and I think the ProTrimmer alone is enough to compel you upgrade your existing shaver to Pro+.
Should You Buy Braun Series 9 Pro+ Shaver
- Yes, if you are looking for a reliable shaver for close shave
- Yes, if you have sensitive skin or want to have the best shaver for comfortable shave
- Yes, if you are fed up with the typical slide-up trimmer of S9 and S9 Pro shavers,
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- No, if you are happy with your existing Series 9 or Series 9 Pro shaver
- No, if you don’t want to spend extra money on some tiny teak and accessories.
Excellent article that explained the differences in the models. Very helpful. Good job!