The German brand Braun has made three significant revisions to their standard Series 9 shavers since their initial release. The Braun 9390cc is the latest and flagship model in this series. Before the introduction of the S9 Pro and Pro+ models, the 9390cc was Braun’s most advanced creation. Despite the newer models, the 9390cc remains highly popular due to its exceptionally comfortable shaving experience, which many find superior to the Pro and Pro+ versions. Interestingly, this standard Series 9 shaver is priced higher than some S9 Pro models. In this review, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Braun 9390cc, including my personal experience, to help you make an informed decision for your next shaving machine.
Pros
- Very comfortable performance
- Reliable rechargeable battery
- Close shave
- Wet/dry shaver + Waterproof body
- Premium built quality with advanced LED display
- Flexible shaving elements and pivoting head
- Headlock + travel lock technology
- Comparably quiet
Cons
- Expensive
- Not good on long stubble
Insights
Although the latest version of the standard Series 9 shaver, the Braun 9390cc, retains many of the features and specifications of its predecessors, it comes with numerous upgrades and improvements. On the other hand, it shares many similarities with the Series 9 Pro and Pro+ models, with only a few tweaks that set them apart.
(i). Shaving Elements: The Braun Series 9 shaver head has 4 blades that work together for efficient shaves. Braun mentions 5 synchronized shaving elements because a soft divider between two cutting elements ensures a secure, irritation-free shave. This divider is counted as the fifth element, but there are actually 4 cutting blades. The 4 shaving elements are: 1. Optifoil blades(front and back) – cut all types of hair for smooth results. 2. Direct & Cut trimmer- captures and cuts hairs growing in different directions. 3. Golden-coated trimmer- lifts and cuts flat-lying hairs. Despite having fewer blades than the Panasonic Arc5, the Braun 9390cc delivers flawless shaves without missing any hair and has a smarter, less bulky design.
(ii). Flexible Head: The Braun Series 9 shavers are well known for their flexible shaving elements and pivoting heads. The Braun Series 9 9390cc features a 10-D pivoting head that ensures a convenient shave, effortlessly adapting to facial curves and tricky areas. While there are many electric shavers on the market, such as the Panasonic Arc6 and Arc5, which also boast flexible heads and extensive directional flexing, practically none match the smoothness of the Braun Series 9 shavers. This advanced flexible head technology allows for a comfortable and efficient shave with minimal wrist effort.
(iii). Battery and Power: The Braun Series 9 9390cc shaver features a 20% larger battery than its predecessors, offering 60 minutes of continuous shaving on a full charge, compared to the older models’ 45-50 minutes. However, I noticed the shaver slowed down at the last 10 minutes, which is not good for fast shaving at that time. Charging time remains at 1 hour for a full charge, which is standard among electric shavers. Additionally, the shaver includes a 5-minute quick charge option for urgent shaves when the battery is fully drained.
(iv). Advanced Display: Braun has enhanced the digital display on their shavers, improving both the lighting color and functionalities. The old LED display used blue lights for icons and indicators, but the new, upgraded display features a more HD interface with white LED lights. A new battery icon has been added below the battery segment countdown, giving the display a more refined look. Although this icon may not be such useful, it does enhance the overall appearance. The display includes 5 battery life segments, each representing 20% of the total battery life. Moreover, there are indicators for charging, cleaning, replacement head, and most importantly, a travel lock. This smart display feels almost like using a cell phone.
(v). Waterproof Device: The Braun Series 9 9390cc and all other S9 shavers are 100% waterproof. You can rinse and immerse the shaver for up to 30 minutes without any risk of water-related issues. Waterproof devices are incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to use them anywhere and in any environment. Since electric shavers are often used in the bathroom and kept on countertops, it’s best to choose one with a waterproof design. The Braun 9390cc is perfect for wet environments and can even be used in the shower.
(vi). Wet/dry shaver: Premium shavers like the Braun Series 9 naturally comes with wet/dry shaving feature. The key consideration is the efficiency of shaving on wet beards. In practice, the new Braun Series 9 9390cc is even more efficient than its predecessors, which were already excellent for wet shaving. This shaver maintains its extended power to cut hairs on wet beards, ensuring a smooth and close shave every time, regardless wet/dry.
(vii). Popup Trimmer: The Braun 9390cc features the typical Series 9 popup trimmer for precision trimming. Despite numerous updates over time, Braun has kept the popup trimmer unchanged until the most advanced release, the Braun Series 9 Pro+. Therefore, the 9390cc offers the same precision trimming capabilities as its predecessors. However, the popup trimmer is excellent for precision tasks like shaping sideburns, moustaches, and eyebrows or creating clean hairlines after every shave.
(viii). Precision Headlock: The Braun 9390cc shaver has a highly flexible head that swivels freely, which can make shaving tricky areas difficult. To address this, Braun included a head-lock system with a switch on the front of the shaver that locks the head in five pre-set positions. This feature is useful for hard-to-reach spots and is available on all Series 9 shavers, including older models.
(ix). Travel Lock: The Braun Series 9 shavers, including the Pro and Pro+ models, feature an advanced travel lock system. This user-friendly system is activated by holding the power button for 3 seconds and deactivating it in the same way. The LED display shows a padlock icon (locked) when activated and unlocked when deactivated. The travel lock prevents accidental power-on during travel or storage.
What’s in the Box?
The Braun Series 9 9390cc package is similar to the older Series 9 models, with no additional items. However, the box features a “New” seal to confirm it’s not a refurbished product. Inside the package, you’ll find:
- The main device: the shaver itself.
- Clean and Charge Station: The Braun Series 9 CC models, such as the Braun 9390cc, feature the world’s only 5-action alcohol-based Clean & Charge station. This highly user-friendly device automatically charges, cleans, lubricates, and dries the shaver with a single touch of the start button. It intelligently selects the appropriate cleaning and charging method once the process begins. Using an alcohol-based cleaning lubricant ensures the shaver is 99% germ-free and ready for the next use. So, I think it’s a good practice to use the cleaning center for hygienic cleaning.
- Cleaning Cartridge: A cleaning cartridge for use in the cleaning station. You need to outsource it once consumed the included one. It’ll cost some extra bucks for a refill cartridge.
- Charging Cable: USB type-A charging cable with a universal voltage adapter for recharging the shaver directly from the electric outlet or connecting the clean & charge station with the electricity.
- Travel Case: The shaver comes with a premium leather travel pouch designed to protect the shaver from external impacts. I noticed that the shaver remained undamaged even when it accidentally dropped while stored inside the pouch. This ensures the shaver is well-protected from dust, general accidents, and other external impacts. However, the travel pouch is designed to store only the main device, so you’ll need a separate bag for additional accessories.
- Cleaning Brush: A small cleaning brush to clean up the debris instantly from the shaver head and blades for optimum shaving.
- Manual: A detailed user manual book with all the information needed to use the shaver and manage the accessories accurately.
Personal Experience
This new generation standard S9 shaver has a brushed matte silver finish, which I find much better than the older glossy models that easily show fingerprints and smudges. Although it still has a plastic-built body, this design choice keeps it lightweight and comfortable to use. One of my favourite standalone features of the Series 9 is the flexible shaving elements. They provide incredibly comfortable shaves, even on my sensitive skin. The headlock button is user-friendly, and the circled power button is multifunctional, handling everything from starting the shaver to enabling the travel lock. The LED display is brighter than previous versions and shows various statuses like battery life and cleaning alerts, which I find very convenient. The rubber grip on the back is another great feature. It has textured pimples that make it secure and comfortable to hold. When it comes to performance, the Braun 9390cc delivers very close shaves from all angles. I tried it on wet shaves and found it worked well, providing smooth results comparable to the Panasonic Arc5. However, the Braun’s smaller head makes it easier to maneuver, especially in tricky areas. I tested it on 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day beards, and it handled them smoothly without any hassle. For longer beards, the built-in precision trimmer is handy for trimming down to stubble before shaving. Although it’s not as fast as regular beard trimmers due to its narrow shape, it gets the job done. To summarise, my experience with the Braun 9390cc is very positive. I found it’s a great choice and a strong competitor in the market that combines performance with ease of use.
Comparison with Alternatives
Philips Norelco Series 9000: This rotary shaver series features three circular blades and is Philips Norelco’s highest-end model, capable of handling long stubble. It boasts a sleek, premium design with reliable build quality. The rechargeable Li-ion battery offers 60 minutes of cordless performance and includes a 5-minute quick charge option, similar to the Braun 9390cc. The shaver is equipped with AI-powered technology that reads beard density, adjusts shaving power, and measures pressure accordingly. Its ComfortGlide technology ensures a very comfortable shave, eliminating razor burns and rashes. However, the shaver head is somewhat bulky, which might feel cumbersome for some users, especially those new to rotary shavers. Choosing between the Braun Series 9 9390cc and the Philips Norelco Series 9000 largely depends on your personal preferences and shaving needs. If you prioritize a very close shave and have sensitive skin, the Braun Series 9 9390cc might be the better choice due to its foil design and flexible shaving elements. On the other hand, if your hair grows in different directions and you prefer a shaver that can handle longer stubble, the Philips Norelco Series 9000 could be more suitable due to its rotary design and advanced features.
See Philips S9000 Price on Amazon
Verdict
The Braun Series 9 9390cc is both powerful and gentle, perfect for anyone looking for a top-notch shaving experience. It offers a comfortable and efficient shave, making it stand out in the market. There are many affordable shavers that provide good results, but the Series 9 9390cc offers something special that becomes evident after use. Although the Braun Series 9 Pro and Pro+ models are more advanced, the 9390cc is noted for its practical comfort and quieter operation. If you’re looking for a high-end shaver that combines power with a gentle touch, the Braun Series 9 9390cc is a solid choice.
Should You Buy Braun Series 9 9390cc Shaver?
- Yes, if you have sensitive skin and need a very comfortable shave.
- Yes, if you want a shaver that provides a close shave and offers premium features.
- No, if a high price tag is your concern.
- No, if you shave occasionally and need to shave longer than 3 day’s stubble.