Philips has taken their popular Norelco 3100 and 2500 shavers and given them a complete revamp with the release of the Philips Norelco 2600. This new model promises to elevate your shaving experience with enhanced features and improved performance. Curious about what makes the Norelco 2600 stand out from its predecessors? Let’s delve into the details and see how this revamp could redefine your grooming routine!
Pros
- Inexpensive but comfortable
- Wet/dry shaver
- Reliable battery
- Cordless + corded shaver
- Easy to clean
- Popup trimmer
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Takes several passes for coarse beards.
- A bit noisy
- Comes with minimal accessories
- No charging adapter
Insights
Since the Philips Norelco 2600 is a revamped model of the Philips Norelco 3100 and 2500, it shares some similarities with its predecessors. However, most aspects have been upgraded in this new shaver. Additionally, the Norelco 2600 boasts some extra features that the older models lack. Let’s dive into the features and specialties to see what makes the new Philips 2600 shaver stand out.
(I). Self-sharpening Blades: Self-sharpening blades were initially used in trimmers and hair clippers, but now some brands are incorporating this technology into their shavers for added reliability. The Philips Norelco 2600 electric rotary shaver features 27 self-sharpening blades (9 in each head), a significant upgrade from the older Philips Norelco 3100. These blades have rounded edges that maintain their sharpness consistently until damaged, ensuring that the shaving performance remains optimal over time. I really appreciate the reliability of the self-sharpening blades in the Norelco 2600, making it a more dependable choice compared to its predecessor.
(ii). ComfortCut Heads: The rotary shaving head of the Philips Norelco 2600 features rounded ComfortCut technology, just like its predecessor, the Philips Norelco 3100. This technology ensures a comfortable shaving experience by using rounded ComfortCut shaving caps that protect the skin from the blades and glide smoothly over the skin. As a result, you won’t experience irritation even after prolonged use. However, it’s worth noting that the ComfortCut blades don’t shave as closely as traditional blades or premium shavers because they are made with slightly thicker metal. This means you might need to make 2-3 passes to achieve the closest shave, especially for coarse or 2-3 days’ worth of beard growth. Despite this, the ComfortCut technology provides a comfortable and irritation-free shaving experience.
(iii). Wet/dry Shave:
Philips Norelco has made a significant upgrade with the new Philips Norelco 2600. Unlike its predecessors, which were criticized for not being suitable for wet shaves, the Norelco 2600 is compatible with both wet and dry shaves. This means you can use it with shaving creams, gels, or even just water for a refreshing wet shave. This added versatility makes it a great choice for those who prefer the comfort and smoothness of a wet shave.
(iv). 4 Direction Flex Head: The shaving head of the Philips Norelco 2600 is impressively flexible, adapting well to the contours of your face. It can flex in four directions independently, ensuring an efficient and comfortable shave with minimal wrist effort. While more advanced models offer better adaptation and head-locking systems, they come at a higher price. For its budget-friendly cost, I find the 4-directional flexible head of the Norelco 2600 to be quite effective and practical.
(v). Reliable Battery Life: Both the Philips Norelco 2600 and its predecessor, the Philips 3100, come with a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery that provides 45 minutes of cordless runtime. However, the new Norelco 2600 shaver has a significant advantage: it takes only 1 hour to fully charge, compared to the 8 hours required by the older Philips 3100. This makes the new battery much more convenient and hassle-free, as you no longer need to leave it charging overnight. I find this upgrade is a major improvement, enhancing the overall user experience.
(vi). Cordless and Corded Shaver: One of the most compelling features of the Philips Norelco 2600 is its ability to be used while charging. If the rechargeable battery is fully drained, you don’t have to wait for it to recharge—you can simply plug it in and continue shaving. While this isn’t a new feature (the predecessor Philips 3100 also offers this capability), it’s still incredibly convenient. However, it’s important to note that since the Norelco 2600 is a wet/dry shaver, you should avoid using it corded while performing a wet shave. Shaving with a wet beard while the shaver is plugged in could lead to electrical shock or technical malfunctions. Always prioritize safety and use the shaver cordlessly when wet shaving.
(vii). Washable and Easy to Clean:
The new Philips Norelco 2600 X3052/91 shaver features innovative one-touch-open head technology, operated with a soft-touch button. With a simple press, the head housing instantly releases, making it easy to clean the inner debris. This is a significant improvement over its predecessors, where you needed to use brute force to open the head. This new technology makes the cleaning process much more convenient and user-friendly. Additionally, the Philips Norelco 2600 is fully washable. The manufacturer recommends cleaning the shaver under running tap water, ensuring thorough and hassle-free maintenance.
(viii). Popup Trimmer:
I must admit, it’s pretty impressive that this affordable shaver has a built-in pop-up trimmer. Despite its budget-friendly price, you don’t need to rely on a separate trimmer for final touches or precision trimming—the pop-up trimmer handles these tasks perfectly. While it’s not designed to trim your entire beard, it’s ideal for the precise grooming it was made for. This feature adds significant value to the shaver, making it a versatile tool for accomplished shaves.
What’s in the Box?
It can be important to know what comes with a product, including any spare items needed for its use. While some people might not care about these details, others, driven by curiosity, may find it helpful to know what’s inside the box before purchasing a shaver. However, the Philips Norelco 2600 comes with a straightforward package. Here’s what you can expect to find:
- The Philips Norelco 2600 shaver: The main device.
- A protective cap: A small plastic cap to keep the blades safe
- Cleaning brush: A small brush for easy maintenance or instantly cleaning the spare hairs.
- A USB charging cable: It’s a type-A charging cord that you can use from your mobile charging adapter or laptop USB output. Since it doesn’t include a charging adapter, it’s really cumbersome to use other’s USB output over and over again. However, it feels good for portability.
- A storage pouch: a textile storage pouch with a zipper to keep the shaver safe while not in use.
- Manual: Details about the shaver and its usage and maintenance.
While it may not come with many extras, the essentials are there to get you started on your grooming routine.
Personal Experience
The Philips Norelco 2600 has a sleek design with a forest green and black color combination, and it’s crafted with a balanced shape and weight for convenient operation. The self-sharpening blades, featuring rounded edge technology, make shaving both efficient and comfortable. As a washable and wet/dry shaver, it offers versatile use with minimal maintenance.
The neck and rear side of the shaver are mostly made with sure-grip rubber, adding an extra layer of security and ease of use. Despite being a budget-friendly shaver, it boasts a reliable battery that allows for cordless shaving. I can get about two weeks of use from a full charge, and it can also be used corded when the battery runs low. This feature is particularly valuable for those who are mindful of keeping their shaver powered.
However, I do have some concerns about the rechargeable battery’s lifespan if the shaver is used regularly while charging. In my experience, the shaver performs well on one or two-day stubble but starts to show limitations with longer growth. It often requires a second pass on my coarse two-day stubble. Therefore, I think it’s best suited for men who shave daily or regularly.
The pop-up trimmer is a nice addition for final touches, but it’s not sharp enough to create clean, fine lines on the first try. Overall, my experience with the shaver has been average, but considering its price tag, it offers good value.
Comparison with Alternatives
Philips Norelco 2400: The Philips Norelco 2400 is a great, budget-friendly alternative to the 2600. Both models share a similar design and shape, with the main difference being the color. The 2400 also features ComfortCut blades and 4D Flex Heads for a close and comfortable shave. However, it has a less powerful battery, offering 40 minutes of cordless use after an 8-hour charge. One advantage of the 2400 is that it also supports both cordless and corded shaving, which can help offset its shorter cordless runtime. However, it’s designed only for dry shaves, unlike the 2600, which can be used for both wet and dry shaving. This could be a significant drawback for those who prefer versatile shaving options. Considering all these points, if you value convenience and versatility, the Philips Norelco 2600 is likely the better option for you. But if you’re looking for a more economical choice and don’t mind a longer charging time and dry shaving only, the Philips Norelco 2400 is a solid choice with similar shaving performance.
Verdict
The Philips Norelco 2600 is a feature-rich, entry-level shaver with a sleek and user-friendly design. This affordable shaver comfortably meets regular shaving needs, making it a great choice for everyday use. While it does have some limitations and drawbacks, these can be addressed by upgrading to a premium model only. Therefore, I believe it’s an ideal rotary shaver within its price range.
Should You Buy the Philips Norelco 2600 Shaver?
Yes, if you need an inexpensive shaver with premium features.
Yes, if you are a fan of cordless + corded shaves.
No, if you need a sturdy and very advanced shaver.
No, if you shave occasionally and shave more than 2 days stubble.