Product Description

All the features of the MS-5200, but with 1 Hour Quick Charge! The World's Most Advanced Foil Shaver. The only shaver with a self cleaning system and 3 foil microscreens! Exclusive ComforTech technology for added comfort and closeness. Adding desired washability feature to Remington's best seller with CleanShave design! 3 position pop-up trimmer and beard-lifting comfort fins for precise results in even the tight spots.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34268 in Health and Beauty
• Color: Chrome
• Brand: Remington
• Model: MS-5500
• Released on: 2005-05-11
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 6.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.72 pounds

Features

• Rechargeable and corded - 60 minute run time without cord
• Easy grip surface
• Charging indicator light
• Includes travel pouch and cleaning brush
• Safe for worldwide voltage

Customer Reviews

Nice Shaver Provides a Nice Shave
I have owned this shaver for about five months now, so I feel qualified to provide an experienced review. And, no, it's not because my last name is Remington.

The unique aspect of this shaver is the use of Titanium. Titanium allows the screens to be made of a thinner physical construction, which results in a closer shave. The cleaning system increases the efficiency of shaving. It also helps sanitize the screens and blades and lubricates the face with a pleasant smelling oil.

During the last five months I've learned how to work with the shaver and some do's and don'ts. First, you can effectively use the razor without the cleaning unit, but I wouldn't recommend it as a general form of usage. Going on a trip or traveling for business, no problem. A leather travel bag is included and a week or two without the cleaning system will be fine, but you will need to manually remove the screen assembly and use the brush to clean out the hair and debris that collects between the blades. Not doing this will diminish the quality of shave you get, over time.

As a test, I tried not using the cleaning system for a while just to see what benefit it provides. I found not using it increased the amount of time it took to shave because the blades clog with hair, skin, body oil, and debris. This required me to take the time to manually clean the blades every few days. I learned I could remove and tap the screen assembly in the sink and the loose hair would fall out. Also, with the screen assembly removed, I could tap the razor body on the edge of the sink and hair would fall from the blades.

Bad idea... don't do it! I broke a portion of the screen assembly. It looks like metal -- it's not! Also, tapping the side of the razor body caused the smallest blade to dislodge and disappear down the drain. At that point, I decided this little experimental excursion was not worth the trouble. It became obvious that the cleaning station is a definite asset and time saver.

This brings up something else to consider when deciding whether to purchase this razor or any Remington product: Customer Service. When I called about the head assembly, which they call a "hair pocket," they immediately routed me to the proper department that handles non-standard parts. The individual took my name and address and said it will ship today. I asked if he wanted my Visa number and was told, "Don't worry about it; we're sorry for the inconvenience." They provided the part for free and paid for the shipping, even after I told them I damaged the part.

The only problem I had with this razor was with the cleaning system. The plastic fan blade that whisks the liquid around broke. I called and ordered another for $19.99. It never arrived, so I called again a few weeks later and they apologized for the error, refunded my money, and sent one out immediately, free of charge. I thought, "Wow... what fantastic customer service!"

You will need to consider the expense of maintaining the razor. Cleaning solution can be purchased [...] They have the cheapest price I can find. I buy six months worth at a time. The solution should be changed every four weeks. Tip: Buy a cheap bottle of isopropyl alcohol and pour a little in the base once a week. A lot of alcohol evaporates, especially in the winter when the air is dry. You can stretch out the four-week interval to about six weeks by doing this. That way you use less product.

Screens: Screens run $19.99 and they are delicate. Don't press hard on your face when shaving. Shaving gently will extend the life of your screens and blades. They are very thin and will tear/wear. Screens last about four to six months, depending on your shaving habits.

Blades: I have not needed to replace the blades yet. I believe they recommend once a year and my guess is the blades will cost about $20.

There is also a cutter attached to the razor that is really handy for trimming around sideburns, moustache, beard, etc. Over time, the cutter will need to be replaced. Both the cutter and screens can be purchased together for $27.99.

Lastly, the battery life is really strong. I used it for a week and didn't need to recharge it. When you insert it into the cleaning system, it automatically plugs into a powered holder that charges it, so losing power is a non-issue. The AC adapter on the cleaning system unplugs from the system base and can be plugged directly into the shaver. This is handy when traveling. There is also built-in reserve power in case you run out of power before you're done shaving.

Pros: Very close and clean shave; cleaning solution leaves a soft, smooth, pleasant scent after shaving; cleaning system is actually effective and not a gimmick; superb customer support!

Cons: The shaver is quite loud; getting a good shave takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on hair thickness and length; some of the parts are delicate so don't do what I did and be less than gentle with them.

If you do purchase this razor, especially if this is the first electric razor you've owned, it will take a few weeks to determine the technique that works best for you. It may feel a little awkward at first, but after a few weeks, you'll develop a technique that speeds your shaving time and increases the overall quality of shave.

Overall assessment: Recommended!

Slick look but just doesn't deliver...
I have always purchased Remington's for shaving and always will. Like many others I was a huge fan of the 3700 series shaver. I've never paid $90+ for a shaver before so I had great expectations, but sadly was very disappointed. For some reason, this razor just plain ol doesn't shave like the other Remingtons. The most disappointing functions are the pop up trimmer and the pop up foil in that neither seem to actually cut.

In fact, I tried the pop up trimmer on my hand just to see what the problem was and I swear it took 5+ passes to notice hair being cut. I also found that it snags in thicker hair (around mustache and goattee). So I actually just reordered the 3700 series again. Older model, but it performs like a Remington at least.

I love the way it shaves, but......
My wife got me this razor for christmas 2004. I have loved the way it shaves, but in the first three months the battery died. It would accept a charge. Remington promptly and courteously replaced my unit under warranty. Over the last few months the charge has lasted less and less time. This weekend, we went out of town and the razor was dead as a doorknob the first morning when I tried to turn it on. This morning I plugged it in to charge it, it got too hot to touch and the display turned black. I'm assuming that it is now deceased.

While I love the way the razor works, I am very disappointed with the reliability, given the price.