Philips HQ 7120 Reflex Action

Author's product rating:   

Durability	Good
Quality of shave	Excellent
Value for money	Excellent

Advantages:	smooth shaver which can be cleaned under the tap
Disadvantages:	Can't be used directly off the mains

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Having had a bit of a dud with my last Phillips shaver (Phillishave 5806), I was a bit wary about this model although,to be fair to the brand, I've been using Philips electric shavers for many years and that's been the first time I've regretted the purchase.
Like the 5806 and similar Philips models over the past four years or so, the HQ 7120 has a reflex shaving system in which the three individual floating heads adjust to the contours of your face and neck. This really does enable a smoother shave and, for me that's the big plus with this model. The other nice touch is the fact that you can rinse the blades and wash out the chambers under the tap, hitherto the preserve of much more expensive models (I bought mine from Boots for fifty pounds). Philips reckon it's the dual blade system that provides the smoother shave - works for me.
Like most comparable models, the HQ7120 comes with a spring loaded pop up trimmer for sideburns and moustache which seems adequate enough.

A minor inconvenience is that you can't use the 7120 directly in the mains as it needs charging first and it's not the quickest in this respect. That said there's a red warning light to tell you when it needs charging. It does need pretty regular charging too so maybe not the model for you if you're planning to compete in the Paris Dakar rally. Incidentally, do wait until the red light shows before charging or you'll shorten the battery life.

As stated, the cutting heads are pretty impressive and the booklet reckons they'll last two years before needing replacement. You need to keep them on their respective spindles when dismantling for cleaning as swapping positions can reduce their effect. As for reliability, we'll have to wait and see but I hope it's more reliable than the 5806.

In conclusion, this is the best electric shaver I've had: it's smooth, it hugs the face with the great advantage that it can be washed under the tap and at fifty quid, it's excellent value.