The Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver delivers a close and gentle shave with four sonic-powered elements and an integrated precision trimmer for tricky hairs. Its 60-minute battery life and fully waterproof design make it suitable for wet or dry use. Enjoy smooth, comfortable grooming with Braun’s cutting-edge technology.
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For many men, the morning routine is a battleground between getting a clean look and avoiding razor burn. If you have been searching for a tool that respects your skin while obliterating a dense beard, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle experience provided by the new 8517s model might be the upgrade you have been waiting for.
Sitting right between the mid-range Series 7 and the ultra-premium Series 9, this device claims to hit the “sweet spot” of performance. But does it truly deliver on the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle hype in a real-world bathroom setting?
In this in-depth review, we tear down the specs, test the performance on thick stubble, and determine if this German-engineered tool is worth your money.
At a Glance: The 8517s Specs
- Best For: Men with sensitive skin and 1-3 day stubble.
- Key Tech: 10,000 Sonic Vibrations & AutoSense Technology.
- Runtime: 60 Minutes (Li-Ion Battery).
- Waterproof: Yes (Wet & Dry use).
- Included: Shaver, Charging Stand, Hard Travel Case.
The Technology Behind the “Close & Gentle” Shave
To understand why this shaver commands its price point, we have to look at the engine. The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle performance isn’t magic; it is physics.
1. Sonic Vibrations (The Secret Sauce)
The 8517s produces 10,000 sonic vibrations per minute. Think of this like a hovercraft effect—the vibrations allow the shaver head to glide over your skin rather than dragging. This reduces friction significantly, which is the core of the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle philosophy.
2. AutoSense Technology
The motor reads your beard density 160 times per second. If it hits a thick patch of hair, it automatically ramps up the power. This prevents the “tugging” sensation that cheaper shavers cause, ensuring the stroke remains smooth.
3. The 4-Element Head
The head features three cutting elements and one SkinGuard. The specific alignment of the OptiFoil™ and the ActiveLift Trimmer ensures that even flat-lying hairs on the neck are captured efficiently, contributing to that signature Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle finish.
Pros & Cons
Does it live up to the marketing? Here is the honest breakdown.
| PROS (Why it works) | CONS (The downsides) |
| ✅ Zero Irritation: The sonic gliding tech truly minimizes redness and razor burn. | ❌ Manual Cleaning: The “s” model (8517s) lacks the automatic cleaning station found in “cc” models. |
| ✅ Solid Build: Made in Germany with a premium feel and a secure, rubberized grip. | ❌ Pricey: It sits at a premium price point compared to the Series 7. |
| ✅ Efficient: Clears a daily beard in under 3 minutes thanks to the high-speed motor. | ❌ Learning Curve: If you are coming from a rotary shaver, the straight-line motion takes getting used to. |
| ✅ Great Battery: 60 minutes of runtime means you rarely need to charge it. |
Performance Test: The Real Experience
Scenario 1: The Daily Dry Shave
On a daily basis, the 8517s is a powerhouse. The startup sound is a reassuring high-pitched hum. As you pass it over your face, you can feel the sonic vibrations doing the work. The result is immediate smoothness, validating the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle claim without requiring you to press hard against your skin.
Scenario 2: The 3-Day Dense Beard
Thick growth is where lesser shavers fail. In our testing, the AutoSense motor powered through dense patches on the chin without stalling. While it might take an extra pass compared to the Series 9 Pro, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle result is visually identical.
Scenario 3: Wet Shaving
The 8517s is 100% waterproof. Using it with shaving gel unlocks the next level of comfort. The foam adds lubrication, and the sonic vibrations help lather it further, resulting in arguably the closest shave possible without a manual blade.
Maintenance & ProTrimmer
- The ProTrimmer: Located on the back, this slide-out trimmer is vital for shaping sideburns. It is sharp and effective, complementing the main shave.
- Cleaning: Since this is the “s” model, you clean it manually. Pop the cassette off, rinse under hot water, and you are done. It’s simple and keeps the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle performance consistent.
Final Verdict
The Braun Series 8 8517s is a masterclass in balance. It brings the luxury of a barber-grade shave into your home without the excessive price tag of the Series 9.
If you are an efficient professional or someone with sensitive skin tired of razor burn, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle experience is a worthy investment. It turns a morning chore into a comfortable ritual.
Rating: 4.6/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Does the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver work on long beards?
A: It is optimized for 1-3 day stubble. For longer beards (7+ days), use the ProTrimmer first to cut it down, then finish with the foil head.
Q: How often should I replace the head?
A: To maintain the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle efficiency, Braun recommends replacing the cassette (Head 83M) every 18 months.
Q: Is it better than the Series 7?
A: Yes. The Series 8 has a punchier motor and sonic vibrations that the Series 7 lacks, making it faster and smoother for thick hair.
Check out Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle on Amazon.
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