Review: Achieving the Perfect Shave with the Braun Series 8 8517s

For many men, the morning routine is a battleground. The quest for a shaver that balances surgical precision with skin comfort is often filled with trial and error, redness, and irritation. 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.

In the crowded market of electric razors, sitting right between the mid-range Series 7 and the ultra-premium Series 9, lies the Series 8. It is often described as the “sweet spot” of value and performance. Today, we are diving deep into a 2000-word review of the Braun Series 8 8517s, a device that promises to deliver the signature Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shave. We will tear down its specs, test its performance on thick stubble, and determine if it truly lives up to the hype.

Introduction: Why the Braun Series 8 8517s Matters

Shaving technology has plateaued in some areas, but Braun continues to push the envelope with sonic vibrations and adaptive motors. The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle philosophy is built around the idea that you shouldn’t have to press hard to get a smooth finish. Pressing hard causes razor burn; letting the shaver do the work preserves your skin.

The 8517s model is specifically engineered to tackle the common complaints of electric shaving: missed hairs on the neck, difficulty with sideburns, and the dreaded afternoon shadow. By utilizing 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute, this device aims to capture more hair in every stroke, reducing the friction and time you spend in front of the mirror. Throughout this review, we will repeatedly return to this core promise: does the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle technology actually work in a real-world bathroom setting?

Unboxing the 8517s: First Impressions

When you first open the box of the 8517s, you are greeted with a kit that screams German engineering. Unlike the “cc” models that come with bulky cleaning stations, the “s” in 8517s denotes a solo model focused on the shaver itself, though it often includes a charging stand.

What’s in the box?

• The Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver unit.
• A premium hard-shell travel case (essential for the modern traveler).
• A charging stand that keeps the device upright and ready.
• The SmartPlug charger (automatic 100-240 voltage adjustment).
• A cleaning brush.

Holding the device, the first thing you notice is the heft. It feels substantial but balanced. The Galvano Silver finish resists fingerprints, maintaining a clean look even after weeks of use. The rubberized grip on the back ensures that even when your hands are wet or covered in foam, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver remains securely in your grasp.

The ergonomics are designed to facilitate the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle motion. The thumb rests naturally on the multi-head lock switch, allowing you to easily transition from a free-floating head to a fixed position for tricky areas like the upper lip. This attention to physical design is the first step in delivering the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle result if you can’t hold it comfortably, you can’t shave comfortably.

The Technology: Under the Hood

To understand why this shaver commands its price point, we have to look at the engine. The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle performance is powered by a combination of hardware and software that Braun calls “AutoSense.”

Sonic Technology

The 8517s isn’t just a motor spinning a blade; it is a sonic device. It produces 10,000 sonic vibrations per minute. These micro-vibrations help the shaver head glide over the skin. Think of it like a hovercraft effect—the vibrations reduce friction between the metal foil and your epidermis. This is the secret sauce behind the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle claim. It allows the shaver to capture flat-lying hairs that other shavers might miss, without requiring you to scrub the same spot repeatedly.

The 4-Element Shaving Head

The head of the 8517s features three cutting elements and one skin guard, totaling four synchronized elements.

1. Two OptiFoil™ elements: These are the outer meshes that cut hairs close to the skin. They are designed with varying hole sizes to capture hairs growing in different directions.
2. The ActiveLift Trimmer: Located in the center, this element lifts and cuts flat-lying hairs, particularly useful for neck hair which often grows sideways.
3. The SkinGuard: This protective metal bar smooths the skin before the blades reach it, minimizing the risk of nicks.

Together, these elements work in harmony to ensure the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shave is achieved in fewer strokes. Fewer strokes mean less irritation, which is the “Gentle” part of the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle equation.

40° Swiveling Head

The head of the 8517s doesn’t just sit there; it swivels 40 degrees. This macro-motion, combined with the micro-motion of the individual floating blades, means the shaver adapts to the contours of your jawline. When shaving the sharp angle of the jaw or the Adam’s apple, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle system maintains contact without digging in. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining the “Close” aspect of the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle promise.

Performance Test: The Shaving Experience

Now, let’s get to the meat of the review. How does it shave? To test the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle capabilities, we look at three scenarios: the daily shave, the 3-day beard, and the wet shave.

Scenario 1: The Daily Dry Shave

On a daily basis, the 8517s is a powerhouse. The startup sound is a reassuring high-pitched hum, indicative of the high-speed motor. As you pass it over your face, you can feel the sonic vibrations. The result is immediate smoothness. For a 24-hour stubble, a single pass is often enough. The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle efficiency shines here you can be done with your entire face in under three minutes. The post-shave feel is velvety, with zero redness, validating the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle marketing.

Scenario 2: The 3-Day Dense Beard

This is where lesser shavers fail. Thick, 3-day growth can clog motors or cause painful tugging. The Braun Series 8 utilizes its AutoSense technology here, reading your beard density 160 times per second and ramping up power where needed. In testing, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver powered through dense patches on the chin without stalling. The middle trimmer effectively caught the longer hairs that usually require a pre-trim. While it might take an extra pass compared to the Series 9 Pro, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle result is virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye.

Scenario 3: Wet Shaving with Foam

The 8517s is 100% waterproof. Using it in the shower or with a high-quality shaving gel unlocks the next level of the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle experience. The foam adds an extra layer of lubrication, and the sonic vibrations help lather the foam further. The result is arguably the closest shave you can get without a manual razor. Cleaning up is as simple as rinsing the head under hot water, proving that the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle device is as practical as it is effective.

The ProTrimmer: A Hidden Gem

On the back of the device lies the precision ProTrimmer. Unlike some competitors that require you to swap heads, this trimmer slides out of the body. It is vital for shaping sideburns and defining mustache lines. While many integrated trimmers are afterthoughts, the ProTrimmer on the 8517s is sharp and effective. It complements the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle main shave by handling the boundaries and long hairs that the foils aren’t designed for. It allows you to maintain a groomed look, not just a clean-shaven one.

Design, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

We briefly touched on this during unboxing, but the build quality deserves its own section. Braun manufactures these devices in Germany, and the “Made in Germany” stamp carries weight. The device feels solid. There are no rattles. The head movement is fluid but resistant enough to not flop around.

The LED display on the handle is intuitive. It shows you the battery status, hygiene status, and travel lock indicator. Knowing exactly when your Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver needs a charge removes the anxiety of it dying mid-shave. The display is bright and legible, adding to the premium feel.

The travel lock is a simple but essential feature. By holding the power button for three seconds, you lock the device, preventing it from turning on in your suitcase. This ensures that when you arrive at your destination, your Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver is ready for action, not dead from buzzing in your checked luggage.

Battery Life and Charging

The 8517s is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery that delivers 60 minutes of runtime. For the average user, that is nearly a month of shaving on a single charge. This is a significant selling point for the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver.

If you do forget to charge it, the 5-minute quick charge feature saves the day. Plug it in while you brush your teeth, and by the time you are done, it has enough juice for a full shave. The included charging stand is small and unobtrusive, making it a nice addition to a bathroom counter. It ensures your Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle tool is always displayed proudly and charged fully.

Maintenance: Keeping it Close & Gentle

To maintain the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle performance for years, maintenance is key. Since the 8517s does not come with the SmartCare Center, you will be cleaning it manually. Fortunately, this is easy.

1. Pop the foil cassette off.
2. Tap it gently on the sink to remove bulk hair.
3. Rinse both the head and the cutter block under hot running water.
4. Apply a drop of light machine oil (often included or easily bought) to the foils once a week.

This simple routine keeps the blades sharp and the motor running smoothly, ensuring that the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shave remains consistent from day 1 to day 1000. Braun recommends replacing the foil head (cassette 83M) every 18 months to keep the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle experience at its peak.

Comparison: Series 8 vs. The Rest

Is the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver the right choice for you, or should you look elsewhere?

Braun Series 8 vs. Series 9 Pro

The Series 9 Pro is the big brother. It has an extra cutting element and a slightly more flexible head. However, it is significantly more expensive. In terms of the end result, the difference is marginal for most men. Unless you have wire-like hair and shave only once a week, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle performance is likely 95% of what the Series 9 offers, but at a much better price point. The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle value proposition is undeniable here.

Braun Series 8 vs. Series 7

The Series 7 features a 360-degree flex head, but it lacks the sonic vibration power of the Series 8. The Series 7 is great for contouring but can struggle with very density. The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle motor is punchier and faster. If you have a thick beard, the upgrade to the Series 8 is absolutely worth it. The sonic tech makes the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shave faster and less irritating than the Series 7.

Braun Series 8 vs. Rotary Shavers (Philips)

Rotary shavers move in circles; Braun foils move in straight lines. For most men, the linear motion of the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver is more intuitive and allows for greater precision around sideburns. Rotary shavers are good for long, neglected hairs, but for a daily close finish, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle system usually wins on closeness.

Who is the Braun Series 8 8517s For?

The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver is designed for a specific type of man:

• The Efficient Professional: You want a quick shave in the morning without fuss. The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle speed gets you out the door fast.
• The Sensitive Skin Sufferer: You are tired of razor burn. The sonic gliding of the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle tech saves your neck.
• The Value Seeker: You want premium German build quality but can’t justify the price of the Series 9. The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle model hits the perfect balance.
• The Traveler: You need a reliable, lockable, long-lasting shaver with a solid case.

Final Verdict

The Braun Series 8 8517s Electric Shaver is a masterclass in balance. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks; it relies on solid physics and high-quality materials. The sonic technology is not just a buzzword it translates to a tangible difference in skin comfort.

The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle promise is not just marketing fluff. During our analysis, the combination of the 40-degree head, the floating elements, and the 10,000 micro-vibrations consistently delivered a shave that was baby-smooth without the “fire” of traditional shaving.

While it lacks the automated cleaning station of the “cc” models, the 8517s makes up for it with a lower price point and a smaller footprint, which many users prefer. The inclusion of the hard travel case and charging stand adds to the premium feel.

If you are looking to upgrade your morning routine, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle experience is an investment in your face. It turns a chore into a ritual. For men with dense beards who value speed and skin health, this shaver is highly recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver work on long beards? The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver is optimized for 1 to 3-day stubble. If you have a beard longer than 7 days, it is recommended to trim it down first with the ProTrimmer or a separate beard trimmer before using the foil head. However, for a 3-day dense beard, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle motor handles it effortlessly.

2. Can I use the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver in the shower? Yes, the 8517s is 100% waterproof. You can take the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle experience into the shower and use it with water, foam, or gel for even better skin comfort.

3. How often do I need to replace the head to maintain the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle performance? Braun recommends changing the cassette every 18 months. Over time, foils wear down and can become less sharp. Replacing the head restores the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle efficiency to 100%.

4. What is the difference between the 8517s and other Series 8 models? The core Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle technology is the same across all Series 8 shavers. The differences lie in the accessories and color. The 8517s comes in Galvano Silver with a charging stand and hard case but without the SmartCare cleaning center.

5. Is the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver worth the price over the Series 5 or 6? Absolutely. The jump in motor power and the addition of Sonic Technology significantly changes the shave quality. The Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle result is much faster and smoother than the lower series, particularly for men with thicker hair.

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In conclusion, the Braun Series 8 8517s is a formidable tool. It brings the luxury of a barber-grade shave into your home. With its robust build, intelligent sensing motor, and ergonomic design, the Braun Series 8 Close & Gentle shaver stands out as a top-tier choice for the discerning man.

Discover more insights about Braun Series 8 8517s on Braun.

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