Full disclosure — I’ve never really been an electric razor guy. Mostly because they’ve never (usually) shaved close enough, and while using a manual razor with shave cream takes more time, I’ve always appreciated the ritual and the precision it delivers. That said, I get the appeal. Electric razors have a large fanbase for good reason, and they’re undeniably clutch when you’re short on time. So when Philips Norelco — an OG in the electric shaving game and a brand that’s honed its craft for many decades — invited me to the launch event of their new i9000 Prestige Ultra, billing it as a “major milestone, a once-in-a-decade moment,” I was intrigued.

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After a few NA cocktails and a presentation featuring display panels with mock hair, the team was ready to show just how effective this new razor was — and when I saw it buzz through faux stubble like a mini lawnmower, I knew it was built differently. Now, a week into testing, I can confidently say this is one of the best, if not the best, electric shavers I’ve ever used. The new triple-action blade system gets impressively close, the adaptive tech is smart, and the flexing head glides smoothly and adjusts to your face’s contours. It’s an investment that raises the shave bar and has earned a permanent spot in my rotation. Let’s break down why.