Vision owners/users - what's the verdict?

[brumble]

What's the verdict on the current Vision aka Vision 2000? Is it worth buying or are there still too many issues?

Going through old threads there seems to be little doubt that the early model Vision had a lot of issues, but the views on the Vision 2000 are mixed.

Note: I'm only looking for views on the Vision and perhaps how it rates next to the Futur. Thanks

 

[Todd Price]

I bought one before reading the B and B reviews. It works well enough, but for the dough, I feel it should be "tighter" than it is... the safety bar has some play. I have yet to see a fix for the 2000 (the model without the setscrew to dissassemble) that would allow for "fixing" the sloppiness in the adjustment mechanism. For the money, it is over priced. I've seen it go for about $70 on ebay...probably a better price point instead of $160. IMHO.

 

[Monkeyboy]

I just got what was advertised as a vision 2000 on ebay for $80 only to find out that it is the older model. The ebay seller wouldn't take it back because Dovo emailed him and said there has never been a design change on the Vision.

This is my second older style vision and the handle is spinning around freely. I don't know if I'll be able to fix it but I think I'm done with the vision. The shave is great from it but it's a pain in the *** to keep it working.

I've seen more than one post from owners of the 2k who have had the rod that holds the doors on the head snap off.

I say go with the futur, it's also a great shaver and is much more reliable.

 

[glassmtn99]

I currently own the Futur, and have previously owned the newest version of the Vision. The Vision provides a great shave, perhaps the slightest bit better than the Futur. However, the Vision requires weekly preventative maintenance--a soak in a 5% solution of distilled vinegar as recommended by Merkur/Dovo--to keep it from eventually seizing up due to mineralization buildup. I thought it would be no problem to do the maintenance, but I found it became a chore.

The Futur provides a great shave, and is nearly bulletproof. Overall, I preferred the Futur and ended up selling my Vision.

eric.

 

[wizard]

I just got what was advertised as a vision 2000 on ebay for $80 only to find out that it is the older model. The ebay seller wouldn't take it back because Dovo emailed him and said there has never been a design change on the Vision.

This is my second older style vision and the handle is spinning around freely. I don't know if I'll be able to fix it but I think I'm done with the vision. The shave is great from it but it's a pain in the *** to keep it working.

I've seen more than one post from owners of the 2k who have had the rod that holds the doors on the head snap off. I say go with the futur, it's also a great shaver and is much more reliable.

I would agree that this is the weak link with the razor. It doesn't take much of a shock to snap off the cast threaded stud from the doors frame. I really do like the shave from it. I am now just extra careful when I disassemble it.

 

[bakerbarber]

I have one that I initially had issues with.

I got it used.

I haven't tried the Futur or Progress. My only comparison is to vintage gillettes.

The VISION is nice because it field strips for cleaning, but the adjustment knob doesn't come off.

It doesn't start at V or end at N and there is two I's on it, so the adjustment is confusing.

Mine was twisted when I got it. The bar that the blade slides on was off square. I thought it was odd.

I gingerly straightened it. I have viewed the threads where others had theirs break, at the base of the blade tray. Scary.

I have shaved with it several times. Before fixing the bent bar- YIKES. After "fixing" it - well.. I won't lie. It's freeking huge!!

It's a well engineered tool, with some spotty quality control issues apparently, but it does shave like no other razor I've EVER used.

It gives consistent performance, and doesn't wander on the adjustment during the shave. It is not the easiest to get under the nose. It's not the easiest to maintain. It's not the quickest to change a blade in.

It IS the most visually impressive and well balanced instrument I've used so far. It's heavy and cool looking. I would hate to see what happened if I dropped it though.

I use it for three or four days once a month and clean it up. It rests in the sock drawer most of the time.

I can't speak to the earlier version with the set screw. Mine is the newer version. Aside from initial blade exposure being wonky, I can't really complain.

Since understanding what was 'off' with it, I've had no problems.

To be honest though, it takes like what seems a thousand times more twists to open than an adjustable gillette. You have to dump the blade out when you need to put a new one in. Not fun trying to pick up a razor blade off of a flat surface.

I couldn't afford to pay full retail. I wouldn't throw mine out either.

If Merkur got all the bugs out, then I'd buy a new one. It's one of the squeaky wheels. We hear about the ones that have given people problems, or broke. Who can blame them. Not a cheep razor. they should be flawless when new. However, you don't always hear from the, possibly, thousands of people who have one and never had an issue.

Mine came with the instructions. It requires maintenance.

It is awesome looking. It's huge. I wouldn't worry buying one new. EVERYONE I've seen who had a problem has had it resolved. Merkur must be terribly frustrated and embarrassed. They have rave reviews for most other products.

Over-engineered? maybe. Definitely unique.

I'd say no worries if you go retail and buy new. Rolling the dice if you buy used.

Just my opinion...

 

[Codfish]

I own both the Vision 2000 and a Futur. I purchased my Vision first, nearly a year ago. I was very impressed with its quality, engineering and presentation packaging.

It is large, and has excellent balance. It is capable of really fine shaves. Like others, I found the domed head did not allow my usual technique under my nose. I use mine with a large blade gap, which compounds the problem. I also found that a careful XTG pass overcomes that problem easily. The grip is secure. Because the handle is so long, it requires adjustments to get the proper blade angle on my lower neck, too. I have had no problems with maintenance.

The Future is about five months old. It quickly became my favorite razor. It has the same beauty as its big brother, and is at least the same quality throughout. It's head is domed, but not to the degree of the Vision. It feels substantial in my hands, without being so large as to require adjustments in my normal shaving routine. The grip is secure. It got outstanding scores during the recent Ultimate Shave Off experiment here on B&B. I personally get BBS shaves every time I use it.

All-in-all, I'm not sorry I purchased the Vision, but I now use it so seldom, I will be offering it on BST after the holidays.

 

[LiveOak]

It would be nice if they could make the Futur a TTO. Do any of you Futur owners have issues with popping the head off with your thumb...any accidents?

 

[glassmtn99]

I find changing blades in the Futur to be quite easy. IMHO, it is second only to the TTO. All you have to do is to make sure you are pushing up on the side that has the lip (only one side has the lip). Once you understand that, I think it is a breeze to change blades.

eric.

 

[Codfish]

i find changing blades in the futur to be quite easy. Imho, it is second only to the tto. All you have to do is to make sure you are pushing up on the side that has the lip (only one side has the lip). Once you understand that, i think it is a breeze to change blades.

Eric.

+1 No problems with the head at all. Nice design! Very easy to use.

 

[brumble]

Thanks for replies. Appreciate the detailed/practical comments about the razor.

If Merkur got all the bugs out, then I'd buy a new one. It's one of the squeaky wheels. We hear about the ones that have given people problems, or broke. Who can blame them. Not a cheep razor. they should be flawless when new. However, you don't always hear from the, possibly, thousands of people who have one and never had an issue.

Exactly why I posted. Trying to figure out if things are skewed, or if there are a lot of satisfied Vision owners out there.

 

[Monkeyboy]

It would be nice if they could make the Futur a TTO. Do any of you Futur owners have issues with popping the head off with your thumb...any accidents?

I don't pay attention to the side with the lip and don't 'pop' the top off. I remove it with my thumb on one side and finger on the other and haven't ever had any problems.

 

[Dustinl]

I've owned a Vision now for just over a year and have not had any pronlems with it. It is a great shaver, looks good, and feels really great in the hand. I would definately recommend one.


DL

 

[stobor]

I don't have either, was asking the same question as you: futur or vision. I have been reading here on the forums about both. I decided on the futur; the idea of having to strip and clean the vision every time I change blades is just too much for me, I'm too lazy.

-Scott.

 

[orange78]

I've just put my vision in the post back to the shop it came from as I could not get a blade to sit square to the safety bars and have an even gap on both sides.

I'm a bit undecided - do I aim for a refund or get a replacement?

 

[mark_mw]

It would be nice if they could make the Futur a TTO. Do any of you Futur owners have issues with popping the head off with your thumb...any accidents?

I own the newer model Vision, and have no problems with it. I don't think it shaves closer than my Futur, which , simply put, is the most effective DE razor made. Anyone intimidated by blade changes or adjustment can use - here it comes again - THE SAFETY SLEEVE

 

[Rorschach69]

... here it comes again - THE SAFETY SLEEVE

"You owe me a new keyboard"
Outstanding. Also genius. I must make one for travel.

 

[Perkus]

I got a Futur in a starter pack from Gents.se (gents.com) and then a Vision because it's cool.

I like both, but I get slightly better shaves from the Futur. I have no problems what so ever changing blades in either of them.

One feature in the Vision is that I can open it up almost to the extent that the blade falls out, but doesn't. That allows for a thorough rinse with hot water, without actually removing the blade. I also turn the adjustment knob all the way up and down after use. That way I don't really need to disassemble the thing very often.

If you have limited funds - get the Futur. You will not be disappointed.

If you can afford both - go ahead! Spoil yourself.

)
Perkus

 

[htownmmm]

The VISION sings a song like no other DE-adjustable or not. It is the razor that is made for a man, but with the complexity of a female.

I enjoyed our time together, but eventually sold mine due to not having the time to properly care for it.

I have no desire to ever own another one.



marty

 

[diverdoug]

I like to play with gadgets, but I have skipped purchasing the Vision, because it's maintenance requiremnts seem like thay could become onerous. I am currently enjoying slants and the Futur set wide open.