Foil shavers are a popular choice for men looking for a smooth, close shave. Two of the top models on the market are the Andis 17200 and 17220. But what’s the difference between these two flagship foil shavers from Andis?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Andis 17200 Vs. 17220 head-to-head on key factors like shaving performance, features, battery life, and more.
We’ll also overview the pros and cons of each model to help you decide which is the best foil shaver for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Andis 17200 | Andis 17220 |
| Blades | Hypoallergenic gold titanium-coated foil | Hypoallergenic gold titanium-coated foil |
| Motor | 14,000 RPM | 14,000 RPM |
| Battery | 80 min cordless use | 90 min cordless use |
| Wet/Dry | Wet/dry use | Wet/dry use |
| Display | LED battery indicator | LED battery indicator |
| Head Flexibility | Contour-following floating heads | Contour-following floating heads |
| Attachments | Pop-up trimmer | Pop-up trimmer |
| Cleaning | Fully immersible | Fully immersible |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Overview of the Andis 17200
The Andis 17200 is a versatile and budget-friendly foil shaver adept at delivering a close, comfortable shave. It features a rectangular head design with integrated hypoallergenic gold titanium-coated foils and blades that gently lift and cut hair without irritation.
Inside the head, the 14,000 RPM motor provides efficient cutting power. The fully floating heads flex and adjust to the contours of your face, neck, and jawline for a smooth glide.
For convenience, the Andis 17200 has an LED battery indicator and can run cordless for 80 minutes on a 1-hour charge. It’s fully waterproof and submersible for easy cleaning. There’s also a built-in pop-up trimmer perfect for sideburns and mustaches.
Overview of the Andis 17220
As an upgrade to the 17200, the Andis 17220 packs in a few extra features for a more advanced shaving experience. It shares the same hypoallergenic gold titanium-coated foils and 14,000 RPM motor.
The key upgrades are a longer 90 minute cordless runtime and a redesigned head with staggered shaving foils. The staggered foils overlap each other to provide more coverage and catch even more hairs in a single pass.
Like the 17200, the 17220 has an LED battery indicator, full waterproofing, and a pop-up trimmer. It follows facial contours smoothly thanks to the floating head design. Overall, you can expect extremely close shaves with minimal irritation.
Also Read: Comparison Among Braun 92S, 92B And 92M.
Key Differences Between the Andis 17200 and 17220
While the Andis 17200 and 17220 share similar designs and technology, there are some noteworthy differences:
- Shaving Head Design
Andis 17200
The Andis 17200 shaver features a traditional shaving head design with standard rectangular foils. This design allows for a consistent, even shave, making it a reliable choice for users who desire straightforward functionality and performance.
Andis 17220
In contrast, the Andis 17220 shaver comes equipped with staggered foils. The overlapping design of these foils is crafted to catch more hair with every pass, thereby enhancing the shaving efficiency. This innovative approach to foil arrangement allows users to achieve a closer and smoother shave, reducing the time and effort spent on grooming.
- Battery Life
Comparison
A crucial aspect of any cordless device is its battery life. The Andis 17200 offers a respectable 80 minutes of runtime, sufficient for several shaves before necessitating a recharge. However, the 17220 model takes it a step further by providing an additional 10 minutes, totaling 90 minutes of shaving time.
Importance
This increased battery longevity on the 17220 model means less frequent charging, thereby offering more convenience and flexibility, especially for users with busy lifestyles or those who travel frequently. It’s a valuable feature for ensuring the shaver is always ready when you need it, reducing the chances of being caught off-guard with a depleted battery.
- Redesigned Body and Added Grip
Andis 17220
The body of the Andis 17220 shaver has been thoughtfully redesigned to incorporate grip pads on the handle. These added grip pads are particularly advantageous for users who prefer shaving in the shower or those with wet hands, as they prevent the shaver from slipping, ensuring a secure hold and more controlled shave.
Benefits
The enhanced grip and control offered by the 17220 model contribute to a safer and more comfortable shaving experience. It is especially beneficial for individuals with dexterity issues or those who desire additional stability during their grooming routine.
- Similarities: Motor, Trimmer, Display, and Warranty
Despite the differences, the Andis 17200 and 17220 share several commendable features. Both models are powered by the same robust 14,000 RPM motor, ensuring consistent performance and durability. This powerful motor guarantees that both shavers can tackle various hair types and lengths with ease.
Pop-up Trimmer
Another similarity is the presence of a pop-up trimmer in both models. This feature is particularly handy for users who wish to maintain or style their sideburns, mustache, or beard. It adds to the versatility of the shavers, making them suitable for a range of grooming needs.
LED Display
Both the 17200 and 17220 models boast a user-friendly LED display. This feature enables users to monitor the battery level conveniently, allowing for better planning and ensuring the shaver is charged when needed.
Warranty
Lastly, Andis offers a 2-year warranty on both models, demonstrating the brand’s confidence in the quality and durability of their products. This warranty gives users peace of mind, knowing that they are investing in a reliable and trustworthy product.
- Pricing
Given the additional features and enhancements, the Andis 17220 is priced approximately 20% higher than the 17200 model. This price difference can be justified by the improved shaving efficiency, extended battery life, and redesigned body with added grip pads, which collectively contribute to a superior shaving experience.
While both the Andis 17200 and 17220 shavers exhibit commendable performance and reliability, the differences in shaving head design, battery life, and grip enhancements set them apart. The 17220 model, with its advanced features, offers additional convenience and efficiency, justifying its higher price point.
Also Read: Comparison Between Andis 17150 and 17200
Pros and Cons of the Andis 17200
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Close, comfortable shaves
- 80 min cordless runtime
- Fully waterproof
- Contour-following floating heads
- Hypoallergenic gold titanium blades
- Built-in pop-up trimmer
- 2 year warranty
Cons:
- Less powerful motor than upgraded models
- Shorter battery life than 17220
- May require more passes for smoothest shave
- Standard foil head not as advanced as 17220
Pros and Cons of the Andis 17220
Pros:
- Staggered foils catch more hair
- 90 minutes cordless runtime
- Enhanced grip handle
- Super close shaves with less irritation
- Long 2 year warranty
- Easy to clean waterproof body
Cons:
- More expensive than 17200
- Replacement foils are pricey
- Battery not replaceable
Also Read: Is Philips Norelco 2300 Better Than 2500?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Andis 17150 is an older discontinued model. The 17200 has a more powerful 14,000 RPM motor compared to the 17150’s 12,000 RPM motor, allowing for faster and more efficient cutting. It also has an 80 minute battery Vs. 60 minutes on the 17150.
Foil shavers tend to provide a closer shave, especially for fine or thin hair. Rotary shavers work better for thick and coarse hair. Foil shavers have oscillating blades that cut hair cleanly, while rotary shavers have spinning blades that trim hair more aggressively.
Yes, foil shavers like the Andis 17200 and 17220 are gentle enough to safely shave sensitive areas like the groin and testicles. Make sure to use a light touch. Apply moisturizing shaving gel or cream first for extra comfort and smoothness.
With proper maintenance like regular cleaning, replacing the foils and cutters every 12-18 months, and avoiding drops, an Andis foil shaver can last 4-6 years or more. The 17200 and 17220 come with a 2 year warranty and are built to provide consistent performance over years of use.
Also Read: Comparison Between Philips OneBlade and Multigroom
Final Thoughts
For a top-performing foil shaver under $100, the Andis 17200 delivers reliable, smooth shaves session after session. If you have the budget, the upgraded Andis 17220 takes the shaving experience up a notch with staggered foils, longer runtime, and enhanced ergonomics while costing around 20% more.
Both models are great options for anyone looking for a cordless, waterproof foil shaver that provides close results without irritation or razor bumps.