I just don't know if I can justify spending $180 on a toothbrush. Does it really clean that much better?

I was just going to get these today. Thanks for the review link. BTW, the only 'deals' you can find on these at the moment are either from Costco where they sell a special bundle with two toothbrush and a UV sanitizer box thingy for $169.00 (probably same at BJs or Sams, but can't confirm). Another option is to use one of those ubiquitous 20% off coupons from BB&B or L&T and get it for about $145.

My dentist recommends a soft flathead toothbrush. Seriously, if you floss regularly on top of brushing, you do more service to your teeth and gums than this expensive piece of shit.

I got one a week ago. It actually works really well. My old Elite was really hacking me off. You'd get liquid collecting inside the brush base, then turn mouldy, stinky and gross. The Flexcare works more like the Oral-B, where the brush head sits on a metal peg, so it stays fairly clean. The UV thing is nice - after a week I can't say if it really makes any difference.

My only concern is with travel. I'm not the TSA is going to let me on a plane with this brush handle that has a 2" metal "blade". Ironic then that it comes with a travel pouch, as the pouch won't hold the brush unless the head is removed and the "blade" is in plain sight. *sigh*

I have been using one for about 3 months now. I have to say this is the best Sonicare to date that I have used. My wife is a dental hygenist and she got them for 49.00 each through the Sonicare Rep at her work. Box said "not for resale". Knowing what I know now, I would still buy one for $180.

@XMLGUY, I've been packing Sonicare products in my carry-on for years, it wont be an issue.

I got the RS940 on eboy in Sept. for $128. Worth every penny.

I have been using the Sonicare Elite model for several years. The Flexicare model is a significant improvement. It is worth every penny. Much easier to keep clean and it does a better job of getting the pearlies white. I can already tell the difference. What is your dental health worth? A cleaning at the dentist costs me about the same as this rig in my neck of the woods.

Sonicare has a much cheaper version of the same device (same head) and uses AA batteries. Put some rechargeable AA's in there and you've got a great little toothbrush. Only $45 at your local drugstore. And a charge lasts for over a month!

It's called the Xtreme Pro 3000 series.

i got this off ebay, mine didnt come with the uv sanitizer though, the guy didnt know which package so i got it for 80ish after a 27 dollar refund, ill try to find the uv sanitizer by itself

Bought one two weeks ago and concur: it's extremely effective and worth the investment. And I'm writing as one who has no plans to use the uv thingy!

I wasn't even aware that there was a new model until I was handed a $15 off coupon while walking home from work, so keep your eyes peeled for their promotion people, if price is a big issue. If none present themselves, know that the results warrant the full price. At least, I think so. (If this were Gawker, I'd have started with an oral hygiene joke. Still feeling my way around this place but my gut tells me to play it straight. Right?)

For this kind of money, the vibration mode better be good for a lot more than brushing my teeth.

@tekmiester: Asked and answered!

This is cool, but does it seem slow today?

The guys who came up with sonicare actually have a new toothbrush company called Ultreo. I can't speak as to how it compares with this model, but I've been using it for a few months now and it's great. I would highly recommend it.

I wonder how this model compares with the Braun Triumph series, which you can find for less than $100 on Ebay? I read somewhere that only rotation-oscillating brush heads like the Braun's make a difference, and aren't we suppose to be protecting ourselves from UV?

I concur with XMLGuy. The Elite cleans great, and you'll have the best dental check-ups ever (no tartar!), but it has so many nooks and crannies that it's a mold and goop factory.

I was at my local Target and noticed this new model. I immediately noted the LACK of goop-collecting surfaces, as well as thinking that the UV chamber would eliminate any such growth potential to begin with.

Then I noticed that they sell a stand-alone UV chamber for older Brush Heads. Weighing the price against $180, I opted to just get the stand-alone UV chamber for now. However, I suspect I'll be getting this new Sonicare FlexCare ultimately.

Yes, Sonicare is THAT good!

The other model mentioned, the Ultreo, is sold at Sharper Image. It's design is very similar to the FlexCare's, but it claims a faster vibration, I think. It has a large rubber nub below the bristles. Not sure I'd care for that aspect. It also has a single metal post which fits into a now-sealed head. It costs around the same -- or more.

@Vedder452

Same story with me, only I got mine for $42.

No UV chamber, but much better than my elite.