Our review of the Sonicare 9900 Prestige rechargeable toothbrush.

The 9900 Prestige – This is Sonicare’s most advanced electric toothbrush.

The newest member of the Sonicare power toothbrush lineup is the 9900 Prestige. It was first introduced in April 2021 and, right now, happens to be the only Prestige model.

This is Sonicare’s best brush.

In their promotional materials, Sonicare refers to the Prestige 9900 as their “most advanced” brush. That statement implies that it replaces the DiamondClean Smart toothbrushes as their premier toothbrush line.

What’s new and different about the 9900 Prestige?

There are a couple of features that have been introduced with this model. Some of them actually are new. Others are just “newish” (already exist in a fairly similar form on other toothbrush models).

a) SenseIQ technology.

This feature seems to be Sonicare’s next step in automating brushing session personalization.

As you brush, evidently up to 100 times per second, the SenseIQ system monitors and evaluates your activities (evaluates your brushing pressure, motion, locations, etc…) and tracks and even adjusts the 9900’s brushing actions and reporting to improve the outcome of your brushing session.

Some of this is new.

Some portions of the SenseIQ system seem to involve capabilities that exist with other toothbrush lines (especially the DiamondClean Smarts). But what’s different is that they evidently have now been brought under the umbrella of the SenseIQ system. (We discuss SenseIQ capabilities in greater detail below.)

As for actual new features, if you brush with too much pressure, the SenseIQ system will automatically reduce the brushing intensity of your Prestige. And if SenseIQ determines that you are brushing with too much scrubbing motion, the Prestige’s handle will alert you (in two ways, we explain below).

b) The A3 Premium All-In-One brush head.

The 9900 Prestige comes with a newly designed brush head. It’s called the All-in-One and Sonicare promotional materials state that this is their “all-time best” one.

We have more to say about the All-in-One and its use below. Here, all we’re going to say is that, while this is a new head, and you do get it with the 9900 Prestige, you can also use the All-in-One with almost any other Sonicare model too. So it’s not really something that’s just unique to this brush.

c) Smartphone app integration.

While toothbrush/app integration certainly isn’t unique to just this Sonicare model, the Prestige 9900 does offer their highest-level, most sophisticated app features. (A level slightly higher than the DiamondClean Smarts. And much more full-featured than mid and lower-end Sonicares.)

And while it’s not mandatory that you use the app when you brush, you will need to use it to be able to benefit from or acess all of the Prestige’s features and options. (We explain in greater detail below.)

Sonicare 9900 Prestige HX9990/12

Details about the 9900 Prestige.

Model numbers:

Price.

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Our affiliate links can be used to shop  Sonicare toothbrushes  on  Amazon.com .

Tip:  The higher-end Sonicare models are great toothbrushes, and more refined, but they’re pricey too. It’s our opinion that the mid-price models HealthyWhite+ and ProtectiveClean 6100 make a good middle-of-the-road, best-value purchase.

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What do we think of the Sonicare 9900 Prestige?

At this point in our discussion, we don’t want to unduly bias what may be your initial introduction to the 9900, and possibly even Sonicare toothbrushes too.

That’s because when considering this brand, everyone owes it to themselves to understand what the full range of options that can come with a Sonicare is. And reading about the 9900 Prestige is a great way to do that since it’s their top model.

So, please read on. You may discover some feature that seems especially appealing or necessary that otherwise you never would have known about. And if so, then it should become an important factor in your decision-making process.

However … the 9900 Prestige isn’t the right brush for us.

While without question the 9900 is a superior electric toothbrush and we would be very satisfied in owning it, this isn’t the Sonicare we would buy.

We’re more interested in toothbrush “value.”

Our website’s coverage of the topic of power toothbrushes is primarily focused on which models make a best-value purchase. We look for those that seem to have the right balance between features and price.

FYI: We spend a lot of time explaining what core features we feel are important to have on a Sonicare, and which models have them, on our Best Sonicares Page.

For us, the Prestige is simply too much toothbrush.

With the 9900, it just comes down to the fact that it comes with too many features, too many options, and too much technology at way too high a price for us to even remotely consider it a good-value toothbrush.

But if you’re a techie and want to have every gizmo offered, or just like having the best and latest products, this toothbrush may make a great fit for you. There is no question. It is a great brush.

Review: The Sonicare 9900 Prestige – Features and capabilities.

What comes in the box?

When you open things up, here’s what you’ll find:

• The Sonicare 9900 Prestige toothbrush handle. (This is the motorized portion of the toothbrush.)
• One A3 Premium All-in-One brush head.
• Charging base components with attached cord.
• 110-220V power adapter.
• A travel case. (Its color matches the color of the toothbrush handle.)
• A USB-C cable for use with the travel case when it’s used as a charger.

Getting acquainted with the 9900 Prestige electric toothbrush.

1) Physical characteristics.

The 9900 Prestige handle.

a) Handle size, shape, buttons, and LEDs.

• It has a rectangular, rounded-corners shape. Each side is about an inch wide, which makes it easy to grasp (unlike some colossally-sized low-end Sonicares). And it stays put if you need to lay it down (like after you’ve applied toothpaste).
• With its brush head mounted, the Prestige is about 9 1/2 inches tall. (In both height and girth, the Prestige is just a bit smaller than a DiamondClean Smart.)
• The handle has a satin finish, which is pleasing enough to touch and sure enough to grasp.

  (Some lower-end Sonicares feature rubbery grips. But with this brush, because its handle doesn’t vibrate aggressively as you use it, you don’t get the sense that you need that.)

• The on/off switch is located on the upper portion of the handle at a position that’s convenient for your thumb to activate as you grip the brush for use.

  We’ll also note that the design of the switch has been seamlessly integrated into the handle’s surface. There’s no gap or crack for gunk accumulation or for liquids to try to seep past. That’s a nice plus.

• The handle features numerous LED function lights (explained below) that are also seamlessly integrated into the surface of the brush for easy cleaning.

b) Colors.

You can get the 9900 Prestige in three colors: Champagne (HX9990/11), Midnight Blue (HX9990/12), and Pink (HX9990/13).

The Pink and Champagne models come with a white brush head. The Midnight Blue variant with a black one. Of course, you can buy any color of replacement head that you want. But if you want to keep the original color coordination of your brush the same, you may find the black heads a little more difficult to find in your local store.

The color of the travel case that comes with your brush will match the color of your toothbrush’s handle.

2) Brushing settings.

a) Brushing modes.

The 9900 Prestige is capable of producing 5 brushing modes: Clean, White+, Gum Health, Deep Clean, Sensitive. The default mode is Clean. (Here’s details about the differences between various  Sonicare brushing modes.)

Clean mode (at High intensity, see next section) generates Sonicare’s hallmark 62,000 brush movements/minute brushing action, which is their most efficient and effective one. (This is the must-have/should-use setting on any Sonicare.)

Features five brushing modes but encourages you to use just one?

No on-handle mode switching.

With the 9900 Prestige, Sonicare significantly plays down the need for using different brushing modes paired with specific brush heads to accomplish different brushing goals (whitening, gum health, etc…). And, in fact, you can’t switch between modes just using its handle, you have to use the smartphone app for that. (If you want a high-end Sonicare with on-handle brushing mode switching, look at the DiamondClean Smart series.)

A new philosophy.

One would think that by making Clean mode the brush’s default setting, and making it difficult to switch away from it, that Sonicare seems to consider Clean the optimal choice for essentially all users.

(We agree. For the last 15+ years on our pages, we’ve continually stated that we feel almost all Sonicare owners are best served by just using their brush in (full power) Clean mode Here’s our rationale. With the 9900 Prestige, Sonicare finally seems to be relinquishing to that opinion too.)

b) Brushing intensities.

The 9900 prestige features three brushing intensity settings (High, Medium, Low). High is the default. Switching to Medium or Low reduces the brushing effectiveness of the brush, so these alternatives should only be chosen by users who absolutely can’t tolerate the full-power setting.

On-handle intensity switching.

Different than with brushing modes, the intensity setting of the Prestige can be switched on the toothbrush handle by pressing the corresponding LED indicator dots/lights located just under the on/off switch. (Once again, a location that’s pretty convenient for a quick tap by your thumb when holding the brush.) Or you can switch brushing intensity via the smartphone app.

The brush’s current intensity setting can be gleaned at a glance. 3 lights on corresponds with High intensity, 2 with Medium, and 1 with Low. You can switch this setting before, during, or reset it after your brushing session.

3) Other LED indicators on the handle.

Beyond just brushing intensity, the Prestige’s handle harbors a number of additional LED status indicator and alert lights. They include a BrushSync indicator, SenseIQ indicator, brush head replacement reminder, battery status indicator and the (ring) brushing feedback light.

But rather than discuss them individually here, we’ll provide details about them as they fit into our discussion below.

4) Sonicare’s new SenseIQ feature.

The 9900 Prestige is the only Sonicare model to feature its new SenseIQ technology. This system provides oversight for a number of different sensors that monitor your brushing actions (excessive pressure sensor, excessive scrubbing sensor, position sensor, duration of brushing session monitor) in real-time, with sampling done as much as 100 times per second.

And based on its evaluation of that input, the system triggers your brush to signal alerts, modify its brushing action, and provide you with feedback via the smartphone app.

When the SenseIQ system is active, the word “SenseIQ” will illuminate on the brush’s handle. (This LED is located right below the intensity settings LEDs.)

We will say that while “new,” other high-end Sonicare models share many of the same capabilities that are handled via the SenseIQ system.

Examples of SenseIQ in action.

• If SenseIQ determines that you’re using too much brushing pressure, it will alert you in three ways. – 1) Flashing purple light on the base of the brush. 2) A change in the brush handle’s vibrations. 3) Notification via the smartphone app. (Note: The DiamondClean Smart line shares these same excessive pressure alerts.)
• If you brush with too much pressure over an extended period (several seconds), the SenseIQ’s Adaptive Intensity feature will automatically reduce the brush’s intensity by one level. (This is a new feature not found on other Sonicare models.)

• If you use too much scrubbing motion as you brush, the SenseIQ system will show an alert on the smartphone app. And unique to the Prestige, two additional alerts will occur. An amber light will illuminate on the base of the brush and the handle’s vibrations will noticeably change.
• While it’s a little difficult to understand where Sonicare draws the line between what it considers SenseIQ and app features, suffice it to say that the SenseIQ system does pass the information it collects on to the smartphone app.

  With that information (and like with the DiamondClean Smarts and Flexcare Platinum Connected), the app can create a 3D mouth map of your brushing session, show you where you have cleaned and advise you where you have missed. It can also keep track of your brushing history (frequency, duration).

The Brushing Feedback light (light ring).

We’ll go ahead and mention this brush handle LED here because this is the flashing light feature just mentioned above that’s used to signal when too much brushing pressure (flashing purple light) or too much scrubbing motion (solid amber light) is being used.

The light itself runs the entire circumference of the brush handle’s base, so it is visible when the toothbrush is held at most any angle. (The DiamondClean Smart line has a similar light ring design to signal too much brushing pressure.)

All-in-One brush head.

This is the head the 9900 Prestige is intended to be used with.

5) The new A3 Premium All-in-One brush head.

Details about the A3 Premium All-in-One brush head.

Sonicare promotional materials state that this is their “all-time best” brush head. And in support of that claim, it is noticeable that this head does have some differences.

Its bristles leave the plastic portion of the head at a greater angle than other head designs. And the bristles are longer and have a triangular shape at their tip, which evidently aids with their scrubbing effectiveness.

( Here’s details about the other  Sonicare Brush Heads. )

Sonicare’s stats for the All-in-one head.

Sonicare promotional materials for the A3 Premium All-in-One state that this brush head design can “remove up to 20x more plaque even in hard-to-reach areas*,” “remove up to 100% more stains in less than two days***,” and “clean deep for gums that are up to 15x healthier in just two weeks**.”

We left Sonicare’s asterisks in the statements above just to give you an idea of how qualified/restricted those claims are. You can assign whatever value you want to them. We consider them just advertising hype.

Sonicare vs Sonicare.

Different than those stats, we will mention that the press release for the 9900 Prestige toothbrush says about the A3 Premium All-in-One that “This is Philips’ all-time best brush head …”

That statement, Sonicare comparing the All-in-One directly to their other brush heads, does carry some weight for us. And if they say this is their best one, we’ll accept that at face value. But how much (marginally) better? We don’t think that’s really even worthy of a guess.

As far as our own opinion goes, we’ve used it. And we do like it. But we like using the C3 Premium Plaque Control, W3 Premium White, and DiamondClean too.

The Prestige uses snap-on heads.

While specifically intended for use with the A3 Premium All-in-One head, the 9900 can be used with any of Sonicare’s other snap-on brush heads too (see link above). If you do choose an alternative, to get full functionality out of your Prestige you’ll need to choose one of Sonicare’s Brushsync style heads. (See Brushsync discussion below.)

You could do this and save some money …

If you do decide to purchase a 9900 Prestige, we applaud your choice. But we’d like to think that your doing so is based on valid reasoning. (As in the brush offers something for you that you can’t get from a better-value Sonicare.)

In that vein, we think it’s important to make the following point clear.

• Based on the (not easily changed) default settings that Sonicare has chosen for the 9900 Prestige, they seem to be suggesting that almost all owners are most effectively served by using the combination of the All-in-One brush head, Clean mode (62,000 brush movements/minute brushing motion) and High intensity.
• Note – Almost all Sonicare models feature this same brushing mode/intensity configuration. (See this section and its  List of full-power models. )
• So, if all you really want is just a Sonicare that brushes as effectively as the Prestige, buy a more cost-effective model and just snap an A3 Premium All-in-One replacement brush head onto it. – Violá.

  (The promotional leaflet for the All-in-One specifically states it is suitable for use with the range of other snap-on head toothbrush models.)

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Our affiliate links can be used to shop  Sonicare replacement brush heads  on  Amazon.com  or  Walmart.com

Tip:  Keep in mind that if your toothbrush model uses click-on heads (all but Essence and PowerUp do) you’re not restricted to just using the kind your brush came with. You can choose from any of the click-on designs.

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The brush head replacement indicator. (Brushsync)

A few years ago, Sonicare began embedding RFID microchips in some of their brush head lines. These are referred to as BrushSync/Smart brush heads. (They have a “radar” logo stamped on the base of their stem.) The All-in-One that comes with the 9900 Prestige is this type of head. (More details about  Brushsync Features. )

In the case of the 9900, the Brushsync system keeps track of brush head use (how often, how long, the amount of pressure you use). And based on this information, it will signal to you when a replacement head is due.

(Via the amber brush head replacement LED located right above the charge status LED near the base of the brush handle, or else through the smartphone app.) (Several other Sonicare models also have a brush head replacement reminder feature.)

6) Integration with the Sonicare smartphone app.

Whatever smartphone app features/experience you’ve seen advertised about Sonicares, the Prestige can do it. (The DiamondClean Smart and Flexcare Platinum Connected models have similar capabilities. Other lines may have some level of app integration but it’s not nearly as full-featured.)

You must use the app to access all of the Prestige’s features.

It needs to be pointed out that you don’t have to activate the app to use your 9900 Prestige. It will still function just fine as a stand-alone toothbrush (at its default settings). And brushing history tracking is still tallied accurately even if you don’t use the app during all of your brushing sessions.

But different than with any other Sonicare model, you can’t switch brushing modes without using the app (there’s no option on the handle). So, if doing so is important to you, you’re shackled to using it.

Getting the smartphone app.

The Sonicare brushing app is free. You get it from your usual app store. (Your phone has to have Bluetooth capability. Android OS 8.0 or above. iPhones iOS 13.0 or above.)

Smartphone app capabilities.

You can set things up so your phone and the 9900 Prestige sync up automatically or only at your discretion (manual syncing). Once they’ve connected, here are things that are possible to have happen through the app.

• As mentioned above, and simultaneously with other handle lights and noises, many alerts are also communicated via the app, like excessive brushing pressure and excessive scrubbing motion.

  And at the end of your session, you can check the app’s mouth map to see where you brushed too hard or with too much scrubbing motion.

• By watching the app’s real-time mouth mapping, its Guidance feature can help you make sure that you’ve brushed all of the areas of your mouth, for the recommended amount of time in each section.

  If you’ve missed some places, the app will let you know where and instruct you to go back and finish your job.

• The app will report how long your brushing session has lasted. And you can track your brushing history (day, month, year) to check that you’ve been cleaning your teeth often and long enough.
• The app can provide reminders to floss, brush your tongue, and use mouthwash.
• You can switch brushing modes and intensity settings via the app.
• The app monitors your brush head’s usage and notifies you when it should be replaced.
• The app reports your battery’s % charge remaining.
• You can disable various toothbrush features using the app (like scrubbing feedback or Adaptive Intensity switching).

7) Brushing timers.

SmarTimer

Just like with most Sonicare models, the Prestige features a built-in brushing timer (SmarTimer). With most brushing modes (including the default Clean mode on this brush), the timer runs for two minutes. With some mode settings (White+ and Gum Health), it runs a little longer.

More about the  SmarTimer Feature .

Consider the timer to be a minimum recommendation.

At the end of its allotted duration, SmarTimer turns the brush off. That’s based on the general-consensus idea that dentists recommend that their patients should brush for two minutes.

In a perfect world, a person would instead brush until they have adequately completed their job, whether that’s just two minutes or longer. So the idea of a brush arbitrarily switching off after two minutes seems silly to us. Of course, you can always just turn your brush back on and complete your work. Hopefully, people do actually do this instead of mindlessly accepting their toothbrush’s judgment.

BrushPacer

Extrapolating on the idea of a brushing timer, the 9900 Prestige also comes configured with Sonicare’s BrushPacer feature. (This feature is found on several other model lines too.)

What it does.

BrushPacer subdivides the duration of the brushing timer into 1/6ths as an indication of when you should move on to cleaning the next 1/6th segment of your mouth, so all sections get equal treatment.

The vibrations of the toothbrush stutter momentarily as each period elapses. Or you can watch on the smartphone app for instructions about when to move on.

More about the  BrushPacer Feature .

8) Recharging the 9900 Prestige.

Charging the handle.

There are two ways to charge up the 9900 Prestige’s battery. You can either use the charging stand it comes with or its travel case.

Both units charge by way of induction (wireless/cordless charging). So, while you do provide a power connection to the charging device (a 110-220V power converter and needed cables are included), you don’t plug anything into the brush handle itself. (Meaning there’s one less place for moisture to try to leak inside and corrode the handle, which is good.)

The charging stand has a small footprint and is simple in design. It has a round, ring shape and you simply set the base of your toothbrush into it. We will note that, unlike some Sonicare lines, this stand does not provide for any brush head storage.

Battery status.

The Prestige provides multiple ways by which you can monitor how much battery charge your toothbrush has left.

• You can see the percent of charge remaining in the smartphone app.
• When the Prestige is “awake” (off its stand) the battery indicator light on the brush handle shows white when fully charged. When partially charged, this LED shows white but blinks. The LED blinks amber when the brush’s charge is low. With low charge levels, the brush will also beep 3 times at the end of your brushing session.
• When charging, the handle’s indicator light will blink white. Once charged, it shows as solid white for 30 seconds and then turns off.

9) Battery details.

The 9900 Prestige features a lithium-ion battery.

Like higher-end and even many mid-priced rechargeable Sonicares, the 9900 Prestige features a lithium-ion battery. And that fact affects a number of characteristics of this brush.

Its sleek shape.

Electric toothbrushes that have a Li-ion battery typically have a more slender brush shape. The sleek, narrow, easily grasped design of the Prestige is a testament to this fact.

Better charging characteristics.

Lithium-ion batteries don’t suffer from some of the charging issues that other battery types do. (Faster recharging, less “memory” effect when recharged before fully depleted.)

Overall, getting a lithium-ion battery is a plus. Although, many other high and mid-prices Sonicares feature one too.

Toothbrush uses between charges.

Sonicare says that with the Prestige you’ll get “2+ weeks” of use out of your brush on a full charge. That’s good, and you’ll probably get more while your brush is new.

But we will point out that some lower-tech Sonicare models are rated as 3-week brushes. (Probably due to the fact that they don’t have so many electronics running.)

More about  Sonicare Rechargeable Batteries .

Battery longevity/reliability.

When it comes to electric toothbrush longevity/dependability, battery life always seems to be the factor that’s the wildcard. And we simply do not get the impression that buying a higher-end Sonicare necessarily means that you get a better, more predictable, battery experience. (An issue discussed on our  Electric Toothbrush Reliability page.)

About all we have to say here is that with the 9900, just like with all other rechargeable Sonicare models, its battery is not replaceable. Battery failure equates with toothbrush death. (This issue is a major reason why we think the  Best Sonicare Buys are the mid-range/lower-priced ones.)

Is this brush waterproof?

The owner’s manual for the 9900 Prestige specifically does state that you can “rinse the entire handle.” But we’re not so sure that you should construe that as meaning that it’s predictably waterproof.

What we do.

With our brush, we do rinse it to clean it. We never submerge it. And always dry it off afterward.

That’s because we’ve owned electric toothbrushes for enough years to know that moisture penetration frequently plays a role in their premature death. Therefore, we always minimize moisture exposure (quantity, duration) whenever possible. After all, the Prestige is a very expensive toothbrush.

10) The travel case.

The 9900 Prestige comes with a “vegan friendly” leather-bound travel case. And as cases go, this one is upscale and reflective of the cost of this toothbrush.

The color of the case matches the color of your toothbrush’s handle. It’s relatively compact and has a strap handle.

It doubles as a charging station.

A very nice feature of the Prestige’s case is that it can be used to recharge your toothbrush. That means you won’t have to take along your regular charging base on trips. However, the case’s USB-C cable does need to be plugged into a power source. (Either the 110 – 220V power converter Sonicare provides or possibly a unit you use with or stemming from other devices.)

The only real drawback about this case is that it doesn’t provide a storage location for the cable inside. You have to store that (and keep track of it) separately.

What are our conclusions about the 9900 Prestige?

Based on the information we’ve presented in this review, it’s pretty easy to sum up what we think about this brush.

Is the Prestige a good toothbrush?

Yes, absolutely. As Sonicare’s current top model, it has all of their top features and options. It’s well designed and offers the refinement you’d expect with a top-tier Sonicare. We can’t imagine anyone not enjoying the user experience they get while using this brush, while connected to the smartphone app or not.

Is this the best Sonicare to buy?

No, probably not for most people, with the single exception of those for whom money is no concern.

• If you’re just looking for equivalent brushing effectiveness, probably 1/2 of the Sonicare lineup offers a just-as-effective, better-value option than buying the Prestige.
• If you’re more concerned about having a high-end Sonicare experience (including using the smartphone app), the DiamondClean Smart and Flexcare Platinum Connected lines come close to providing the same thing, at a lower cost.

Do I get something with the Prestige that I can’t with other Sonicare models?

Yes, but not all that much.

Sonicare’s new SenseIQ system.

You do get the new SenseIQ system. But except for its Adaptive Intensity feature and on-handle scrubbing motion alerts (this section details those features), it’s pretty much an amalgamation of capabilities that other Sonicares share.

Sonicare’s newest brush head design.

The Prestige does come with the new A3 Premium All-in-One brush head. But keep in mind, you can just buy it on your own and use it with almost any other Sonicare too. (Snap-on brush head interchangeability is a hallmark Sonicare feature.)

High-level smartphone app integration.

The 9900 does offer a high-end smartphone app experience. But it’s not vastly superior to that offered by the less expensive DiamondClean Smart and Flexcare Platinum Connected lines.

Bottom line – Our opinion about the 9900 Prestige.

The Prestige is a great toothbrush and does provide a great user experience. But while the SenseIQ system that it comes with may be the introduction to the future of toothbrushing personalization (Sonicare’s phraseology), right now its capabilities aren’t vastly different or superior to what you can get with other lower-priced Sonicare models.

And considering that reliability issues are always such a wildcard with electric toothbrush ownership (all brands, all models), the high cost of the 9900 Prestige makes it a difficult choice.

Need more information?

If you decide to consider other Sonicare models or even other brands, we suggest that you view the following pages.

• The best Sonicare toothbrushes.
• Review of the Sonicare toothbrush lines.
• The best Oral-b electrics.
• Review of the Oral-b toothbrush lines.

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Our affiliate links can be used to shop  Sonicare toothbrushes  on  Amazon.com .

Tip:  The higher-end Sonicare models are great toothbrushes, and more refined, but they’re pricey too. It’s our opinion that the mid-price models HealthyWhite+ and ProtectiveClean 6100 make a good middle-of-the-road, best-value purchase.

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