Opinions on Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor

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  andy19363 on 02/01/2017 - 15:25

  https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-ES-LV81-K-Multi-Flex-High-P…

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  apple2016 on 02/01/2017 - 15:45

  Blade is much cheaper, better and less time consuming than electric IMHO.

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  dbun1 on 02/01/2017 - 16:53

  You have to persist with it for at least a week or two before you get used to using an electric.

  Personally I can't use electric and find blades much easier and cheaper.

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  pookie on 02/01/2017 - 19:07

  Hmmm.ok well I'll keep with it for a couple of weeks and see if i like it.

  So far i did find it left some isolated hairs behind….even though i went over the spot several times. So i grabbed my trusty blade to finish the job…

  I know a blade is much cheaper but i don't always have time for a nice lathered blade shave.

  Plus my most recent blade from Aldi doesn't feel as comfortable or perform (pivot) as good as my previous mach3 :(

  I've also noticed that the mach3 in supermarkets are mostly plastic…whereas my old one was fully metal as were the blades.

  Anyway, I did ask for a brand/top line model electric. It was choice between Braun and Panasonic.

  Plan is I'll use electric mostly and blade on special occasions.

  Remains to be seen i guess :)

  Cheers

  Phil

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  iseenya on 02/01/2017 - 19:17

  Sadly, despite their claims, the Panasonic Arc shavers - whether 3, 4 or 5 blade models - aren't really all that. The shave isn't particularly close, cleaning is extremely difficult, cutting head life is limited and they're very noisy. The bulky heads of the 4 and 5 blade models are hopeless for upper lip shaving and all models shave poorly in the under-chin area.

  The now obsolete Philips/Norelco 12xx series, fitted with the also obsolete RQ12 heads, are far better in all respects and will still be giving excellent shaves long after any Panasonic has died its inevitable early death.

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  pookie on 03/01/2017 - 20:47

  Oh dear….yes i have found that upper lip shaving is difficult…takes a few goes and i need to almost force my nose off to get all the hairs.

  I have a larger than normal adams apple, and trying to shave there properly is such a task :(

  Damn…i wish i could just wax it all off :)

  Pookie

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  cheepwun on 06/01/2017 - 17:29

  my experience with an arc4 Panasonic:

  • more convenient than a blade shave (can shave dry)
  • shaver cannot cut whiskers effectively if they are even moderately longer than they should be
  • easy to wash (I never buy liquid soap but just use a regular soap bar & get some on my hands and wash with that). The vibrating blade parts can easily be pulled off too.
  • the shaver gets louder as it gets older (not nice, but not exactly a big problem for me)
  • doesn't shave as close as any fresh blade
  • I haven't changed any 'consumables' in over 2 years, despite their recommendations
  • I can buy & replace a replacement battery when it gets old (& can no longer hold suitable charge). Despite the instructions basically encouraging Panasonic 'service' & 'proper' disposal.
  • wash with cold water
  • I often hang it in an airy place in a fine mesh bag so it can dry off properly, without subjecting it to high heat (bad for the unit)

  I think they are more convenient than a blade shave. If you have long hairs, look elsewhere. If you expect 'fresh blade' closeness, look elsewhere.

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    pookie on 09/01/2017 - 00:58

    Thanks for the info…I've been using mine exclusively now for over a week and am finding i am getting use to it quite well.

    Only thing is there seems to be 1 or 2 whiskers it refuses to trim, no matter how many times or what direction i go over them :( I use trusty blade for them.

    Seems easy to clean, although I just put in a couple drops of liquid soap and run it until it foams, then pull the top off and rinse it all out. Then turn it upside down on a washer to dry overnight. Seems ok.

    It cam with a cleaning unit but I haven't bothered with it yet.

    I also haven't tried it in the shower. Only used it on my dry face at the sink.

    Overall so far it's super convenient and does the job to about 95% my satisfaction :)

    Cheers

    Pookie