Customer Reviews

Panasonic ES-GA-21S Men's Arc Linear Wet/Dry Shaver, Black

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Panasonic periodically tweaks its shaver models, and the ES-GA21S, announced in early 2009, is another example. Prior to buying this model I owned the ES8101S for about 18 months until I accidentally left it at a hotel. The ES-GA21S is identical in its core shaving features (and shaving quality) to that model and to the ES8103S and ES8109S models. Reviews for any of those models should generally apply to this model as well.

I'll focus on the minor differences compared to the ES8101S. The ES-GA21S (except for the power adapter) is manufactured in Japan rather than in China, and its fit and finish seems slightly better overall. For example, the seams between the plastic components look more precise. This difference doesn't affect the shaver's function, though. Also, where the ES8101S is a matte blue color the ES-GA21S is a semi-gloss black. Neither is pink or magenta, so who cares? The ES-GA21S feels very slightly lighter than the ES8101S but just as solid. The ES-GA21S adds a simple rotating locking mechanism to the on/off button, but I never had any problems with the ES8101S turning on accidentally when I owned it. Like the ES8101S and ES8103S but unlike the ES8109S, the ES-GA21S does not include the "HydraClean" washing system. Washing the shaver manually is easy, and in my opinion HydraClean is just a bulky and expensive anti-feature.

The ES-GA21S is probably in Panasonic's "mid-high" range, and it's a good choice if you're looking for a wet/dry shaver that hasn't "jumped the shark" with superfluous features. For example, do you really need a digital readout showing how much battery charge is left? Probably not: the ES-GA21S charges rapidly at any voltage. It shaves well (after the normal adjustment period if it's your first electric) and reasonably quickly, cleans up easily, and keeps shaving well as long as you replace the blades and screen at a reasonable interval. (Panasonic says to replace the blades every year, but I think somewhat more frequent replacement works better. The screen probably lasts the two years Panasonic suggests, but perhaps it's easier to remember to replace it every other time you replace the blades.) The charger is relatively small, so there's no problem bringing it on longer trips when it might be needed. (But I'd leave it home for a weeklong trip. There's plenty of battery capacity on a full charge.) Shaving cream and gel (especially) just slow the razor down, so I'd just stick to warm water. If you're particularly sensitive try a little glycerin soap in the mix. Keep an eye out for the occasional sales Amazon has on Panasonic shavers.

I recently switched back to a Panasonic after once again giving Braun a chance. This razor as usual is far superior to the competition. The razor is whisper quite compared to any electric I've used in the past, and I have been using electric razors for the last 14 years. The shave is quick, precise, and very close. Clean-up is simple and does not require expensive cleaning cartridges. This razor works best with a wet shave. I do not use shaving cream nor lotion, just a couple handfuls of warm water to the face, then let the razor do the work. Battery life is strong and provides approx 10-14 shaves per charge. If you're looking for a quality razor at a reasonable price this one is worth considering.

This is my first electronic shaver and so far I am very satisfied with it. I used shave with Gillette Power Fusion shaver for years, but my facial hair grows way too fast. Need a cheaper shaving product and so far this seems to do the job just fine. It cost about $150+tax in Future Shop (down in Canada) so i figured i'd order it from Amazon. Cost me a total of $91CDN. Its a great bang for the buck.

I am 76 years old and have always used an electric razor. Without question, this is the best razor
I have ever owned....there is nothing else to say.

I've been using different models of Panasonic wet/dry shavers ever since they were invented back in the 80s. Over time, they have gotten better and better. The linear drive motor series is the best electric shaver I've ever owned! The ES-GA-21S is a no-nonsense shaving machine. It generally only requires one or two passes on the sides of my face and only a few more in my tough neck areas. The nice thing is it doesn't chew up the skin on my neck with those extra passes.

It's very EASY to clean with the sonic vibration mode. Take the top off, squirt a little liquid soap on the blades, replace the top and turn on the sonic mode. About 10 sec through, I start running it under water and then take the top off and run water over the blades for another 20 sec sonic cycle. It stays CLEAN, which also means the parts will last longer. The only thing I don't like is this model DOES NOT operate with the cord plugged in. My previous Panasonics always let me plug in the shaver and use it while plugged in if I hadn't charged it in awhile. You better keep this one charged or be prepared to wait a few minutes for the "emergency charge" if it runs down.

I use this shaver dry. I find no need for shaving cream when it performs as well as it does without it. Get one of the Panasonic linear drive motor shavers and you will not be disappointed. There's nothing better because they really are the best!

Very good small appliance, low operating noise, full charge in one hour, easy to clean, shave hair short to the skin.

My husbamd really likes this shaver. He has very thick facial hair and gets it all nice and close. Would recommend this highly.

I am a long time Panasonic shaver user and this is the best model that I have ever owned.

William Nelson

I got tired of paying the outrageous prices for replacement blades for my Gillette Fusion razor, and since I had previously owned a Panasonic wet/dry electric shaver which had broke after MANY years of reliable service, I thought I'd give it another try and purchase this Panasonic wet/dry shaver based on its reviews, and my previous experience with Panasonic, a company which makes quality and reliable products. It's the BEST thing I've ever done. It shaves as closely as my Fusion razor, and I'm saving money from having to purchase expensive replacement blades. However, I do keep some inexpensive, disposable razors on hand since I have a moustache & goatee in which case I need to get in places that require a blade. If you're thinking about purchasing this particular shaver, go for it!!! You won't be disappointed.

I was disappointed with this shaver. The buzzing noise is too loud and too high pitched. It does give a decent shave but not great on neck hair. The built-in trimmer is at an awkward angle and sometimes "bites". I put it in a drawer. I am Delighted with the shaver I bought to it - the Phillips Norelco 1150x/1140. The Phillips is quieter, more comfortable and less expensive. Some reviewers did not like the Phillips trimmer because the shaver head has to be removed and replaced by the snap-on trimmer. I don't mind that at all - because it works great, it's easy to change heads, and it doesn't "bite". It's also a wet/dry shaver that can be used in the shower.