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Product Description
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| Panasonic ES-LV81-K Arc 5 Multi Flex Wet/Dry Nanotech Rechargeable Shaver with Vortex Cleaning System, Black Panasonic's fully loaded men's wet/dry washable electric shavers are packed with smart, innovative features that deliver a clean, close, and comfortable shave. The ES-LV81-K is a 5-blade (arc5) shaving system which means more foils for better coverage and reduced shaving time. |
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Product Description
Panasonic ES-LV81-K Men's 5-Blade(ARC5) Shaving System with Nanotech Blades, Black
Panasonic Men's wet/dry shavers are packed with smart, innovative, features that deliver a remarkably close and comfortable shave. The ES-LV81-K is a 5-blade (arc5) shaving system which means more foils for better coverage and reduced shaving time. In addition, its nanotech blades are honed at an acute 30-degree angle enabling whiskers to be cut more cleanly at the root. The multi-flex active pivoting head allows the shaver glide uniformly over the chin and the jaw line for more efficient coverage and maximum comfort. The 14,000 fast, linear motor drive system eliminates the tugging and pulling that can occur with slower shavers and also maintain peak power right up to the end of the charge. The automatic cleaning/charging system cleanses the shaver with a hygienic, alcohol-free solution while removing stubble and debris. Panasonic’s ES-LV81-K comes equipped with a travel pouch, 10-stage LCD display, switch-lock button and pop-up trimmer. Other optional accessories include: foil (WES9171PC), blade (WES9170PC) and set (WES9030P). Dimensions: 6.3-Inch(h) x 2.8-Inch(w) x 2-Inch(d), 7.1-Ounce .
Three distinct foil patterns work in combo to capture and cut even the most difficult parts of your beard.
Lift-Tech Foil
Features reverse-tapered edges that lift and cut beards that lie flat.
Finishing Foil
A specially-shaped finishing foil captures and cuts even the most stubborn beards.
Slit Foil
Slit structure easily catches long beards. The long beards that are difficult for other blades to catch are cut to the ideal shortness for shaving.
Panasonic's advance shaver technology improves your daily shaving routine.
Face-Hugging Multi-Flex Pivoting Head
Head motion range: approximately 25 degrees back and forth, approximately 20 degrees left and right.
Conforms to neck, under the chin area, and jaw line.
30-Degree Stainless Nanotech Blades
Nano polished 30-degree-angle stainless hypoallergenic blades cut hair at its base for ultimate precision.
Fast, Linear Motor Drive
A rapid-fire 14,000 cycles per minute linear motor drive delivers a faster, closer shave. The fast, linear motor ensures a quick cut, eliminating pulling, tugging and irritation.
Multi-Fit Arc Blades
Five independently floating blades follow the contours of your face, chin and neck for a close and smooth shave.
Automatic Cleaning and Charging System
Cleans, dries, renew and charges the unit automatically keeping the blades sharp and ready for the next shave.
Wet/Dry Shaving
Enjoy the convenience of a quick shave using the dry operation or use wet, with foam or gel, for a smooth shave. Three stainless steel hypoallergenic blades and foils provide comfort and less irritation for sensitive skin types.
| Men's Shavers Model Overview |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Blades | 3 blades | 3 blades | 3 blades | 3 blades | 4 blades | 4 blades | 4 blades | 4 blades | 5 blades | 5 blades |
Wet/Dry Shaving | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Hypoallergenic Stainless-Steel Foil and Blades | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Floating Heads | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Rechargeable | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Trimmer | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Washable Sonic Vibration Cleaning | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Flexible Pivoting Head | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Slit Foil | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Automatic Universal Dual Voltage | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Travel Pouch | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Display | LCD | LCD | LCD | LED | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
30-Degree Stainless Nanotech Blades | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Arc Foil | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Linear Motor (RPM) | Y 13,000 | Y 13,000 | Y 13,000 | Y 13,000 | Y 13,000 | Y 13,000 | Y 14,000 | Y 14,000 | Y 14,000 | Y 14,000 |
Finishing Foil | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||||
Travel Lock | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||||
Multi-Flex Pivoting Head | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||||||
Ultra-Thin Vibrating Outer Foil | Y | Y | ||||||||
Lift-Tech Foil | Y | Y | ||||||||
Automatic Cleaning and Charging System | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |||||
Battery | Li-ion | Li-ion | Li-ion | Li-ion | Li-ion | Li-ion | Li-ion | Li-ion | Li-ion | Li-ion |
Replacement Outer Foil | WES9087PC | WES9087PC | WES9187PC | WES9187PC | WES9161CL | WES9161CL | WES9025PC | WES9025PC | WES9171PC | WES9171PC |
Replacement Inner Blade | WES9068PC | WES9068PC | WES9068PC | WES9068PC | WES9068PC | WES9068PC | WES9068PC | WES9068PC | WES9170PC | WES9170PC |
Replacement Foil & Blade | WES9013PC | WES9013PC | WES9027PC | WES9027PC | WES9020PC | WES9020PC | WES9165PC | WES9165PC | WES9030PC | WES9030PC |
Cleaning Cartridges | WES035P | WES035P | WES035P | WES035P | WES035P | |||||
| Trimmer | For beard, goatee, mustache and/or sideburns. |
|---|---|
| LCD Display | LCD battery status and charge indicator to keep your electric razor ready for the next shave. |
| Travel Lock | Switch-lock button. |
| Travel Pouch/Case | It comes with a convenient travel pouch ideal for use when away from home. |
| Stainless Steel Foil and Blades | The shaver blades utilize traditional Japanese sword-making manufacturing techniques by forging sharp, durable blades for an amazingly close shave. |
| Floating Heads | The floating head follows facial contours to provide a comfortable shave. |
| Rechargeble | An internal rechargeable battery means you don't have to wastefully buy and throw out batteries. |
| Automatic Universal Dual Voltage (100-240V) | With worldwide support for dual-voltage conversion, you can take the shaver with you when traveling internationally. |
| Battery | Lithium-ion battery. |
| Good Housekeeping | Awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval |
| Sonic vibrating cleaning mode | While rinsing the shaver under running water, sonic vibrations help remove clinging hair debris, leaving the blades fresh and renewed. |
Product Details
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
150 of 160 people found the following review helpful
By Wayne
VINE™ VOICE
Amazon Vine™ Review
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Right when you think you've got the best razor out there, somebody has to go and come out with something 3x as expensive. The question then, is it 3x better? Let's find out.
So I've been using the Braun 790cc razor for over about 19 months. I know this because I just replaced my blade at the 18 month mark about two months ago. This ensures it had a fair comparison with the Panasonic, as it was obviously brand new. This is also my first Panasonic. I've been using various high-end Braun razors for many years. Once they were worn out, I replaced them with whatever was the latest and greatest. I like my high-end razors. But when I saw this razor was retailing for $600, I was naturally skeptical that it was worth the price. Fortunately, this was a review unit, as you can see.
First, out of the box you have all of the usual expected items. Razor, blade, cleaning system, refill cartridge, etc. This is all basic, so I won't go into too much detail. You just plug it in, charge, shave, clean. Repeat. I've been doing this for about a month to give it a fair comparison. They also suggest using a new razor for a month to allow your face to get used to it. However, compared to the Braun 790cc, which also had a fresh blade, there was really no adjustment.
That's mostly because they use a similar cutting system. Except the Braun has a single larger cutter and the Panasonic uses 5 smaller ones. But not small enough. The head on the Panasonic is nearly twice as large as the Braun. Which is great for saving time on shaving most of your face, but it does make it more difficult to get into the tighter areas such as between the eye brows or under the nose. The head pivots in any direction that you'd like. Personally I've never found that to be as useful as it sounds. For everything else, the Panasonic wins, albeit by a slight margin. We're talking about a few seconds less shave time in favor of the 5-blade cutting system of the Panasonic.
How about noise and comfort? First thing you'll notice when you turn it on is that the Panasonic is much, much quieter than the 790cc. It also vibrates much less. Braun uses this "feature" as a selling point claiming it's supposed to help shaving. I always found it slightly annoying, but it is something I've gotten used to over the years. The Panasonic is quiet enough that you can really hear it cutting each hair (and letting you know you missed some spots). It's also slightly smoother and just a little nicer to use on a regular basis. Another win for the Panasonic.
Ergonomics. Braun wins. Between the unusual large head, slim body, and lack of a place to grasp it, the Panasonic is a little awkward to hold and switch positions. Sure, you do get used to it. But the Braun is much easier to hold in various position. I also keep finding that I'm pushing on the trimmer because it's right behind the head, where you hold it. Win for the Braun.
Miscellaneous features? The trimmer works comparably well. Although the Panasonic's trimmer only likes going in one direction, otherwise it'll try to close. Neither are the easiest to maneuver around your face, but they get the job done. How about the cleaning system? Well, that's easy. The Panasonic wins here. It's quieter (thanks to a quieter razor) and it's nice enough to dry your razor after cleaning it. You also don't have that alcohol smell that you're left with the Braun. Both Razors also have LCD's with interesting information that's nice to have. But certainly something you could live without. Especially with the Panasonic as it has no memory and only displays battery/shaving time for a few seconds. The Panasonics display looks nicer.
Let's wrap this up with some Pro's and Con's for the Panasonic.
Pros:
* Quiet and Smooth
* 5-blade cutting system works
* Cool looking blue LCD display
* Every feature you could want in a razor
* Fast and effective cutting
* Improved cleaning & drying system
Cons:
* Crazy expensive
* Awkward ergonomics
* LCD display could be more useful
* Trimmer tends to close when moving "upward"
So here's the tricky part. Who wins? Based on the features and performance listed in the review, The Panasonic easily wins. But price versus performance, the Braun wins. While the Panasonic does have the clear edge in features and performance, it's not enough to justify a $600 price tag when you can have an excellent Braun 7-series for around $200. I could easily go back to the Braun and not lose any sleep over it.
However, if you are in fact looking for the best razor money can buy, the Panasonic is the way to go. Not to mention I can only assume the price will go down on this one fairly soon. In either case, I know I'll certainly continue using the Panasonic over the Braun.
*** UPDATE 5/16 ***
I just wanted to provide a quick update after some more time with the shaver. First, the shaver has been working great. I've just been servicing the cleaning system and replacing the filter as needed and it still works good as the day I got it. I have found that it works best if I start with a quick dry shave and complete a "final pass" with a wet shave.
That seems to help reduce the number of "passes" along the skin and reduce irritation. Something you obviously can't do with dry-only shavers. The only negative, which was mentioned in the first review, is that darn trimmer. If you move upward, it keeps closing, unless you make sure to keep your finger on it. Which isn't super convenient given it's ergonomics.
Otherwise, still a minor issue, but I just like to follow up with these type of reviews. Enjoy!
So I've been using the Braun 790cc razor for over about 19 months. I know this because I just replaced my blade at the 18 month mark about two months ago. This ensures it had a fair comparison with the Panasonic, as it was obviously brand new. This is also my first Panasonic. I've been using various high-end Braun razors for many years. Once they were worn out, I replaced them with whatever was the latest and greatest. I like my high-end razors. But when I saw this razor was retailing for $600, I was naturally skeptical that it was worth the price. Fortunately, this was a review unit, as you can see.
First, out of the box you have all of the usual expected items. Razor, blade, cleaning system, refill cartridge, etc. This is all basic, so I won't go into too much detail. You just plug it in, charge, shave, clean. Repeat. I've been doing this for about a month to give it a fair comparison. They also suggest using a new razor for a month to allow your face to get used to it. However, compared to the Braun 790cc, which also had a fresh blade, there was really no adjustment.
That's mostly because they use a similar cutting system. Except the Braun has a single larger cutter and the Panasonic uses 5 smaller ones. But not small enough. The head on the Panasonic is nearly twice as large as the Braun. Which is great for saving time on shaving most of your face, but it does make it more difficult to get into the tighter areas such as between the eye brows or under the nose. The head pivots in any direction that you'd like. Personally I've never found that to be as useful as it sounds. For everything else, the Panasonic wins, albeit by a slight margin. We're talking about a few seconds less shave time in favor of the 5-blade cutting system of the Panasonic.
How about noise and comfort? First thing you'll notice when you turn it on is that the Panasonic is much, much quieter than the 790cc. It also vibrates much less. Braun uses this "feature" as a selling point claiming it's supposed to help shaving. I always found it slightly annoying, but it is something I've gotten used to over the years. The Panasonic is quiet enough that you can really hear it cutting each hair (and letting you know you missed some spots). It's also slightly smoother and just a little nicer to use on a regular basis. Another win for the Panasonic.
Ergonomics. Braun wins. Between the unusual large head, slim body, and lack of a place to grasp it, the Panasonic is a little awkward to hold and switch positions. Sure, you do get used to it. But the Braun is much easier to hold in various position. I also keep finding that I'm pushing on the trimmer because it's right behind the head, where you hold it. Win for the Braun.
Miscellaneous features? The trimmer works comparably well. Although the Panasonic's trimmer only likes going in one direction, otherwise it'll try to close. Neither are the easiest to maneuver around your face, but they get the job done. How about the cleaning system? Well, that's easy. The Panasonic wins here. It's quieter (thanks to a quieter razor) and it's nice enough to dry your razor after cleaning it. You also don't have that alcohol smell that you're left with the Braun. Both Razors also have LCD's with interesting information that's nice to have. But certainly something you could live without. Especially with the Panasonic as it has no memory and only displays battery/shaving time for a few seconds. The Panasonics display looks nicer.
Let's wrap this up with some Pro's and Con's for the Panasonic.
Pros:
* Quiet and Smooth
* 5-blade cutting system works
* Cool looking blue LCD display
* Every feature you could want in a razor
* Fast and effective cutting
* Improved cleaning & drying system
Cons:
* Crazy expensive
* Awkward ergonomics
* LCD display could be more useful
* Trimmer tends to close when moving "upward"
So here's the tricky part. Who wins? Based on the features and performance listed in the review, The Panasonic easily wins. But price versus performance, the Braun wins. While the Panasonic does have the clear edge in features and performance, it's not enough to justify a $600 price tag when you can have an excellent Braun 7-series for around $200. I could easily go back to the Braun and not lose any sleep over it.
However, if you are in fact looking for the best razor money can buy, the Panasonic is the way to go. Not to mention I can only assume the price will go down on this one fairly soon. In either case, I know I'll certainly continue using the Panasonic over the Braun.
*** UPDATE 5/16 ***
I just wanted to provide a quick update after some more time with the shaver. First, the shaver has been working great. I've just been servicing the cleaning system and replacing the filter as needed and it still works good as the day I got it. I have found that it works best if I start with a quick dry shave and complete a "final pass" with a wet shave.
That seems to help reduce the number of "passes" along the skin and reduce irritation. Something you obviously can't do with dry-only shavers. The only negative, which was mentioned in the first review, is that darn trimmer. If you move upward, it keeps closing, unless you make sure to keep your finger on it. Which isn't super convenient given it's ergonomics.
Otherwise, still a minor issue, but I just like to follow up with these type of reviews. Enjoy!
64 of 68 people found the following review helpful
By Doc H
Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm one of the minority of reviewer's who actually purchased this product (*definitely increasing since I wrote this though!); I didn't pay full retail (still listed some places as just south of $600), so let's say a little over half that. And the replacement head/foil is 80 bucks. So my comments straight up relate to whether I think I got my money's worth, not just the technical aspects of the shaver. The short version if you don't want to read the list is, yes, I think I did, with a footnote.
I've used just about every new model electric shaver out there in the quest for the perfect shaver, and reviewed several of them here: Braun Series 7- 790cc Pulsonic Shaver System, Silver, Philips Norelco 1290x/40 SensoTouch 3d Electric Shaver, Black, Panasonic ES-LA93-K Men's 4-Blade (Arc 4) Multi-Flex Dual-Motor Wet/Dry Nanotech Rechargeable Electric Shaver with Vortex Cleaning System, Black. To cut to the chase, there isn't a perfect shaver, at least one that fits everyone's shaving style. This one comes pretty darn close.
First the obvious: this is a foil shaver. If you use a rotary shaver and are happy with the results, stop reading and/or get the Norelco; it's the best one out there. A rotary shave is completely and totally different than a foil experience. If you think there might be something better, read on.
Second, among foils there are dry shavers only, and those that are both wet and dry. The LV81 is both. The Braun above is dry only. If you like to shave dry only, the Braun will serve you as well as any in my opinion, and has a superior cleaning system to the Panny, as well as costing a lot less. If you like a dry electric shave and don't care to change, get the Braun. If you think there might be something better, read on.
The ES-LV81 is the successor to the ES-LA93 (which I was using immediately prior and it was pretty good) and a worthy successor it is. It's the best wet electric shaver I have ever used. Ever. Things Panasonic has improved over the LA93:
- The constantly flashing blue police-cruiser charging light is gone; when the cleaning/charging cycle is complete, the unit goes off (cleaner and shaver). Some might miss it; me - not.
- The shaver is quieter than the LA93, both in use and during the cleaning cycle. Significantly less to my ear, but the previous model Panasonic shaver itself was already quieter than the Braun, although none of them are anywhere near as quiet as a rotary.
- A faster shave. The larger head really is functional, and if you already use the LA93 the transition will be seamless. It's more like gently scrubbing your face with a pad rather than shaving, and less irritating since you don't need to move the head as much over the same area. The larger head covers a lot of ground quickly, and I've reduced my shaving time by 30-40%. There is a shaving timer in the display, which I actually like - I've had one on other shavers; it helps me improve my shaving technique and speed up to a point of diminishing returns. The popup trimmer is functionally the same as the LA93.
- The cleaning station looks almost identical to the one for the LA93 externally (other than the silver front); in fact, the LV81 actually fits in the old one (sort of), but it's apparently a completely different unit. The interior well seems to be deeper; the back is contoured differently to fit the LV81, the cleaning cartridge fits flush rather than inset, and it does seem to be quieter. It also seems like the cleaning cycle is shorter, but I haven't timed it. When the cleaning cycle is complete, the lights go out, unlike the LA93 unit where the green LEDs for Clean/Dry flash continuously. It does use the same cartridges, and the water reservoirs appear to be the same. Noisier than the Braun or Norelco cleaners - and it runs longer - it does what it's supposed to do, and very economically as well.
So is it worth three hundred and a half bills to upgrade from the earlier Panasonic? To me, yes - I knew what I was getting, and it's really a significant improvement over any other Panasonic. Is it worth it to switch from another system or manufacturer? That depends.... If you THINK you might want to switch from a blade or a rotary experience, or switch to a wet shave from a dry with a different foil, I think a good price point would be in the $200+ range, which this shaver will eventually hit within a few months I would guess, and you might not feel too bad about switching back if it didn't work out. At today's price point, if you have the bucks and want to experiment, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
If you haven't tried it, a wet electric shave with a foil shaver is (to me) the closest, most comfortable electric shave you can get - and with this shaver, as close as you're going to get to a blade with an electric in my opinion. If you've been searching for the perfect electric, this just might be it.
I've used just about every new model electric shaver out there in the quest for the perfect shaver, and reviewed several of them here: Braun Series 7- 790cc Pulsonic Shaver System, Silver, Philips Norelco 1290x/40 SensoTouch 3d Electric Shaver, Black, Panasonic ES-LA93-K Men's 4-Blade (Arc 4) Multi-Flex Dual-Motor Wet/Dry Nanotech Rechargeable Electric Shaver with Vortex Cleaning System, Black. To cut to the chase, there isn't a perfect shaver, at least one that fits everyone's shaving style. This one comes pretty darn close.
First the obvious: this is a foil shaver. If you use a rotary shaver and are happy with the results, stop reading and/or get the Norelco; it's the best one out there. A rotary shave is completely and totally different than a foil experience. If you think there might be something better, read on.
Second, among foils there are dry shavers only, and those that are both wet and dry. The LV81 is both. The Braun above is dry only. If you like to shave dry only, the Braun will serve you as well as any in my opinion, and has a superior cleaning system to the Panny, as well as costing a lot less. If you like a dry electric shave and don't care to change, get the Braun. If you think there might be something better, read on.
The ES-LV81 is the successor to the ES-LA93 (which I was using immediately prior and it was pretty good) and a worthy successor it is. It's the best wet electric shaver I have ever used. Ever. Things Panasonic has improved over the LA93:
- The constantly flashing blue police-cruiser charging light is gone; when the cleaning/charging cycle is complete, the unit goes off (cleaner and shaver). Some might miss it; me - not.
- The shaver is quieter than the LA93, both in use and during the cleaning cycle. Significantly less to my ear, but the previous model Panasonic shaver itself was already quieter than the Braun, although none of them are anywhere near as quiet as a rotary.
- A faster shave. The larger head really is functional, and if you already use the LA93 the transition will be seamless. It's more like gently scrubbing your face with a pad rather than shaving, and less irritating since you don't need to move the head as much over the same area. The larger head covers a lot of ground quickly, and I've reduced my shaving time by 30-40%. There is a shaving timer in the display, which I actually like - I've had one on other shavers; it helps me improve my shaving technique and speed up to a point of diminishing returns. The popup trimmer is functionally the same as the LA93.
- The cleaning station looks almost identical to the one for the LA93 externally (other than the silver front); in fact, the LV81 actually fits in the old one (sort of), but it's apparently a completely different unit. The interior well seems to be deeper; the back is contoured differently to fit the LV81, the cleaning cartridge fits flush rather than inset, and it does seem to be quieter. It also seems like the cleaning cycle is shorter, but I haven't timed it. When the cleaning cycle is complete, the lights go out, unlike the LA93 unit where the green LEDs for Clean/Dry flash continuously. It does use the same cartridges, and the water reservoirs appear to be the same. Noisier than the Braun or Norelco cleaners - and it runs longer - it does what it's supposed to do, and very economically as well.
So is it worth three hundred and a half bills to upgrade from the earlier Panasonic? To me, yes - I knew what I was getting, and it's really a significant improvement over any other Panasonic. Is it worth it to switch from another system or manufacturer? That depends.... If you THINK you might want to switch from a blade or a rotary experience, or switch to a wet shave from a dry with a different foil, I think a good price point would be in the $200+ range, which this shaver will eventually hit within a few months I would guess, and you might not feel too bad about switching back if it didn't work out. At today's price point, if you have the bucks and want to experiment, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
If you haven't tried it, a wet electric shave with a foil shaver is (to me) the closest, most comfortable electric shave you can get - and with this shaver, as close as you're going to get to a blade with an electric in my opinion. If you've been searching for the perfect electric, this just might be it.
86 of 100 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Vine™ Review
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Is this shaver worth over $300?
Like a Mercedes S-Class, the ES-LV81 is loaded with features, and you're part of an exclusive club because for some reason very few other people own one.
The ES-LV81 does not lock you into $1600 brake jobs or $50 wiper blades, but Panasonic does its level best to make you feel special. For example, the included cleaning system uses a detergent cartridge available only from Panasonic. If the shaver lasts 6-years, you can spend $114 for 2 quarts of detergent. Plus about $400 on replacement blades/foils (see Note 1).
The same shaver without the automatic cleaning system is about $50 less: Panasonic Men's 5-Blade Shaving System (ES-LV61-A).
My base of comparison is the $35 Norelco 7310XL. I've used this and similar Norelcos for 15+ years. The Norelcos are much quieter, but do not shave as close.
PROs:
- Closer shave than Norelco style rotary shavers (see Note 2)
- Wet or dry use
- Switch lock (prevents accidental suitcase-ON)
- Smart charger is fast (1 hour) and energy efficient (zero drain when finished)
- Battery status indicator
- Instructions for hand cleaning with standard soap & water
- Fit and finish is good. Doesn't feel cheap.
OKs:
- Large blade area - 1.0" x 1.6" - good for straight-aways, awkward on curves
- Automatic Cleaning system - Might not be worth the hassle (see Note 3)
- Lithium Ion battery provides 45 minutes shave time (my Norelco is 30 min.)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Satisfaction Guarantee: 30 days (see Note 4)
- Travel case: vinyl
- Head swivels left-right, up-down (benefit?, prone to breakage?)
- Owner manual: Clear and readable
CONs:
- Louder than Norelco style rotary shavers (see Note 5)
- Expensive
- Consumables are also expensive
- - - Summary - - -
It might be hard to justify $300 - $400 for this shaver. Harder yet with the expensive supplies.
- - - Notes - - -
Note 1: Manual recommends foil replacement (WES9171p - $ 60) every year, blade replacement (WES9170p - $30) every 2 years, and detergent cartridge (WES035p - about $ 3.16 each on amazon) every 2 months or sooner. Blade-Foil combo is sold as WES9030 ($78 - $99). Foil + blades could cost $67 per year or more.
Note 2: Close shave. Rotary shavers don't shave as close as thin-foil reciprocating shavers. I did a left-face, right face comparison. The Norelco side freshly shaved matches the Panasonic side 2 hours after shaving. (In a time when every hip model and celebrity dude is rocking the 36-hour stubble, "super-close" might not even be a big priority.)
Note 3: Automatic Cleaning System: This involves a cleaning tray into which you set the shaver head, a 5-oz. tank of recirculating water, a detergent cartridge (replace every 2 months), a 10-minute Clean cycle, and a 80 minute Heated Dry cycle. The shaver display will direct you to clean at the proper time.
After the Cleaning System has saved you the trouble of cleaning your shaver, it's time for...Ummm... you need to clean the cleaning system! Every 2 months or so. The manual shows you how.
You can read many comments on the cleaning system under amazon reviews for the Panasonic Detergent Cartridges) (WES035p). One guy uses hydrogen peroxide instead of Panasonic's expensive detergent cartridges.
If you're starting to feel like the cleaning system is an elaborate joke, you can just run some soapy water on your shaver once in a while and declare victory.
Note 4: Satisfaction Guarantee: Panasonic gives you 30 days. They also say "Please allow 30 days for your skin to adjust." [after which it's too late.] Norelco gives you 45 days to return, while saying your skin needs "21 days to adjust."
Note 5: Loud: The ES-LV81 is no louder than other reciprocating shavers I've tried. But it's a lot louder that Norelco-style rotary shavers. Annoying if you hate loud, or if someone is sleeping nearby.
Like a Mercedes S-Class, the ES-LV81 is loaded with features, and you're part of an exclusive club because for some reason very few other people own one.
The ES-LV81 does not lock you into $1600 brake jobs or $50 wiper blades, but Panasonic does its level best to make you feel special. For example, the included cleaning system uses a detergent cartridge available only from Panasonic. If the shaver lasts 6-years, you can spend $114 for 2 quarts of detergent. Plus about $400 on replacement blades/foils (see Note 1).
The same shaver without the automatic cleaning system is about $50 less: Panasonic Men's 5-Blade Shaving System (ES-LV61-A).
My base of comparison is the $35 Norelco 7310XL. I've used this and similar Norelcos for 15+ years. The Norelcos are much quieter, but do not shave as close.
PROs:
- Closer shave than Norelco style rotary shavers (see Note 2)
- Wet or dry use
- Switch lock (prevents accidental suitcase-ON)
- Smart charger is fast (1 hour) and energy efficient (zero drain when finished)
- Battery status indicator
- Instructions for hand cleaning with standard soap & water
- Fit and finish is good. Doesn't feel cheap.
OKs:
- Large blade area - 1.0" x 1.6" - good for straight-aways, awkward on curves
- Automatic Cleaning system - Might not be worth the hassle (see Note 3)
- Lithium Ion battery provides 45 minutes shave time (my Norelco is 30 min.)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Satisfaction Guarantee: 30 days (see Note 4)
- Travel case: vinyl
- Head swivels left-right, up-down (benefit?, prone to breakage?)
- Owner manual: Clear and readable
CONs:
- Louder than Norelco style rotary shavers (see Note 5)
- Expensive
- Consumables are also expensive
- - - Summary - - -
It might be hard to justify $300 - $400 for this shaver. Harder yet with the expensive supplies.
- - - Notes - - -
Note 1: Manual recommends foil replacement (WES9171p - $ 60) every year, blade replacement (WES9170p - $30) every 2 years, and detergent cartridge (WES035p - about $ 3.16 each on amazon) every 2 months or sooner. Blade-Foil combo is sold as WES9030 ($78 - $99). Foil + blades could cost $67 per year or more.
Note 2: Close shave. Rotary shavers don't shave as close as thin-foil reciprocating shavers. I did a left-face, right face comparison. The Norelco side freshly shaved matches the Panasonic side 2 hours after shaving. (In a time when every hip model and celebrity dude is rocking the 36-hour stubble, "super-close" might not even be a big priority.)
Note 3: Automatic Cleaning System: This involves a cleaning tray into which you set the shaver head, a 5-oz. tank of recirculating water, a detergent cartridge (replace every 2 months), a 10-minute Clean cycle, and a 80 minute Heated Dry cycle. The shaver display will direct you to clean at the proper time.
After the Cleaning System has saved you the trouble of cleaning your shaver, it's time for...Ummm... you need to clean the cleaning system! Every 2 months or so. The manual shows you how.
You can read many comments on the cleaning system under amazon reviews for the Panasonic Detergent Cartridges) (WES035p). One guy uses hydrogen peroxide instead of Panasonic's expensive detergent cartridges.
If you're starting to feel like the cleaning system is an elaborate joke, you can just run some soapy water on your shaver once in a while and declare victory.
Note 4: Satisfaction Guarantee: Panasonic gives you 30 days. They also say "Please allow 30 days for your skin to adjust." [after which it's too late.] Norelco gives you 45 days to return, while saying your skin needs "21 days to adjust."
Note 5: Loud: The ES-LV81 is no louder than other reciprocating shavers I've tried. But it's a lot louder that Norelco-style rotary shavers. Annoying if you hate loud, or if someone is sleeping nearby.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Electric Shaver I Have Ever Owned
I just received this shaver from Amazon.com. It arrived promptly and was packaged nicely so that it was easy to open. I have used it twice so far. Read more
Published 9 days ago by L. R. Zbar
1.0 out of 5 stars
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Published 12 days ago by tom
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Published 13 days ago by CP
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Published 20 days ago by Sekou Kamara
5.0 out of 5 stars
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Published 25 days ago by Kathy Sahafi
2.0 out of 5 stars
Meh... Not worth it.
I have really sensitive skin on my neck and my previous electric razor, while it didn't irritate my skin, i definitely didn't feel like i got a very close shave. Read more
Published 1 month ago by sonofjohn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best ever owned.
Best saver ever owned, that's saying a lot given I'm almost 70 years old. First review ever wrote. If you have a hard beard to shave this is like using a safety razor.
Published 1 month ago by dac
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great razor
It was well worth the price!! Took my face about 2 weeks to adjust from a manual razor, but this gives me a close shave!! Read more
Published 1 month ago by PT
1.0 out of 5 stars
AVOID!!
The razor itself is OK at best. The cleaning/charging base simply does not work. It regularly clogs up, causing the cleaning solution to spill over. Read more
Published 1 month ago by kaveh djahansouzshahi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good
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Published 1 month ago by alberto ortega venzor
