Customer Reviews

Panasonic ES8078S Vortex HyrdraClean Wet/Dry Shaving System

5 star:		(66)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I'm not sure what the difference is between this model and the ES8077 (new model-year perhaps?) but they both appear to be exceptional razors. I've had it for over two weeks and the battery isn't even close to needing a re-charge. I replaced an older Panasonic razor with this one and found it to provide a superior shave. One of the great things about this razor is the ability to charge it in it's cleaner/charger stand OR with the charger adapter alone. This enables the razor to be used (and charged) practically anywhere in the world and you don't have to drag the cleaner assembly around with it, just the razor and its relatively small plug-in adapter. This was a big plus for me as I travel to Europe periodically. Then again, given the battery life on this thing, it may not even be necessary to charge it while I'm in Europe!

Since it's a wet/dry razor, it gives the user an option to clean the razor with soap and water without using the stand and buying cleaning cartridges--something Braun apparently doesn't do and one of the major reasons I abandoned Braun back when they started selling razors that required cleaning cartridges. The cleaning cartridges were a good idea for razor manufacturer profits, dumb idea for a consumer who just wants a razor that works without the monthly fee for cleaning cartridge refills. Braun lost a customer because of that philosophy. I simply don't buy the idea that after decades of razor manufacturer they suddenly need regular special cleanings to work properly.

I really haven't found any points of complaint regarding this razor. The manual says your face may need up to 30 days to adjust but the 8078 caused no problems from day 1 (maybe because I was already using an older Panasonic?). You have the option of using the included cleaner base if you want, but you at least have the option of alternate cleaning methods of you don't want to spend that money every month.

I purchased the Panasonic ES8078S Vortex HydraClean Wet/Dry shaver to replace an old Norelco Spectra shaver rather than buy replacement shaving heads. Since my Norelco shaver was several years old, I figured a newer shaver might offer a better shave.

The Vortex HydraClean shaver is quite versatile. You can dry-shave with it or, for a closer, more comfortable shave, you can wet-shave with some shaving cream. The shaver is waterproof, so it can be used in the bath or shower. There is a switch that enables you to adjust the shaving head so it will either be rigid or move up and down as it is pressed against your face. I found this feature to be pretty useless. There are no adjustments for closeness of shave. Compared with my old Spectra, dry-shaving with the Panasonic Vortex was a big disappointment. The shave was mediocre at best, which I found most surprising after reading all of the glowing reviews about this shaver. My Spectra dry-shaves closer with dull blades. But the wet-shave with the Panasonic Vortex is as close as a razor. I honestly did not believe any shaver could shave as close as a razor, but this one can if you use shaving cream. Which begs the question: why would you want to use a shaver instead of a razor (which would be far less expensive and easier to clean and maintain) if you are going to use shaving cream?

The shaver can be charged with the AC adapter separately or you can place the shaver in an included holder that will clean, dry, and charge your shaver automatically. A single charge is estimated to last for 2 weeks of shaving, so travel is possible without taking the charger. The holder can be programmed to perform different automatic functions: charge only; dry only; clean & dry only; dry & charge only; and clean, dry, & charge. The full cycle of clean, dry, and charge takes about 3 hours to complete. It is also quite noisy -- you do not want to do this while someone is trying to sleep nearby. The cleaning system uses a special cleaning cartridge that must be purchased separately (the shaving system comes with one cartridge). Each cartridge will last about 30 days before it must be replaced. Oddly, the cleaning cartridge will not last any longer if you don't clean your shaver every day -- it will last only the same amount of time. So you may as well clean your shaver every day. You won't save any money by doing otherwise. Replacement cartridges sell in packs of three for around $12-15 (they are hard to find -- it seems they are perpetually out of stock at most online retailers, including Amazon). So it costs about $50/year to use this shaving system to its full potential. If you prefer not to spend your money on cleaning cartridges, you can clean the shaver with liquid hand soap and water. Obviously, this is not as handy as simply sticking the shaver in its holder for automatic cleaning. A replacement foil and blade set for the Panasonic Vortex shaver currently costs about $50.

If you like to shave in the shower or, for some inexplicable reason, want to use a shaver with shaving cream, you will likely be very happy with the Panasonic Vortex shaver. It will shave as close as a razor. If you are planning to shave dry, however, compared with other premium shavers like the Norelco Spectra you will likely be disappointed with the Panasonic Vortex shaver. It remains to be seen whether or not the Panasonic Vortex will be worth $100/year added cost in cleaning solution and new foil/blades. I suspect it will not.

I have bought many razors in my lifetime, 72+ years, and have never experienced a better shave than this little beauty. It is just perfect for the every other day shave when one is retired and could replace my four blade razor that gives a very close shave, but this does not leave tender areas that you know you have to put up with for that day. This is the best product that I have seen on the market. Kudos for Panasonic. J. Foley, San Jose, Ca.

This shaver is absolutely lovely. It is the exact same thing as the ES8077S. The difference is the color of the shaver (77 is gold, 78 is silver). This is my first electric shaver and I am happy to say that it has been one of the greatest investments Ive ever made. It shaves wonderfully more or less everywhere. The real trick to shaving the problem areas, like your neck, is going over it at different directions (diagonal, horizonal, vertical and also going backwards). I have very sensitive skin and even when going over an area multiple times I get almost no irritation. The first time I used it it was somewhat bothersome and didnt get as much hair as I wanted it too. As time passes your face adjusts and it seems that either it shaved the hairs better, or I just learned to shave in a more effective manner. The cleaning base is rather loud if you do the actual cleaning cycle, but I find using soap and water to be just as effective and then just doing the dry/charge cycle, which is much quieter. This electric razor pretty much is a wonderful product that gets the job done and does not break the bank. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good, quick shave with little or no irritation.

First ordered using Amazon Free Super Saver Shipping, but afterward realized it would be several days before they even filled the order let alone shipped the product, which might then still take another week or two to arrive. (Not an issue if you're not in a rush of course). Changed the order to 2-day shipping (cost me $12.47 extra) and the product was shipped the next day and I picked it up the day after that. Amazon's price was the best I could find, especially compared to Canadian prices if you could even find that model 'up here" (which I couldn't). Huge saving.

(For any Canadian's, Amazon will only ship to an American address. I'm fortunate to live near the border so just had the shaver shipped to a mail drop service across the line, then went down and picked it up. Customs didn't even charge me any import taxes when I declared it at the border so the entire package ran just over $100 including U.S. taxes and shipping. Half what it would have cost in Canada.)

Have used a Panasonic ES8066 13.000rpm shaver for several years, so pretty much knew what I was getting with the ES8078. The ES8078 seems a bit more "plastic-y" than the old ES8066 and doesn't feel as "substantial" in the hand. Only time will tell if it proves as robust. Hopefully I won't ever drop it to find out. And on that note, the shaver "fits" well in the hand and seems easy to hang on to. Oh, and the ES8078 on/off switch is an "electronic" button which you press and hold for a moment to start the shaver, rather than a physical switch you slide up and down as in the old ES8066. (Holding the button a couple seconds puts the shaver into 17,000rpm cleaning mode, something which I don't plan to use).

The shave is as wonderful as the old Panasonic shaver (well, actually a considerable improvement as my old one was on its last legs). The 13,000rpm motor provides a great shave as was also evident with the old ES8066. I was a long time Braun user for many years before converting to the Panasonic ES8066 and have never looked back. At the time, the ES8066 was a far better built unit than the Braun shavers, but with the ES8078 much lighter plastic build it may well be more equivalent to the Brauns now in build quality.

The ES8078's flexible shave head does seem to provide a somewhat more comfortable shave experience over my older ES8066's stationary head. As well as the shaver head pivoting and springing up and down, the blades inside the ES8078 even flex up and down and tip end to end within the shave head itself. I use the shaver dry on both face and head with equally good results. Can get my head smooth as glass when I take my time to go over it leaving no "sandpaper" feel. Surprisingly only takes a few minutes to do. (And of course you are free to wander about or sit at the computer or what have you while shaving.)

I've only once tried shaving "wet" with the old Panasonic, but found it equally as irritating to my face as shaving with a razor blade which of course I was trying to avoid, so have stuck ever since with dry shave. I'm sure if I stuck with the wet shave my skin might get accustomed, but with getting such a great dry shave there's no need.

The ES8078 charges up very fast. The unit sports a single Li-ion battery, and of course the Linear motor puts out 13,000rpm no matter what the battery level might be, which is a nice feature over razors that tend to slow down as the battery drains, or which tend to "bog down" when dealing with heavy growth areas. My old ES8066 is still functioning fine on its original batteries after all these years, and it has spent almost all of its life sitting in its induction charging stand when not in use, so Panasonic's claim that the battery won't be damaged or over-charged if left in the charger appear to be correct.

As far as the new ES8078's charging stand/cleaner, I don't plan to use it as is far easier to simply rinse the shaver under the tap after a shave, and when it needs charging just plug in the included A/C charger. (Plus I don't have the extra space on the counter for the stand/cleaner.)

One reviewer complained about having to shave "against the grain" to get a good shave (or any shave at all) with this shaver. For anyone else wondering about the issue, this is exactly how ALL electric shavers work. Unlike a regular razor blade or straight razor which can cut hairs at the skin while shaving no matter which direction you "scrape" with the blade, all electric shavers MUST go "against" the grain to enable the hairs to slip into the tiny holes in the shaving foil so that the blades inside the foil can then cut the hairs off as they stick through the screen. Unfortunately there's no other way around it.

I hope some of this ramble might help someone in their own shaver decision, as the other reviews here helped me decide in my own purchase, so thought I'd try and respond in kind.

I have to say that I have been converted. For over 15 years now I lived with a razor. I have a pretty thick beard and it grows fast too. I am the kind of guy that gets a 5 o'clock shadow at noon. I have used every single type of razor out there from disposable to the battery operated vibrating type and from the one blade to the 5+1 blade. I have tried all the brands and ended up feeling the Gillette brand is the best type of razor, but now I find it's not the best shave. I used an electric shaver several years back, it was one of the top of the line Norelco with the incorporated gel. It gave me a pretty bad razor burn and did not get all the hairs; I ended up having to shave as normal. --TRUE STORY-- I am a Manager at my job and on my last annual review the only item I was marked bad was my personal appearance. Not that I dress bad or not wear deodorant, but that they felt I didn't shave often. (I shave at the very least every other day, usually every day). So I felt I had to so something about it. I researched electric shavers thinking I could get a quick shave during my lunch hour in my car or at least on my way to work so it would last longer. I found that Panasonic seems to be leading the pack and was moderately priced and had all the features the expensive models had. The instruction manual is explicit in saying it will take about 30 days to get used to any new shaving method and they assure you will love the Panasonic shaver once your facial hairs get used to the way it is cut. I have been using it for almost 30 days now, and I will not live without it. I have NEVER had this close of a shave before. I can actually go 2 days without getting a shadow. My fiancé has found a new love for touching my face, and I seem to be getting more kisses too! During the first 2 weeks I had to get a couple of the missed hairs with my old Gillette, but today officially I was able to through my Gillette away for good. (My boss has even asked what I am doing different and when I told him, he went out and bought one too, he also loves it now. My fiancé said she would leave me if I stopped using the Panasonic, it's a good thing Panasonic has been around for decades) So, I am raving about his product, but every good has its bad... what the bad? Well, it gets a couple of weeks to get used to the shave, but for the amount of time I am planning to use it and the money I am saving from buying razors every month, I can handle that. The cleaning system is very good, but it takes very long to clean (2-3 hrs) and it is noisy since the base turns the shaver on and off during the cleaning cycles. The cleaning cartage is said to last 3 months whether you use it once a day or one a week. I have not gotten to that point yet, but it is very very easy to clean in the shower with some body wash. I just end up using the base for the drying cycle, which is an option. The batter is very good. In the month I have used it, I have charged it twice but it really didn't need it as it said the charge was good. Overall... excellent product. Could there be a better shaver out there, maybe, will I ever know... at this time, I am not worried about it, I am very satisfied with this Panasonic, and don't think it can get any better. Ohh yea and as for which model to choose from, they are all good, the difference in price and model number is whether it comes with the cleaning base, which I do recommend, and how it displays the battery status. Splurge as little or as much as you want. The product's quality doesn't change. But look at it this way, if your going to keep it for a couple of years, why not get a nicer model now?

In my opinion, this is the first electric shaver that does what electric shavers are supposed to do: cut both short and long hairs quickly and cleanly. I have had many, many other electric shavers in the last half century, but I'd give all of them a grade of C- to F, particularly when it comes to cutting long hairs. Not this puppy. It works beautifully. And it's fast. I used to spend 5 minutes shaving. Now in two minutes I'm done. And long hairs are dealt with as easily as short. The long hair trimmer is the Achilles Heel of most shavers. Either it's not efficient at cutting long hairs, or it's flimsy and breaks within a year or so. The Panasonic ES8078S is excellent in the first respect, and appears to be more robust in the second. I've had it only a month, so the jury is still out on longevity, but even in the unlikely event it lasts only a year, I'd buy another one, it's that good. This is also the first self-cleaning shaver I've had. Cartridges of the liquid cleaner are $4 each, but they last a month, and they're worth it. If you don't want to spend the $4, you can wash the shaver under the tap, with or without liquid soap. The shaver also recharges without the base unit (from 110V or 220V) so it's great for traveling. It takes 3 hours to recharge, which is a bit long, but when do you want to shave at intervals of less than 3 hours? I'd give this shaver a grade of A+.

Being in the military, I have to shave daily and unfortunately that includes my face and my head. Over the past nine years of having to do so, i have tried several different types of electric razors and nothing ever came close to the shave of a regular razor (Mach 3, headblade, Fusion). After spending a ton of money on constantly replacing the blades for the Fusion and Mach 3, I decided to do some research and find the best electric razor and give it a shot. This razor is amazing for the head. I use it in the shower and use shower gel vice shaving cream and it works great, just as close as a normal razor. Only reason I gave it 4 stars vice 5 is that it does not catch all the hairs on my face and usually have to run it over my face multiple times.

I researched thoroughly before settling on this gem. I've been using it for four months now, and here is my perspective.

**The good**
Superb wet shave
Decent dry shave alone
Superb dry shave with talc (e.g. Remington Face Saver)
Trimmer works great for maintaining sideburns, goatees, etc.
Easy cleaning by hand; cleaning system works well
Dock can do any combination of clean/dry/charge
Can charge with the cord alone
Charge lasts a very long time
Spouse can use it
Blades are still sharp as ever
Cleaning cartridge refills inexpensive and last a full 3 months
Great value for price and then some

**The not so good**
More prone to nicks when shaving wet (I do have sensitive skin, though)
Shavings stick to skin during a wet shave, requiring frequent rinsing (unless using in the shower)
Charger/cleaner trips bathroom GFCI (outlet), so I have to plug it in elsewhere (it may simply the outlet's fault...pun intended)
Cleaning cycle is loud enough that you wouldn't want to start it before bedtime

**Other*
To elaborate some of the above... When my wife and I went on vacation, I took this without the charger or cord. She actually ended up using it (dry), too, and it worked well for her. We both used it numerous times over ten days and the charge didn't fade one bit.

If you're familiar with the Hydra from Greek mythology, you'll understand why I think "HydraClean" is a funny/poor product name.

**Verdict**
In all, I think you're more likely than not to be pleased with this shaver.

I have owned many Panasonic razors and I have a had quite a few wet/dry models. This is by far the best. Close shave, quiet, minimal razor burn.
The model just before this had issues with the cleaner/charger/holder but they fixed those issues with this model. I recommend it if you like electric and you like wet/dry.