Customer Reviews

Panasonic ES8109S Men's 3-Blade (Arc 3) Wet/Dry Nanotech Rechargeable Electric Shaver with Vortex Cleaning System, Silver

5 star:		(314)
4 star:		(100)
3 star:		(29)
2 star:		(26)
1 star:		(24)

 

 

Ok, so this is my third Panasonic wet/dry shaver in about 5 years and, by far, this one is the best one yet. I've experimented with other manufacturers' shavers over the years, including Brauns, Norelcos and Grundig shavers, but I've ultimately found nirvana, ok, not quite nirvana, but a most pleasant shaving experience with Panasonic shavers. I love Panasonic's shavers because I like being able to shave in the shower with an electric shaver and a little glycerin based shaving foam (Gilette Series foam in the long silver tube works best for me and doesn't gum up the shaver like gels do). I swear, this unbeatable combination (i.e., shower steam, Panasonic wet/dry shaver and Gilette Series foam) shaves me closer than even the best blades that Gilette offers (at present, the Gilette Fusion) with far less irritation and with no annoying little cuts in conspicuous locations around my face and/or neck.

Just to review, my first Panasonic wet/dry was great and served me well for about 3 years, but when the Panasonic models came out a few years ago with the Vortex cleaning systems, I just had to have one, so I moved on to the model ES8078 wet/dry shaver. The ES8078 served me well for a year-and-a-half - until I dropped that bad boy in the shower earlier this week! 'Nuf said. It didn't break into a zillion pieces or anything, but the motor just stopped working. (It's actually kinda funny because I was so preoccupied with ensuring the safekeeping of that little shaver ever since I brought it home, chiding my poor wife for even looking at it wrong, and then my dumb arse drops the dang thing in the shower. AAARGHHHH!!!) Anyhow, after a quick review of the top of the line shavers from various manufacturers currently available (including the new Braun Pulsonic models), I opted to go for the latest offering from Panasonic. Even though the new Brauns cost $100 more than the Panasonics, their motors are still slower, and you still can't shave with 'em wet. For the uninitiated, higher motor speed = faster moving blades = less friction = less irritation. Panasonics have consistently had the highest motor speed available in any electric shaver.

I've shaved with the new ES8109S shaver for a few days now, and my first impression after the very first shave was that I got a very close shave (consistent with the performance of my prior Panasonics) and, try to understand this, my face did not FEEL as though I had just shaved. It may sound a little odd, but you know how your face feels sensitive to the touch after you typically shave? Well, that sensation, at least for me, was far less apparent after shaving with the new Panasonic. Heck, maybe it's the new curved blade and foil assembly that reduces irritation or something. In this respect, the new ES8109S actually outperforms Panasonic's prior top of the line offering (the ES8078) and actually causes even less shaving irritation than that model (which itself wasn't all that irritating to begin with). Also, much like the prior models, the little pop up trimmer on the side of the new shaver is great not only for trimming sideburns (which I actually never use it for), but also for capturing those awkward little hairs that lie flat or may be becoming ingrown. The latest model is also quieter than the last model and has a more substantial feel to it while holding it.

Oh, one more thing, the ES8109S comes with Panasonic's latest iteration of its Vortex Cleaning and charging base, which is slightly different from its prior models, but appears to use the same cleaning cartridge. The Vortex quietly cleans, lubricates and even fully recharges your shaver for you (alternatively, you can just plug the power cable for the Vortex directly into the shaver to recharge it). The cleaning/lubricating solution in the Vortex consists of a slender cartridge containing a detergent based solid that becomes "activated" when it mixes with water in the Vortex base. The cleaner is not alcohol-based, so it does not evaporate over time like the Braun cleaning solution does - along with the money you'll spend on their big, expensive refills.

In summary, I highly recommend the Panasonic ES8109S shaver to persons like me with sensitive skin that is prone to irritation (I know you're thinking, "Why didn't he just say that from the outset?") Hope this review helps!

LONG TERM UPDATE! - Well, I've had 8109S for almost one full year now and it's still going strong. I've noticed it's become slightly less efficient at capturing the few hairs on my cheeks that tend to lie flat, so it's about time for the annual changing of the foil, which I know (based on past experience with Panasonics) will restore the shaver to its fullest hair capturing & cutting potential. One tip I have about cleaning the razor - I shave and rinse clean my shaver every day, and I only clean it in the Vortex when it needs charging which, for me, is about once every two weeks. This cuts down on the usage of the cleaning cartridge. The need to clean your shaver will depend in large part on what you shave with (I use a foam, which tends to rinse cleaner than creams and gels). Also, one more tip regarding the cleaning cartridges in the Vortex cleaning system - you DON'T HAVE TO replace the cleaning solution at the manufacturer recommended interval. You can definitely get away with using them longer. I tend to use them until the service light on the Vortex base turns on, then I change the cleaning cartridge and water in the Vortex and it's good to go. I'm only on my third cleaning cartridge in the year I've owned the razor.

EVEN LONGER TERM UPDATE! - Well, it's a little over a year-and-a-half since I purchased this shaver, and it has died on me. It all started about two weeks ago when I noticed that it was holding less of a charge between chargings, i.e., I could get progressively less and less shaves per charge. Then the display started giving unintelligible readings that did not correspond to the charge level. Then, today, I go to try to turn on the shaver and no response. All in all, this shaver performed exceptionally well throughout it's lifespan and, considering the price of "next-best option" Gillette Fusion blades, was far less expensive, and less irritating, over time than shaving with blades. I have to admit I thought it would've lasted me a little longer than it did as past Panasonics I've owned have lasted longer. Now, I could try to have this thing repaired for some astronomical price, only to have it stop working again. Or, I could take this opportunity to purchase Panasonic's latest offering, the Arc IV Nano Men's Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaver, which I've scoped out and seen positive reviews of here on Amazon. I think I'm going to go with the new Panasonic, but this time without the Vortex cleaning base as this was the 2nd Panasonic shaver I've owned (one of which I dropped) that I am now stuck with a useless Vortex cleaning base. Happy shopping!

My 3+ year old Braun 7526 Syncro with Clean and Charge finally had enough. Prior to that was a blade preceeded by a Norelco.

Lets jump back a few years and share my history...

I have always broken out with razor burn and ingrown hairs on my neck for as long as I started growing facial hair. Cheap razors were terrable so I asked for an electric. The Norelco made it easier to shave but still had the issues. Several months later it was back to the blade. Someone suggested a foil shaver and, after much hesitation, I purchased the Braun. Wow! What an improvement over the blade and rotory shavers. I have been happily using it daily for almost 4 years. Dare I say...almost enjoy shaving. Razor burn is almost non-existant unless you grind away in an area for too long a time (come back to the area 15 minutes later helps), ingrown hairs are 98% cured, and it shaved closer than a rotory with only a few passes. A win/win combination. The cleaning system is great except when away from home and you have to do it manually.

That brings us to the present...

The Braun has hit the snooze button and no longer wants to get up in the morning with me. After many hours of research I thought I wanted another Braun...their top of the line Pulsonic model. Almost bought one based on a few blogs on the web. I did cringe at the asking price of $250 - $300 suggested retail. I have always enjoyed Panasonic products and noticed this razor at half the asking price of the Braun. It seemed too good to be true, but Panasonic products have never let me down yet. I gave it a try, knowing I could try it for 30 days and send it back if unhappy. I had nothing to lose.

I have had it a week now and nobody is taking this shaver away from me. I dare you to compare the 2 razors back to back and honestly say the Braun is worth double the price. They are, in my opinion, in the same class. The Panasonic is quieter both shaving and in the cleaning stand. It shaves closer and cuts more hair on the first pass, eliminating a 3rd or 4th pass. The Braun would sometimes knick my adams apple or lip and I have tried to get the Panasonic to do it but it wont (call me stupid). Since I dont have to shave 3, 4, or 5 times on my neck, the razor burn is gone. The ingrown hairs are 99% gone (I have had only one this past week). The cleaning gets the blades cleaner and they smell soapy clean and not chemically clean. The best part, a bonus if you will, is the Panasonic is water-resistant. Not only can you rinse the head off underwater at home or on the road, but you can shave in the shower or use shaving creams or lotions (gels are not recommended). The top of the line Braun can be rinsed under water but not used "wet" or with creams or lotions. The only drawback I could find is the travel bag they supply. I was hoping they could have supplied a better case to hold the cord and shaver for extended trips. Not a big deal though, on a big trip...I will have a big suitcase so I'm sure there will be plenty of room in there for a cord.

In conclusion, a great shaver with all the current technology and features offered by the competition at a reasonable asking price.

EDIT - MONDAY JANUARY 21, 2008
Since purchasing, this razor still continues to be my favorite. I have now started using it "wet" by warming my face with hot water, then applying a Neutragena shaving cream. The results are better. It shaves more hairs on the first pass, the cream eliminates any friction, and gives me the closest shave yet with an electric (some areas of the face feel like I shaved with a blade).

EDIT - SUNDAY JANUARY 18, 2009
Still loving it and using it everyday. However, the wife ran it through the front load washer tonight. It is now very clean. Still runs but needs a new set of blades. For added measure and the price of new blades and foil, I found a really good deal on the ES8228S shaver. The only difference between the two is the ES8228S adds a zippered vinyl travel case (vs cloth bag with draw strings) and the head has independent floating foil (each of the 3 foils is on their own suspension to track the curves of the face better).

I've been using this Panasonic electric shaver with nano blade technology (ES8228 or ES8109S) for the past 2 months and love it. Without exaggeration, it gives me the closest shave ever, and I've been using the top of the line electrics from Norleco and Braun for over 20 years. I have compared the Panasonic shaver with nano blades with the Braun Pulsonic and Norelco Arcitec and found that the Panasonic gives me the closest shave. Dry shaving will also give you a close shave. You won't regret this foil beauty, and you can't beat the price.

If you're an intelligent shopper you're doing some research comparing different shavers and brands. You probably read all of the bad reviews of the new Norelco shavers, and now you're probably between two shavers: the Panasonic ES8109S, and the Braun Pulsonic 7 series.

They're both great shavers, and in the end you'll be pretty happy with both. But the Panasonic has several key advantages for you to consider...

1) Braun's "superior" pulsonic technology makes 10,000 strokes. Panasonic's makes 13,000, for shaving, and a blistering 17,000 for cleaning purposes.
2) Braun's retail price is over twice that of Panasonic's.
3) Braun's shaver CANNOT be used in the shower. The 8109S can. In fact, it's fully immersible, if you feel like shaving underwater! :p
4) Braun's foil is straight, with a flexible head. The Panasonic's head is also flexible, but has a convex foil, which makes shaving under the neck much easier.
5) Both have a nifty cleaning mechanism for their shavers. To the best of my knowledge, the only way the Braun dries the shaver is with a heating element. The Panasonic not only dries your shaver with heat, but also a fan to really air it out. My shaver is bone dry once the drying cycle is over. Also, the cleaning solution for the Panasonic is alcohol-free, which prevents breakdown of plastics and water seals.


... I've owned three Norelco wet/dry shavers, and this is my third Panasonic. I gave the offering from Braun a hard look, but already knowing what kind of quality to expect from Panasonic for half the price, I decided shelling out crazy money for the Pulsonic just wasn't worth it. In the end, I not only saved money, but got my hands on a real gem of a shaver: easily the best I've ever owned, and the closest shave I've ever had. I highly recommend using this shaver with a glycerin-based shaving gel, such as those by Gilette or Nivea with MicroTec. Hands down, the closest shave you'll ever get in such a short amount of time.

I've tried them all. I've tried electric shavers that were half this price, and I've tried electric shavers that were more than double this price. I've gone with the top of the line Braun's, Philips Norelco's, and Remington's. I had to return all of them. For an electric shaver, this model was the best by far. It's easy to use and easy to clean (with the cleaning solution OR with soap and water). I love how it can be used dry (my usual method) or wet as well (in the shower if I'm in a hurry). I love how the charge lasts for days if I'm traveling. I love how it's fun to use. And most importantly, I love (and my girlfriend especially loves), how smooth my face feels after using it.

I had used regular razors for years before deciding to give electrics a try. The decision was mostly based on the fact that I hated how time consuming a task I found shaving to be. The only razors that I found got close enough to my skin, had expensive cartridges that needed to be replaced way too often because of how fast my thick stubble dulled them. Eventually, I just kind of stopped shaving regularly. I didn't necessarily like keeping a beard, but I disliked shaving even more, so I just stopped. After a while, when I noticed people started assuming I was about ten years older than I actually am, I decided I better start shaving again. And so this time, I decided to try the electric route.

After going through the gauntlet with pretty much every other high and low end electric shaver out there, I decided to try this Panasonic (a decision I made from reading these reviews on Amazon actually). That was a great decision. Immediately, I noticed the difference between this and all the other razors I tried. It seems that 13,000 RPMs does apparently make a difference. It gave me a cleaner, faster shave than any of the others. I don't know why exactly, maybe it was simply because I feel that it actually works, but I even have "fun" using it.

As far as how well it works. On my face, it definitely gives the closest shaves I've ever had. It hands-down beats every electric shaver AND regular razor that I've ever used. On the neck however, it does seem to continually miss some spots, and just can't quite adapt to the topography of my Adam's apple. It's not too bad, but on days that I have important meetings/interviews, I do have to go over my neck with a regular razor just to make sure everything is perfect. These instances are few and far in between, and for everyday use though, this is the tool to shave with.

I chose to buy this shaver after reading a lot of online reviews and receiving a discount program with Panasonic. Initially i was excited about the shaver and its advanced technologies, but when i received the shaver, i was actually a little bit disappointed.

Personally, i desire a shaver that's comfortable, thorough, and fast (as in completing a shave). This shaver only covers the comfort part for me. My facial hair grows rather quickly in various places on my face (i'm not a caveman but i would consider myself hairy for a young Asian male). I used to have a Phillips/Noreco shaver and it got the shaving done quick and thorough, although it wasn't nearly as comfortable as this Panasonic shaver.

The fancy technologies on this shaver are all cool and useful but I would have to shave the same area on my face for about 4-5 times to get a complete shave (keep in mind electronic shavers aren't as thorough as regular shavers). I wouldn't have spent $120+ on this if I had tried it out in a store first. On a side note, NEVER order from Panasonic website direct, because they are incompetent and they even charged me an item that i didn't order on my credit card. How crazy is that?

I was going to buy the Braun Pulsonic until I read the reviews here and on other Web providers. They convinced me the 8109 was worth the purchase. Note that this shaver is the same as their more expensive 8228 except for a wood trim and case color on the latter. Out of box set up took 10 minutes to read and do. Charged up fully in 30 minutes even tho literature says "up to an hour". Wet shaves are great but even dry this shaver is without pulling and takes little effort for a shave second only to a blade. Putting in a new cartridge every month for the cleaning system is a minor nag but you can also rinse in tapwater. With a great shave, the ability to go into the shower with you, and a price well below The Braun, Panasonic has the winner here. To be fair, I did not shave with the Pulsonic and took the recommendation of others who had.

To preface, this shaver is the first electric shaver I've used in probably a good decade. I had a cheapie Norelco years and years ago when I first hit puberty, but I quickly changed to razors. My reasons for doing so were just about the reasons of everyone who prefers razors: My beard grows thick and quick, and within a week I've usually got a good "crumb catcher" going. Beyond that, razors are just the smoothest shave you'll get, even with the risk of nicks and razor-burn.

After finding this on a deal through Amazon, somewhere in the low $90's I believe, I felt like it was time to try electrics once again since shaving every other day was a losing battle for me and I had resorted to once a week grooming. I figured for the price, it better be pretty darn good - $90 (on sale) is no small drop in the bucket for me when it comes to this stuff.

Well, I set aside my favorite blade (Mach 3 Turbo for me) and prepared for the worst. Like every new shaving method, it takes about a month for the beard to adjust, and the first shave wasn't entirely pleasant (as I recall from my previous foray with electrics a decade ago).

But, now speaking about 4 weeks into it, I can honestly say I'm impressed. On my cheeks and face, it's almost impossible to tell between the razor and Panasonic's little beauty. I've tried it in the shower (yes, it is completely waterproof) and with shaving cream and all sorts of lubricants, but for my thick beard I found that it just didn't get close enough and took too long with all the water and creams. My favorite method, I've found, is dry shaving at the end of the day/beginning when your face isn't so sensitive, and just running the blades under some cold water now and then (both to clean them momentarily, lubricate your skin just a tad, and keep them cool - the blades do get hot) while simultaneously moving it in small circles over the area you want shaved (almost like brushing your teeth).

There are still a few trouble spots underneath my chin and on my neck that are difficult to get without stretching my skin quite a bit, but they were problem areas even when I was using a razor.

What's more, and this is definitely my favorite attribute; with the method above there's so little irritation (only on the outskirts underneath my chin) that I don't feel like I've been mauled by some ravenous feline after shaving! It's fantastic. Particularly above the chin, I can barely tell it's cutting the hairs, and don't feel bothered even during the process.

The base itself fits in a corner, is fairly compact (about the size of one of those scented candles in a jar), and does its job well. The cleaner does not use alcohol to clean, but a detergent solution that uses water housed in a small tank also in the base.

And to top it off, you're looking at a cheaper upkeep than blades. The detergent packs are cheap ($15 for a set of 3, each one lasts a month), and you need to replace the foil (once a year, with the blades once every two years (~$50 for both foil and blades). So that's $110/year max for shaving, compared to $180/year for cartridge blades.

If there are any Cons for me, it would be the following:

-While in operation it is a tad loud. Not annoyingly so, but it's a very high frequency pulsating noise (that you won't notice in about 30 seconds into the shave), but afterwards (especially if you shave in a smaller room) everything sounds distorted because of it for about a minute.

-The cleaning base is also a little noisy. You won't hear it down the stairs or anything, but if you're in the next room and this buzzing keeps coming up, it's the base and the shaver cleaning itself.

-The same button that turns the shaver on also turns on the "manual cleaning" mode if you press it for 5 seconds. This is NOT a shaving mode, but a cleaning mode to use when you don't have the base. I have not had any trouble with it accidentally changing modes so far, but the manual does warn that the cleaning mode is not designed for shaving.

Overall, I've had a rather pleasant and refreshing experience with the shaver. While occasionally I may return to razors if I need that ultra-smooth shave (black tie events), this thing is now my bread and butter. It does a grand job once you're used to it, and I can't imagine going a full week without shaving again. The only area this thing has left to surprise me in is how long it lasts without being recharged as I haven't had any extended trips, but I don't see it failing me there either (I use about 20-30% of the battery per shave, at about 7-minutes a shave).

I highly recommend it for anyone who's looking at an electric shaver and is pondering whether it's worth the ~$100 investment. I found it to be.

After 24 years of shaving with a blade I switched to a electric razor, this was not really my choice as I received one for Christmas.

I recently retired from military service and started to grow a goatee (its like mandatory for retirees), my wife watched me struggle every morning trying to use a blade to get the edges of the goatee just right with out slipping and taking to much off.

On christmas day I opened my razor and off I went to shave, I knew that she bought it and had not shaved for 3 days, I have a heavy beard and thought that this would be a good test for it. The razor had a 10% charge on it out of the box and according to the manual that should be enough for 2 shaves. I can say that it was enough for a very long first shave. I have learned that using a electric razor it is more important that shave every day instead on leaving my beard over the days I don't need to shave. The first shave I got was very good, it did miss a few hair on the neck as they were long and of course neck hairs tend to lay flat. theses were removed on next few shaves.

Normally by the end of the week my face hurts and this is the main reason I did not shave on my time off. So far my face and neck do not hurt and no bleeding from the blade.

I am a convert to the electric, I might have to shave more often but the relieve of the pain is great.

the cleaning system is very nice I put it on clean and leave when I need the razor again it is cleaned and dry ready to go. nice!

Over all I would recommend this razor to anyone.

My credentials: 40 yrs. shaving (the 1st 25 years only with a blade.) I was so obsessed with closeness that I used to shave with a badger brush and shaving soap using a Hoffritz single blade. (This is as close as a barber's straight blade.)

I have tried just about all the shavers since then. Remingtons, Norelcos (through the Bond, James Bond model), all the Brauns through the Activator, and the last 3 or 4 Panasonic models.

Braun, with its interceptor blades, convinced me that shaving electrically was quicker, less bloody, and more comfortable than my blades, along with an acceptable shave.

Panasonic's shavers convinced me that shaving with an electric could come very close to the quality of a blade. However, there was always a problem. The first few ultrasonics I had had terrible batteries. Another one went dead after a year (and had the reputation for doing that too). And the last one (I'm too lazy to look up that number) was a step backwards and never shaved very close.

I got the ES8109s for around $86 here at Amazon before Christmas and was delighted. It fit perfectly in my hand, had the closest shave I have experienced so far, was good around the neck, and was comfortable. I always liked the cleaning system but cleaned and charged my shaver in the cleaner only once a week (every Sunday). Daily, I would brush out the whiskers.

Unfortunately, after only 3 months, I already felt that the blades needed to be replaced. After 6 months, I can barely get an acceptable shave at all, having to go over and over the same area and still not get a close shave. This is not acceptable since (it seems to me at least) Panasonic's replacement blade/screens are the most expensive. The Brauns always lasted me between 18 months to 2 years.

I am now debating whether to give this shaver one more try by replacing the blades or try a Braun 360 instead. (I refuse to buy the Braun Pulsonic since they feel very cheap in the hand, in my opinion, and have integrated blades/shaver screens that cannot be cleaned out with a brush.) This is really frustrating since Panasonic makes wonderful shavers but always appears to have an "Achille's heel."