Customer Reviews

Panasonic ES8228S Men's Linear Vortex Nano Arc Foil Shaving System, Silver

5 star:		(116)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I'd like to add my review for this excellent unit as it seems to not get the attention it richly deserves.

I've extensively used and tested numerous electric shavers the past 2 years. I've used every major model and many lesser known products from $15-$280, including the newer wave of products such as the Braun Pulsonic and Norelco Arcitec.

The Panasonic ES8228S is the shaver on my counter and the one I use everyday.

A marketing problem for Panasonic is that typically their products are only found at speciality retailers like Best Buy, Sharper Image etc. In fact, my purchase of the ES8228S occured when I was delighted to see it at a major US Mass Retailer-Target-at a very reasonable price. I hope this experiment works and Panasonic increases its exposure in stores more familiar to the average consumer. I also hope Amazon continues to sell it online.

My review is for the identical unit for sale at Amazon and you'll have a great experience purchasing here as well.

Ironically, I was not thrilled with the last Panasonic I used, the 8043. However, the ES8228S has made 2 innovations from that model that really seem to mean something.

In addition to the fabulous 13000 rpm motor, the ES8228S line adds the ARC foil of its immediate predecessor, AND new "nano sharpened blades."

Many times terminology and features are thrown around in shaver descriptions. In my experience the combination of the motor, ARC foil and ultra sharp blade truly create a revolutionary experience.

Dry, the Panasonic matches the best shaves I'd previously had; which happened to come from the Remington MS series of shavers...also affordable, excellent units which however lack the elegance of the Panasonic and are much louder.

The motor speed and sharpness create an ultra close shave without tearing at the epidermis. You really don't feel the shave as you do in some units

Unlike the Pulsonic and Arcitec the ES8228S affords you the option to shave with shave creme, shave soap, shave gel, in the shower. This results in an obscenely good shave. But my dry shaves have been so good I've seldom felt the need.

The ES8228S is a bit smaller and lighter than the Pulsonic. Looks are highly subjective of course, but to me, its a beautiful, elegant and functional device in look and feel.

Braun has the best self cleaning module in my opinion. However, the improved cleaner with the Pansonic ES8228 comes close. It is small, and attractive. It offers several clever options...for example, you can rinse off the shaver and dry and charge the unit without cleaning it to save the cleaning cartridge. The dry cartridge in the Panasonic cleaner does last about 1.5 months, compared to about a month in the Braun, at the same price. It also doesn't evaporate if it sits unusued for a time for some reason.

Many knock the idea of a self-cleaner as a way to get extra money for cartridges. Personally, I love it. With an electric shaver you ought to spend $5 every month or two on a lubricant anyway. I'm happy to spend $5 per month on a beautifully clean and lubricated device every single day.

There are many good electric shavers out there, in many price ranges.

All I can say in conclusion is this is the best overall shaver I have ever used and I cannot recommend its purchase for yourself or as a gift highly enough.

I have very sensitive skin on my neck, and until recently I couldn't shave every day. A few months ago I began trying different shaving products and techniques in hope of finding something that would work for me. For the last three weeks, I've been wet-shaving with this shaver and Billy Jealousy Hydroplane shaving cream with no irritation to speak of.

No, this shaver doesn't shave a close as a blade, but since for me the alternative was shaving every second day, it's way closer than a blade on one day out of two. It also doesn't deal with long hair very well, so I feel like I can't skip a day. That's the only reason I haven't given it 5 stars.

If the Hydroplane seems too expensive, I've also used the shaver with inexpensive shaving oil with good results. The shave is slightly less comfortable during the act, but doesn't result in any lingering irritation. The oil seems to leave a film on the blades and foil, so more frequent cleaning is needed. It didn't work well with any of the traditional shaving creams or gels that I tried. They seem to clog the works and the shave, while comfortable, isn't very close.

Used dry, this shaver wasn't any better than the many others I've tried over the years. I also can't say that this model is any better than the less-expensive Panasonic wet-dry shavers on the market. What I can say is that used in the shower with the right shaving lube it results in the least irritation of any method I've ever tried.

I have been an electric shaver user for over 15 years, and have not found anything that comes close to matching the Panasonic ES8228 for overall quality, and ability to provide a true razor close shave, My last 2 were Brauns(Synchro and Activator). I was very impressed with this product right out of the box, fit and finish are flawless. And yes it is made in Japan not China and the quality shows it. It is a precision product.
My first shave I noticed 2 things right away after years of being a Braun driver. First, this shaver is light, very light, giving it a sportscar feel on your face. Its very easy to handle and manipulate to do what you need it to do. Second thing is there is a lot more drag resistance against the beard with this shaver than the Braun, perhaps this is just the more precise Nanotech cutting blade system, but it definately cuts closer than the Braun. I was very surprised at how close the shave is, leaves your face baby bottom smooth and soft, something I have not been able to acheive for several years. I tried it in the shower, and as a Wet shaver it does great, it glides with little effort needed using shave gel or bodywash and it keeps it cleaner rinsing it in the shower, uses less cleaning solution.
I really like the charger/cleaning stand which has a smaller countertop footprint than the Braun, a consideration for limited space. The Panasonic uses a cleaning cartridge that is a solid that mixes with water you pour into a reservoir tank to clean with and lasts longer than the Braun cartridges. I like it because it is Not alcohol based, which the Braun is. My concern with this arose when I found my Braun cleaning stand electronics had gone berserk and the evaporative heated drying mode would not shut off, when I picked up the Braun from the stand smoke was coming off the heads that had been immersed in alcohol solution. Fortunately, I was home to catch this, but had I left home with it still in the stand the solution could have exploded and caught the house on fire. I am too scared of the alcohol based Braun system and would never have another one.
I am very satisfied with the Panasonic and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality shaver that will perform. It puts the fun back in shaving..if there ever was any that is.

First off, I don't own this Panasonic ES8228S model, I own the 8109S, but the only substantive difference is that the 8109S is slightly cheaper, is black-and-chrome and does not have wood trim. 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.

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. You just can't beat the price.

I purchased this shaver based on reviews. I don't like it as a dry shaver. My beard is stiff and the shaver head is rough on my skin when shaving dry. Also doesn't cut hair quickly dry shaving plus foil can get a bit hot. Wet (shave cream) it does a good job, cuts very close, and isn't as rough on my skin. Replacement cutter and foil are a little pricey. Cleaning unit does fine. I am comparing this shaver to a Braun Pulsonic 9595 and Braun 360 Complete both of which I own and rate much higher as dry shavers. Would I recommend it to a friend? Only if they were going to wet shave. After using this a few months I rate it much higher than I originally did for a dry shave. I shaves very well dry but replacement parts are still pricey. Would give it 5 stars if it wasn't for parts cost.

I'll add my effusive praise for the Panasonic ES8228S to the others here. I've been using Norelco Quadra shavers for the past 8 years, quite happily; and had Braun and Eltron shavers before that (Eltrons have Braun bodies and upgraded gold plated foils and cutting blocks). I use blades fitfully in between - liking the close shave but not liking the nicks and longer ritual. I gave up on the foil shavers and went back to Norelco because the foil shavers required more care in use to avoid burn. Plus they seemed to need more frequent foil and cutting block replacement than the Norelcos. Norelcos also let you shave in a quick swirly motion I enjoyed.

The ES8228S is a different league than all of those. Unlike other foil shavers of my past, this one seems immune to shaver burn - while having all the closeness in spades. I attribute this to a remarkable synergy of technologies: the 13,000 rpm magnetic drive motor with its speed and relative lack of vibration; the curved dual thin foils with the hyper-sharp cutting blocks; the fact that the head and foil assemblies can independently move and pivot to fit your face; the excellent centrally mounted long-hair capturing cutter (the 3rd cutting block - more of a slot in between the two foils). I've always had a problem with stray long hairs down in my neck - and the ES8228S is the first shaver I've ever had that did a good job of getting these.

In use, the ES8228S feels incredibly light and smooth on your face. It's loud, but there's not too much buzzing on your skin. The beard disappears very quickly and afterward your skin feels remarkable unburned. It's just flat out the best shave I've ever had. BTW - I've only been using it dry. Part of what I didn't like about blade shaving was the hot water ritual. Used wet with shaving gel it's even better - but I always end up using it dry because it's plenty good that way and I'm done quicker.

The EW8228S charges quickly - about an hour for a full charge. It has a lithium ion battery which should last a long time. A big backlit LED display tells you level of charge as a percentage number. It comes with a cartridge detergent cleaning/charging unit (the "HydraClean" system)that washes and lubricates the shaver automatically; but the detergent cartridges cost $5/month ($15 for a 3 pack) list. They are currently discounted about 30% on Amazon. The HydraClean unit can charge, clean, rinse, and dry in any combination (e.g. you can set it to just charge, or just dry or whatever combination). It's a little noisy for the first 20 minutes of the cleaning cycle but then settles down. It has an odor that I find not to my liking, but the unit is certainly clean and somewhat lubricated afterwards. You can also clean the unit with water and hand soap using a an "ultrasonic" speed mode. It's very convenient and works very quickly and well. The charging cable also charges the shaver directly so use of the "HydraClean" bath unit is entirely optional. I've ended up using it once a week for the lubrication effect - and according to the docs I should be able to use it for 3 months at that usage level. I wash it under the tap after every use so it's clean as a whistle all the time.

The cutter and foil assemblies cost about 1/2 the cost of the shaver - list - to replace (once again, discounted about 30% on Amazon). This is a bit high - but given the extraordinary quality of the shave and the incredibly reasonable cost of the whole unit, I'll put up with it. The cutting block is supposed to last a year and the foil two years - so it's not like you're doing it all the time. Given how good this thing shaves with a fresh cutting block, this will probably be the first shaver I've owned where I don't resent replacing the cutting block every year.

All in all, it's clearly a quality unit with unbelievable performance at a real world price. Highest recommendation.

I used the ES8077 for a couple of years, then bought an ES8228 last December. They were both OK. Shaving with a Panasonic Linear model is definitely comfortable. They're also very convenient to clean, being water-resistant. However, given my rough beard and preference for the convenience of dry-shaving, it took far too long to get a decent shave and even then, substantial stubble remained. I recently switched to a Braun Series 7 and the shave is *much* closer and *much* faster.

I've been using electric shavers for years and have used the Remington Titanium for the last 2. I finally decided it was time for a new shaver but had a very difficult time spending $150.00 + for a shaver. After all, how much better can it be than my $40.00 Remington. I finally gave in a decided on the Panasonic ES8228S rather than the Braun Pulsonic. (I refuse to spend more than $250.00 for a shaver). Long story short, I am extremely satisfied with the Panasonic. It provides a very close shave with NO pain. I was actually able to put after shave on right after I shaved without any sting. If you have sensitive skin and want a great save this is the shaver for you.

Over the years I have tried many electric shavers from Braun, Philips/Norelco, Panasonic and others. It would always come down to the same thing:
- you have to go over the same spot multiple times to get it smooth and in the process of doing so the skin becomes red / inflamed. Wearing a shirt with a collar afterwards is torture let alone wearing a tie!!!!
- I then had to use all kinds of soothening lotions to get the skin to cool down and could not shave for several days
- hairs would become ingrown and infect under the skin after a while
- the electric shaved would never really get clean and clog up, more so the sink looked discusisng after cleaning

Result: I'd run back to the latest in manual wet shaving under the shower: Mach III or Fusion etc.

I purchased this because of the airline securoty rules re liquids etc on board. Everytime I would have to hand over my foam and lotions and in some cases even my aftershave.

So I read up on what electric shavers would work to remedy all the above. The Braun and Panasonic come close and I decided on the Panasonic ES8228S for 160 bucks via Target.

My skin has not fully adapted yet but I certainly do nopt have the inflamed skin -rash I had with other brands. With Lectric Shave it is actually similar in feeling to a wetshave.

Secondly, it shaves close. People say as close as a wetshave but I disagree. I have shaved against the growth direction with wet shavers all my life (otherwise I can't get anything smooth) and this can NEVER be accomplished with an electric shaver, I think.
However, the shave is very close and close enough to look as smooth (but not feel) as a through close wet shave.

The shaver works under the shower and that is bliss. I can combine my shower routine with a shave, like I am used to! Love that. Also, when using cheap foan it works great as well. Not that the shave is closer but it helps my skin.

Fanially, the cleaning station is a very hygienic method. No tiny hairs in the foils or sink, definitely a welcome addition.

Also note that this shaver works in 110v to 220v outlets and you can simply plug the electric cord from the cleaning unit in the back of the shaver when travelling.

Conslusion:
not as perfect as people state but certainly very close to a wet shave (but not fully there).
Final thought: this is indeed a 'pretty' version of the ES8109S which you can get for around 100$. The 60$ extra I paid is for the wood and gold trim.