Electric Razor for Men, Electric Shaver for Men, ARC5 with Premium Automatic Cleaning and Charging Station, Wet Dry Shaver, Cordless Razor, with Pop-Up Trimmer ES-LV97-K, Black

Out of all of the products I’ve purchased this year, this razor leads the pack. I didn’t want to spend 350+ for an electric razor—I have an extremely thick beard, and didn’t want to risk throwing money away since the last time I used an electric razor was back in college in the 80s-/Back then, the razors couldn’t compare with the blades. Well, this breed of electric razors shatters those old memories —this isn’t your dad’s electric shaver. This is a whole new experience, providing exceptional results an extremely close shave (esp in relation to my expectations). Your skin may take some time getting accustomed to this equipment—first few times I shaved, I had some redness/slight irritation—but that’s all gone. High quality, easy to clean, very easy to use, and does what you want it to do. Note—despite the close shave one gets from this big guy, it seems like the hair grows back more quickly than when using a standard blade/shaving cream. A close shave with a razor can get me through 24 hours+. This razor, while remarkable in its ability to closely shave my heavy beard, seems to stimulate more rapid growth—so if I shave before work at 7am, I’d shave again before dinner that night. Worth the investment!! This one is no joke.

I recently purchased the Panasonic Arc 5 Electric Razor, and I am thoroughly impressed. Historically, I haven’t been an electric razor user, but this product has completely changed my perspective. If you’ve avoided electric razors due to concerns about skin irritation or the inability to achieve a close shave comparable to a traditional razor, the Arc 5 is worth reconsidering—it truly delivers the best of both worlds. The product is exceptionally well-made, with a sleek design and solid build quality. The model I selected included a cleaning unit, which not only enhances convenience but also ensures the razor remains in optimal condition. From the moment I unboxed it, the craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident. After two or three uses, I was genuinely impressed by the closeness of the shave and the lack of irritation—a common issue I’ve experienced with other electric razors. Over the past week, I’ve come to appreciate the unique experience this razor offers. Unlike traditional wet shaving, which is often a hurried task in the midst of a busy morning routine, using the Panasonic Arc 5 feels like an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the process. This razor transforms shaving from a mundane chore into a more mindful and enjoyable activity. I’ve found myself sitting down, watching TV, and taking my time to shave thoroughly. The electric shaving process encourages multiple passes over the face, allowing for a closer, smoother shave that feels effortless. That said, it’s also efficient for those moments when time is limited. Without the need for water or a mirror, you can achieve a quick, polished shave in just a few minutes. Simply listen for the razor’s motor to stop clipping hair, and you’ll know you’re done. To maximize the razor’s performance, I recommend using Lectric Shave pre-electric shave lotion beforehand and Level 3 aftershave to refresh and protect your skin post-shave. These additions made a noticeable difference in both comfort and results. This product truly stands out. The closeness of the shave rivals that of a traditional razor, and after multiple passes, the result is remarkably smooth—akin to a baby-soft finish. It has quickly become a part of my daily routine, offering both convenience and a satisfying sense of self-care. If you’ve been hesitant to try an electric razor or have had negative experiences in the past, the Panasonic Arc 5 is worth serious consideration. With a bit of time and patience, it delivers exceptional results. I wholeheartedly give it five stars and strongly recommend it.

Overall this shaver works very well for cleaning up my early stubble. It sometimes misses hairs on the more curved parts of my jaw, for that reason I’m giving it 4 stars because I think it it could be a little more efficient for a shaver that costs over $200. Pros: • Little to no irritation for my sensitive skin • Cleaning station is very convenient, you can usually get away with swapping the cleaning solution every month. • Can usually clear most of my stubble in 1-2 swipes. • Water resistant so you don’t have to dry shave. • Convenient shape, easy to handle. Cons: • A little inconsistent for contours (Chin and lower jaw). • Replacement blades are a bit expensive (≈$60-$100). • Pretty noisy.

I have been a loyal user of the Braun series 7 for a long time (I have had two of them since 2011). I really loved them, but as my second shaver began to deteriorate, I decided to give the Panasonic ARC5 model a try. I must say, I am quite impressed with it so far! Here are my thoughts on the shaver: Pros: - The build quality is excellent. - The battery life is impressive. - Despite having a larger head than the Braun, the shaver remains comfortable to use and covers a bit more area at once. - I appreciate how the blade head system is constructed. Unlike the Braun, where everything is in the head, with the Panasonic, you can easily remove every single element: the two blades, the foil, and the casing that holds the foil. This makes it easier to deep clean and maintain. Additionally, since the heads are more expensive than the Braun ones, you probably won't have to change them as often as you have a way of maintaining them more efficiently, thus getting the head to last longer, which is probably the reason why they recommend to change the head once every 2 years. - The smart beard density sensors work as advertised, which is great for sensitive skin. - The flexible pivoting head is excellent, particularly when passing over my chin and neck. I also like that you can lock it when passing under the nose. - The cleaning station is smaller than the Braun's, making it more convenient for those with limited space. - Overall, the result was great. After shaving, my skin felt smoother compared to my old Braun Series 7. Cons: - It's a minor issue, but worth noting: Unlike the Braun, the cleaning station on the Panasonic doesn't notify you when it's time to clean it. With the Braun, you get three notifications: quick cleaning (after one use), longer cleaning (after two uses), and deep cleaning (if you haven't cleaned it after three sessions or more). It's helpful to know how dirty the shaver is so you can decide when to clean it. With the Panasonic, you can use it without ever cleaning it. Each time you put it in the cleaning station, there are no notifications or reminders. You only have the option to clean, dry, or clean & dry. The only notification you'll receive is when the level of your cleaning solution is low, which is similar to the Braun. So far, I haven't encountered any other issues, so I highly recommend it! However, I will update my review if anything changes.

This shaver is incredible. I have never had a closer shave in my entire life!!! It works better than anything I’ve ever tried in my entire life. I am getting a closer shave than I usually did when using shaving cream and a manual razor. I’m shocked. I’m surprised the reviews aren’t higher on Amazon. Everywhere else says the Panasonic Arc 5 is one of the very best. I have a sensitive face and this is the first product I’ve used that gave me NO skin irritation. The fact that it shaves this closely with no irritation is mind blowing. It is really easy to clean. Follow the manual. The cleaning station is not worth the additional cost. But if you want the cleaning station you have to get it at the same time as the shaver. You can’t add a cleaning station later. But I don’t see a need. There are many variations of the Arc 5 and it is confusing. There isn’t a big difference between the different generations. This one is slightly newer than the the original but the difference is minimal. If you’re looking for a high-end shaver, this is the one to get. Don’t overpay for a European brand. Panasonic rocks at shaving.

So for historical context, I've owned 2 Panasonic ES LA93-K's over about the last 10 years. Before that I owned an old Braun. I've always used electric shavers. I did a lot of research before buying the 93's and they were a top rated shaver. The only problem I had with them was the battery would die and not charge. Last one lasted 4 1/2 years. They were always like shaving with a Lexus - high quality shavers. Before I bought the last one I tried the venerable Braun Series 7 7865 and the then newest iteration of Norelco. Neither one was as good as my first 93 so I bought another 93. I always liked them but I can't say I was happy with battery life. Shaves were always close the first 6 months to maybe even a year, but the blades do dull and it took longer and more work to get a close shave. Also, they got progressively louder as they aged to the point where it was very annoying. But they worked. This time out I decided to revisit the world of shaver reviews just to see if there were any new improved entries. I have to heartily recommend shavercheck.com. A really excellent site! I sort of was hoping that either Braun or Norelco had something that had lept ahead of the pack. Yes - there were improvements for certain, but their newest shavers, sometimes costing a small fortune, had their detractors and failings. Again - the shavers that were standing out were the Panasonics. Panasonic has not been standing still. My Arc 4 had evolved to an Arc 5 and an Arc 6. New smaller faster motors. New head designs. New blades. New charging stands. As always - mostly good to great reviews with a few disgruntled owners. On balance it looked like a no brainer to get another Panasonic. So I bought the Arc 5 ES-LV97-K. This shaver comes highly recommended by Ovidiu on shavercheck.com. He is very practical, saying that you're not going to sacrifice much to the very expensive Arc 6. You'll still get a very close shave that is not a problem for sensitive skin. So after a month here is what I've experienced. The 97 has some definite design and engineering improvements over the old 93's. The motor IS faster. There are more blades that cut more efficiently. The whole shaver is lighter but very substantial. The head is smaller and swivels in 6 directions. I call it the "bobblehead" because it works so well. It still cleans extremely easy under the faucet or the charger/cleaning stand. BTW, you can wash it manually and just dry in the stand - unlike the new Braun series 9 where you HAVE to run the cleaning cycle using their cartridges, etc., every time you charge the shaver in the stand. This new shaver is A LOT quieter than the old 93's. It shaves smooth as silk and is a real pleasure to use. My old shavers I had to grind away at my face forever to get a decent shave. The secret with this 97 is let it do its own work. Not too much pressure. Be patient and go slowly. Let it catch and mow down the whiskers. Keep the blades clean (I now clean it manually every 2 days) - it really makes a difference. Keep the foil as flat against the face as possible and of course try to go against the grain (you'll hear it cutting). Avoid side to side movement which isn't allowing the blades to cut efficiently. I follow Ovidiu's advice and lock the head for round radius's like jaw etc. That works better too. Then unlock for best bobblehead effect. So....am I impressed? You bet! This is really a big step up. I'm still getting baby close shaves in one half the time - yea! My only question now is how sharp will the blades be after 3-6 months? (replacement blades never seem as sharp as OEM). And will the battery live longer than 4 1/2 years? Bottom line - I'm super happy with this shaver - and for the price of $171 - what a good deal!

I really wanted to love this shaver, but am unfortunately a little disappointed in it. I have a cheap Remington that lasted twelve years, and still works. The charger wires have become frayed, and rather than look for a replacement charger, I decided to look into what new shavers are available. I wish I had just picked up a replacement charger. I read a couple of articles that spoke very highly of this Panasonic shaver, so I put it on my radar. When it dropped $50 as a pre-Black Friday "deal", I decided the price was low enough to take a chance on it. At $150, I was not willing to purchase it. My trusty Remington shaver was about $30 when I purchased it way back when. I will say that I think this shaver is a little better than my 12-year-old Remington, but not by much. The trimmer on this one is noticeably worse, and only works well in one direction. This shaver can not be used while it is plugged in, which is a huge minus in my opinion. Very few brands offer this feature, making the customer need to replace the item when the battery goes bad. Speaking of the battery, this shaver's battery does not last that long. It says it can get 3 weeks of shaves from a full charge. This means shaving every two days, maybe 4 minutes per shave. In my experience, mine would not come close to this. I haven't done a test where I just let the shaver keep running (which wouldn't be a very good test, since it wouldn't involve cutting any facial hair), and I also don't want to run the battery down to zero. However, I have been paying attention to how much the indicator drops when I shave. I think I take about 6-7 minutes to shave with an electric shaver, because I always need to go over portions of my face that don't get cut well. The indicator almost always drops a full segment (20%) each time that I shave. My twelve year old Remington's original battery still gets close to this amount of time all these years later. This Panasonic shaver does shave the closest of any electric shaver that I have used, but it's only a little closer than the Remington. I still have to go over areas of my face multiple times, and sometimes I just can't get it to cut a hair that my Remington never had issues with. It's a pretty comfortable shave most of the time, but the blades have gotten caught on a hair 3 times in my 5 weeks of using it. It's a good shaver, but not a big enough improvement over my cheap Remington to warrant paying so much.

I did a little research into new shavers so with this Panasonic appearing over and over, I decided to give it a whirl and so glad I did. My short whiskers come in at different angles in some places so a foil shaver has always been the most recommended. The previous brand I had for many years never gave the close shave I wanted but everything has changed for the better with the Panasonic ARC5. The head moves easily in every direction providing the fastest closest shave I've ever had from an electric. Cleaning is a breeze with the ultra-sonic cycle that really does the trick. I won't keep going on and on because everything about this shaver is great for my needs. Let's just say I used to never look forward to shaving but now I do!