Panasonic ES-LV81-K Arc5 Men’s Electric Razor, Wet/Dry with Multi-Flex Pivoting Head, High-Performance Motor, and Included Premium Automatic Clean & Charge Station

For the past ten years, I have bought each new Panasonic Electric Shaver... whatever their Top-Of-The-Line Model currently was... always upgrading to the "latest and greatest", with each marketed "improvement" that Panasonic touted every couple of years. I went from the old "Pulsonic" line... following the trend from 3 blades... to 4 blades... and about two years ago upgrading to the very expensive ($400 at the time) "ES-LA93" series with 4 blades at higher RPM. Honestly... while each new Panasonic shaver was a SLIGHT improvement in performance over the previous generation (and always moderately superior to whatever Braun was selling... yep, I tried those also)... the disappointment came in realizing that even the Top-Of-The-Line electric shaver was somewhat lackluster in its performance on my hard-to-shave beard, due mainly to the numerous slightly in-grown hairs on my neck. Even on the easier-to-shave areas, I still found myself having to press down with some force, while pulling my skin taught, and going over and over and over the same areas to get a decent shave. I had just resigned myself to the fact that this was the limited inherent nature of electric shavers... the world's best shaver was widely accepted to be that Panasonic 4-Blade Model ES-LA93 that I used every day, and that was just "as good as it gets". No amount of money could buy anything better, as we had apparently reached the limits of technology with the Panasonic ES-LA93. I could either accept that... or return to the messiness and occasionally bloodiness of an old-school razor blade, like countless generations of men before me had used. AND THEN... along came the Panasonic ES-LV81... with its newly-engineered 5-Blade Cutting System. WOW! This thing is unbelievable. Now, I know what you're thinking,,, because it's exactly what I was thinking... "So it's got 5 blades instead of 4... big deal... that cannot possibly make it more than 20% better... yet another SLIGHT improvement... who cares?" Well, fellow electric shaver fans... WRONG! It's NOT about the number of blades with this ES-LV81... it's about the huge leap forward in the FOIL design. Unlike the previous generation's (ES-LA93 model) foil... this new ES-LV81 model has something Panasonic calls a "Lift-Tech Foil" which is brilliantly reverse-tapered to slide UNDER those hairs that want to lay-down-flat on your face. (And as a side-note, it is also MUCH quieter than the previous model, and it feels lighter in the hand). For my first shave with this ES-LV81, I let my beard grow for 3 days to give it a good challenge. It glides over my face far more smoothly than anything else I've ever tried. Amazingly, it is not necessary to press-down with significant pressure (as I had to do with previous models)... it just glides lightly and leaves a clean path behind. Yes, I still have to go over problem areas repeatedly... but not nearly as much as before... which leaves my neck and face far less red and irritated. I was absolutely amazed at how much quicker I could complete a shave with this latest and greatest model from Panasonic. It easily reduces my shaving time by at least 30% versus the previous model... plus it does so with a light touch and a far greater level of comfort. The ES-LV81 is also available without the optional cleaning and charging stand... which is called the ES-LV61... and that one at this time costs about $38 less. You still get the same great model of shaver, but you have to plug it directly into an electric outlet to charge it, and you have to clean it yourself (which is very, very easy) using liquid soap and running water (which is exactly what I do to clean it daily when I am traveling). I know this is an expensive product... (Retail: $600... through here on Amazon, it's nearly half-off at just a bit over $300)... but seriously... if you use an electric razor, you need to put down whatever you are using now, and buy this Panasonic ES-LV81. It is flat-out amazing, and just a huge leap forward in electric shaver technology, due to this new "Lift-Tech" foil design. You will not be disappointed. It's not just a "slight" improvement as previously-introduced new models were... this one is a dramatic improvement over previous models. You will notice it right away... within a few seconds of starting your first shave with this magnificent electric shaver.

Overall ------- Yes it works great and it may be worth the price for you depending.... For starters, I have a thick beard and a sensitive neck area to the point where many razors and shavers irritate my neck too much to use, and I use this shaver every day. It does a great job, and doesn't irritate my skin. So Who is this really for??? -------- This shaver is for people who have a thick beard that want a close shave, (wet or dry). It's great with sensitive skin, but if you have a light beard, going one model down will save you money and you wont notice the difference, (I used the 4 blade for five years and loved it.) Pros ------- + Great, clean, close shave (wet or drv this is about as close to a blade as I've been, and I've tried most shaver models.) + Easy on your sensitive neck, though you must give it a month to get used to it + Self cleaner charges and cleans with no thought or effort from you + Extra blade cuts through thick beards faster, and a bit more cleanly, even after a few days of stubble growth + Charging station is convenient and ensures you have a clean charged shaver every day, saving you time in the morning Cons -------- - It's expensive, but for me it was worth it. -The extra blade wont be noticed on a medium or thin beard, go down a model for those Other Considerations -------- + The shaver is very easy to clean as it is waterproof (liquid soap, turn it on, rinse it) without the charging station, which really is a positive unless you don't want to pay for the station, (the cleaning station is not a must have, but i like it). Final thoughts -------- With a thick beard and a sensitive neck that has hair going in many directions, this is by far my favorite shaver. i do enjoy the convenience of the cleaner though I didn't have one with the last model and it was fine. Also if you have a lighter beard or even a medium beard you'll likely not notice a big difference with the 4 blade model, (but a thick beard will enjoy the difference).

Ok, let's get one thing straight: this shaver is not worth an MSRP of 600 bucks. Unless it literally shaved for me - even if it shaved for me - it wouldn't be worth that kind of dough. But on Gold Box deal of the day? Well, it was still expensive. That's the only reason I took off a star; it's a relatively expensive item vs. the competition. That said, in every other aspect, I love this shaver. Pros: - A base that works!: I was hesitant to get the base, but since it was part of the gold box deal, I bit. in the past, I've used the Braun bases, which make you buy a solution that evaporates quickly. You didn't have a choice but to replace it on a regular basis. The Panasonic base has a concentrated solution that mixes with water you put into a reservoir in the base. I believe it only mixes when you set it to clean. This is obviously a big savings if you don't feel the need to use the cleaning function on a daily basis. And since this is a wet/dry shaver, you can wash it on a daily basis, and save cleanings for special occasions. It also allows you to just dry the blades and head, so it seems they anticipated this. - A close shave: Dry, it performs marginally better than my old Braun. It took some getting used to - the 5 blades make you feel like you're shaving with the side of a brick, and it feels difficult sometimes to get to the smaller parts of your face, like your upper lip. However, it is much more efficient than my old electric. Wet, however, this thing is amazing. I took it into the shower, no cream or anything, and got the closest shave I've had in years. And no burn. - Easy to clean: just pop off the screen, rinse the blades using the sonic vibrating mode, rinse the screens, pop it back on, stick it in the base to dry. You can use soap on both, or use the base cleaning. Very quick and easy. - Lock: This is handy if you pack your shaver. It locks it's ability to turn on. - Charges quick: didn't think this would be that big of a deal, but it's actually pretty handy if you travel. Cons: - Cost: Wow, this is expensive. It's expensive on sale. - Travel pouch: It is leather-like (but not really leather), so I guess one could claim it is premium in some sense, but I prefer the hard case of my previous shaver. If I'm dropping 300 bucks on a shaver, I don't want it to get inadvertently crushed in my bag. - Ergonomics: they aren't horrible, but they certainly aren't the best. It's a very head heavy shaver, so when you've rinsed it, shaking off excess water makes you feel like the head is going to come off. I have no reason to expect that it will - it is well made - but just the weight distribution gives you this sense. The floating head actually makes it difficult to shave sometimes, though there is a position lock, so if that bugs you, you can always lock it in place. - Trimmer: I guess this is partly attributed to the ergonomics, but the trimmer is underwhelming. It's slightly difficult to use, even if it cuts fine. All in all, it's a great shaver, albeit at a very high price. My gripes are a bit nit-picky; none of those are make or break problems, just annoyances. If you've got money to burn, and really need a shaver, you'd be hard pressed to find a better one.

I bought this as a replacement for my Panasonic ES8243 that I bought almost 4 years ago to the day, oddly enough. The ES8243 was the best shaver I had owned up to that point, it served me very well...or so I thought. I have to be honest and say that the $300+ price tag on the ES-LV81-L Arc 5 is a bit much to swallow, it likely makes it the most expensive item in my bathroom other than the vanity or the tub itself...and it has a much shorter life span than either. That being said, so far it is a dramatic improvement. I've always had trouble with shaving, I have a very coarse beard and using many of the other shavers out there is akin to using a grass trimmer to try and cut a bamboo forest down, assuming "its made to cut grass, after all". I always had to use the talc powder sticks when using the ES8243 to avoid my face reacting horribly, which was easier to do on a every-other-day or so basis than it ever was with the razors I tried beforehand. The ES8243 always annoyed me with how much "rattle" it made, but I didn't think there was that much difference between it and any other shaver. I unboxed the ES-LV81 and immediately plugged it into the charger. After it was at a full charge I gave it my first test...and to really test it, I skipped the powder pre-shave. The shaver was quiet, I almost thought I was mis-remembering how loud the ES8243 was...so I took it back out of the drawer and turned it on, it rattled and vibrated. I can only compare this to riding in a econobox car and then getting into a solid made luxury car, you really don't realize the econobox is "that bad" until you make the direct comparison. And like my luxury car that I often wonder how would I ever go back to a "lesser car" I fear I am hooked on a $300+ shaver. The first shave was great, this LV81 mowed through my beard like no razor ever has. The ES8243 always had to gnaw on some areas of my beard...probably what led to the irritation from shaving, the LV81 just sailed through barely slowing along the way. The real sign is how my face is the next day, while it showed some signs of irritation it was nothing compared to what I would have with the ES8243 if I had waited "too long" between shaves. I shaved with the LV81 for the 2nd time today, also forgoing the stick of powder pre-shave (and the associated mess) and again the LV81 slid across my face with ease and gave me a better shave than I've had in a long while. I was a skeptic that something would actually make a $300+ shaver worth the expense. I had considered the Braun 7 series over this, but after looking at them both and reading many reviews I decided to stick with the Panasonic...in part because it appears it is easier to clean without the "car wash" attachment...perhaps the Braun is the BMW of shavers and the LV81 Arc5 is the Audi, time will tell... Speaking of the washing station, I haven't used it yet. I really thought that there was a high likelihood that I would be returning this shaver for it "not being worth it" in regard to the price premium it fetches over others...but I think I am attached to it the shaver and will test the washing station out as well. These are likely the first 2 shaves I have had that didn't leave my face somewhat irritated since I started shaving, I just hope it keeps this up for a long while.

To start, this is a nice looking shaver, and well made. The blue digital display is blacked out most of the time, except right after turning it off, or during charging. The shaver gives an excellent shave. I’m not sure whether it is worth the list price of $600, but at the Amazon price (42-48% of list) it is a very attractive purchase. I had a Norelco 1255X, which gave a pretty good shave for the 7 months I had it. After 7 months, it felt a little less sharp, and I started shopping for a replacement head. I returned the Norelco to the big box store when I discovered that Norelco had discontinued the original head and the replacement head is notorious for being very uncomfortable. (Read the Amazon reviews). The Panasonic gives a far better shave than the Norelco did. I use Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather for shaving (available on Amazon). I usually wet the shaver before shaving. It takes less than 3 minutes for a close, comfortable shave. I did not time shaving with the Norelco, but always felt that it took about 4 or 5 minutes to get everything. I have a pretty tough beard, and as it turns grey, the hairs seem stiffer. Like other older guys, I am getting one or two low, flat moles. The LV81 shaves comfortably without irritating them much. It was because of them that I chose to give up shaving with razor blades. The Panasonic cleans easily with soap and water. The package also includes the handy cleaning/drying machine, which also charges the shaver. The cleaning machine does a very good job. However, do NOT run the cleaning cycle if your significant other (or an insignificant other) is sleeping in the next room. During the cleaning cycle it makes a periodic buzzing sound, similar to an alarm clock. In my home, it can be heard 25 feet away, through a solid maple door. The shaver itself is quiet enough to use while others are sleeping, providing you close the door. As for the charge, I find that it last a long time. Two shaves reduces the LED indicator to 90%. That would equal about 20 shaves per charge, which at 2-3 minutes per shave pretty much matches or exceeds the claimed 45 minute charge life. This morning, it was at 80% after 3 shaves and 3 cleanings using baby soap and the shaver alone (not the cleaning machine). Eighty percent is still consistent with getting 45 minutes of usage per charge. I split my time between downtown Los Angeles and Dana Point, so the shaver gets charged every weekend in Dana Point, but has plenty of charge to get through the week in Los Angeles. I have not tried going two weeks between charges, because I don’t want to risk having to shave with a blade. For travel, the power supply unplugs from the cleaning/drying machine and will plug into the shaver, so you could take just the shaver (it comes with a soft travel case) and the charger with you. Extra chargers can be purchased for about $20 on Amazon. Throw one in your suitcase and you won't have to remember to bring one with you. Bottom line: I look forward to shaving in the morning. UPDATE - JULY 2016: The cleaning station malfunctioned. Although I could clear the drain with a paper clip, it also would not run the clean cycle unless I unplugged it for a few seconds. I had an unsatisfactory customer service experience, talking to someone in the Philippines who was working from a script, and later with someone domestic. Both insisted that I had to send the entire system to them, even though the shaver works. Now, I cannot find out the status of the repair. I guess I'll wait another week and see if I receive a package from McAllen. Not a good experience for a shaver with a $600 list price. They should have just sent out a new cleaner, or sent a new system out with a credit card deposit, charging for the new one if the old one is not returned within 10 days.

I started to shave with an electric razor in my teens because my father had one. I found a Norelco not bad. My Uncle got me to use a new Gillette safety razor that he had just bought when I was in my early twenties. It was amazing. The shave was very comfortable, very close, and took very little time; especially in comparison to my Norelco electric shaver. Years later, I did try a Braun electric that my father gave me shortly after he bought one for himself that he loved. I thought that it was uncomfortable and gave me a terrible shave. About 18 months ago, I had to buy an electric shaver. I settled on a Norelco that could be used in the shower and which excreted a shaving gel. It was surprisingly comfortable and fairly close. However, I decided that it wasn't for me when I was required to get new blades for it twice in the last six months. I settled on a Panasonic ES-LV81-K to replace it. I have had it ten days and it has been a wonderful choice. I use it in the shower with shaving cream since I have a heavy beard but sensitive skin. It is supposed to take up to thirty days to get used to a new electric shaver but I have been pleasantly surprised that I have had no trouble getting used to it from the first shave that I had with it. It is comfortable, closer than the closest shave that I have ever had with a safety razor, and takes less time than even shaving with a safety razor. The shave is competitive for closeness with a shave from a barber. Pros: 1. It is very light and well balanced. 2. It has a switch that locks it in the on position so you cannot turn it off by accident in the middle of a shave. 3. It can be cleaned very easily with liquid soap rinsed with water while the shaver's sonic control is on. 4. Its head rotates up and down and side to side so it can reach areas on the neck and under the nose that are normally difficult for an electric to reach and shave efficiently. 5. Little effort is needed to get a close shave. 6. The shaver has a very informative information panel that lets you know how long your shave took, what percentage of battery power is left, and whether the shaver needs to be cleaned. 7. The cleaning device has a drying position that dries the shaver efficiently and can be used without cleaning it. The device also is very good to store the shaver between shaves. 8. The shaver is significantly quieter than expected; especially with a 14,000 rpm motor. Cons: I have noted none so far but will update this review if I note any. Aspects That Have Not Yet Been Evaluated: 1. I have not yet used the cleaning aspect of the cleaning/drying/recharging device. 2. Panasonic says that I will need to replace the foil in one year and the blades in 18 months. I do not know it either of these claims are accurate. 3. I have not traveled with it yet but it has a travel case, can be recharged by attaching the plug for the cleaning base directly to the razor and plugging it in, and, as noted above, can be cleaned with liquid soap rinsed with running water while the shaver is in sonic mode. 4. The noise level of the cleaning base when it is in cleaning mode. It is fully acceptable in the drying mode. I will update this review after I can evaluate these items. Final Comments: I noted earlier that this is the best shaver that I have ever had. True, it is expensive but you can find significant discounts on line and if you can afford it you should get the best shaves of your life if your beard and skin are similar to mine. I wish you luck with this Panasonic ES-LV81-K Arc 5 Multi Flex Wet/Dry Nanotech Rechargeable Shaver with Vortex Cleaning System, Black

First a little background. I'm 65, and was a confirmed electric shaver user until 3 years ago. I had used most of the electrics (Norelco, Remington, Braun, & Wahl) either extensively or for trial periods before switching to a double edge blade razor. I was happy with the switch for 2 1/2 years, enjoying the drawn out ritual of blade shaving and shaves closer than I had ever gotten with any electric. Then everything changed last October. I suffered a heart attack and underwent a triple by-pass. After the surgery I lost some vision in both eyes to a stroke-like event likely caused by a micro-clot during the cardiac procedure (uncommon but by no means rare). The end result was that I was getting a multitude of small cuts every time I shaved. I was having too much trouble with my vision to continue with the blade, so I decided to try an electric again. The last electric I had used was a Braun Pulsonic. I don't know the exact model number, but would not try that series again. It had the more narrow trimmer than the first two (wore them out) Brauns I had and loved. When the trimmer quit working, I saw that the trimmer was powered by a plastic vibrating/oscillating gear/tooth thingie. Since the shave I got from this Braun wasn't up to those two earlier ones, I gave it away. Before those Brauns, I had a couple of Remingtons preceded by a couple of Norelcos. All had been OK, but not great. My Dad died earlier this year, and left behind a Norelco of about 2007 0r 2008 vintage. He had tried it for a month or two and then switched to a Wahl, so I figured to try the Norelco out. After 3 weeks, I knew this wasn't the answer so I did a lot of research and decided to try a Panasonic. I had used one for a week or two some years ago between the first two Brauns and remembered that it seemed good then. I settled on the LV81-K, figuring that it was their latest and from review after review their best. Expensive? Yes, but quality often is. I ordered one and waited. Upon the shaver's arrival, I unpacked it from its quite good packaging and charged it with just the cord. The first shave, with Williams Lectric Shave, wasn't baby's bottom smooth but it was darned close. Succeeding shaves have gotten better. I can now get a smooth shave lasting all day and evening with minimal effort and no chafing or irritation. I've shaved with the LV81-K for 2 weeks now and here are my pros and cons. Pros 1 - Very smooth and close shave with no discomfort. 2 - It's quiet. Whiny like a hornet, but with low volume. The high (14,000) RPM works. 3 - Ergonomics. This razor looks huge, but fits my hand well and it took me only a couple of minutes to feel at home with its handling. It really is no problem shaving the upper lip quickly and thoroughly. 4 - Travel lock. This such a no-brainer I wonder why shaver makers didn't start including this feature twenty years ago. 5 - Wet shaving capability. I've only used the shaver wet (for me, in the shower) 3 times, but this has produced the best shaves yet. They're super close, the closest yet. There is NO irritation of any kind. 6 -Trimmer. This one is better than OK, where the Braun's was mickeymouse and the Norelco's is laughable. Cons 1 - Size. The LV81-K is HUGE. Actually, just the shaving head is huge, but it does its job so well that the size isn't an issue at all. 2 - Tone. The tone of the shaver's noise output is so like that of a hornet that my wife has gone looking for the bug's whereabouts. Twice. Unknowns 1 - Cleaning/charging/drying system. I haven't actually used the very large charging etc. stand yet so I can't comment on it. If you and your significant other share a one sink bathroom you're going to have to put this beast elsewhere, an elsewhere with a handy electric outlet. Lastly, this is by far the best performing, closest shaving, least irritating electric shaver I've used. It looks as if my large collection of quality double edge gear is redundant now. Check eBay for some bargains around Thanksgiving.

If you've had bad experiences with electric shavers and think you'll shave into your old age with shaving cream and a safety-razor take heed: Your shaving salvation is at hand! Your shalvation... shavlation... Something like that. At this point I've been using the Panasonic ES-LV81-K every day for more than a year. It is, by a wide margin, the best personal grooming tool I've ever owned. It is capable of delicate edge work with the built-in edge trimmer and silky smooth cheeks, chins, and dimples with its exceptional wet/dry cutting action. It is very easy to clean--I've had little problem running it under warm water to rinse hair and shaving scum off the blades after each use. A year into ownership, it still cuts like it did the first day. I've only used the (included) cleaning solution on the unit once and other than that have simply rinsed it in warm water. Unlike every other shaver I've ever used, this unit simply continues to impress me. With past electric shavers I've thrown the device in to the trash in less than three months. The Panasonic continues to impress. Plus, the simple availability of replacement parts guarantees that when the blades finally do dull to the point they need to be sharpened or replaced they will be readily available. The handle is well crafted, and is comfortable even in my (admittedly) large hand, and in combination with the smooth articulation of the shaving head contribute to your confidence in giving yourself an accurate shave, every morning. If you have to do a lot of tight work around your beard, take note: The edges of the foils are very accurate. You may not need to use the edge trimmer every time you shave in order to keep your beard in order. But if you must you'll find the edge trimmer remains aligned correctly and doesn't pull or pluck hairs, cutting them cleanly as close to the skin as you'd dare, leaving the rest for a trim with the foils. Drawbacks: I can't think of any. The charge lasts for a long time. So long, in fact that it will surprise you. If you shave every day you'll find you can go for 4-5 days without using the charger and stay above 60% power. If you shave only once or twice per week it will go even longer. If you are an absolutely clean-shaver this is the best razor money can buy. If you edge and trim a beard or mustache it is in the top three. I love mine and look forward to shaving with it for at least a decade, based on longevity of the models that preceded it and whose reviews can be found readily here on Amazon. This product is superior to just about everything else out there, and although you might find razors that cost more money, you won't find razors that give a better shave at any price.

I purchased this shaver as shaving with a blade irritated my skin, and MH magazine recommended it. It does give a close and comfortable shave. The charger and wash system works well, just keep in mind that you will have to purchase cleaning cartridges. Overall, I am please with this shaver. Not quite as close as a blade, but pretty close and no irritation.

You would never regret bought this. This is the best shave I have ever used. By the way, it can be cleaned by water directly.

Excellent quality with a good shave.

Shaves even closer than a 5-blade regular razor when used with shaving cream. This is my 2nd Panasonic electric shaver.

Purchased this for my son's birthday 3 weeks ago. Charged up but didn't work when he tried to turn it on.still have not received my refund!