Electric Shaver Review

Panasonic Arc 5 Review (3rd Generation) – It’s a Beast of a Shaver

An electric shaver on its third generation and highly rated among the top foil shavers on the market that’s comparable to the Braun Series 9 is the Panasonic Arc 5.

After spending the last couple of months testing and reviewing the latest Braun Series 7 and Series 9, the latest internationally available Panasonic Arc 5 seemed a great choice for the next shaver review (they were both good comparison shavers).

The Arc 5 is very much about power and closeness, which we shall discover further along in this review! Its power and closeness are reasons it joined the best electric shavers of the year list.

Generation, Models & Revisions – First off, it is worth covering the Arc 5, its generations, models, and revisions (the basics). Panasonic certainly likes their revisions (upgrades/changes). It can get more than confusing and I am going to simplify it as best as possible.

• First generation – Launched in 2009 with model numbers including ES-LV61-A and ES-LV81-K.
• Second generation – Launched in 2013 and revised in 2019 including model numbers ES-LV65-S (no cleaning station) and ES-LV95-S (with cleaning station).
• Third generation – Launched in September 2015 and still releasing revisions today, including models ES-LV6A-S* (no cleaning station) and ES-LV9A-S *(automatic cleaning station). Some of the later revision model numbers include the ES-LV67 and ES-LV97, which have the Flex Head design that I will discuss in this review.

*These are international numbers, including European, with the corresponding USA numbers being ES-LV6N-S (no cleaning station) and ES-LV9-N (S or N – automatic cleaning station).

The 3rd Generation Revisions – Some revisions can be seen within the model numbers. For example, we have the ES-LV6A-S and ES-LV9A-S, and then the ES-LV6B-S, and ES-LV9B-S models (the A & B represent the revisions and so on with other numbers and letters). However, the numbers do not always follow that easy to understand model number approach. The latest models moved along quickly with the C, D, E, and other revisions up to J, and Panasonic have also upgraded naming revisions of the generation with Pro and Series 900.

While Panasonic has all these revisions and model numbers, only so many are available in Europe, the USA, and other countries outside Japan.

How can you keep up with all the revisions and upgrades? It is very difficult to keep up with the revisions or upgrades that Panasonic makes with the Arc 5 shavers, and some models will be released first to the Japanese and Asian markets, then usually Europe, and then over to the USA. In a sense, buying a shaver from the available revision or generation in your country is best, and even the 2nd generation is a superb electric shaver that will cost a lot less.

The latest revised Arc 5 will cost more, and there are not always a lot of significant changes in terms of performance. There are changes, though!

Tested and Reviewed now (ES-LV9Q, ES-LV6Q, ES-LV9CX, and ES-LV9C): I decided to get a brand new Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV9Q for this review, which is the latest available in the UK & EU, and now in the USA. This model is from the 3rd generation (revision C).

In this review, I stick with the latest 2023 Panasonic Arc 5 that is available in Europe, the UK, and the USA. When the next available (later) Arc 5 model is available in these countries then I will review that shaver.

Description & Features

Unboxed, a buyer of the ES-LV9Q gets a shaver, cleaning dock station, travel case, brush, two-pin charging lead, cleaning fluid, and a small bottle of oil for oiling the blades. The ES-LV6Q is the same shaver without the cleaning station, so if you don’t require the cleaning station, you can try to save money by buying the ES-LV6Q.

• Shaving Elements (blades) – The Panasonic Arc 5 boasts five cutters. Four foils and one stray or flat haircutter. Between the foils, there are also gold-colored metal skin guards, which is an improvement from the last models that were plastic.
• Multi-Flex 5D Head – The head can be locked or unlocked and when unlocked, the head moves in various directions in flow with the contours of a user’s face. This has been a big upgrade from older Panasonic Arc 5 models and generations.
• Shave Sensor – The purpose of the shave sensor technology is to sense the density of beard growth and for the shaver to automatically adjust its power for the density.
• Linear Motor – The 14,000 CPM linear motor on the Arc 5 boasts a massive power output of 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute. This is one of the most powerful shavers compared to its competitors.
• Trimmer – The trimmer is attached to the shaver’s body that can be pushed open via the lock and unlock button on the back of the shaver body.
• Wet & Dry – Certain models of the Panasonic Arc 5, including the ES-LV9Q & ES-LV6Q tested and reviewed here, are waterproof and can be used when shaving in the shower or in the bath. Users may shave dry or wet with their favorite shaving cream or foam.
• Cleaning & Charging Station – Many models, including the ES-LV9Q have an automatic cleaning and charging station. This enables a user to pop the shaver into a dock which will clean it up nicely and charge the battery.
• LED Screen – The indicator lights and LED screen have advanced since the last revisions. When a user picks up the shaver, the charge amount is shown without switching it on, and it displays the time used and battery power left. It also shows the amount the battery has charged while it is charging and a padlock for the smart lock function.
• Safety Lock – The safety lock automatically works after the shaver has been placed out of the hand for one minute and unlocks once a user picks it back up, and then the automatic battery power amount notification comes on. No need to remember to switch the lock on.
• Charging and Battery – This shaver can be charged via the clean and care system or with the charging cord provided. Charging is completed in about 1 hour, providing approximately 45 minutes of runtime.
• Warranty – The guarantee period when bought from a Panasonic dealer is 12 months from the date of first purchase. The original sales receipt should be presented showing the date of the first purchase. Buyers may also purchase an extended warranty which I believe should be free for another year once a buyer registers the product online at Panasonic like many other leading companies (unfortunately, they don’t offer this).

Multi-Flex Head Feature–Does It Improve The Shave?

This is an excellent feature for many users who require a shaver that will move along the contours of the face more smoothly. Most of the higher-end shavers, including the Braun Series 9 Pro, offer very good head flex and movement, but I do like how the Arc 5 locks into place solidly.

Shaving Elements (blades)

The Japanese are renowned for their sharp high-quality blades, which I have witnessed with their safety razor blades (Feather blades). One glide of the Arc 5, you hear and feel the blades under the foils cutting away.

You’ll notice in the above pictures that there are only two cutters that both use the two inner foils and then the other two outer foils have the cutters built into the cassette. This is possibly part of how Panasonic has mastered the amount of cutting actions the shaver performs.

Between each two of the two sets of foils are skin guards that help protect the skin and improve the shave experience. It’s good to see these are now made from a gold metal rather than plastic after upgrading to this version of the series.

Compared to many other shavers, you’ll notice these four foils are much slimmer than most. This could be an advantage over larger foils, but I don’t know for sure!

The center cutter helps cut flat hairs and other random hairs that the foils do not pick up. This is a common feature of many electric foil shavers.

Shave Sensor Technology–Does It Help?

Many of the top-selling and higher-priced shavers on the market offer this kind of feature that enables a shaver to perform better based on beard density. It’s hard to judge whether this is working or not because it is not something visible, so I guess we consumers just trust it does what it says it does (you might hear it adjust while shaving).

Motor Power

This is where the Panasonic Arc 5 excels among its competitors. The 14,000 CPM linear motor on the Arc 5 has an output of 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, which is massive, and even the Braun Series 9 has only 40’000, which is still very powerful.

Travel Safety Lock?

On the Arc 5 though, this automatically comes on when a user puts the shaver down, out of their hand for 1 minute. When a user picks it back up again, the display shows the battery charge left and takes the safety lock off.

This is very useful technology and saves thinking about using the safety lock or not.

Shaving Experiences

I had used the Panasonic Arc 5 (2nd generation) some time ago and loved its power and the closeness of shave it provided.

As usual, I spent about a month using and testing out the shaver under various conditions, from daily shaving and up to 3+ more days of growth. I had to do my routine head-shaving test as well, despite it not being a designated head shaver, and use it dry and wet with shaving cream.

Three or More Days of Growth

I always try to push a shaver somewhat to see how it performs under more difficult conditions, and anything over 3 days of growth when shaving with the Arc 5 (as expected) meant I had to shave over the same areas too many times.

Three days is the highest limit without needing to trim the beard first before shaving, and I already knew this.

It is best to use the trimmer or better still a dedicated trimmer for getting the beard down to near stubble before shaving to prevent hairs from getting caught in the blades. Shaving heavier growth also takes much longer and with more strokes alongside wearing the blades out faster.

Shaving Every Two Days

This is my happy shaving sweet spot, which was no different with the Arc 5. It was very easy, and the task of shaving was completed in no time at all.

Daily shaving

If a user is a daily shaving person, then the Arc 5 will impress them with its closeness. It’s so powerful!

My skin was not too happy with daily shaving, and it caused some irritation at first; then, my skin got familiar with the machine, and the irritation eased off. I would still rather shave on the second day, though!

Wet Shaving

The Arc 5 did offer more comfort for the skin when shaving with shaving cream. I did have to keep enough lather moving around the skin to keep the shaving head running smoothly, as electric shavers do tend to drag when there is no lubrication.

If I have the time and if I am going to head shave as well, then using the shaver with shaving cream is really nice in terms of comfort.

There is no need to wet shave, and Panasonic does advise that the beard density sensor may not perform as well under wet conditions, but it is worth trying out and may reduce irritation for some users.

The Panasonic Arc 5 will shave just as close wet or dry.

Is Panasonic Arc 5 any good for head shaving?

Actually, it was very good, excellent!

This is where I really felt the benefit of the Flex Head. When running the shaver over the top of the head from side to side it just covers and moves with the contours better than any other shaver I have used.

The shaver could then be locked into place when needed for the sides of the head.

I know the Arc 5 is not a head shaver; however, I like to test shavers out, and if I or a head-shaving guy were going on holiday and wanted to take only one shaver, then this model of the Arc 5 is the perfect all-rounder.

While I prefer to use a designated head shaver like the Skull Shaver, the Arc 5 does the job very well and as mentioned, makes it easier for guys that are going on vacation that require a face and head shave to have it all from one appliance.

Attached Trimmer

The attached trimmer was okay, but like most of them, I just find that they don’t trim very well. I must run the trimmer up and down the sideburns area to get it lined up and the hair removed, but the hair is still not removed properly.

I can get the sideburns trimmed down with the attached trimmer, but a designated trimmer is so much better and easier.

I do like how the trimmer conveniently flips out where the locking head push section is.

Overall Shaving Experience

Without a doubt, it is one of the best shavers I have used and seems more powerful than any of its competitor’s shavers.

At first, I had some kind of stinging after shaving and realized this was due to how close the Arc 5 shaves to the skin. You couldn’t get much closer, and any aftercare lotion or balms fix this until the skin adjusts to using the shaver.

I found the head on the Arc 5 to be more cumbersome, and when I first unboxed it, I thought this would be an issue. Interestingly, it was no issue at all, and after a couple of shaves, I didn’t notice it anymore, although I have found the amount of head movement to be too much at times (it can be locked, though).

When shaving under the nose, I would suggest a user just push the nose over to the opposite side from the tip of the nose. It really helps and makes under-the-nose shaving easier!

The only other electric shaver I have seen come close to this in terms of motor speed is the Andis shaver and they are powerhouses that Barbers use.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

The ergonomics of the Panasonic Arc 5 make the shaver sit comfortably in the hand. The back of the handle is soft rubber, and a rubber thumb area helps users grip the shaver at the front while using it.

As always, these modern appliances seem quite plasticky. The body with the rubber and metal-plated sides does feel solid, and then the cassette and head area is plastic.

Cutting Power

The motor and power are very powerful, as mentioned. You can hear those 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute going at it.

It is slightly noisier than many other shavers; however, this comes with having the power.

Charging and Battery

To get a whole charge, the shaver must be connected or placed in the charging dock for about 1 hour, and we get about 45 minutes of shaving time. The LED display helps to keep an eye on how much charge is left, and while shaving, the number of minutes it has been in use for that period is displayed.

The battery should last for about three years, and Panasonic advises users to get the battery changed by an authorized service center; however, I know of users replacing the battery themselves.

The shaver does not work with the power lead and locks when the power lead is attached and used. This means if a buyer wishes to keep the shaver for more than 3 years, they will have to replace the battery.

The Panasonic Arc 5 that comes with the charge and cleaning station, like the ES-LV9Q and other previous models, can obviously be charged within the charge and cleaning station or with the power lead.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning depends on whether the shaver comes with the cleaning and charge station, and it can be cleaned by hand, under a tap, or with the cleaning dock.

Manual cleaning – The Panasonic Arc 5 can easily be cleaned manually. Take the cassette off and give it a tap and blow, and if needed, a user can brush the blade area clean. The shaver head can then be switched on and washed under the tap (hold the power button for 2 seconds or more to activate cleaning mode). Hand soap can be squeezed onto the foils to help clean them as well.

Cleaning station – While a user can purchase the Arc 5 without cleaning it and charging the dock, it is very useful. I just pop it into the dock, and it does what it needs to (cleans, dries, and charges) and keeps electric shaving how it should be (convenient and quick).

Topping up the cleaning fluid is done via the tray at the bottom of the unit, and a user fills it with a mixture of water and the cleaning fluid. There are no cartridges to replace like the Braun cleaning and charging station, and the fluid can be bought online in bottles.

The station also has a built-in dryer to dry the shaver after it has been cleaned. I like this!

Oiling the shaver – Oiling the shaver regularly with one drop of the oil provided on the foils and trimmer will help keep the shaver lubricated and in tip-top condition.

Bottom line – The Panasonic Arc 5 cleans easily and efficiently with or without the charging and cleaning station. The station does make it easier and quicker though!

Replacement Foils and Blades – Panasonic advises users to change the blades every two years and the foils once a year when using the shaver daily for 3 minutes per shave. Panasonic shaver blades and foils are expensive to replace and cost approx $50 USD (£40 GBP – 40,00 € EU) that can be bought with the foils and blades separately or as a set.

You’ll need to check the cost of these foils and blades. The prices may be different, and it depends on the country you’re buying from the retailer, and if you are buying just foils or blades or a set. Just note they are pricey!

Value for Money

Many Panasonic electric shavers are quite affordable. However, the Arc 5 and its newer models and revisions, including the ES-LV9Q, are expensive and on par in pricing with the Braun Series 9.

Despite initially being expensive when they first came on the market, the Panasonic Arc 5 and its slightly older models are priced fairly.

The latest models like the ES-LV9Q cost $255 USD, £200 GBP, 239,00 € EU (no USA price at the moment as the model cannot be purchased there), and slightly older models without the Flex Head feature can be picked up for around $150 USD, £150 GBP, 160 € EU. These earlier and cheaper models are still great and powerful shavers that just have less of the newer features but have the power and 5 blades.

Final Thoughts – Verdict (Who’s It For?)

This is a shaver that is hard to beat in terms of power output and how close it can shave like other earlier Panasonic Arc 5 shavers. It’s the only shaver apart from the Andis that I would use the language that we use for safety razors; it’s aggressive.

The Flexible Head is a great feature that can be locked. And, the newer tech stuff on these models is better, in my opinion, and not just sales gimmicks that sell the same item and fool us.

If a buyer was looking for a shaver that could give the closest shave and can be multi-directional and offer other advanced technology, then if the price tag fits –it’s a great option.

Keep in mind, though, that not all guys need that power, and other shavers like the Braun Series 7 offer the flex head and perform great and do not cost quite as much.

Guys that need to head shave (I know it’s not a dedicated head shaver or its intended use) and shave their face should find this does the job great and better than most others.

The Panasonic Arc 5 really is a mean machine of a shaver!

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