Electric Shaver Review

Panasonic Arc 5 Review — LV6Q & LV9Q Models

The Arc 5 has undergone many revisions over the years, including model name changes to Series 900, Arc 5 Pro, and Lamdash. However, not all models will be available outside of Japan, so I try to keep the reviews simple by reviewing models that are available in the UK, EU, and, hopefully, the USA.

The model(s) I have used and reviewed here, which still remain a great option within the UK, some European countries, and other countries, is the Panasonic LV6Q (no cleaning station) & LV9Q (with cleaning station). Availability is not looking good in the USA, though.

This review of the LV6Q and LV9Q can fundamentally be used as a guide or review of the performance of all current available Panasonic Arc 5, Series 900, and Arc 5 Pro models. The revisions have not changed the main aspects of the Arc 5 (changes have not affected the performance and shave).

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 and has remained there since 2021.

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 and can be pushed open via the lock and unlock button on the back of the shaver’s 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. Then the automatic battery power amount notification comes on. There is 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 5D Head Feature

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 and foils)

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 two gold colored skin guards (rollers) that help protect the skin and improve the shave experience.

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

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

As usual, I spent about a month using and testing out the shaver under various conditions, from daily shaving to 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 to get 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 requires 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 or judder when there is not enough lubrication on the skin.

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.

Head Shaving

Head shaving is when I really felt more of 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 who are going on vacation and require a face and head shave to have it all from one appliance.

Attached Trimmer

The attached trimmer is pretty good. It is not as good as a dedicated trimmer, but it’s good at cleaning up the sideburns and chopping down straggler hairs that the shaver does not cut.

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, which is a powerhouse 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

I like oiling the shaver regularly with a drop of oil on the foils, cutters, and trimmer as it helps keep the shaver foils and cutters lubricated and in tip-top condition.

—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 differ, and it depends on the country you’re buying from the retailer and whether 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 (e.g. LV67) are priced fairly.

The ES-LV9Q costs around $255 USD, £200 GBP,  €239 EU (no USA price at the moment as the model cannot be purchased there). The ES-LV6Q costs around $165 USD, £165 GBP,  €170 EU.

2025 Update (USA) – Again, it seems these two models are hard to purchase in the USA. Panasonic is pushing the older ES-LV67, ES-LV97, and related models. Unfortunately, these do not have the comfort rollers, but the bottom line is they have the power, cutting elements and high performance of the LV6U and LV9U. These are priced up on Amazon from around $150 which is a good price.

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, 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.

This revised version of the Panasonic Arc 5, like the previous versions, is a mean machine of a shaver!

Well, that’s about the wrap guys! If I have missed anything or you have any questions, just drop a comment below.

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