Panasonic ES-RM3B (Arc 3) Review: A Minimalist Marvel or Just Bare Bones?
Panasonic ES-RM3B Shaver
The Panasonic ES-RM3B Arc 3 is a budget-friendly, minimalistic shaver that has delivered me surprisingly close shaves for its price. However, its basic feature set and unconventional design might not appeal to everyone.
Pros
A very efficient shaver that shaves close for a shaver in its price range
The slimline shaving elements and head make shaving around the mouth area and under the nose very efficient
It will provide good performance as a daily (for some) or every-other-day shaver (for most)
Some men might favor the slimline and minimalistic design
Very easy to clean and collects debris very well in the head section
Cons
The lack of ergonomics and the slim handle are not going to suit most guys who own electric shavers
It does not come with a built-in or attachment detail trimmer
It can leave stubborn and tricky hairs when shaving over 72 hours of growth
The push button design to remove the cassette could be improved, and larger
At first glance, I was somewhat fazed by the super-slim and minimalist design of the Panasonic ES-RM3B (Arc 3).
It’s not the usual type of electric shaver that I use and review. However, the recent review of the Philips (Norelco) 5000X Shaver was also quite similar in its simplistic design (I seem to be gravitating towards some unusual shavers recently).
Despite the peculiar look of the ES-RM3B, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by its efficiency – it has performed better than I initially anticipated. However, it’s not without its drawbacks, which I’ll share with you guys.
Initially, I pondered who this minimalistic slim shaver was really intended for. Looking at the documentation, Panasonic states that it’s designed for young adults seeking an affordable, compact, and stylish grooming tool. This explanation makes sense. Its modern and distinctive aesthetic would likely appeal to younger users seeking something other than the standard electric shaver design—plus it’s going to find it easy on fine growth.
Description & Features
When you unbox this, don’t expect a multitude of components to overwhelm or perhaps please you. I received just the shaver, power cord, cleaning brush, blade cap cover, and the standard mini instruction manual that comes with an electric shaver.
Yep, not even a detail trimmer attachment. More about that further on, though!
We get the option of three colors: black, green, and blue. The black model I have finishes its model number with a (K) — ES-RM3B-K, the green is ES-RM3B-G, and the blue is ES-RM3B-A.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the ES-RM3B is undoubtedly its most distinctive feature. It’s extremely slim, lacking the rubberized grips commonly found on many other electric shavers, such as the Braun Series 5, 6, and 7, for example.
Design & Ergonomics Ratings
This lack contributes to its minimalistic aesthetic but doesn’t offer much in terms of ergonomics.
I do have a (however), though. However, after a couple of shaves, I soon became accustomed to the slim design and lack of grip, and found that I could disregard (or not notice) my preference for a larger build. It’s surprising how familiar I am with a certain grooming product design, and when something new and different comes along, I’m quite taken aback.
An interesting design feature is that the bottom of the shaver, unlike many others, is flat, allowing it to be stood up if desired.
Head and Blades Movement/Flex
One significant aspect of the design is the complete lack of pivoting or flexing movement in the shaver head. Unlike many electric shavers, including higher-end Panasonic models like the Arc 5, the head of the ES-RM3B remains fixed.
Head and Blades Movement/Flex Ratings
Despite the lack of head movement, the three individual shaving elements (two outer foils and a central trimmer) flex independently, which helps to maintain skin contact along the contours of my face while shaving.
Shaving Elements (i.e., blades/foils)
As the ES-RM3B is an Arc 3 model, it features three shaving elements: two outer foils that perform the main shaving and a center trimmer section that aims to cut down those tricky, difficult-to-cut hairs.
These shaving elements are also quite slim compared to those on some other shavers, such as the wider elements found on Braun shavers.
This slim design has both advantages and disadvantages.
On the plus side, it makes shaving under the nose area and trimming sideburns more precise. The smaller shaving surface enables better maneuverability in these tight spots. However, a wider shaving head generally covers larger areas more quickly.
The Curious Absence of a Trimmer
Perhaps the most peculiar omission in the ES-RM3B’s design is the lack of any built-in or attachable trimmer. Many electric shavers, even in this price range, often include a pop-up trimmer or an option to attach a trimmer head.
The ES-RM3B has neither trimmer option, which I found quite unusual.
However, as I discovered when shaving, the slim design of the shaving foils does allow for relatively precise trimming of sideburns.
The issue we have with no trimmer, though, is when (or if) we have stubborn hairs, the shaving elements (even the center trimmer) won’t pick up.
Battery Life & Charging
The ES-RM3B offers a respectable 50 minutes of runtime on a full charge, which takes approximately one hour to charge fully. My testing confirmed this, with a recharge taking very close to 60 minutes. I found the battery life to be sufficient for my needs, providing roughly an hour of total shaving time before I had to recharge it.
A potentially useful feature is the USB Type-C charging capability. The shaver comes with a USB cord, although it does not include a power adapter. The charging port is located at the bottom of the shaver, concealed by a small rubber cover. This USB charging can be convenient for travel.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning the ES-RM3B is relatively easy.
Cleaning & Maintenance Ratings
I typically remove the top cap, blow out any loose hairs, and brush the foil and blade sections (not sideways on the blades). For a more thorough clean, I apply a small amount of antibacterial soap between the blades and foil, add a few drops of water, run the shaver for about 10 seconds, and then rinse it under warm running water. After a shake to remove excess water, I leave the cassette off to air dry completely.
For deeper cleaning, the cassette and individual blades can be easily detached from the shaver head, allowing for thorough cleaning of all components.
Panasonic shavers, including this model, do not contain blades within the cassette. The cassette casing, foil section, and two blades can all be separated. This design is quite different from Braun shavers and other brands.
Removing the foil cassette for cleaning or replacement is done via a small button on the left side of the shaver head. Pressing this button allows you to pop off the top cap.
While straightforward, I found that reattaching the cassette cap is easiest by aligning the right side (opposite the button) first and then clicking the left side into place. I experienced a few instances where trying to attach it button-side first proved a bit fiddly.
Compared to shavers with larger, more prominent, and easier release buttons, such as the Braun Series 9 Pro, the ES-RM3B’s mechanism feels very basic, consistent with its overall minimalist design and lower price point.
The foil cassette typically needs replacement every 12 months, and the blades every 24 months (two years). Mileage will vary based on beard coarseness and usage.
Cassette Part Numbers –
- Inner blades: WES-9068
- Outer foil: WES-9087
I will also add that it is worth oiling the blades frequently. I tend to put a couple of drops of oil on the cutters every three shaves.
LED Indicators & Travel Lock
The LED indicator lights are basic. A flashing light indicates a low battery, and the light illuminates while charging, turning off once the battery is fully charged – a simple and okay feature for a shaver in this price range.
The ES-RM3B also features a travel lock. To activate it, you press the power button on and off, then hold it for a couple of seconds. Deactivating it follows the same process. This is a handy feature to prevent accidental activation while traveling.
Sound Level
In terms of noise, the Panasonic ES-RM3B is not particularly loud, especially for a foil shaver, which tends to be a bit noisier than rotary shavers.
Comparing it to the Braun Series 5, 6, and 7, which are generally known to be among the louder electric shavers, the ES-RM3B is noticeably quieter. See video comparison below with the Braun S5 (you’ll need to unmute for sound).
Shaving Experiences
After using this shaver for about a month on various stubble lengths – daily shaves, two days of growth, and three days (+) of growth – I’ve developed a good understanding of its capabilities.
Shaving Experince Ratings
In the shaving tests, I focused on how well it followed the contours of my face, maintained skin contact, and shaved in tricky areas, such as under the nose and around the mouth. I also paid attention to the comfort level and the final closeness of the shave, noting any stubborn patches or missed hairs.
I found that it performs best when used daily or every other day. Once I reached three days of growth, the ES-RM3B seemed to struggle and took much longer to get the shave completed (plus more leftover patches).
Contours and Skin Contact
Even without a pivoting head, the flexing of the individual foils allowed the ES-RM3B to maintain decent contact with my skin. Shaving across the chin and jawline area was also adequate, although head movement would improve this.
Comfort
The shaves did feel slightly aggressive. Aggressiveness is not always a bad thing, as it shows the shaver is getting a shave close to the skin.
Before using and reviewing this shaver, I used and reviewed the latest Braun S7 (turbo model), which was more aggressive and uncomfortable compared to the ES-RM3B.
After about the third shave, my skin settled into using this shaver, and it became a more comfortable shaving experience.
Shaving daily for three consecutive days was pretty good for me and my sensitive neck area. I developed a slight irritation on the third day, which is standard for me. Still, I can see that anyone with normal skin would likely be fine using this Arc 3 on a daily basis.
I guess the bottom line is the shaves felt reasonably comfortable without excessive harshness (or heat from the foils).
Tricky Hairs/Areas and Leftovers
Shaving under the nose and around the mustache area was surprisingly effective due to the slimmer blade design, as was shaving in the sideburns, too. This shaver excelled here!
After the initial pass when shaving with three days of growth, I noticed a few small patches of stubble when I rubbed my hand against the grain. They were quite stubborn, and it took me a few attempts to remove them (they were eventually removed, though).
When shaving with two days of growth, I did not have any longer hair patches. On certain parts of my neck, where the hair grows in a particular direction, I needed to shave in that direction for a smooth finish (going against the grain), which is standard for me when shaving.
In the last shave (and YouTube video), I discovered one stubborn, long hair that the shaver struggled to cut (it was close to becoming ingrown). I ended up needing to use a manual razor to remove it. This highlights the lack of a dedicated trimmer as a potential drawback for dealing with stray long hairs that the shaving elements cannot pick up.
The problem with that one unbelievably stubborn and tricky hair is that it must have been left after the previous shaves with the Panasonic ES-RM3B. That’s very unusual for me, and it’s likely just a one-off.
Speed and Closeness
The final result was a very close shave. I took my time on the last two occasions shaving, and the finish was extremely close, nearly razor-close, and comparable to top-end shavers.
It’s not the fastest at shaving and doesn’t shave as quickly as top-end shavers like the Arc 5 or Arc 6. However, what’s a few minutes when we’re saving so much money?
As a standard for me, the shaver needed time to finish off the clearing up, being a foil-type shaver—unlike rotary-type shavers that leave less leftover.
Wet Shaving
Like most modern electric shavers, the Panasonic ES-RM3B is suitable for both wet and dry shaving.
I did try wet shaving with traditional shaving cream. While it was possible, I personally didn’t find any significant improvement in comfort or closeness compared to dry shaving. However, if you occasionally wet shave with an electric shaver (or more than occasionally), the ES-RM3B is waterproof and will do the job.
Post-Shave
In terms of irritation, I experienced a very slight stinging sensation immediately after shaving, which is common with close shaves. This subsided quickly, especially after applying a post-shave balm.
The amount of visible debris on my shirt was minimal, indicating that the collection was effective within the shaver head.
At times, after about 20 minutes of shaving (which is quite normal for me), I noticed small patches when I ran my hand against the grain—light stubble. This was easily cleaned up after with the shaver and, as mentioned above, shaving against the grain on these particular areas.
Overall Shaving Performance Ratings
Value for Money
When I purchased the Panasonic ES-RM3B-K (K for black color), it cost $59.99. A week later, I spotted the other two colors costing only $40, which is a pretty good buy.
Value for Money Ratings
It’s obviously very affordable and just below the mid-range for shavers. However, other shavers with a better design (if this design is not for you) are available at a similar price or, at most, $20 more.
Also, consider the cost of replacing cassettes and blades. Each component costs just over $20 (i.e., foils and blades). You can often purchase them as a set for a slightly reduced price, which is something to consider for long-term cost management.
Final Thoughts – Verdict (Who Is It For?)
After spending a month with the Panasonic ES-RM3B Arc 3, my recommendation is somewhat nuanced.
If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a reasonably close shave, particularly for daily or every-other-day use, and appreciate a compact and modern design, then the ES-RM3B could be a viable option, especially if you can find it in the $35-$40 range.
Its slim and minimalistic profile might also make it a decent travel shaver.
However, its lack of a pivoting head, non-ergonomic design, and the absence of a built-in trimmer are significant drawbacks to consider. If you regularly let your beard grow beyond three days or value features like a pivoting head and a dedicated trimmer for detail work, you might find the ES-RM3B lacking.
I’m personally more inclined towards shavers with better ergonomics and more comprehensive features. I have a Panasonic Arc 3 700 series shaver on order, which boasts a more traditional body and potentially better ergonomics. While it comes at a higher cost (around $70-$80), I anticipate it might be a better fit for my preferences and maybe yours.
In conclusion, the Panasonic ES-RM3B Arc 3 is a budget-friendly, minimalistic shaver that delivers a surprisingly close shave for its price. However, its basic feature set and unconventional design might not appeal to everyone. Consider your shaving habits and preferences carefully before making a decision.
Alternative Shavers I Have Used & Reviewed
Philips (Norelco) 5000X – This shaver features a similar bare-bones design and is priced similarly (a little more). This is a rotary-style shaver with an attachable trimmer.
Braun Series 3 Proskin – The Proskin is a good match in terms of price with the EX-RM3B. It’s a very different design and shape, but it performs very well for its affordable price tag.
