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Panasonic ES8043SC Pro-Curve Pivot Action Linear Wet/Dry Shaver, Silver
Panasonic ES8043SC Pro-Curve Pivot Action Linear Wet/Dry Shaver, Silver DetailsManufacturer: Panasonic Brand: Panasonic Release Date: 2005-08-01 Model: ES8043SC Product features: - Independently floating triple heads
- Counter directional inner blades
- 1 hour quick charge with 5-minute emergency charge
- 5 stage LED battery monitor/auto voltage
- 5 stage LED battery monitor with charge indicator
Accessories:
Customer Reviews of Panasonic ES8043SC Pro-Curve Pivot Action Linear Wet/Dry Shaver, SilverCustomer Review: Comparison Panasonic, Braun 360 Norelco Speed XL, Summary: 5 Stars
The following review is because I found it excruciating to find an electric razor that really truly met all my needs. And because I can't trust anyone's opinion that hasn't really tried a few.
To start I have very sensitive skin on my neck, the hairs lie very flat as well there...and my beard hair is freaking tough. Freakishly thick, evil little guys.
The contenders:
Norelco (Phillips) has been around for a while and is known for their 3 head rotary design. I got a SpeedXL, 8175XL. Claiming 50% more surface area than before with three rings on each head.
Braun a big name in the foil shaver market and apparently the top rated by a certain consumer mag. I got a 8975, 360 Complete.
Finally Panasonic "Linear", the lone entry as a wet/dry shaver, boasting "fastest speed" and "sharpest" blades. ES8043 was the model.
The lowdown:
Norelco...bundled with lots of extras. Best feedback with most LEDs. Very quiet, picked up the wonky hairs. But I wasn't happy. I had little control over where it cut and it was hard to address the little problem areas. Also it doesn't cut along a line well...so if you want a beard and to shave your neck, not a good chioce.
I realize others may not have that concern...so how about the actual cut? Decent, but I had an OLD Panasonic model which was right in the ball park...and I wanted to replace that one. Back to the store with you!!! The cleaning on this was also harder as the rotary area wasn't very streamlined.
Braun. After that first round I was done. I went for the top (well almost, mine didn't have the cleaning station). The 360 Complete had new Gillette tech, a really cool looking foil patter, and wow!! it was $140. This guy was a little heavier than expect. Fired it up...and loud, MUCH louder than the Norelco, even louder than the Panny...and it vibrated more in my hand.
Not too worried, more power right? First off...we have a contender. It cut fast, and closer than my previous Panny, much better than the Norelco. Came with a nice little hard case for travel. Pretty much it was all good. I figured this was the same model as the one with the cleaning stand...so rinse clean right? NOPE. A three step process of open partly, shake out, open fully brush out, finally a drop or two of oil.
Hmm still it cut pretty darn nice. But it was very expensive. Better take one last look....I had a Panasonic, what do they have? Without returning the Braun I got the new Panny. Hmm..wet/dry, self cleaning "sonic mode" (add a touch of soap and cleans itself), 13,000 rpm motor. It was quiet, it was lighter.
Now I had the two contenders in hand, time to test on the 5 o clock shadow. Panasonic first. Quickly shaved one side of my face. Hmm quieter than the last...subconsciously thought might not live up. Felt that side of my face...HOLY &^*(& that is smooth, like perfect, blade-eque smooth, except one tiny ridge along the jaw bone I just missed.
Still this was the easy task...nice short hair, lets bring out the Braun again. It made quick work of the other side of my face as well. Well mostly...one spot stayed a little rough and I gave it multiple passes. Still very much acceptable. Before finishing up, I decided to run the Panny back over the area the Braun had some issues with. ...and some tell tale hair clinking noise....felt it. Perfect.
The easy winner: Panny
Done. Told my now exasperated GF I found it. My shaver. Fastest, middle quiet, cheapest of the bunch, able to clean itself with no special stand, and finally wet or dry capable. Awesome!!
Wrap up:
Norelco (Phillips) 8175XL:
Pro:
+Great accessories
+Best LED feedback
+Li-ion batter (pretty sure)
+Quietest
+Best on slightly longer hairs that are laying flat
Con:
-Least close shave
-longest time to shave
-those longer hairs get pulled a bit (ouch)
-a bit more irritation (more passes)
-Hard to cut along a line (beard shaping)
-iffy sideburn trimmer (fell all the time)
Braun 8975
Pro:
+Almost as close a shave
+good sideburn trimmer
+Top rated makes you feel cool
+indicator for time to replace cutting block
+best pivoting head
+Hard Case for storage
Con:
-Loudest
-Expensive
-Didn't cut as well as the Panny
-No allowance to even get it slightly wet anywhere
-Only one with Ni-MH batteries
-Heavy
Panasonic ES8043
Pro:
+Least expensive
+great cleaning that can be done anywhere (so special stand)
+Best shave, close and fast
+Much quieter than Braun
+Light
+Li-ion battery
+Only with full, in the shower Wet capability (not even tested...still won)
+Great sideburn trimmer, now a solid flip up design
Con:
-Lousy soft vinyl case
-weird plug design...have to look when plugging in for charging
-same brand as before
So there you have it. I don't want to sound too down on the Norelco, it just was slow, imprecise and didn't cut as close...maybe with enough time training your skin it would be better?
Description of Panasonic ES8043SC Pro-Curve Pivot Action Linear Wet/Dry Shaver, SilverThe Panasonic Pivot Action and Pro Curve wet/dry shaver has the fastest linear motor (13;000 rpm's) and the sharpest blades in the industry (30 degree). The pivoting head not only rotates side to side but each head floats independently up and down to give you the closest shave in the industry.
Men's
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