Panasonic ES8077S Vortex Hydraclean System Electric Shaver
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Customer Reviews of Panasonic ES8077S Vortex Hydraclean System Electric Shaver
Customer Review: Smooth as a Baby's behind!
Summary: 5 Stars
Although doing the neck takes a while to master, the face, cheeks, chin, under the nose all are so easy and perfect!
I prefer to take my shaves in the shower.. then I don't have to make a mess around the sink. I just use normal soap to lather my face and my fingers of my left hand to guide what I do.
I don't have a fancy beard to cut around, or I couldn't get away with that.
I too had the 8092 "which I finally gave up to my son" and then I got the 8095 and finally the foil died "even after religious rinsing afteruse" soap scum finally got the best of it. Since it was time anyway for a blade change "cost about 22.00 and the foil was another 35.00", so I used it as an excuse to upgrade.
It was very difficult to find one locally and everything I found online said "not in stores, online only".. anyway, I found one at Best Buy..Kudos to them!
I usually consider Panasonic upgrades "gimmicks" since many times they appear to be the same razor with the same features with a different model number.
But the main reason I bought the 8077 was the cleaning station which I knew should keep it pristine and was very similiar to the "Braun 8160 XLCC" I had just bought but immediately took back once I read the manual and figured out it wasn't a wet/dry... actually I had to call thier tech line from the manual.... seems they don't put that info on the box or even in thier manual. I don't intend to use the cleaning station every single day, but I know it will make an obvious difference.
Another gripe is they didn't have LiIon batteries... another thing they didn't advertise.
Panasonic pays a little more and puts in superior LiIon batteries.
If your gonna have a docking station and actually use it, its nice to be able to put the shaver in and charge your batteries without fear of developing memory.
The competitors manual stated "not" to keep topping off the battery, but to let it run down and then recharge.. something you don't have to worry about with the Panasonic. When are those guys gonna quit trying to save a few bucks and give the customer a decent battery? yes, NiCad and NiMh are very good batteries in "controlled" circumstances.. but not good for real life like LiIon. LiIon are much lighter too!
Also..there are no flimsy parts that feel like they may fly off if you shake it hard, like some of the rotary razors out there!
However, I'm amazed the full cleaning process takes a whole 3 hours "I'm sure its quite thorough!" for a 5 minute shave!..
I"m concerned the cleaning station may go out far before the razor, just due to runtime. It has a little fan and makes funny little noises for quite a while. The full process takes 3 hours to clean and dry.
But I'm sure it will remove the soap scum issue in the future and maintain superior cutting performance so I bought it.
Anyway, the Panasonic 8077S surprised the heck out of me!
I'm aware that a new shaver has new blades and so comparing with the old one will always seem better.
But this razor uses the same blades as my old one, and I"ve changed blades on my old one before and this sure seems better without a doubt. It even has a much quieter sound than the other one ever had. You almost think something is wrong with it, its so quiet!
I do think the foil has better technology to grab flat hairs etc.
This thing is fast and totally cleans as good as a razor.
I use soap for lubrication and gentle pressure.
Let the razor do its job.. don't try to force it! If you ever feel you need to apply alot of pressure, your angle is wrong. With a long flat linear surface, thats easy to do until your used to it.
If you keep applying pressure, you keep repeating your mistakes and never learn.. kinda like a bad driver!
If you press TOO hard with an electric razor, you will cut the hairs too far "underneath" the skin line and when the hair attempts to regrow, if it doesn't find the exact same hole it had before, it jams and becomes in ingrown hair. So easy does it, is better.
Since I never see that explaination anywhere.. I threw that in for free!
Anyway, you can totally forget about cuts and knicks with this baby!.. you can even run it over your lips!... this is smoother and cleaner than the model I owned before.
I really think its closer than a razor just using soap in the shower!
The only part of the equation that is not as easy as a razor is the crevace of the neck and the adams apple, that takes a few days or weeks to master.
Seems I do it best if I quit thinking in "shaving mode" and act like I'm someone else shaving my neck.. "Does that make sense?"
The brains proprioceptive abilities are not perfect, its better to think objectively and get out of the box .. almost as if your shaving someone else.
You will find that the angles you use will be different as you follow the coutours of your face and use your "fingers" in the tricky spots on the neck rather than your minds eye.
Anyway.. it works for me.
In all fairness, I admit I have never used a rotary shaver and was contemplating trying just because of the adams apple thing, but the salesman talked me out of the "more expensive rotary" because he actually owned the Braun 360 before and like his Panasonic better, and it was an older model than the 8077!
What gives?..... I did!
Customer Review: Panasonic makes shavers?? You bet they do!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the second Panasonic shaver that I've owned. The first one I bought lasted for about 7 years, and all I had to do was replace the screens, and only did that twice in all that time. It too was a wet/dry shaver. So finally I decided that it was time to upgrade shavers and began my research. At first I was tempted to go with the Braun 360 8985. I had seen this shaver advertised on TV and thought, hey that's seems cool. Then I continued my research. After all I had used my Panasonic shaver for over 7 years, and certainly their technology has advanced since then. So I went to Panasonic's website to see what they offered. That's when I found the ES 8077S shaver. It rivals the Braun 360 8985 shaver in every aspect except for the unique SmartFoil feature. However, the Panasonic has one major feature that the Braun doesn't, and that is the ability to use while wet. Other than those features, they both were equally impressive. Then I looked at cost. On Amazon the Braun was listed at $150. However, I was able to find the Panasonic ES 8077S for [...]on [...]. My mind was made up. So I ordered the Panasonic ES 8077S shaver and had it in a few days.
Impressions:
The first thing that struck me was how sleek and nice looking this shaver is. I mean, I saw the pics on the internet, but it's not the same as having it in hand. It's very comfortable to hold and has a good weight to it. It feels solid and well constructed.
I usually only shave about once a week. My facial hair doesn't grow all that quickly, but it does come in evenly. So usually every Sunday, I'll shave and leave a Goatee. My first shave was amazing!!! I had been shaving dry, so I did the same this time. That's because my face is used to dry shaves. After a few minutes of shaving, I could already notice the difference! The shave was almost as smooth as my 2 yr. old's bum.
I've had this shaver for over 6 months now, and I love it! I have only used it Dry, so I can't attest to how well it works while wet. However, my old Panasonic shaver worked great wet. I can only imagine that this one works as good, if not better.
The cleaning function on the Charging Base works great as well. Normally I will simply brush off the razors, but about once a month I'll use the cleaning function. The result is a "Brand New" looking shaver. It takes about 5 minutes for the function to cycle through, and it's not quiet by any means, however, the end result can't be denied. Now to break it down.
What I like:
1. I love the look and overall design. Especially how it easily slips into the Charging Station.
2. I like the option to lock the head in place or let it move freely from side to side.
3. I like the indicator lights which shows how much battery charge is left. It measures High, Mid, and Low, and a fourth light for Charging.
4. I like the easiness of the Charging Station. It's relatively small and compact, and easy to use. Simply fill the water reservoir in the back with tap water, press your cleaning option, and away it goes.
5. I even like the fan on the Charging Station which blow dries the shaver once the cleaning process is completed.
6. I like the option to shave both Dry or Wet. If you decide to switch methods, you must give your skin time to adjust, so it may be raw at first, but after a few times of shaving, your skin will get used to it, and all will be well.
7. I like that my shaving time has decreased because the blades are built with an angled edge, which cuts closer with one pass of the blade.
8. A full charge lasts forever, or at least it seems to me because I'm only using it once a week. Nonetheless, I rarely charge it because my wife's curling irons usually take over the plugs in our bathroom.
What I don't like:
I have to be honest, there are a few draw backs to this shaver.
1. I don't like the trimmer. I'll try and use it on my Goatee, and often will catch my hairs and pull them. If you want to trim your beard or mustache, I recommend buying a stand alone trimmer. This one isn't worth using.
2. The shaver is kinda loud. Not real loud, just kinda loud. I would have liked to have had it quieter.
3. The cleaning function of the Charging Station is quite noisy. However, the end results can't be beat!
Conclusion:
As you can see, the Pros far outweigh the Cons. Panasonic has come through again. Also, the price is right for all the features that this shaver has. I am certainly glad I bought this shaver, and I know you will be too!
Customer Review: Closer shave than braun
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my second panasonic linear, just used for a couple days. I have also had 2 Braun self-cleaning shavers in the past, including the latest Activator 8595. Haven't used the cleaning system for my new vortex yet, sorry, can't report on how well it cleans, but hey, must be better and more convenient than me cleaning it manually (which was a pain for my first panasonic in that my stubble gunk would get caked onto the blades and wouldn't easily rinse off). I think the Vortex is the answer to my prayers. Both my panasonics shaved closer and operated more quietly and was less irritating on my skin than either Braun models. The reason I went back to Braun and bought the Activator after my first Panasonic was that it was just so much more convenient to clean for my lazy self. Now there doesn't appear to be any need for a tradeoff, can have your cake and eat it too--quality shave and practical convenience.
I was very disappointed at the seemingly bogus claims of the Braun Activator's new patterned slots at improving shave closeness and cutting down on shave time over the previous models of Braun. In contrast, this new pansonic vortex seems to be an improvement over even my older panasonic in that it has a triple blade system. The old panasonic and brauns have two blades on either side of a central comb that i suppose guides and preps the hair. on the vortex, that center comb also has a blade to cut long/stray hairs, and so far doesn't seem to be just a gimmick, i feel a difference. furthermore, the panasonic is a wet/dry system while braun is strictly dry. i use panasonic only dry and am already satisfied, but the unit is supposed to be watertight and panasonic invites you to try using the shaver with shaving foam for an even closer shave, not even an option with the braun. dry panasonic shave for me is already closer and faster than dry braun, nice to know if need be for special occasion, important interview or date, can try using the panasonic wet for supposedly an even closer shave.
the panasonics do a better job of hugging the contours of your face than the brauns as the head pivots in more directions. quieter motor, higher frequency hum than braun, which has a loud and harsh noise that had not improved at all with the new Activator. they are also lighter units than brauns, which i happen to like. handle is also more contoured for gripping too, braun is just a brick shape. some might say the panasonic feels cheaper/more flimsy, but i feel that the shave outcome is more important. braun has fancier packaging, the unit, the plug, the carrying case, manual, even the box (as i recall was a doozy to open). the panasonic is no nonsense but gets the job done.
the panasonic cleaning unit itself has a little larger footprint than the braun; though may be easier to pack as it can lie flat and is thinner. braun's is unwieldy bc it's round in shape so in the end might take up more suitcase room. Also, the panasonic cleaning cartridge is smaller and not alcohol-based. you do have to add tap water to the panasonic. the braun uses alcohol which evaporates over time once you pop the lid open, regardless of whether or not you use it.
Update: Have used now for 1 month. Still loving it. Can now comment on the cleaning feature. Does a very good job of cleaning =) Quite economical too! I was able to get refills from Amazon 3-pack for $8.88. I clean once every 3 days, 1 cartridge supposed to last ~ 1.5 months, but i can see stretching it even longer duration. That 3-pack i just got should last me 6 months, just buck and half per month, well worth the convenience and quality of cleansing. braun cleaner is bulky, more expensive, will run you at least $10 for a 2-pack and you can't really stretch the life too much b/c alcohol based, will evaporate over time whether you use it or not, once it's been opened. A whole 3-pack of panasonic is smaller in size than a single braun cartridge. braun's cleaner had lemony scent which is nice, panasonic has no scent, just like out of the box. does take up to 3x longer to clean than braun, but for me that has turned out to be more academic rather than practical issue. i usually run the cleaner after a shave not before i need to use. just push the button and leave; so i don't care if it takes 1 or 3 hours since i won't be coming back to use the shaver until the next day anyway. hope that helps.
Customer Review: Panasonic ES 8077S Electric Shaver VS Braun Activator 8595
Summary: 5 Stars
I just recently purchased the Panasonic ES 8077s and had been using the Braun Activator 8595 for about the last month. The Panasonic comes with a 30 day return policy so I have that time to compare it to the Braun. Here is what I have noticed so far:
1. The Panasonic is quite light to hold while the Braun has a much heavier feel to it. I dont know that weight conjures up better quality but the Braun feels substantial. The shape of the Panasonic is easier to hold during shaving as it is more narrow in comparison to the Brauns wider body.
2. The Panasonic has a much lighter feel as it is cutting your hair, almost like a rotary from the lightness sense. The Braun feels more that it is pulling and is more attached to your skin.
3. The Panasonic shaves slightly closer than the Braun and gets the job done quicker with less irratation to the skin. I think both shavers give a very close shave but I would give the closeness nod to the Panasonic. The Panasonic definitely allows for a faster shave which to me did result in less redness and irratated skin.
4. The Panasonic has lights that show how much of the charge is left and blink during the parts of the cleaning. The Braun has a neat display that give you the time of the last shave as well as the total number of shaves. During cleaning, it tells you how much time is left to clean as well as to charge
5. The cleaning machines are both quite good.The Panasonic takes 3 hours to clean dry and charge and the Braun takes 45 minutes plus charging and . Both machines are well made but the Braun is much quicker to get the job done. With the Panasonic, in addition to putting in the cartridge, you need to add water each time you change the cartridge. The Braun does not need water. The Braun has alcohol in its solution while the Panasonic does not. Both machines do a good job cleaning the shavers.
6. The Panasonic comes in a very cheap looking and feeling pouch. Maybe most people leave it in the cleaning machine all the time. I dont know if Panasonic makes any hard cases for their shavers but I have not been able to find them as of today. Let me know if there are any available. The Braun comes with a hard plasic case or can be left in the cleaning machine all the time.
7. I should mention that the Panasonic is a wet/dry shaver and the Braun is a dry shaver.I have not yet used the Panasonic in the wet setting as I first wanted to compare the dry shave with both of them for an apples to apples comparison. My guess is that the wet shave with the Panasonic will be even better in terms of closeness but I will report on that at a later date.
So I have the Panasonic for 30 days and my initial impression is that it gives a very close and comfortable shave. Three hours is a long time in the cleaning machine but it can be also cleaned by rinsing with water. This is a very close call between these shavers as I like both of them. The Braun so far has been very reliable, and I dont know if the Panasonics have the same quality. The Braun reeks of quality but I have to say that the shave from the Panasonic is ever closer, faster, and feels a bit more comfortable in the process. By the way, the Panasonic does a better job on the neck area. That is about the only weakness that I had found with the Braun. I definitely noticed an improvement in the smoothness on my neck after using the Panasonic. This will be a tough call as to whether I keep both of these or let one go. Certainly, the Panasonic gives a terrific shave that is close and comfortable and very fast. Its build quality seems excellent and I would highly recommend it.
I hope this helps any people thinking about each of these shavers.
(...)Have a good night. Stephen
Customer Review: I like Panasonic Linear-Motor Razors and the HydraClean System
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased the ES8077S shaver six months ago, after I gave up on getting replacement batteries for my ES8033--both are linear-motor powered--that gave me four-years of satisfying use. The old shaver had NiCad batteries, and had dropped to half a shave per charge. The ES8077S has NiMH batteries that easily give me 10 days of use on a single charge. The charge indicator (low, med, high) has been quite accurate for me, as opposed to several other reviewer's comments. I don't think the shave is any better with the new "Vortex" shape and the new 30 degree angle blades, but it's the best I can get with an electric. The 13,000/minute cutting speed is essential to the shave, I think, since I tried the cheaper model that runs at 10,000/minute (my wife gave it to me as a present, not appreciating the difference), and I returned it per the warranty. I even got my money back--after 8 weeks.
The major distinction of the Panasonic is its waterproof case. Shaving with cream and warm water gets the closest shave, but it's about as must work as shaving with a blade--and just as messy. I can get shaving burn that way, but sometimes it is useful. I can usually shave dry in about 90 seconds. I tried shaving in the shower, but you can't shave and wash at the same time, since you must hold the razor as well as the washcloth, and you need a good mirror on the wall of the shower or in your hand. I still like the idea of a waterproof razor. Braun's razors are not guaranteed waterproof, but their cleaning system requires immersion.
I never used the Braun system, but the Panasonic "HydraClean" system is very, very impressive from the technological standpoint. It uses water-based soap--unlike the Braun--whose solution contains alcohol. Since I am allergic to alcohol, I prefer this system. It runs like a dishwasher, filling twice from the tank, pumping the aqueous solution in and out without any spillage. It is noisy, but it's in the bathroom and the door can be closed. The drying phase can continue for up to three hours, but this does not use the razor's motor, as suggested by some reviewers. You can choose to charge the battery with each use, using a single button on the left, which cycles through the choices, indicated on the three green LEDs on the right. You get better life out of the battery if you drain it to "low", so I don't usually use the "charge" option. The first left button push removes the "charge" LED option, and the process begins in about 15 seconds. I clean my razor about every three days, but the cartridges last longer if you wash out the inside of the razor first. A red LED below the green LEDs glows when the cartridge is defunct. I bought 12 of them for $15 with the razor, and I have only used two so far. It makes the razor "smell better" and I think it cuts best after cleaning. I don't know if it tends to dull the razor as some reviewers have claimed.
I like to shave with a safety razor every week or two, but I like shaving dry after a shower--although Braun suggests that you shave BEFORE you wash! Electric shave lotion and after-shave lotion contain alcohol, so I don't use them. It's easier to shave dry with your shirt on--or even your tie! I didn't think I would use the cleaning system, but after trying it, I am impressed. I think it has more technology than the razor!