Panasonic ES8078S Vortex HyrdraClean Wet/Dry Shaving System
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Customer Reviews of Panasonic ES8078S Vortex HyrdraClean Wet/Dry Shaving System
Customer Review: Close as a blade and more comfortable
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this to replace an earlier model -- I think the ES8067 -- whose battery was failing after 6 years of faithful (and sometimes rough condition) service. My primary criteria was that the shaver had to be wet/dry and work safely in the shower, besides shaving well. I very much liked the constant speed feature of the earlier Panasonic which translated into effective cutting and thus smoother shaving even as the battery discharged.
In short, this version is a dramatic improvement over the prior model, shaving even closer with noticeably less skin irritation. I think this is due to a combination of the floating heads, the pivoting head assembly which work together to effect more constant contact with my face and beard and to the greater speed of ES8078S model. It is far more comfortable to grip and the grip in the shower is definitely more sure. The shaver is slightly lighter but feels much lighter due to its contoured shape. I quickly discovered that this shaver shaves very close without much pressure. It shaves as close as a blade with much less irritation. As a point of information, I have a pretty tough beard coupled with moderately sensitive skin.
As to a lubricant for wet shaving: after trying several, I discovered that using "Olay Body Wash, Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter" works extremely well. It provides a light but well lubricated media -- no blade clogging but very slippery and then it cleans readily. Make sure that you use the "Ultra Moisture with the Shea Butter" (Olay makes several mixes of the Body Wash product) because the shea butter provides the real lubrication.
I have not had it long enough to comment on the cleaning system, which has drawn some disparaging remarks elsewhere but then I anticipate cleaning it immediately after shaving while still in the shower.
Overall, I recommend this to anyone considering electric shaving. A very close shave with little to no skin irritation. What more could one ask?
Customer Review: Outstanding features and capabilities
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not sure what the difference is between this model and the ES8077 (new model-year perhaps?) but they both appear to be exceptional razors. I've had it for over two weeks and the battery isn't even close to needing a re-charge. I replaced an older Panasonic razor with this one and found it to provide a superior shave. One of the great things about this razor is the ability to charge it in it's cleaner/charger stand OR with the charger adapter alone. This enables the razor to be used (and charged) practically anywhere in the world and you don't have to drag the cleaner assembly around with it, just the razor and its relatively small plug-in adapter. This was a big plus for me as I travel to Europe periodically. Then again, given the battery life on this thing, it may not even be necessary to charge it while I'm in Europe!
Since it's a wet/dry razor, it gives the user an option to clean the razor with soap and water without using the stand and buying cleaning cartridges--something Braun apparently doesn't do and one of the major reasons I abandoned Braun back when they started selling razors that required cleaning cartridges. The cleaning cartridges were a good idea for razor manufacturer profits, dumb idea for a consumer who just wants a razor that works without the monthly fee for cleaning cartridge refills. Braun lost a customer because of that philosophy. I simply don't buy the idea that after decades of razor manufacturer they suddenly need regular special cleanings to work properly.
I really haven't found any points of complaint regarding this razor. The manual says your face may need up to 30 days to adjust but the 8078 caused no problems from day 1 (maybe because I was already using an older Panasonic?). You have the option of using the included cleaner base if you want, but you at least have the option of alternate cleaning methods of you don't want to spend that money every month.
Customer Review: kinda iffy on the neck - that's about it
Summary: 5 Stars
I tried every manual razor on the market, the Gellette Fusion was pretty nice but it clogged up with hair pretty quick and was a pain to get the hair out. Also I went thru 'em at a decent rate, I had to find a good electric. I wasn't expecting the closeness of a good Fusion type blade, but something that was easier to clean, and didn't require replacement every other week was what I wanted.
In comes the Panasonic Vortex, now they have a lot of different models,. all close in # and close in price. This is the one I went went based off the most reviews on here. I am very pleased with it, it misses a few spots on my neck, and for a few days it irratated my skin and left red marks. But I've adjusted and loving it. I've read others complaining it's loud, doesn't seem bad to me (more of a buzz then outright loud) the charging is kind of annoyingly loud if you're around it when it's happening. And it's sloooow, but it does it's thing. Overall it gets very close to my skin, and is fast. It grows back much faster then when I used a straight razor, but I use it every morning so that's not an issue. Takes me 30 seconds in the shower to touch it up.
My facial hair is very thick and coarse, everyone has different facial hair so this shaver will obviously not give exact results across the board. But I figure with hair as bad as mine if it works for me, most people should have it cut close for them. Now skin sensitivity is a whole nother subject, my skin is sort of sensitive, but much less than others I know. I don't notice much burn, it's slightly uncomfortable initally after I'm done shaving, but it goes away quick.
overall I'd give this a 4.5 if I could, I would LOVE to try out the new Vortex II shavers with the new cleaning system, but for what it costs this is awesome.
Customer Review: Unbiased review after 4 months of use
Summary: 5 Stars
I researched thoroughly before settling on this gem. I've been using it for four months now, and here is my perspective.
**The good**
Superb wet shave
Decent dry shave alone
Superb dry shave with talc (e.g. Remington Face Saver)
Trimmer works great for maintaining sideburns, goatees, etc.
Easy cleaning by hand; cleaning system works well
Dock can do any combination of clean/dry/charge
Can charge with the cord alone
Charge lasts a very long time
Spouse can use it
Blades are still sharp as ever
Cleaning cartridge refills inexpensive and last a full 3 months
Great value for price and then some
**The not so good**
More prone to nicks when shaving wet (I do have sensitive skin, though)
Shavings stick to skin during a wet shave, requiring frequent rinsing (unless using in the shower)
Charger/cleaner trips bathroom GFCI (outlet), so I have to plug it in elsewhere (it may simply the outlet's fault...pun intended)
Cleaning cycle is loud enough that you wouldn't want to start it before bedtime
**Other*
To elaborate some of the above... When my wife and I went on vacation, I took this without the charger or cord. She actually ended up using it (dry), too, and it worked well for her. We both used it numerous times over ten days and the charge didn't fade one bit.
If you're familiar with the Hydra from Greek mythology, you'll understand why I think "HydraClean" is a funny/poor product name.
**Verdict**
In all, I think you're more likely than not to be pleased with this shaver.
Customer Review: Worth the price - so far
Summary: 4 Stars
It took the full month of trial time for my beard to "get used" to this shaver, but now that it has, I'm pleased with the performance. I've used Remingtons and Norelcos in the past and had found that the circular cutting of the norelco did a more complete job at really getting at all the hairs from all the angles than foil shavers. But I'd heard so many good things about the Panasonics that I had to give it a try.
The flat skin areas (i.e. side burn and under the chin) are a bit tough to really get smooth. No matter what motion I use (stright lines, circular buffing motion, etc), I still end up with a little stubble - but just a very little. But the chin itself and mustache area are very easy to get as close as a blade. I tried it dry, with water and with water and shaving cream. My skin seems too moist or oily in the mornings to be able to shave it dry - the foil sort of bounces along the skin rather than make a smooth swipe. So that didn't work for me - tho will do in a pinch if I need to shave in the car due to an an alarm clock issue. Just water while in the shower produced similar results. But a thin layer of shaving cream and you really can't beat the results.
I'd suggest this shaver to anyone with the reservation that you will need to buy a cleaning cartridge every couple of months (not a big deal... around $4 each) and plan on - from what I've read - buying a new foil in one to two years. But that's the same for any shavor. Panasonic used a nickel metal hydride battery so there aren't any "memory effect" issues or other problems associated with NiCD batteries, which is good.