Panasonic ES8249S Men's 4-Blade (Arc 4) Wet/Dry Nanotech Rechargeable Electric Shaver with Vortex Cleaning System, Silver
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Customer Reviews of Panasonic ES8249S Men's 4-Blade (Arc 4) Wet/Dry Nanotech Rechargeable Electric Shaver with Vortex Cleaning System, Silver
Customer Review: Get the cheaper model without the cleaning system
Summary: 4 Stars
After using electric and cordless shaver models from Norelco, Remington and Braun, I settled on the wet/dry features of the Panasonic models. I replaced my first one with a 3-blade ES8092 6 years ago. It shaved closer than other models, was smoother and more comfortable on my face, and you could wash the heads. It no longers works well. I may just need a new head, but instead of spending up to $40 on a new head, I decided to check out the latest and greatest in new shavers.
I didn't look seriously at the offerings from Norelco and Braun as I have been disappointed the performance of both those models and poor durability with Braun shavers. I was astonished to see that the Panasonic models have lower prices than both the Norelco and the Braun. I settled on the Nanotech Vortex 4 blade models. The blades are extra sharp. One blade has a wider opening to handle my coarse African American graying beard hairs, two regular blades handle the bulk of the shave, while a fourth finishing blade leaves your face as smooth as a baby's bottom. I recall how the Norelco rotary had a blade system that lifts the hair while a second blade cut if off. Unfortunately, when it pulled that hair up, it sometimes pinches and the second blade cuts off some raised skin. It was uncomfortable and abrasive. This Panasonic is smooth and painless. There is a turbo mode with an extremely high vibration rate to clean the blades under running water. It is a significant improvement over my previous Panasonic 3-blade model. I highly recommend Panasonic's Arc IV 4-blade shavers. The shave is top notch and build quality is great.
The cleaning system that comes with this model is a waste of money and time. I bought this model because it was only about $25 more than the ES8243 model without the cleaning system. What a waste. It takes over an hour to clean and dry. It's noisy. It uses costly proprietary detergent cartridges that must be replaced monthly. It is a gift that keeps on taking your money and you don't need it anyway. It's just a gimmick folks. Don't fall for it. You will be happier with the cheaper model.
Amazon has the best price along with top notch customer service, but I bought mine down the street at my local Target for 6 dollars more.
Customer Review: SHOULD be a 5 star rating but...
Summary: 3 Stars
Why a 3 star rating and not 5?
Shaving Performance = 5 stars
Battery/Electrical Stamina = 1 star
Panasonic has a big problem with their batteries in the wet/dry models. Yes, models. This is my 3rd Panasonic wet/dry model to fail within its respective warranty period. After 8 - 15 months of use (5-6 days per week - @ 3 minutes per day) an "888" appears on the screen. The unit fails to turn on when the start button is pressed BUT it may turn on by itself, go into "hyper" mode for 15 seconds, then turn off. Then off to the repair facility it goes not to return for 30 days.
This may not be a big deal for some guys, but imo spending $150 for something to fail within 1 - 2 years is not a good purchase. My older Braun shavers lasted 5-6 years easy. I had hoped they would improve performance with the newer models (ES8249 was the newest at the time) but it has failed just like the others. I take very good care of the shaver. I let the battery run down each week before charging, clean it every day with soap and water after shaving and once a week in the base station. It has never been dropped or misused. If I could change the batteries myself and reseal the unit - nbd- but I understand the batteries are hard to get and they have to be soldered in. Way past the effort I would want to expend.
Now for the 5 star - what a close and smooth shave! I use Proraso shave cream in the shower (if you are a shower shaver do yourself a favor and order some right now!) and I could not ask for a closer shave. I need to go over the neck area several times to achieve this but the shaver is so smooth there is no irritation. Now that I have had to go back to the manual razor I am unsatisfied.
This is frustrating as the shaver performs beautifully but does not last. I do not want to spend $200 for the newest model http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-ES-LA93-K-Mens-Shaver/dp/B002N5MHLK/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t - it hasn't been around long enough to fail yet so the jury is still out.
Panasonic - please address this issue. These are great shavers but they have to be able to last for SEVERAL years before needing service.
Customer Review: Unexpected quality
Summary: 5 Stars
For the last 1 1/2 years I've used an expensive Braun 7-series. With the initial cost of the unit, the price for the replacement cutting head/foil, and the always-evaporating cleaner solution I really wasn't sold on this being any cheaper or better than a good shaving cream and Gillette.
The Braun was LOUD, the base station wouldn't clean it unless I taped it down because the vibrations would unseat it from the contacts, and the shave was never as close as I had hoped, often having to go over spots several times until the head got hot. If I wanted to look smooth longer (no five o'clock shadow) I'd use a razor, but I enjoy the convenience of an electric, especially when traveling.
After a move, I could not find where the base station/charger was and the Braun was about out of steam. The battery did last almost 2 1/2 weeks though which was impressive. So I stumbled upon the Panasonic on amazon with great reviews, so the price and thought it was quite cheap in comparison to what I paid for the Braun, and clicked to buy.
I like the look of the base station compared to the ugly white braun one. I also like that the cleaning cartidge is not alcohol based and seems to be cheaper vs the Braun for not just cleaning solution but replacement foil/blades too, when that time comes.
I was very surprised by the quick charge time. My Braun would take quite a while longer.
I wasn't impressed with the lightness and plastic feel to it. I thought it felt cheap and the head looked huge... I started to have doubts about it.
..Until I used it for the first time. It was QUIET! I could hear the hairs getting cut. the head didn't get hot, and I didn't have to push hard in some trouble areas like I would with the Braun. The shave itself is the smoothest and closest I've ever gotten from a razor. I like the timer and the estimated time/battery left, although if I go by that it looks like the battery won't last as long as the Braun would. It's still more than enough for a week's vacation without having to worry about taking the cord.
I have yet to try a wet shave but I'm looking forward to it.
Customer Review: The Best I've Tried
Summary: 5 Stars
Over the years I've tried a number of different types and brands of electric shavers and this one exceeds them all. I've actually just ordered my second one from Amazon today because after over a year and a half, my old charging/cleaning base has developed a leak and it's not completely drying the shaver either. I'm not sure what the problem is but it doesn't appear to be widespread since I can't find any other reviews with the same issue.
The shaver itself is still going strong and giving great, close shaves even though I'm still using the original foil and cutters. I wanted to replace just the base but it appears I can only do so directly from Panasonic, and at a cost of over $100 with shipping, it makes no sense not to just replace the whole thing here. I assume I'll need to replace the cutters and foil at some point anyway and I'm saving money ordering this kit. I do really like the base as it helps keep the the blades both clean and sharp (by virtue of cleanliness). I'll probably just use the old one as my travel shaver.
With previous shavers, I've received decent shaves but if I wanted a really smooth shave, I'd have to grab the old razor and gel. I have sensitive skin so razor burn has always been the primary reason for trying electric shavers. With the ES8249, I can dry shave and get close to what I can achieve with a razor. This is what I do most days for work, etc. If I'm going out or otherwise want a super-smooth shave, I just carry it in the shower and use a little lather. This gives me just as smooth of a shave as I can get with a razor but with no irritation. I even used it a while back when I was shaving my whole head and, done in the shower, it was quick, painless and very smooth.
I considered trying something new rather than getting the same shaver since my old one is actually still working perfectly. The newer high-end model looks really cool with the extra motor in the head but I just can't justify the extra $$. I know this one works and does a great job. I'm very happy with it and look forward to many more years of close shaves!
Customer Review: awesome wet shave
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, for nearly all 10 years i've been shaving, i've hated it. I had gone from using whatever electrics my dad had during high school to using a blade to using a Braun Activator for the last 4 years. Unfortunately, my beard grows quickly and my neck is extremely sensitive. While using the braun, shaving was okay. The shaves were close and it cut my tough hair like a beast without any hesitation. However, I could shave only twice a week as that's all my neck could handle. I tried shaving before showers, after, with pre-shave, without, with after-shave lotions and of course without. No matter what combination, my dang irritated neck would not be ready for the next shave any sooner than the 3rd day after. I wasn't happy with that and neither was my wife.
Then came the Panasonic es8249s. I had seen a few reviews stating something along the lines of: if you like braun, you'll love panasonic. So, i decided I'd give the panny a shot. After using the Panasonic for 5 shaves in just over a week, something i don't think I've been able to do in who knows how long, I am ecstatic. So far all shaves have been done every other day, with the first two being dry.
I was happy with the dry shaves, but not blown away. Immediately, i noticed very little to no irritation on my neck, which was awesome. To counter that, i found the shave on my neck wasn't quite as close as it was with my old braun. For my third shave, i decided to pick up some Aveeno shaving gel and take a shot at a wet shave. I cannot believe how much different the Panasonic is when shaving wet. It cuts faster and closer than anything i've used, all while gliding over my neck and face with no irritation at all. It has made such a big difference that as i'm typing this, about 24 hrs since the last shave, i could do it again. That is something i would never consider possible even 2 weeks ago. The cleaning station works similar to my old braun's, and i have no complaints.
I was hopeful that a shave like this was possible for me, but i never expected it. This Panasonic has totally blown me away.