Panasonic Arc5 Electric Shaver Review and Compared To – Which Version Model of Panasonic ARC5 Shavers Is the Best?

The Japanese brand Panasonic has been producing foil-type electric shavers for decades, and the Panasonic arc5 is their highest-end production yet. After the first release of Panasonic arc5, the producer made 2 major revisions with new models. The Panasonic ES-LV67-K and the ES-LV97-K are the newest models in their final revision. The ES-LV97-K comes with automatic cleaning and charging unit, and the ES-LV67 is a solo model, but both models’ main devices are identical. In this article, I’ll share my experience and all the aspects of the Panasonic ES-LV67-K and Panasonic ES-LV97-K shavers, including comparisons with older models and alternatives.

Overview

Specs	Panasonic Arc5
Type	Foil shaver
Blades	5
Shaving head	16-D pivoting head
Wet/dry shaving	Yes
Washability	100% washable
Power Source	Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Runtime	45 minutes
Charge time	1 hour
Quick charge	3 minutes
Cordless + Corded	No, only cordless
Precision trimmer	Yes
Head lock	Yes
Supported volt	Universal volt (110v-240v)
Travel lock	Yes
Special technology	Autosense technology
Motor	14,000 CPM linear motor
Cutting action	70,000 cross-cutting actions/minute
Cleaning and charging dock	Yes (es-lv97-k)
Warranty	2 years
Guarantee	60 days money back guarantee
Price	#

What’s in the Box?

Before breaking things out, it’s important to know what the package comes with.

Including the Panasonic arc5 premium shaver, the following extra items come with the package.

• A leather travel bag
• Cleaning brush
• Appliance oil
• Charging adapter
• Foil protective cap
• User manual

You will find the shaver in the leather bag stored safely with a foil protective cap.

Important: The Panasonic ES-LV97 model comes with an automatic cleaning and charging station and that’s why it charges a bit more. The cleaning and charging dock is the only difference between the ES-LV67 and ES-LV97. You will get a superb auto cleaning and charging facility with a little more bucks in Panasonic ES-LV97-K.

Features and Specifications Analysis

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5 Bladed Foil Shaver:

Since a foil-type shaver, it’s important to know how many foil blocks your shaver features.

You know Panasonic entitle their shavers arc3, arc4, and arc5 in terms of foil counts, where arc3 has 3 blades, arc4 has 4 blades, and arc5 features 5 blades.

Too many electric shavers on the market feature 3 and 4 cutting blades.

Certainly, the Panasonic arc5 is the only electric shaver series in the world that belongs 5 blades together to provide maximum shaving efficiency.

You might know the rival Braun series 9 advertises it features 5 shaving elements, but it’s not actually 5 cutting blades like the Panasonic arc5.

So, you can tell the Panasonic arc5 is the most advanced electric razor in the world in terms of cutting blades.

On the other hand, the shaver is called shave monster for ultra close and flawless shaves in every stroke.

Since the 5 blades work together to capture all kinds of hairs and never spare a single hair, the operation becomes flawless and super smooth.

30-Degree Blades:

The cutting blades of Panasonic Arc 5 have been engineered with 30-degree acute angle blades.

The Japanese 30-degree stainless steel blades are made for extra sharpness.

These sharp blades are able to cut any beard, even super coarse. Thus they make the shaving result fast and efficient.

I found the shaving result with the Panasonic arc5 is more accurate than any of its competitors.

The super-sharp blades are the main responsible for making the process accurate.

However, the older generation arc5 shavers had the same technology blades, and the shaving result was pretty identical.

I think that is why the older generations of Arc5 shavers are still popular on the market.

To sum up, all generations of Panasonic arc 5 shavers are made with 30-degree acute blades for robust shaving results.

14,000 CPM Motor:

The power of an electric device is a must considering fact moreover while choosing an electric razor.

If you are familiar with the Braun Series 9 9296cc shaver or the other Braun Series 9 shavers from that range, those come with an 8-bit processor to provide very powerful performance.

To defeat those series of shavers, Panasonic upgraded their new arc5 shavers with extra power.

The brand used a Japanese high-performance linear motor that delivers ultra-fast performance for the most efficient shaves.

Panasonic promises that the new arc5 shaver can provide 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute that make the shaving process quicker and smoother.

With this power, the device can handle any hair, even if super coarse.

Don’t you think it’s powerful enough?

Intelligent Shaving Sensor:

Along with the super powerful motor, the manufacturer used an intelligent shaving sensor in the device.

The shaving sensor reads beard density 220 times a second and adjusts the power upper to lower 14 times a second.

Thus the device provides lower power while it’s a thin beard and adequate power while it’s thick and coarse to ensure balanced shaves.

If you are familiar with Braun Series 7 or Philips 9000 shavers, you know those come with manual adjusting buttons to select the power.

This might be inconvenient for some users because manually selecting the proper power is tough to understand which suits your beard the most.

But the automatic sensor is too intelligent to select the best suite power to make the shave comfortable and efficient.

The rival Braun series 9 and the mid-range Braun series 5 come with this feature too.

16-D Pivoting Head:

How flexible your current shaver’s head is?

I bet you cannot find a 16-direction flex head on the market except Panasonic’s new arc5 shavers.

The Panasonic ES-LV97 and ES-LV67 shavers come with a super flexible and world’s only 16-direction pivoting head that can follow any contour of your face, chin, jaw, neck, and even on your hard-to-reach body parts.

The flexible head ensures a more gentle and comfortable glide over the skin with independent pivoting.

Head Lock System:

Since Panasonic’s new generation arc5 shavers feature very flexible shaving heads (16-D), it’s pretty important to have a headlock system to shave tricky areas.

Panasonic used a physical headlock control system at the rare side of the shaver that will allow you to lock the head while shaving tricky areas. But unfortunately, you cannot have different positions since Panasonic allows only 1 predetermined position (straight).

I think it would not be a big problem for regular beard shaving but really frustrating when compared to the main rival Braun series 9.

You may know the Braun Series 9 offers 5 predetermined positions where you will get 4 different angles in addition to the straight position.

Wet/dry Shaver:

There is no doubt that such kind of premium shaver will feature wet/dry shaving technology.

If you are not previously experienced with the wet/dry feature, it means you can shave in the wet atmosphere with water, shaving cream, foam, or gel.

You know, every electric shaver is, by default, a dry shaver.

However, most of the electric shavers that have been released nearly this year come with wet/dry features.

But the performance of all wet shaving razors is not identical.

Although a wet/dry shaver, most of the shavers are not good at wet shaving results because it demands a powerful enough processor and advanced cutting capacity for a smooth result.

Again the Panasonic arc5 comes with an ultra-powerful motor drive that provides enough power to cut wet hair effortlessly and does not spare any problem area even if you use the most condensed cream or gel.

On the other hand, the device features Japanese most advanced Nano polished 30° precision honed blades that cut flawlessly without any discrimination between dry and wet hair.

As a result, the Panasonic arc5 is the greatest shaver for both wet and dry atmospheres.

100% Waterproof Device:

The high-end Panasonic shaver is 100% waterproof up to 5 meters and risk-free from any water-causing problems.

So you can undoubtedly shave your beard in your shower time under the shower or in the bathtub.

The waterproof shaving facility makes the cleaning process easier; while not interested in using an automatic cleaning dock, buy the Panasonic ES-LV67-K that does not come with the dock.

Just detach the foil chamber and rinse the shaver thoroughly without any hassle.

Power Source:

It’s important to focus on the battery while selecting a cordless electric device.

The Panasonic arc5 comes with a powerful lithium-ion rechargeable battery that offers 45 minutes of continuous cordless shaving.

On the other hand, it will take 1 hour to have a full charge.

I don’t find any upgrades in the new arc5 shavers; the older ones also come with an identical battery.

I think Panasonic should have improved the battery capacity, while the rival Braun Series 9 comes with a bigger battery to provide 60-minute cordless performance.

So, it could be a downside for some users who emphasizes battery power the most.

# Three-minute quick charge

The arc5 offers a 3-minute quick charge to have an urgent full shave while your shaver battery is fully drained.

This must be a great feature to defeat the rivals while no other device can give you a full shave with only a 3-minute charge.

Popup Trimmer:

All the premium electric shavers come with a precision trimmer to fulfill the shave with the final touch to the sideburns and mustache.

The Panasonic arc5 features a popup precision trimmer behind the device to provide accomplished shaving results.

The brand didn’t make any remarkable upgrades to the popup trimmer in newer arc5 models.

But this built-in trimmer is enough to make your perfect final touch and precise your mustache and sideburns easily.

Can you shape the beard in different sizes with the trimmer?

No, the trimmer is called a precision trimmer. So, you can only make precision trimming to your sideburns, mustache, and very thin hairs.

But you cannot trim or shape your beard like professional beard trimmers.

LED Display:

Panasonic upgraded their LED display in their new generation arc5 shavers.

The display shows the battery’s remaining power status in 5 steps, charging status, and travel lock status.

But I think the older display was more user-friendly (my personal opinion) than the newer arc5.

The Cleaning and Charging Dock:

The Panasonic ES-LV97 comes with a premium automatic cleaning and charging station.

The dock automatically cleans and charges the device and keeps it ready for the next use hygienically.

After use, just put the head into the dock and press the power button to clean it automatically.

Replacement Parts

All the electric shavers on the market need replacement of the head after long use and The Panasonic arc5 also needs to replace the shaving cassette.

The manufacturer recommends replacing the foil blades and cassette after 18 months of use.

I think the replacement does not depend on the month count.

If you use the shaver very frequently, you may have to replace the foils before 18 months likewise if you use the shaver occasionally or twice/thrice a week, then it may last more than 18 months.

The main point is, when your foils start slower or dull performance, it means you need to replace the cassette.

The cassette is available on Amazon and you can easily find them to replace.

After a replacement, you will get the result of a new shaver.

When you buy the Panasonic ES-LV97, the shaver comes with automatic cleaning and charging station you know.

You need to replace the cleaning detergent from the cleaning dock after consuming the included one.

Cleaning detergents are also very available on Amazon at a very reasonable price.

60 Trial

The shaver covers Amazon’s standard 60 days risk-free trial for Amazon customers.

If you are not satisfied with arc5’s performance or have any trouble with the device, you can return the product to the supplier and they are compelled to return your full money back.

You must return the product at the due date as the supplier can get it within 60 days from the actual purchase date.

Never forget to provide the receipt you get with the parcel and everything you get inside the box.

Warranty

Like other Panasonic shavers, the arc5 also comes with 2-year limited warranty.

If you find any manufacturing defect or the shaver faces any difficulty in performance, the supplier is obliged to repair or replace the product within 2 years.

Pros

• 5-bladed reliable operation.
• 16-D pivoting head.
• More powerful motor.
• Gentle and comfortable performance.
• Auto shaving sensor technology.
• 100% waterproof.
• Wet/dry shaving monster.

Cons

• Traditional pop-up trimmer.
• New arc5 models are more expensive.
• Bulky head.

Differences Between Older Models and Newer Models

If you are a fan of older Arc5 shavers, it’s a common question for you why should Panasonic upgrade the Arc5s and what are the upgrades?

There are lots of such kinds of questions on the internet since the older Panasonic arc5 models are efficient enough.

But Panasonic is very serious about their arc5 shavers since these are their utmost creation yet.

Although maximum similarities, there are some dissimilarities between the older models and the newer models.

If you look over the older shaver and the newer shaver, you will find the whole shaver looks different.

For instance, the older models have a silver and black color look but the newer models have an attractive matte finish(dark blue and gray).

All the similarities and dissimilarities are given below with a comparison table for your quick understanding.

Older Panasonic Arc5	New Panasonic Arc5
Shiny Chrome finish (silver and black)	Matte finish (dark blue and gray)
5 cutting blades	5 cutting blades
Multi-flex head	16-D pivoting head
Active shave sensor	upgraded intelligent shave sensor
Physical travel lock switch	Electronic travel lock system
Classic LCD display	Numeric LED display
2.1 x 6.5 x 2.8 inches; 7.04 Ounces	2.4 x 6.7 x 3 inches; 8 Ounces
#	#

The new arc5 models are a bit longer than the older models.

Therefore, the newer models look thinner than the older models.

Panasonic is tired of seeing negative feedback only for their bulky device of older arc5 models.

After that, they made their new device longer and thinner than the older bulky models.

Comparison with Alternative Products

Panasonic arc5 is one of the high-end electric shavers on the market and the only alternative products are the Braun Series 9 and Philips Norelco 9000.

So, while choosing a high-end shaver, you should compare each other to select the perfect one for you.

Features	Panasonic Arc5	Braun Series 9	Philips s9000
Type	Foil shaver	Foil shaver	Rotary shaver
Shaving blades	5 Nano polished precision-honed	4 German blades with a shaving guard	3 rotary blades
Motor	14,000 CPM motor	32-bit motor	Philips’s high performance motor
Automatic cleaning and charging	Yes	Yes	No
Cutting action	70,000 cross-cutting actions/minute	40,000 cross-cutting actions/minute	–
Pivoting head	16 directions	10 directions	8 directions
Runtime	45 minutes	60 minutes	60 minutes
Price	#	#	#

The older Philips Norelco 9000 shavers come with automatic cleaning and charging station, but the new s9000 prestige does not have a cleaning dock.

But there are lots of objections about the older Philips 9000’s built quality and durability.

Although some objections, some people prefer the older model to the newer s9000 prestige.

On the other hand, we enlisted the new generation Braun Series 9 shavers where Braun made some improvements from the older models.

Verdict

You know, if you think of the high-end and world’s most advanced electric razor; the Panasonic arc5, Braun Series 9, and the Philips s9000 prestige will come first.

If you are in need of the closest shaving machine, I will definitely suggest arc5 first and the other two are great for comfortable shaves.

On the other hand, the arc5 costs less than the rivals; that’s why this is more popular.

If you are uncomfortable with the bulky head, you should go with the rotary-type Philips prestige shaver.

But the professional and experienced users are pretty comfortable with the arc5 and highly satisfied with its result.

To sum up, you can select the Panasonic ES-LV65 in the arc5 models to save about $50 if you are not interested in automatic cleaning and charging station.

The ES-LV97 charges little more for the cleaning dock which is very important for luxurious users.

Related Questions

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