Panasonic ES-RT51-S Arc3 Moist/Dry 3-Blade Pivoting Head Constructed-in Pop-up Trimmer Cordless Electrical Razor for Easy and Comfy Shave Journey Pouch Included

Braun Series 8 to Panasonic Arc3
I’ve been using Braun Series 8 for some time. From the get go, I wasn’t satisfied with the Braun but was stuck with it. I work from home, so often go for a week without shaving, and Braun is simply terrible at dealing with beard that’s grown long. It’s usable for daily shaves, but even then, it takes many passes and doesn’t shave all that closely. On top of all that, it’s hard to clean, because the head design is extremely complicated.Panasonic Arc3 is so much better than the Braun Series 8, I’m angry at myself for just getting it sooner. It cuts through long strands without a problem and gives me a closer shave. It’s way easier to clean, too.I read some reviews complaining about build quality. It’s true that the overall material quality isn’t as good as the Braun, which is made in Germany. However, the relatively cheap plastic case of the Panasonic doesn’t bother me at all! I’d rather have cheap feeling shaver that actually works, rather than fancy looking shaver that doesn’t do its job. I’d actually give Panasonic a extra point for allocating the limited resources to what actually matters (cutting mechanism), rather than wasting them on superfluous design features that don’t affect main function.In summary, Panasonic cuts better, is easier to clean, and even the parts are easier to get.

Very good shaver, just as good as the $100+ versions!
I’ve used just about every Panasonic wet/dry shaver they make. Without exception, they have all failed after approximately two years (just past the warranty period, ironically.)I recently purchased this model to replace a dead 82xx model, and found that it is equal in shave quality to the very expensive Panasonic models with all the self-cleaning jazz. In fact, I don’t intend to do anything more than basic rinses any more, and occasionally clean underneath the cutters.You see, I bought the high-dollar version last time, thinking that I’d be compulsive about cleaning it, thereby causing it to last forever. I meticulously cleaned it, replaced the foil and cutter, etc., and it still died in predictable fashion after 25 months. I actually laughed when it stopped cutting in mid-shave!The failure mode on all 5 of my Panasonics (yes, 10.5 years worth!) has been the center cutting bar mechanism. The plastic piece which extends out from the head and moves the blade back and forth eventually wears out inside the head. Although it will still vibrate, it does not put enough force on the cutting bar and it will just remain motionless. Replacing the blade(s) has no effect on the longevity of this part. Adding oil to the blades doesn’t seem to make it last longer either. It is quite obviously designed to fail.I tried an experiment with keeping the same blade for about a year, then comparing it with a new blade (foil, cutter, etc.) I honestly couldn’t tell the difference in closeness, however, the new foil seemed to move more smoothly over my face and maybe it had an easier time when I’d let my beard grow out a few days.Fortunately, I have a backup rotary shaver that I keep charged. It cuts slower and not quite as closely, but keeps me from getting to work half-shaved when I forget to recharge.So, I will summarize thus:This shaver provides an excellent, close shave. It requires many, many passes over the same area in different directions due to its design, but it eventually does the job. If you shave every day, it works much better. I have used it with just water, no water, and with the Total Shaving solution oil drops, and by far the oil drops are the best possible choice (for me.) That’s different for everyone, but if you haven’t tried it, I recommend a sample.Compared to my rotary shaver, the Panasonic is slightly louder in volume. The buzzing is considerably quieter with this model than with my 82xx, and that surprised me when I first turned it on. The rotary takes fewer passes over the same area of my face, however it doesn’t quite get as close as the Panasonic, so I’d rather take the extra two minutes and get a closer cut.The pop-up trimmer is handy and effective. My main complaint with it is that it is awkwardly located, making really accurate cuts somewhat difficult. If you use it often you’ll get used to it. I use it for emergency sideburn trims, but I’d probably stay away from any precise mustache work at first.The other comparison is with disposable razor shaving. I rarely shave with them, but they are exceptionally close, and once the blood stops flowing, I notice the shaver cut isn’t quite a match for a good old Mach 3. The Mach 3/4/5, whatever they are now, is tremendously faster, very messy, and tough for me to use in a shower with no mirror. For me, since my skin never gets used to it (tried for many years), I prefer the electric overall.So, bottom line. Get the cheap Panasonic, and if you want wet/dry then this is the one. If you just need dry, then you can go even cheaper and still get the exact same shave quality. Don’t let the gimmicks fool you, it’s the same plastic, same motor, same mechanism, same shave. You can make a difference by choosing some skin preparation oil and keeping the blade basically clean.

Nice razor works well

I’ve used nothing but Panasonic shavers for the last 12 years or more.. GREAT products, nice shave, quick to charge and hold their charge at least a week (shaving daily). While I’ve only used this one twice, I’m very happy with the shave results and am sure the battery life and other great features will meet Panasonic’s excellent standards. Shipment arrived VERY quick with no issues..