Panasonic Arc 5 Comparison Guide: Which One Should You Buy?

171 thoughts on “Panasonic Arc 5 Comparison Guide: Which One Should You Buy?”

1. Wonderfully comprehensive overview! Thanks, Ovidiu.
   I own a ES-LV65. Is there any way—other than lapse of time (the manufacturer, I believe, recommends one year for foil and two for cutters) to know when to replace these parts? (I plan to replace the foil with the ES9040 that I have already received.)

   Reply

   • Thank you, Marc, you’re way too kind. In my opinion the interval recommended by the manufacturer isn’t necessarily relevant with real-world use. You may need to replace them sooner (or even later) than that. I usually notice a few things with my Panasonic shavers (so not really specific to the Arc 5, but in the case of the Arc 4 and Arc 3 as well):

     • The foils get noticeably warmer during use (and that happens even with proper lubrication)
     • It takes me more time to get a satisfactory shave
     • The closeness isn’t as good, particularly on areas with thicker and denser hairs (below the nose, chin)
     • I start getting some razor burn, most likely because I’m tempted to press harder in order to get a close shave (plus the increasingly hot foils)

     Hope this helps.

     Sincerely,
     Ovidiu

     Reply

2. Many thanks for your reviews – all a bit overwhelming!!

   I have a Braun 7 which I am not very happy with – not a close shave and needs at least one repeat during the day. I was thinking of going to a 9 series.

   Now and based on this review, I am wondering about a good Panasonic.

   How will I ever decide?

   Cheers

   Reply

   • Hi Robert,

     Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.

     In my opinion if you want a closer shave, going from a Series 7 to a Series 9 won’t make a huge difference. It might, but mainly because you’d be using a brand new shaver with sharp blades and a new foil (you’ve probably been shaving with the Series 7 for quite some time).

     I think a Panasonic Arc 5 would be a better option.

     Sincerely,
     Ovidiu

     Reply

3. Extremely helpful guide thanks. But what about the very high cost of replacement foils/blades? Should I choose a different shaver?
   – I value speed of shaving.

   Reply

   • Hi Chris,

     You are very welcome, glad you found it helpful.

     The newest foils and blades are quite pricey and even the older ones (that come with the gen 1 and 2 shavers) aren’t exactly cheap. But considering that you’d be getting at least one year of use (with proper cleaning and lubrication), I think the Arc 5 is still a good investment. If we look at the cost per shave relative to cartridge razors for example, the Arc 5 fares a lot better. If you value speed of shaving, it’s one of the best currently available shavers.

     Sincerely,
     Ovidiu

     Reply

4. Very informative article Ovidiu. Thanks!

   I’ll be curious to see what Panasonic does with the Arc 5 family as the Arc 6 family evolves. They already took away the flagship model, what would have been the LV9GX. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Arc 5 become just a replacement for the Arc 4 with only the LV65/95 and LV67/97 and the Arc 5 Gen3 models migrate into the Arc 6 family.

   If that happens, hopefully we’ll see an Arc 6 released in the States and in Europe.

   Reply

   • Hi Bill,

     Thank you, I really appreciate it.

     I think that could happen since Panasonic seems to have completely forgotten about the Arc 4. No updates or info whatsoever, which is a shame really because a new Arc 4 would be awesome. At the same time, making it too good and cheaper than the Arc 5 would probably cannibalize the Arc 5 sales. I also hope to see the Arc 6 available outside of Japan, but I’m a bit skeptical at this moment.

     Sincerely,
     Ovidiu

     Reply

5. Your reviews are the absolute best in the world. What dedication to your work. These professional analyses are outstanding on so many different levels.

   I have a ESL 65 and am impressed that now more than one foil combo can be used.

   Reply

   • Clyde, you are way too kind. Thank you for the comment, glad you found the info useful.

     That is correct, you basically can choose between any of the newer foils for your ES-LV65.

     Sincerely,
     Ovidiu

     Reply

6. Thanks for your guide. You save me from the confusion during black friday sales. I got my ES-LV65 in USD99.9.

   Reply

   • That’s awesome, Alan, glad you found the info useful. I hope you’ll enjoy shaving with your ES-LV65.

     Sincerely,
     Ovidiu

     Reply

7. So I’ve had a bit of “fun” with my shavers lately. I gave up on my Braun Series 9 due to the faulty head issue. I tried a Panasonic ES-LL41, which I acquired from Amazon for a mere $5 (my wife opened an Amazon CC to get $50 off). Severe razor burn on my neck. Currently trying a Philips S9985/84. Not as close a shave as I remember – I used Philips for thirty years until about ten years ago. Current shaver is still within their 45-day refund guarantee. So I am left with some questions on an Arc 5:

   What is the likelihood that foils and blades will be available into the future, given that the later Arc 5 models have only been issued in Japan?

   How does comfort and razor burn compare between LL-41 and, say, the LV65? I must say that the Philips is very comfortable – it is just not an acceptably close shave for me.

   Reply

   • I wouldn’t worry about the Arc 5 foils. For example, the C revision was released pretty much everywhere in the world (minus the USA and Canada), so those foils are also available everywhere and are very similar performance-wise to ones that come on the Japan-exclusive models. Besides, the older ones (that come on the ES-LV65 and ES-LV67) are still everywhere. But most importantly, any Arc 5 foils are compatible with any Arc 5 shavers, so you will definitely be able to get some in the future.

     The ES-LV65 is gentler than an Arc 3, however, if the ES-LL41 gave you severe razor burn, I’m not sure that the Arc 5 would be right either.

     I’m not really surprised about the closeness you got using the Philips 9500 — that’s pretty much standard with the current rotary razors.

     Since you’re still in the return window, have you considered a Braun Series 7? The older generation like the 7865cc, 790cc and so. A Series 7 is similar to the Series 9 performance-wise (closeness, comfort) despite having one less blade, but doesn’t have any issues with the reliability of the cassette.

     Sincerely,
     Ovidiu

     Reply

8. Insanely comprehensive guide, you’re the best! I just went back to using a foil since I used one in high school. I came here to get some tips and figure out which to buy and your guide is awesome. Anyway, I took your suggestion and bought a ES-LV65, but put a gen 5 outer foil with rollers on it after about 3 days of using the LV65 (shipping took longer on the foil). Maybe because I’m kind of a first timer (again?) and my skin wasn’t used to it, but I thought the LV65 created a ton of friction that was substantially alleviated by the rollers on the gen 5 foil. I honestly thought it was a big difference. Frankly, I thought both foils were great – close shave, easy, convenient and even with the friction they still worked great. But the gen 5 with rollers, I think is even smoother and more comfortable. Just wanted to give you my 2 cents. Thanks again!

   Reply

   • Hey,

     Thank you so much, glad you found it useful. Definitely less friction with any of the foils that have the rollers. Enjoy your upgraded ES-LV65!

     Sincerely,
     Ovidiu

     Reply

9. Hu Ovidiu,
   Just thanking you for your comprehensive reviews and updates.
   This info is the best available – and you leave no stone unturned.
   Thanks Sir!

   Reply

   • Hi,

     You are way too kind, glad you found the info useful.

     Sincerely,
     Ovidiu

     Reply

10. Thanks, Ovidu, for your most recent, as usual, outstanding review of the Arc 5. Your past guidance prompted me to acquire the Braun series 7, which I have been very pleased with. But your revisit of the Arc 5, especially with your praise of the closeness of its shave, led me to take my Arc 5 out and begin to use it again. It does provide a very close shave. But I have a question: Braun recommends not washing your face before shaving. I wonder if you know the basis for that recommendation? I have continued the practice with the Arc 5. Can you shed some light on this issue?

    Reply

    • Hi Bert,

      Thank you, glad you found the post useful.

      Braun’s recommendation makes sense in the context of a dry shave when you’ll want the skin as dry as possible in order to get the best results. That’s why it’s also recommended not to shower right before shaving; the use of an alcohol-based pre-shave lotion that dries any moisture from the skin can also be beneficial. I also support this approach of having the skin as dry as possible and it’s one of the easiest and most effective tweaks you can do before shaving dry — regardless of the shaver, be it rotary or foil, Panasonic or Braun etc. It’s a whole different story in the case of a wet shave when you’ll want to wash your face with plenty of warm water.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

11. Re: USB charging for Panasonic Arc razors. I bought this on Amazon and I can verify that it works to charge my Arc5 (ES-LV65).

    https://amzn.to/3qbEABZ

    Reply

    • Excellent, I will mention it as an alternative in the reviews. Many thanks.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

    • I can confirm that this cable mates with, and charges my ES-LV67-K (the exact one shown in the above photos). While I was at it, I ordered this fitted case (link below) and it works very well. Now I can put the USB cable in the case for travel, and not have to worry about the bulky wall wart pressing on to the razor while the case is closed, and being significantly more convenient for charging from the USB charging devices I already own.

      https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y4DWDFR/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_ATJ9XH3KRJ5VPST6BETB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

      Reply

      • Thanks for the confirmation, MJ. I’ve ordered the cable as well, should arrive soon.

        Sincerely,
        Ovidiu

        Reply

12. Hi Ovidiu,

    Shavecheck.com has allowed me to dive into the state of the art of the subject, so, many thanks. Here go my doubts. It seems to me that, unfortunately, there will be no new Arc 4 update in the near future (I am pretty sure it will suffice for me, but current models are “a bit” out of date) and the Arc 6 will continue to be only available in Japan and out of budget. According to your recommendations (editor’s choices), the picks are LV65 and CV51. I know the differences between both models (display, sensor cancellation, plastic/metal body, original foils…, thanks to your excellent reviews), but never had them in my hand nor shaved with any of them. The intended use will be as main shaver for daily dry shaving with pre-shave or wet shaving, depending on the mood and hurry. I guess I have medium hair and relatively sensitive skin. I use Andis Cool Care Plus and Clipper Oil regularly with my current shaver. No need of cleaning station. From your point of view, if both shavers (LV65 and CV51) were sold/available at the same price, which one would be your pick as main/only shaver? How much would be the difference in euros in order to prefer one over the other? The prices of both shavers are getting closer and closer, and just a Panasonic hard travel case (ES-2L13) for LV65 costs 40 € (a third party one, a half – a third).

    Sincerely,
    Jordi

    Reply

    • Hi Jordi,

      Thank you for the comment, glad you found the site useful.

      In the past, the CV51 used to be a lot more expensive, so unless you absolutely needed a compact, but capable shaver, the LV65 was the better pick. If the price is the same, I guess the CV51 would offer more: better build quality, newer outer foil, compact body, premium hard travel case. The motor and battery are the same, so the shaving performance isn’t hindered in any way. Granted, the CV51 only has a fixed shaving head, but to me, that was never a big deal as I often shave with my LV65 with the head locked (it is a bit too jiggly). You also get a more basic display and you lose the ability to turn off the shaving sensor with the CV51.

      If the price is the same, you should get the CV51 if you think you’d benefit from the compact form factor. At least that’s what I would do. Otherwise, you can’t really go wrong with the LV65.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

13. Hi Ovidiu,

    Thanks to you, I’ve chosen an Arc5. I’m in Taiwan and of the 2 models I was considering, one said “corded and cordless” in your chart. The chart info seemed ambiguous on that particular model. The sales guy reassured me that it could be used with shaving cream, but I recalled you saying that a shaver that works corded is dry only. I prefer to shave in the shower with gel. The one I chose is because of the “5D” head range of motion as opposed to the “3D” ROM. Is using my “corded” model with gel (without the cord of course!) going to be an issue? Thanks very much!

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Thanks for the comment. Can you tell me the exact model of the Arc 5 you’re planning to get?

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • Thanks Ovidiu,

        In the intervening time between posting my comment and seeing your reply, I went to the Panasonic Hong Kong site and was able to clearly see in Chinese that the model I was sold did not support wet/dry shaving. Now I was in the unenviable position of having to go back to the store and try to have this conversation with the sales staff in Chinese, so having that chart from Panasonic HK was very useful. Fortunately, my wife asked me what the situation was and she got involved (she is native Taiwanese). It took about 10 minutes to get the point across, believe it or not.

        Taiwan only has four ARC5 models – and as you alluded to, they are not the very latest iterations, which seem limited to domestic Japan. The four Taiwan models are with/without cleaning station, and corded/cordless. I returned the first one and got the only one that was available without the cleaning station: ES-LV67. Thanks to your excellent breakdown and very clear observations, I also saw no need for the cleaning station.

        It’s interesting that the Taiwan sales staff didn’t really understand the differentiation between a shaver being waterproof and being designed for a wet shave. They said that when they were trained, they were told that all those shavers could be used “in the shower” and “with shaving cream” but they didn’t make any connection with “washable” and “wet/dry” being any different from one another. I showed them 2 different models right there in the showroom, and the whole issue seemed unimportant to them. On the back of each shaver, it’s noteworthy that there are icons for washable type (a water faucet) and a wet/dry (a bathtub with water and a shower head) type. Pointing that out resulted in indifference. So, my advice when shopping is to know your stuff first and don’t rely on the sales person to be able to tell you the whole story. Employee training is an issue around the world, so its important to remember that your salesperson may have simply been trained improperly.

        In the end, I just told them what I wanted to do and was insistent, but polite of course. The ES-LV67 was cheaper than the original one and it came with a free gift, so I actually made out in the end.

        Thank you very much for all the work you’ve done on this site. I subbed to your newsletter. I’ll be telling my followers about your site on my next live stream as one of my viewers recently asked me some questions about shaving issues. I am an engineer and I’ll say that your reviews are some of the best examples of clear, concise writing that is not just easy to understand, but, virtually impossible to mis-understand. After reading 3 of your articles, I realized how little I actually knew about care and maintenance of my electric razors and you can be sure that I’m going to be taking much better care of my new Arc5, thanks to you!

        Reply

        • You are very welcome — and thank you for your support and appreciation, it truly means a lot. I’m glad the problem was eventually solved. I’ve actually had to deal with similar situations myself where I live (Romania). But as you said, doing some research beforehand is definitely the way to go. The ES-LV67 is an excellent choice especially if you manage to get a great deal on one. I hope you’ll enjoy shaving with it, with or without shaving cream.

          Sincerely,
          Ovidiu

          Reply

14. This is a great comprehensive review.

    I own the Panasonic Arc 4 since before the Arc 5 was released. I have no idea how many years have passed, but still (with a couple of blades changes) is running quite well. Nowadays I’m mostly shaving just part of my face since I like my beard and I do it with a straight razor. But I frequently use my Panasonic Arc 4 for my fades ( I cut my hair by myself) and other parts of my body.

    I really like to have premium clippers and I was co sidereal a new shaver to pair my best clippers, so I ended up reading many of your reviews, including the one related to the Arc 6.

    After analyzing quite a lot, I decided to purchase the Panasonic ES-LV9Q mainly for the upgraded blades and aluminum body. The Arc 6 seems to be a little too much for my needs and a bigger head, IMO is less desirable.

    I agree with you, the Panasonic shavers are easily washable with soap and water (I do it in the shower). I don’t know if I’m gonna give a good usage to the cleaning station, because I don’t plan to buy refills.

    If you have any recommendation to use the cleaning station without purchasing refill, it’s gonna be very welcome.

    Thanks for your review.

    Reply

    • Hi Mauricio,

      Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.

      I also cut my own hair and use a foil shaver to get a skin fade. I’m currently using the Series 9 Pro for that, it gets just as close as the Arc 5 when fading hair, but with less irritation. The back of my head is really sensitive and fading with the Arc 5 leaves me with some redness and irritation. Nothing major, but it’s why I tend to use the S9 more.

      Regarding the cleaning solutions, there’s the one from Shaver Shebang, haven’t personally tried it, but it’s got really good reviews and the costs are lower compared to the Panasonic detergent packs. The JetClean solution (used with Philips cleaning stations) could also work, but again, I haven’t tested it yet.

      I have quite a few Panasonic stations lying around that I’ve never used. I just clean the shaver with tap water and soap, then apply a spray lubricant. I’ve been doing this for years with great results and minimal costs.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • Thanks a lot Ovidiu.

        Reply

15. I got my shaver, the ES-LV9Q. I have mixed feelings. On one hand it’s a very good looking shaver, it feels more premium that my Arc4, having a littlebiymt of metal composition is good. On the other hand, the travel case doesn’t seems to be leather, it feels cheap and I think it will peel off with the time as it happened with my previous Arc4 case. Another thing that I dislike is all that movement in the head. It’s too much, it also feels fragile. That seems to be an step back compared to the Arc4.

    In terms of closeness, the Arc4 wins hands down here, those rollers in the Arc5 may get a more confortable shave but at the expense of closeness. This was an easy test, first I tried the Arc5 and once I couldn’t get closer, I tried the Arc4 which gave me a closer shave.

    All in all seems to be a good shaver, but I’m afraid it will not be as sturdier as the Arc 4. Only time will tells.

    I already bought the hard case from Japan because.

    If someone has the ES-LV9Q, could you tell me if the case that comes with the shaver peels of or if it’s real leather.

    Reply

    • Hi Mauricio,

      Thank you for the comment.

      I’ve actually noticed the head of the latest Arc 5 (and even Arc 6) as being too wobbly and also mentioned it in the reviews. You can however use the switch to lock it in place if you find it too annoying during use.

      A small percentage of users do feel like the rollers may get in the way of a closer shave — I’m not in that category and can’t relate, but I would try to tilt the shaver a bit towards the leading foil when going over an area that still feels rough. Ultimately, the older WES9173P foil that doesn’t have the rollers will fit the ES-LV9Q as well. It’s a good alternative when it comes the time to replace it.

      I have quite a few generation 3 Arc5s that all have some variation of that highly flexible head and no reliability issues so far.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

16. Money is not a big issue for me an i’m in the U.S. I really dont need a cleaning station. But I want a wet/ dry shaver. So which model should I buy? Es-Lv67 , es-Ls6Q or what other one do you recommend?

    Reply

    • Hi Gary,

      In the USA there are basically 3 wet/dry Arc 5 models available (without a cleaning station): ES-LV65, ES-LV67 and ES-LV6Q — the latter was never officially released, but it can be bought nevertheless.

      I don’t think one is intrinsically better than the other ones and since the price is not an issue, choosing one should come down to your own preferences.

      The ES-LV6Q comes with an updated foil which is a bit more comfortable, but other than that, it doesn’t shave closer or better than the ES-LV65 or ES-LV67. And you can in fact upgrade the foil on those as well. Also, the ES-LV67 has a 5-level battery indicator, while the other two have a 10-level indicator and will also display the elapsed time. These are pretty much all the differences that matter.

      Hope this helps.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

17. Hi Ovidiu, huge fan of your articles and I constantly come to check any updates from Braun and Panasonic.

    Been using the Braun Series 7 (740s-7) for a few years now and thinking about an upgrade. I love wet shaving with this device as the lather makes the cassette more gentle on my sensitive skin. However, I do wish I could get a closer shave without damaging my skin, so I’ve been eyeing the Panasonic Arc5 (ES-LV97-K or ES-LV6Q) and the Braun Series 9 Sport (9310cc).

    What are you opinions for someone who has very sensitive skin but wants a closer shave? Is the wet shaving experience on the Arc5 (or, potentially even the new Arc6) better than the wet shaving experience on Braun Series 9 Sport? If cleaning manually is no problem for either because of my experience cleaning my Series 7, what’s the right move here?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate your support.

      The safer choice would be the Series 9 9310cc since you know from previous experience that it works well enough (in my opinion it is very similar to an older generation Series 7 like the 740s in terms of comfort and closeness). I think wet shaving with an Arc 5 will improve the closeness and still be comfortable. The Arc 6 is even better in that regard, but it’s significantly more expensive and still not widely available (should be released globally this month).

      Any Arc 5 works great with shaving cream, so you should just get the one that makes the most sense to you (considering the price, availability, the inclusion of a cleaning station, the LED display and so on).

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

18. Awesome, very in depth review. I am brand new a shaving with a cordless shaver and narrowed down to a Panasonic Arc 5 with cleaning station. I want the most current model available in the US. I just don’t know which one to buy. Then, I hear that the Arc 6 is coming out. Not sure when it will be available here in the US. Any thoughts, suggestions would be extermely helpful. Much appreciated!

    Reply

    • Hi Mike,

      Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate it. The Arc 6 will be released in the USA this month (there’s no exact date). There will be two variations available, with and without a cleaning station. I’ve actually compared the Arc 6 to Arc 5 in great detail here, I think you can find some useful bits of info there to help you with your decision.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

19. Hi

    Hope you’re well.

    Is there any benefit to paying the extra money in buying the arc 5 with the cleaning kit station? Or can it be cleaned as good manually with the instructions you have provided in your helpful articles (e.g. soap and water)?

    Also, if I were to purchase the arc 5 with the cleaning kit station, can I still clean it manually the same way you advised in your helpful articles?

    Don’t want to pay extra for a cleaning kit station if not needed.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply

    • Hi Liyad,

      As a personal preference, I do not think the Arc 5 station is necessary. In my opinion getting a cheaper model with no cleaning station makes more sense. I never use the Panasonic stations I have as cleaning the shavers manually is very straightforward (you can of course still do it even if you buy a shaver that comes with a cleaning station).

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

20. Excellent and thorough details that help me a lot. Thanks a lot!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Matt, glad you found the info useful.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

21. For some reason, I am not finding my original inquiry and your reply. I asked a followup about how to replace a battery once it goes bad – according to the Panasonic ES-LV65, that iis about 3 years when charging every two weeks. Hope that does not mean the razor is also gone after 3 years! Thanks, Bill

    Reply

    • Hi Bill,

      I already replied to your original comment here.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

22. How do I know when the blades need to be changed? Reason I ask is, I bought a used one on ebay years ago and still going strong. Still shaves good, it’s just that I have always wondered how some brandnew blades would feel because I doubt the one I got had absolute new blades on it considering I got it for only $70! – Note: I even use this for body shaving several times per week! Of course still not as close a shave as a 5 blade Gillette with good ole shaving cream, but the next thing to it! Best razor on the market imo! Japan manufacturing rules! – Including the made in Japan Fender Aerodyne Jazz bass I have! lol! – Oh and by the way thanks so much for letting us know any of the heads will work for any of the Arc 5’s!

    Reply

    • Hi Cristopher,

      If it’s still going strong and shaves good, I don’t think you need to buy new blades & foils. The first thing I notice with dull blades and worn-out foils is excessive heat — the foils get way too hot early into my shave. Also, it takes a lot of strokes for a close shave and even then the result is not quite as good as in the case of new blades.

      How would new foils and blades shave? Pretty amazing 🙂 But as I said above, you don’t need to do it right away. I would however lubricate the blades a couple of times a week (using clipper oil or a spray lubricant like the Andis CoolCare Plus or Remington Shaver Saver). Particularly the sprays tend to make a big difference in the case of slightly dull blades that still cut decently.

      By the way, Japanese luthiers really are phenomenal.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

23. Sorry one more question when ya have the time. – I have been using a small an old toothbrush to clean the head and razors with. My question is do the brush bristles dull the blades? Is there any certain direction I should be moving the brush while cleaning? Thanks so much! This article was an awesome and very helpful read!

    Reply

    • Thank you, glad you found it useful.

      Definitely be careful when using a brush to clean the shaver (I personally recommend warm tap water and optionally some liquid soap). You must never brush the blades longitudinally, but rather with the direction of the blades (hope this makes sense). Also, never use any brush directly over the foils as they will get damaged.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

24. Hi Ovidiu – fabulous read and lots of food for though. I purchased an ES-LV9Q 18 months ago in the UK. I’ve been delighted with the build quality and shave. Today after cleaning the head and whilst fumbling to reattach the outer foil case (I have Parkinson’s) a tiny lug on one side, securing the case sheared off! Is it possible to get a replacement outer foil case or do I need to buy a whole new unit? Geographically I live in Malaysia but I can shop globally… Thank you in advance

    Reply

    • Hi Robert,

      Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.

      I’m not exactly sure I understand correctly — the tiny part that came off was from the foil head/frame (the one you detach to clean it) or from the rest of the shaver? Can you snap a picture and email it to me (contact@shavercheck.com)?

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • Thank you Ovidiu for your swift reply. The broken part is indeed off the foil head. I have emailed a photo.

        Regards

        Robert

        Reply

        • You are very welcome — I emailed you back, hope you’ll be able to source the part.

          Sincerely,
          Ovidiu

          Reply

          • WoW WoW WoW

            I sourced the part. It was delivered to an address in Germany. It has just arrived in Malaysia. I cannot thank you enough

            Best regards

            Robert

          • That’s awesome, Robert, glad you managed to get it.

            Sincerely,
            Ovidiu

25. I want to thank you for such a wonderful and fully comprehensive analysis. I have been shaving for about 64 years and have seen the evolution of electric shavers from my dad’s old Remingtons – he had to use to two to get a reasonable shave, to the first generation Norelcos and now the Arc 5. The men in the family have extraordinary difficult beards to shave. In my younger years the 5 o’clock shadow would appear about lunch hour (now a gray shadow). My current shaver of choice is my Arc 5 ES LV65. I find ARC 5 better than the Braun Series 7, ( I currently also have several Norelco rotary shavers as well – a bit easier on the face but not as close a shave). I have replaced the foil and blades on the Arc 5 ES LV65 and because the trimer has broken, I am contemplating replacing it in kind, but was most interested to learn of the cross-compatibility with rev. G&H foil and blades (ES -9040).
    I have not, however, been able to find ES-9040 on line- is it available in the states; is it significantly more expensive and in your opinion is it worth the upgrade?
    Thank you again.

    Reply

    • Hi Jack,

      Many thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with electric shavers — I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

      If you can’t easily source the ES9040 set or it costs a lot, you can definitely try the older variations (pre-revision G) that also have the pair of rollers. You can rest assured that you won’t be missing out on much. I find the previous foils (like the ES9036 or even the ES9034) to be extremely similar with regards to closeness and comfort. The ES9040 is a bit more effective on flat hairs, but if you shave often that won’t matter at all. The ES9040 is difficult to get in the USA and Europe because the revisions G and H Arc 5 have not been officially released outside Japan.

      The main benefit of the newer foils (ES9034 and up) compared to the first generation (like the one on your ES-LV65) is the comfort. I find the closeness to be exactly the same, so if your ES-LV65 is reasonably comfortable, I don’t think it’s worth spending a lot more money on the newer foils.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

26. Thanks so much for your helpful reply.

    Reply

    • My pleasure, Jack, glad I could be of help.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

27. Dear Nicolae,
    Thank you for the thorough analysis and descriptions you have provided for the Arc 5 shaver and its various models.

    I own an old Arc 5 LV81 which is still working and in good condition. One of the outer foils got damaged the other day, and having read your above article, it seems I can replace it with the latest one, i.e. the one with the rollers? If yes, do I have to replace the cutting blades as well?

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Thank you, much appreciated.

      That is correct, the new foil models with the rollers will fit. It’s generally a good idea to replace the blades as well because they’re probably blunt and you won’t get the best out of the new foil.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

28. One more comment please, I noticed that it is extremely difficult to get hold of the detergent of Panasonic shaver cleaner, and if available it is something like 25 dollars each (from Japan only).
    Do you have any knowledge of this please?

    Reply

    • Depending on where you live, sourcng the detergent can be really expensive. One workaround would be to try a third-party cleaning product. The only one I know of is from Shaver Shebang. I’ve only used them with Braun cleaning stations, but should work fine with Panasonic as well.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

29. Dear Nicolae,
    Thank you for your prompt answers on my above questions.
    Another question please, subjective though, between the LV97K and LV9Q which one would you choose?
    I am considering one of them, but I am concerned by the “very” flexible head of the LV9Q reliability over the LV97K. Performance wise you already stated they are identical (more or less). Plus the 3 years only battery life, and cost difference (the LV9Q is 50% more expensive than the LV97K, where I am).
    This battery thing is a bit strange to me, I normally keep all my electric shavers close to 10 years, and their battery has so far worked well.
    Any opinion on this please?

    Reply

30. brilliant source of information regarding electric shavers, thank you for all your time and effort – BUT – I am struggling to find any information about the panasonic ES-LV6U? i’m based in England and can source one through amazon but simply cannot find any info other than what panasonic have on their own website

    any thoughts or pointers?

    Reply

    • Hi Sebastien,

      Many thanks for the comment, glad you found the site useful.

      The ES-LV6U (and also the ES-LV9U) are actually region-specific Panasonic Arc 5 generation 3 revision G, so everything I said in the post above about the Japanese revision G applies to the ES-LV6U and ES-LV9U as well — these were recently released in Europe, Australia etc. You can also check out my in-depth review for more details.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • thanks for the time taken with the comprehensive reply, i’m looking at buying this particular arc 5 – I recently returned a braun 9 pro (under the braun 100 day guarantee) as I simply could not get on with it, I found the performance underwhelming, particularly when it came to cutting “longer” hairs on my neck despite several passes in different directions, and the battery life was nowhere near as advertised. A shame really, as I liked the braun in all other respects. It seems as i’m getting older (51) my skin is getting more sensitive so it’s a toss-up between the panasonic I asked you about (with the comfort rollers) and the new philips 9000

        I’ll try to report back with my findings

        Reply

        • Hi Sebastien,

          No problem, glad if the info was useful in any way. The S9 Pro is usually pretty good, in fact it’s among the best on longer hairs and the battery life is also solid (better than the Arc 5 in that regard). So it’s a bit surprising, maybe you got a defective unit? The Arc 5 feels more powerful and I would rate it higher for closeness and also when shaving coarse and short beards, but I think the S9/S9 Pro is superior with longer, flat-lying hairs.

          I am usually more restrained at recommending rotary shavers unless I know they work well for someone from previous experience. The new S9000 with the angular heads is also more cumbersome to use in my opinion than the older iteration with the more conventional (rounds) heads.

          Sincerely,
          Ovidiu

          Reply

31. Hi Ovidiu,
    I have just bought a ES LV6Q and used it for two days. I used it wet with Gillette shaving gel. Is it normal that the razor does not really cut? It is true I have a very difficult beard, but I always had to use the manual blade after to finish my shave…
    Is it because the skin has to become acquainted with being cut from an electric razor and so I should persevere? Or is there something I am failing?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Sandro,

      It is certainly not normal, but I think things will drastically improve. In my opinion the underwhelming results don’t have a lot to do with the skin getting used to the new method of shaving (that part is mainly in the form of irritation, razor burn etc), but more with you getting to know the shaver and how to get the most out of it. Normally you should be getting a smooth shave without much effort.

      It would be difficult for me to say what went wrong and how to improve your shave just from the comment above, but getting the basics right is usually a good place to start. First of all, I’d recommend trying the shaver dry — despite the fact that the Arc 5 and a quality shaving cream is a fantastic duo. But I think it’s easier to shave dry until you tweak your technique and find out what works best.

      Secondly, try shorter, steady, controlled strokes (alternate the speed of your stroke as well to see what works better in certain areas). Always go against the direction of hair growth and keep the shaving head flat on the skin (adjust the angle relative to the skin when shaving below the jawline for example). Later on you should definitely try shaving with your favorite products.

      As a side note, if you used the Gillette canned gel (the one that morphs into a thick, fluffy lather), I’d say that one is not ideal for shaving wet with an electric razor and can actually make things more difficult. I go into more details about that here if you want to check it out.

      Hope this helps.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

32. This is brilliant, thanks for this.
    I am living in China and spend the last 2 days trying to work out all the differences between the different models after my philips unexpectedly died. Well, not too unexpected as I’ve had 3 of them die on me over the years and all after being left on the charger for too long. Anyway, thanks to your work I settled on the LV 9EX which is about $240 on taobao (china’s ebay) so hopefully I don’t get a lemon.
    Cheers

    Reply

    • Hi Simon,

      Thank you for the comment, glad you found the info useful. I’m afraid I do not have any experience buying from that site. But if it’s anything like eBay, then buying from a reputable vendor with positive user feedback should be fine. Hope you’ll enjoy shaving with your new Arc 5, normally it should be a significant upgrade from an old rotary.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

33. Hi Ovidiu,

    Thanks much (again) for your inciteful reviews and info.
    Question.. What is the difference between the Panasonic ES-CLV9E-S and the ES-LV9EX?? I see the CLV available on Amazon, but it did not see it described in your article above. I am again out to purchase and I am considering the ES-CLV9E-S (Revision E model) in lieu of the newer ES-LV9V-S (Revision G) based on the info you provided. However I do not know what the “C” in the ES-CLV9E-S signifies.

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.

      Usually the models that have a C in front of the LV part of the name are exactly the same with some minor differences like the color of the protective cap (grey vs silver). That’s really it. So in this case, you could very well consider the ES-CLV9E-S and ES-LV9E-S the same shaver. The CLV was not available when I initially posted the comparison, so it’s not mentioned there. But to summarize the differences between the ES-CLV9E-S and the ES-LV9EX (respectively):
      – plastic vs metal body
      – conventional travel lock vs smart lock
      – soft travel pouch vs hard leather case

      I also think it’s a better buy than the revision G which comes with some obvious cost-cutting changes that aren’t reflected in the final price.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

34. Hi Ovidiu,
    I just replaced a broken Braun 9290cc with a Panasonic ES-LV65, chosen mostly based on your exhaustive articles. I’m very happy with it, your analysis seems spot on. Thank you for publishing all this detail! Knowing that I can upgrade later via the cassette is very helpful.

    Reply

    • Hi Mark,

      Thank you for the comment — that’s awesome, glad you’re happy with your Arc 5.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

35. Hi, thanks once again for this blog. I dont know what to do and where to find the answers if you hadent started this 🙂

    I got the shaver ES-LV6Q. The foil is giving a less close shave today compared to 1 year ago. I guess the foil is starting to get bad. Do these foils have shorter lifespan compared to those of Braun?

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Thank you for the comment.

      I wouldn’t say Panasonic foils & blades have a shorter lifespan, but they are more susceptible to wear if not properly lubricated. The friction between the foils and blades is greater with Panasonic shavers. I would try a spray lubricant for electric shavers before getting a new set for your ES-LV6Q. If you can source it, the Remington Shaver Saver spray works great and you can get the most out of a foil that doesn’t cut as close anymore. The next best thing would be the Andis CoolCare Plus spray.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • Thanks Ovidiu. I will try it.
        I have looked at the prices for the same replacement foil that was included in my shaver originally, and it is expensive. Im curious to see what the price is for the newer foils, but cant find the names of them, what keyword should I use to find em?

        Reply

        • No problem. The part numbers for the newer foil & blades sets are ES9038 and ES9040. These come on the revisions rev E/F and G/H, respectively.

          Sincerely,
          Ovidiu

          Reply

36. Hi Ovidiu,
    Thank you so much for this fantastic work! I guess this is the most comprehensive website worldwide on electric shavers in general, and Panasonic ones in particular. I found this highly valuable when looking for the first electric shaver for my son (for his 16th birthday). I have been using the ES-LV9Q for some years now, and I am very happy with it (much more than with Braun shavers before). Based on your information, I decided to purchase the newer model ES-LV9U which is no longer a Japan-only model, but actually available in Europe, as you also acknowledged in a post above. I got it here in Germany from amazon for 170 Euro only – probably a very good deal. It comes with an all-black automatic cleaning and charging station (which you described for the 2022 generation H update like ES-LV9V). Once one has a fixed place in the bathroom to put it and leave it there, I think these automatic cleaning stations are a very nice add-on that I do not want to miss, and I am confident my son is going to like that, too: it will remind young people of charging stations for computer mice and smartphones they are used to, and let the station do the cleaning is very convenient, too.
    Cheers!

    Reply

    • Hi Heimo,

      Thank you so much for the comment, I really appreciate it. That’s a fantastic deal you got for the ES-LV9U and I think Panasonic finally made the right call by making these models available outside of Japan. Happy birthday to your son, I think it’ll be a fantastic gift! 🙂

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

37. Hi Ovidiu,

    I am completely impressed by your knowledge on the matter, i am speechless.

    I am a huge fan of Panasonic shavers, already my third one (with stations).

    My last one lv97 is making a vibrating noise when using (always under the shower with foam) a few weeks after I changed the changed the foil and blades. It s like when the blade and cutter are old. Weird. If i put water (under the shower) in the head of the razor then the noise comes back to normal for a few seconds then .. back to this vibration noise.
    Already cleaned with station and even lubricate with panasonic oil but no difference.
    Something worn in the head ?
    Or just bad luck with blades and cutters ? Very expensive here : 60€.
    On amazon.de today there is some opportunity to buy the 97 for 135€ (/$) or the 9q for 185€ (/$).
    What shall i do ?
    Thank you.
    Eric

    Reply

    • Hi Eric,

      Thank you so much for the kind words, I’m glad you found the site useful.

      Regarding your problem, if the issue started right after replacing the foil and blades, it’s likely to be related. When the head is filled with water, the sound is muffled and the vibrations are reduced because the blades oscillate in some liquid, not freely.

      To exclude a problem with the linkage inside the head, do you happen to have the old foil and blades? If so, try changing them again and see if the vibrating noise is gone. Defective (brand new) parts are rare, but not impossible. Also, make sure the foil is properly inserted into the frame and that the blades are securely mounted on those struts. You probably already did this, but just to make sure that’s not what causes the vibrations.

      Really good deals on both the 97 and the 9Q, but it’s really up to you if you’re willing to spend more on an entire new shaver + station.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

38. Many of the newest ARC 5 and the ARC 6’s are cordless. Without a cord how do I take these shavers on two week plus trips? It doesn’t seem the batteries will last for a shave a day for 14+ days. Is that true? Can these cordless shavers be used when traveling? I can’t imagine dragging along a charger/cleaning station or the amount of space needed to pack a cordless shaver charging station with the limited space in a suitcase. Am I missing something? Can these cordless shavers be used when traveling? I searched the site the best I could and could not find an answer.

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Cordless means the shaver will not turn on when the cord is connected. All models come with a charger (cord). On a longer trip you would take the charger with you as it takes up little space. You do not have to bring along the cleaning station.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

39. Are there any differences in the battery or operating times for these shavers as they get newer? I have a 10 year old LV-81 (which I love) but I am starting to see the operating time become less and less. Do you have any suggestions for that? Also, are the hard travel cases universal?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Hi Jason,

      The battery capacity has remained the same with every new Arc 5 iteration. So even the latest models only offer 40 to 45 minutes of cordless use, pretty much the same as your LV81. The battery performance does degrade in time though, so a new shaver with a new battery will last longer than a 10 year old shaver. The most economical option for you would be to replace the battery when it can’t really hold a charge anymore. While it’s officially non-replaceable, many users have successfully replaced the battery of their Arc5s. It’s a pretty straightforward operation but I highly recommend watching some video tutorials beforehand (you can find some on Youtube).

      The battery for your model (and for a LOT of other Panasonic models) is the Panasonic WESLV9ZL2508. You should be able to source it easily, it’s quite a popular battery. Also, the waterproofing of your shaver may be compromised once you open it, so definitely keep that in mind if you used to clean the shaver with water. You can use some sealant paste, but I would still be mindful of that.

      As for the hard case, it will fit most of the Arc 5 models, but I cannot say it will 100% fit yours since it’s an old model with a different shape of the head.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

40. Question, is there supposed to be a cover for the charging port on the ES-LV97-K? I do not see one in the instructions or parts list, but wanted to make sure before I started using it and shocking things happen.

    Reply

    • Hi Chris,

      None of the Arc 5 models have a cover for the charging port, it’s always exposed.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

41. Thank you for your complete review!
    As to me, I have three 5 arc models: ES-LV65, ES-LV9B and ES-LV9Q.
    I have to say that the second generation piece ES-LV65 shaves me better( cleaner), than the third generation shavers ES-LV9B and ES-LV9Q !
    I guess that extra flexibility of the shavers head for the third generation shavers might be the reason for that.
    It could be, of course, due to individual features of my small face or due to some specifics of my face hairs ( of which I do not know anything).
    But the fact itself is surprising – it looks as if Panasonic while introducing newer features in their shavers for five years was working in vain, not for my benefit anyway. Interesting, is not it?

    Reply

    • Hi Alex,

      Many thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.

      One could definitely argue that the improvements to the Arc 5 family throughout the years have been rather incremental. The comfort of the newer iterations has been improved and the design and materials also got better. The closeness was already excellent and among the very best, so I personally am not that disappointed with the lack of progress there. I would have hoped for a better cutter for longer/flat hairs, but that never happened. Also, the way the 5 shaving elements flex is still pretty much useless and the highly flexible heads are impressive on the specs sheet, but not so much in practice.

      Regarding the better shave you’re getting with the ES-LV65, I would actually blame the comfort rollers present on your other newer Arc5s. Some users feel like the two bars get in their way and cannot get the shaver to cut quite as close. That could be the case here as well and maybe exacerbated by your facial hair like you’ve said or even technique — it’s really difficult to pinpoint it.

      Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

42. Ovidiu, thank you so much for the great review, he SUPER, it’s the best of all that is on the Internet!!!
    I’ve always used Braun Series 3, 5, 7 seconds, decided to switch to Arc 5.
    But it is possible that the second generation of Arc 5 is not fully described!!!
    There are models ES-LV54, ES-LV 64 red, ES-LV 74, ES-LV76, ES-LV92, etc.)))

    Sincerely.

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Thank you so much for the comment.

      That is true, I did however decide not to include them in order to not overly complicate an already hefty guide. Those are Asian-specific models and some have been discontinued for years. But apart from the color and displays, they are the same as the ES-LV65 for all intents and purposes (same foil and blades, cleaning station and same shaving performance). I think I will only mention this in a future update just to keep it simple. Thanks again for the input, much appreciated.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

43. Hi,
    I bought an Arc 5 LV65 largely off of your recommendation. I’ve used a few weeks now, most often wet with shave cream, and clean it after almost every use.
    Today, it was very grabby, was painful to shave and reddened my skin greatly. Mostly on my neck, but also under and on my chin.
    What might have caused that? I haven’t damaged it to my knowledge.
    Could it have gone defective so quickly?
    Thanks for any assistance

    Reply

    • Hi Steve,

      It’s very unlikely to have gone defective (with proper use), though not completely impossible. A faulty shaving head is immediately obvious from the first shave and with Panasonic these are extremely rare (quality control is a lot better compared to Braun cassettes for example). So unless it wasn’t induced (like damaging the foil during cleaning or someone dropping the shaver), I would consider other factors.

      Here are a few things to check:
      – make sure the foil frame is properly inserted
      – check the inner blades to ensure they are inserted securely on the two struts
      – the battery level should be above 20%; the shaver can slow down significantly and cause some pulling when the charge drops below 20%-15%
      – lubricate the blades after every water + soap cleaning (when the shaving head is completely dry)

      Also, have you made any changes to your shaving routine prior to this last shave? Like washing your face right before your shave, using a certain product or shaving a longer beard than usual.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

44. Dear Ovidiu

    I have been using a ES-LV95 shaver for over 10 years. It happens to be your top pick for most people which I find incredible after so many years.

    The battery in my shaver is at the end of its life, and the foils and blades all need replacing. The shaver cannot work from the power cord. The fan in the cleaner has a build up of dust etc and I don’t know whether this can be serviced.

    The decision I am faced with is should I spend $AUD150 to replace the battery and update the foils, or should I upgrade to a new Arc 5 ES-LV9Q-S841 currently on sale for $AUD449?

    Be very grateful for your opinion.

    Adrian

    Reply

    • Hi Adrian,

      Normally I am all in favor of saving money and holding on to your existing shaver if it’s still in good shape. But given its age (10 years is really impressive for current-generation shavers) and the potential problems with the station, battery and other issues that might break due to wear and tear, I think it makes sense to get a new shaver.

      I would have normally suggested another ES-LV95 or ES-LV97 if you can get a great deal on them (should be significantly less than the discounted ES-LV9Q). If not, the ES-LV9Q is a really impressive Arc 5. It’s by far the most premium feeling shaver I’ve ever used (it easily tops the latest Arc 5 iterations and even the Arc 6 in that regard). You will definitely feel the upgrade whichever Arc 5 you end up buying, mainly because of the new and sharp blades and the power sustained by a new battery.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • Dear Ovidiu

        Thanks for the great advice and for your generosity with your time.

        In the end I have gone with the ES-LV9Q as your comment on the luxury feel appealed to me (hoping for another 10 years use from the new shaver), as well as the fact I am using credit card points to make the purchase so the purchase doesn’t leave me out of pocket.

        I did locate the ES-97 at another store for $AUD329 but just not at a preferred store.

        Thanks again

        Adrian

        Reply

        • My pleasure, Adrian, glad I could be of help. Hope you’ll enjoy shaving with your new LV9Q.

          Sincerely,
          Ovidiu

          Reply

45. Ovidiu,

    Do you have an opinion between the Arc5 in which one to buy? I have an arc 3 currently, but I see the 5s are on sale and thinking about getting one. I’m looking at either the eslv67k ($119) and the eslv65s ($104).

    Reply

    • Hi Ryan,

      I personally would get the ES-LV65-K. The reasons are the same as I’ve mentioned in the post above, mainly the more feature-rich and useful display, the ability to turn off the shaving sensor, and in this case also the price. I personally like the travel lock better as well on the ES-LV65, it’s a physical rotating switch that’s really effective and intuitive as opposed to long pressing the power button on the ES-LV67-K with the razor switched on.

      But the shaving performance will essentially be the same, I didn’t notice any differences with the ES-LV67-K despite always shaving in sensor mode. So if for some reason you want that one, maybe you like the way it looks more, it’s a perfectly fine alternative. But objectively, the ES-LV65-S seems like the better pick.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • Thank you for your feedback. Sorry for the duplicate posting.

        Reply

46. Ovidiu,

    Is lv97 worth the extra $15 over the LV95? I see they’re both on sale at the moment. Just wondering if there are any advantages to justify the additional expense. Thank you.

    Reply

47. I finally got my hand on the Panasonic ES-LV97 for Christmas.

    I was using the 9000 series Braun with the Series 7 cassette coming 5+ years with a straight razor in between as I don’t justice the cost of Gillette product range or buy into the monthly razor head (Harry) for a low (not so low) price.

    let’s focus on the new beauty in my life.

    I notice from the get-go how smooth my first shave was and how light to hold compared to my Braun.

    My beard had 3 days (2-4mm) of growth, probably the max I would be comfortable with.

    The test comes with the moustache as it grows quicker and thicker, the LV97 destroyed it and left nothing but smoothness behind.

    I would like to say that I’ve been reading reviews from this site for a few years and I would not have chosen this without all of the information you have provided.

    I want to say a huge thank you for all the effort.

    Reply

    • Chris,

      thank you so much for the kind comment, I really appreciate it.

      The ES-LV97 and the Arc 5 line in general are fantastic shavers that will outperform a lot of the more expensive models from the competition. They’re particularly better for shaving dense and coarse hair close to the skin. I’m also blessed with extremely thick and dense hairs in the moustache area and I can only get a perfectly smooth shave (with no trace of that greyish 5 o’clock shadow) with an Arc 5 or Arc 6. I’m glad you enjoy yours and thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

48. Phenomenally comprehensive review. I used to be a Braun user but have been a Panasonic shaver user for over 12 years and have been very happy. Just in the last few days I got a new LV-65 to replace an old LV-95. I have always liked the cleaning station and use it weekly as I have a nice shelf and shaver socket in the bathroom for it to sit on.
    I was fully aware that the LV-65 does not come with a new cleaning station but took for granted I could still use it with the OLD cleaning station as the shaver design between the 95 & 65 are identical….but this is not the case as there are no metal contacts on the 65, just rubber nodules! I guess I will have to learn cleaning it manually! I know the newer 67 & 97 have slightly newer designs and cleaning stations so did not go for those models. So now I have a perfectly good cleaning station that I can’t use with my new 65 model. Disappointing.
    Keep up the good work.

    Reply

    • Hi Mark,

      Thank you for your kind comment, much appreciated. That is true, unfortunately, you won’t be able to use any Panasonic shaver with a station if it didn’t come with one. Unlike Braun, Panasonic replaces the metal contacts with rubber blanks on those models. On the bright side, the ES-LV65 is very easy to clean manually.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

49. Fantastic information in this article!
    After my original 2 blade Panasonic wet dry died, I bought an Arc 4 – and didn’t notice much difference between the new arc 4 and the old 2 blade model, except that the battery lasted longer on the old razor.
    When the Arc 4 needed new foil and blades again this last December, I saw that the difference in price between foil and blades for the Arc 4 and a new Arc 5 LV65 s was only $10. Based on your review, and your info that the blades and foils from all the arc 5 razors were interchangable, I bought the Arc 5. It is the best electric shave I have ever experienced!!
    I do have an esoteric question on the inner blades. Way back with my first 2 blade Panasonic, early web sites recommended that each time the razor was cleaned, the 2 inner blades should be either switched front to back, or rotated 180 degrees to evenly distribute wear. This always sounded a bit extreme, but I wonder if yiu have any experience with that practice?
    Thank you again for a fantasticly researched article.

    John

    Reply

    • John,

      Thank you so much for the comment, I really appreciate it. Looks like the ES-LV65 is a winner and you got it for a great price as well.

      As for interchanging the inner blades, in my opinion no, it’s not worth doing. I could even argue that it might have the opposite effect as it’s the case with rotary blades and guards. Another reader of the website asked the very same question a while back and I go into more detail in this comment if you want to check it out.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

    • Thank you for the Info. Instead of playing with the blade positions, I ordered the newest 9040 blades for my new lv65 just to see if they make a difference. As you noted, they are somewhat more comfortable than the blades and foil that came with the 65, but I am not really sure that they shave any closer. The LV 65 does a fantastic job (with either the stock or 9040 blades), except around the point of my jaw line near my ear lobes. I actually took my old arc 4 lv51 with the worn blades and shaved in that area after several passes with the lv65, and was surprised that the 51 trimmed it down just a bit more. The lv65/9040 blades made it very smooth – enough to get through a full day, but the 51 just added a little something extra at that spot. But that was the only spot on my face that the 51 offered any advantage, and it was so minor it wouldn’t normally be worth the effort. Even when new, the arc 4 never gave me as close and comfortable a shave as the lv65 on the rest of my face.

      Reply

      • Thanks so much for the follow-up, John. My experience has been really similar, the newer foils do not shave closer than the old ones. There are some benefits in terms of comfort (that aspect is quite obvious in my case) and maybe with how they catch difficult hairs, but that’s a rather small improvement.

        Regarding the LF51, that was a fantastic 4-blade Panasonic. It shaved just as close as the Arc 5 but had a smaller and more manageable head. I still have one, but the foils now get extremely hot, to the point that it can cause some injury to my skin, so I don’t use it anymore. It’s a real shame Panasonic decided to discontinue that model, it was by far the closest shaving mid-range electric razor out there.

        Sincerely,
        Ovidiu

        Reply

50. Hi,

    What you recommended ?
    Panasonic ES-LV9C or Brauns Series 9 9415S?
    I shaving 1-2 twice a week and I like/need good trymer also.

    The price is the same.

    Reply

    • Hi Marcin,

      For shaving once or twice a week I’d say the Braun would be more effective if your facial hair tends to stay flat on the skin. I personally find the trimmer on the Panasonic a lot better, but both trimmers will work fine for some quick grooming and touchups. I wouldn’t use it to trim an entire beard, especially not the Braun trimmer.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

51. Hi Ovidiu, you’ve done such a great work of research and review, congrats!
    I have a Panny ES-LV65-S811. I changed blades a couple of times and it is still great but the battery is now spoiled and doesn’t last long after recharging. So I’m thinking to buy a new one: would a LV9-FX be an upgrade, also the cleaning station is worth buying? What do you suggest?
    Thanx,
    Giacomo

    Reply

    • Hi Giacomo,

      Thank you so much for the comment.

      It would be an upgrade in a few ways — better build quality, quieter, decent battery, more comfortable and enjoyable to use. Most of these upgrades are actually the result of the shaver being brand new, not necessarily better performance-wise. All Arc 5 models are very similar in the way they perform. For me the station is not necessary, I always clean my Arc5s manually. But it’s a very nice station nevertheless, objectively better than Braun and Philips stations. If you can get a great deal on the LV9-FX, it’s a really impressive shaver.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

52. Hello, and thank you for all the detail which greatly helped me select the razor last year.

    Can you help me find the best replacement foil and blades for my Panasonic ES-LV9FX-S

    I think the replacement is the ES9038 unless I have this wrong or if there is a better one. Price is not an issue.

    As always thank you,

    Sincerely, Tom

    Reply

    • Hi Tom,

      Thank you so much for the comment, glad the info was helpful.

      The best Arc 5 foil + blades combo is currently the ES9040 that comes standard on the revisions G and H. It will fit your shaver perfectly. It’s not exactly cheap and the older ones are pretty close performance-wise, but objectively, this is the current best set.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • Sorry to bother you, but this eBay seller from Japan wrote me this back:

        New message from: shop_tokyo123 (1,137)

        Hello.
        Thank you for your inquiry.
        Unfortunately, it is not adapted to ES-LV9FX-S.
        Yoko

        Sounds like they don’t know the product they are selling. Would you agree you have it right and they have it wrong?

        Reply

        • Hi Tom,

          I would agree. Officially, Panasonic only list as compatible the foils/blades that originally came with a specific model. But others will also fit, I’ve tried this myself and many readers of this website. Just make sure that you’re asking for the ES9040 foil and blades set, not the foil frame for example which can be different. Maybe the vendor misunderstood your inquiry and thought of the foil frame or maybe he just doesn’t know that the latest foils are backward-compatible. But the foil and blades will fit your shaver just fine, I’ve even tried them on my ES-LV65 which as a much older Arc 5 and they fit perfectly.

          Sincerely,
          Ovidiu

          Reply

          • Appreciate the insight. When you say frame, do you mean I need to have only the blades and that black insert with the foil and not the crome frame.
            I think what I’m trying to say is I want to keep my frame and buy the black piece with the foil that clips into my existing silver frame or do I want a totally new frame head as well?

            Sorry my my confusion as I am not the sharpest tool in the shed haha!

            Sincerely,

            Tom

          • That is absolutely correct, Tom. You would keep the existing chrome frame and only buy the foils (by foils I mean the black piece with the foil that clips into the silver frame).

            Sincerely,
            Ovidiu

53. As always, thank you so much, Ovidiu for all your wisdom and time helping all of us.

    PS, do you think there comes a time when a new razor say for $275 is better than paying the $87 for blades lol.

    Sincerely,

    Tom

    Reply

    • My pleasure Tom, glad I could be of help.

      That time can definitely come. I’m a bit more conservative at recommending users new/pricy shavers if there are more economical workarounds. That said, it makes sense to get a new razor if there are some other issues with your current one and simply buying a new head just won’t be enough. Maybe the trimmer broke, the battery is on its last leg or there’s serious rattling/vibrations from the inside and so on. Or maybe you’re just not happy with it overall and a new shaving head won’t fix the core issue. If it’s any of that, you could consider buying that new shaver.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

54. Thanks again
    Would you know off hand about how long the ES-LV9FX-S battery’s life expectancy is with daily use?

    Sincerely,

    Tom

    Reply

    • No problem, Tom. Since this is a newer and not easy-to-get Arc 5, I don’t have much info on that. But Panasonic tends to use the same batteries throughout the different Arc 5 generations, so normally you should expect more than 3 years. There are users who even got close to 10 years with the older models, but that’s of course not the norm. There are also some unfortunate cases when a battery lasts less than the claimed 3 years, but that’s not specific to Panasonic or electric shavers for that matter.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

55. Wow. What am amazing review! Thank you thank you!

    Reply

    • You are very kind, Alan, thanks so much for the comment. Glad you found the article useful.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

56. Excellent review! I am trying to decide what generation/model to buy and I am stuck on one point. Of the most recent Arc5 models, which ones have a US Warranty? I have read that if the non-US models are purchased in the US that Panasonic will not honor the warranty, so that impacts the price/value analysis for me.

    Reply

    • Thank you for the comment, I appreciate it.

      I think only the Arc 5 models that were officially released in the USA have a so-called US warranty. So the newest ones would be the ES-LV67 and ES-LV97 which aren’t really new anymore. There are some revision C models available in the USA and even newer E or F, but those are sold by third-party importers and I’m not sure the US warranty will cover them. You can try and ask Panasonic customer support in the USA, but personally, I’m a bit skeptical about the warranty.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

57. Thank you so much Ovidiu for such a comprehensive and informative article! I had been wet shaving with a double edged razor for years, but I want to start shaving daily and the irritation even with the best gear is just too much. So I’ve bought a ES-LV6Q which was actually a little bit cheaper than the best priced ES-LV67 (the ES-LV6Q was originally cheaper but then Amazon jacked up the price before I could buy it).

    I’m really looking forward to trying it as a wet shaver and being able to have a smooth, comfortable face every day!

    Reply

    • Hey Cody,

      Thanks so much, glad you found the post useful. Price is in my opinion one of the decisive factors when buying an Arc 5 and I think you made the right choice by getting the cheaper one. Hope you’ll enjoy shaving with it.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

58. Hello,

    What an impressive review. I actually read the whole thing. I looooove the Arc5, and with the advice in your article, it’s time for a foil upgrade. Reading this article reassured me that the Arc 5 is excellent and that I will not be switching brands. Please keep creating amazing articles like this. To say the least, your work is impressive and thorough! I’m also going to subscribe to your newsletters.

    Appreciate ya,
    Dave

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for the support, Dave, I really appreciate it. Enjoy shaving with your (soon to be) upgraded Arc 5.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

59. Hi

    Thanks for all your great reviews and comparisons.

    My old Panasonic shaver just won’t hold a charge any more. I am trying to decide between the ES-LV95 and the ES-LV97. One thing I think I have found is that the LV95 comes with a cleaning station model no RC9-15 but the LV97 (and later models) come with an RC9-22. Do you know whether that is right and whether there is any difference between the cleaning station models?

    Thanks again

    Norman

    Reply

    • Hi Norman,

      Thank you for your comment.

      That is correct, the shavers do come with different stations, ie the part numbers are different. But from a functional point of view, the stations are the same. The one included with the ES-LV97 is slightly revised in the sense that the opening is larger to accommodate the different shape of the ES-LV97 head and handle. If you place the ES-LV97 shaver in the RC9-15, the contact pins on the back of the handle won’t be able to touch the three contact plates on the station because there’s not enough room in the cleaning bay for the shaver to tilt back as much as needed.

      But I don’t think there are any other differences between the two stations.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

60. Hi Ovidiu,

    Can I ask that model numbers ES-CLV9U-S (https://www.biccamera.com/bc/item/9214416/) and ES-CLV5U-A (https://www.biccamera.com/bc/item/9214420/)?

    Is in which revision? Should I buy these instead of a newer model?

    Thank you so much

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Both of them are in the revision G, aka SERIES 900 (released in 2021), so the second to last. The only newer model is the revision H, but is basically identical to the G. So you can safely buy on of the models you linked.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

61. Hi Ovidiu,
    Thank you for your continued support! I was wondering: how big of a deal is it that ES-LV67-K ($102 right now) cannot turn off the beard sensor compared to ES-LV65-S ($154 right now). The difference in price would allow me to buy an extra ES-9036 blade set (with gold comfort rollers). Does the always-on sensor reduce shaving effectiveness/speed or produce annoying variations in pitch/sound? I do care about a very quick shave. I am okay with the less informative display on ES-LV67-K and actually prefer the design. But I don’t want to buy an inferior shaver if the sensor (or less 3D head movements?) present issues such as slowness, noise, etc. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi Nathan,

      I think in this case you can (and should) get the ES-LV67. The sensor thing is just a minor advantage of the ES-LV65 that allows the user more granular control. But I would only factor that in if for example the price of the shavers is the same. In this case the ES-LV67 is definitely a better deal. The shaving performance is overall identical with or without the sensor (it almost always runs at full power on the ES-LV67 as well). Add to that the fact that you prefer the ES-LV67 design and the choice is clear.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • Thank you! I did not move fast enough. The price is now the same . Apparently it was a deal only for a few hours…
        But many thanks for your great advice!

        Reply

        • So sorry I didn’t manage to reply faster. If you can still use your old shaver for a while, maybe wait a bit more as there are often great deals, possibly during Easter as well.

          Sincerely,
          Ovidiu

          Reply

          • Not at all. That’s 100% on me! Thank you for your kind reply. At this point, I could also just get an ARC 3 ES-LT67-A for $86! I wonder how much faster a shave ARC 5 would give in comparison given that I shave daily most of the time…

          • An Arc 5 will be better if your beard is also coarse and dense. It’ll simply feel like a more refined, faster and more powerful shaver with plenty of headroom.

            The Arc 3 will get the job done as well, it just won’t be that enjoyable. I personally preferred the discontinued Arc 3 ES8103S over the ES-LT67-A because it was cheaper, more compact and had a smaller foil frame, making it a lot more nimble. Since that one can’t be bought anymore, the Arc 3 ES-LL41-K or ES-LL21-K would be my picks for roughly the same reasons, although the prices have gone up as well and now cost about the same as the ES-LT67-A.

            If you can wait a bit more maybe you can get a great deal on an Arc 5.

            Sincerely,
            Ovidiu

62. Ovidiu,

    Just an update on the ES9040 foil & blade set. Two years ago I had to purchase from Japan at a cost of $91.45. I was able to find it today on eBay for $66.98 in the US.

    Thank you for all of your hard work and advice!

    Jack

    Reply

    • Thank you for the follow-up, Jack. Glad you managed to buy it at a reasonable price.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

63. I have just got an arc5 today LV6q, and when I picked it up from the store the guy said excellent choice. I have always been a Phillips man but got this from this review, all I can say is wow what a shaver, leaves the Phillips for dead.

    Reply

    • Thanks so much for the feedback, Nigel, glad you’re enjoying your Arc 5. Your experience is actually similar to other users who never used anything except Philips rotary shavers. And except for the (few) cases when a rotary works better, the switch to a powerful and capable foil shaver like the Arc 5 is usually spectacular. Enjoy shaving with your LV6Q.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

64. Thank you Ovidiu for interesting reviews,
    I really love any of your single lines of comments.
    I am deciding between Panasonic ES-LV65, ES-LV97 and Braun series 9 9350s for everyday shaving. Any recommendation?

    Sincerely youres,

    Reply

    • Hi Alavi,

      Thank you so much for the kind comment.

      For everyday shaving all of them will be very suitable. However, the shavers are a bit different in several ways, so I will try to convey that so you can pick the one that seems to suit your needs the best.

      The ES-LV65 and ES-LV97 will shave exactly the same. The differences are related to exterior design and to the fact that the ES-LV97 also includes a cleaning station. I personally don’t use a station with my Panasonic shavers, but if you think it would be nice to have (and the price is similar), the ES-LV97 would make more sense. But if you don’t plan on using it and you can get the ES-LV65 for less, get that one instead.

      The two Panasonic shavers are really powerful and shave very close and are ideal for daily use (not great if your beard is longer as they require more work to get all the hairs).

      The Series 9 9350s is in my experience gentler, something to consider if you have sensitive skin. It doesn’t shave quite as close though. Also, the Series 9 is a lot more effective with longer facial hair if you were to shave less often, but it’s not the case from what I understand.

      Hope this helps.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

65. Hi.
    Having read your very informative reviews, I have opted for the Panasonic ES-LV67 razor. This item offered on Amazon bears the suffix A803.
    I understand A denotes the colour, but would you be kind enough to shed some light on the significance (or not) of these numbers.
    Thank you
    Ken Logan

    Reply

    • Hi Ken,

      As far as I know, the 803 designates the European model names. Generally, the number that appears after the letter that stands for the color is related to the country/region. The USA didn’t get the -A (blue) ES-LV67 officially, only the -K (black) variation. No differences between them whatsoever (except for the color of course).

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

66. Hi Ovidiu,

    Thank you so much for your detailed reviews and painstaking work! I’ve just spent the last 2 hours reading up on various models, and have trawled through every post of yours covering the Arc 5. I am now using my 2nd LV65-S model, and have been using this since 2019. I am now on the hunt for another one as it doesn’t seem to shave as well, despite changing blades and foils multiple times. Some of the silver parts have also started flaking.

    I will be importing from Amazon Japan and have these 2 options due to the price:
    1. ES-LV9FX-S
    2. ES-LV9V-S
    Which would you recommend taking? I also have the option of the LV67 and LV6Q but have left them out given their age.

    I know that the LV9V is newer by 2 years (revision H, in 2022), but the fact that it has no smart lock and no metal body is making me wonder. The LV9FX full metal body, 10 level LED, and smart lock seems to be the way to go, but I am wondering if it makes sense buying a 2020 model today. Some part of me is making me think that the batteries, and even the fact that it was manufactured years earlier must make it inferior. Would love to hear your thoughts!

    Thanks again for your great work!

    Sincerely,
    John

    Reply

    • Hi John,

      Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate it.

      For roughly the same money, you are getting more with the LV9FX (you’ve pretty much listed everything). With the last two revisions, Panasonic really started to cut down on costs, hence the less impressive (feature-wise) shavers. They still shave just as good. I don’t think that being two years older is a deal breaker. They batteries are the same and the manufacturing date is very likely more recent (not 2020). The only real advantage of the LV9V is the newer foil, supposedly better with difficult hairs, but having used both, they feel exactly the same.

      I personally would get the LV9FX as I feel that Panasonic just tried to optimize production costs with the subsequent revisions by removing features and accessories. In fact, I would even get an LV9Q (revision C) over the LV9V if the price was the same.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

67. Hi Ovidiu,

    I’m kind of in the same boat as John. I switched from a Braun (wasn’t as reliable or close) to Panasonic 25 years ago. Since then I’ve been using the same ES8234 every single day; original battery with a few new blades and foils. I’ve clearly got my monies worth. Since I buy for performance and durability . . .

    If I were to buy the LV9FX (as you had suggested to John), and hoping I last another 25 years, this could be the last shaver I’ll ever buy. So why buy something designed and manufactured in the past.

    Something I didn’t see you discuss has to do with Volt, Hz, and Plug. If I, like John buy one out of Japan, will I need an adapter to work with the 110/60Hz, domestic plug that we have in the USA? What kind of an adapter would I be looking for?

    Personally, that would be annoying. What might be my next best option? Price is not really an issue given how long I’ll get to use it.

    Thank you very much for being and sharing your expertise!! You must have quite the plethora of brands and models. I can’t even imagine.

    Thank you again, Don

    Reply

    • Hi Don,

      Thanks so much for the comment.

      25 years is really impressive, it definitely served you well. However, using a shaver for that long without any issues (battery or other internals) is rather an exception and not the norm. I’m only telling you this because the chances of that repeating with any other shaver are rather slim.

      The chargers shipped with the Japan models can take various voltages and frequencies, so you do not have to do anything except using a simple and very basic plug adapter which has nothing to do with voltage or frequency. It just allows you to plug your charger in the specific wall socket which can be different in different countries.

      The LV9FX comes with a cleaning station, if you don’t need it then I think you should maybe consider a different model. Also, the LV9FX is a range-topping model in the sense that it has some extra features like a smart lock function or aluminum body. The internals, battery, motor etc. are the same, so it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll last longer than another model with a classic travel lock and no cleaning station.

      If your main criteria is durability, newer and older models are just as good in my experience.

      I would actually recommend another 4-blade Panasonic, the ES-LF51-A or the ES-LA63AA. Yes, these are older models, but shave great and mine still work flawlessly after many years. If you want an Arc 5, again I would rather get an ES-LV65 because it shaves great, it’s reasonably priced and I don’t think it’s less durable than the latest revisions.

      But if you want the newest iteration, that would be the revision J Arc 5, currently only available from Japan. In the post above you can find the specific model names depending on your needs: with or without a cleaning station, cordless only or cordless & corded etc.

      Hope this helps.

      PS: I really do have a LOT of shavers, it’s kind of getting out of control. But I also don’t want to part ways with any. 🙂

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

68. Thank You Ovidiu,

    I will do a bit of reconsidering. I do want the cleaner. I just ordered the Jack Black Balm you raved about and will give it a try.

    My wife knows a couple whose husband is a product director for Microsoft and had collected every unusual type keyboard ever imagined and did an art or museum exhibit with them. Have you thought about something like that? I think people would be quite amazed to see all the different manufacturers and models!

    Thanks again,
    Don

    If you don’t have an ES8234, I can bequeath mine to you once I have a replacement. It’s still in great shape and looks real clean.

    Reply

    • You are very welcome, Don.

      That is a really interesting idea, when I’ll retire and I’ll have lots of time on my hands and lots of shavers — even more than I do know — I might give it a go.

      Getting back to present time, if you want an Arc 5 with a cleaner, the default option would be the venerable ES-LV95-S. I own that one as well and it’s a solid, reliable and great performing shaver. It’s identical to the ES-LV65-S I mentioned in the previous comment but it comes with a station.

      A newer option would be the ES-LV9Q, that one is quite easy to find in the USA despite not being officially released there. It has a metal body and a more comfortable foil compared to the ES-LV95, but you can upgrade that one as well to use a newer, more comfortable foil.

      The latest Arc 5 is the Japanese revision J and there are variations that also come with a cleaning station. But the price will be significantly higher since you’ll need to import it from Japan.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

69. Thanks again for the useful information!

    I’m surprised how well the blades & foils of my ES-LV65S have held up, but it’s finally time to replace them. I’m wondering whether the newer ones with the rollers are worth the price difference. Since I lubricate the shaver head with a drop of mineral oil, and use LectricShave, I find the plastic bars between the foils on the old version glide over my skin just fine, and I wonder whether the rollers would really make a difference. I also wonder what other improvement the newer foils might have. You mentioned a slight improvement in how it handles flat lying hairs, presumably from a re-designed cutter bar. Is that the only other difference?

    On another topic, do you have information about a realistic expectation of battery life? The manual says I can expect three years …but it also says I should be able to shave in three minutes & to get two weeks of shaves from a charge. I have yet to finish a shave in anything like three minutes, or to shave for even one week on one charge. So I wonder whether my battery is about to quit any day now, leaving me with an expensive paperweight. Any info would ve appreciated.

    Reply

    • Hi Barry,

      You are very welcome, glad you liked the article.

      In my opinion if you found the old foil adequately comfortable, there’s really no point in spending more just to get one of the new ones. I think it’s worth it if you can easily get the set for roughly the same money, otherwise you can just get the original one.

      As for the battery, with normal use and decent maintenance (like not leaving the shaver in direct sunlight), the battery generally lasts long past the 3 year threshold. In fact, some users still have the ES-LV81 which is the predecessor of the ES-LV65/ES-LV95 with the original battery (both use the same battery model). And while lasting for that long isn’t the norm, neither is 3 years (unless you’re very unlucky). The battery can be swapped of course but the shaver may not be completely waterproof after that.

      I also have to charge mine at least once a week and it’s the same with all Panasonic Arc 5 models, even the new ones, as those use the exact same battery. Panasonic likes to stick with it for some reason, there have been zero updates in that regard.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

70. Hi Ovidiu
    Can you use a washable shaver in the shower or with shaving cream?
    I prefer doing wet shaves but the travel razor you recommend, cv51, doesn’t seem to be available anymore online
    There is the cv70 which I am fine with getting as long as I can use it wet. Is it just a recommendation to use it as dry only or have you tried using them wet and it was fine.
    Thank you again for all the work you do compiling all this information!

    Reply

    • I should’ve mentioned this too but because I like to shave only in the shower with shaving cream, the razor will never be plugged in when I use it

      Reply

      • Hi Alex,

        Both variations are waterproof so there aren’t any differences in that regard. Because the CV70 also works with the cord, it is sold as a dry-only shaver. I cannot recommend using a dry-only shaver in a different manner than what the manufacturer recommends, but there are numerous users who shave wet with the CV70 (without the cord of course).

        Sincerely,
        Ovidiu

        Reply

71. Thanks for the hard work! Does this model have a switchable stubble sensor? I choose between lv 67 and Panasonic ES-LV6Q. I like the more informative look, design, and the new grid. For me, the price for the first model is $150 and for the second $200. Is it worth paying $50 more?

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.

      The ES-LV67 and ES-LV6Q both have an always on sensor, you cannot switch it off. But it’s really not an issue as it seems to run at full speed for the majority of time.

      The ES-LV6Q has a newer foil which is slightly more comfortable and a more feature-rich display that shows the battery level in 10% increments and also the duration of your shave. So you’re essentially paying more for that. The foil on the ES-LV67 can be upgraded to the newer models as well.

      It’s really up to you to decide whether the price difference is worth it — the shaving performance will be more or less the same.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply

      • Thank you very much for your answer. Are these shavers the same in the kit? Do they both have oil, brush, soft faux leather case?

        Reply

        • You are very welcome. Yes, the kit should normally be the same (both come with the soft faux leather case). The only unknown is currently the oil. When I bought my ES-LV67 from the USA it came with the lubricant, but from what I understand Panasonic stopped including it for most models, at least in the USA.

          Sincerely,
          Ovidiu

          Reply

72. There are reviews that with a fixed razor head, the lock unfolds over time. Is that so, have you met it?

    Reply

    • That has never happened to me with any Panasonic shaver and I’ve been using them for 20 years. It can of course happen, but I’d say it’s a rare occurrence.

      Sincerely,
      Ovidiu

      Reply