Panasonic ES8249K Arc IV Nano Vortex Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaving System, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Background:Have used Vortex shavers previously, several iterations.Coming now from a Braun Series 7 to try the 8249 ARC IV, so I thought a comparison would be useful.I switched from the Braun because the requirement (for me) to use an alcohol pre-shave was a bit irritating to my face; dry shaving also contributed to after-shave irritation.Previous Panasonics - and this one - used wet with shaving creme and water feel much nicer to the face after the shave."Close" feel is very similar after shaving with both shavers; shaving takes about the same amount of time with both.

The Braun is significantly quieter, both in use and with the cleaning system; a whirring fan in the Panasonic still makes noise during the drying cycle after cleaning - the Braun is induction so is completely silent.The Braun also takes considerably less time for the cleaning cycle; if I interpreted the confusing Panasonic manual correctly, clean/dry/charge cycle takes 2 hours (update - after using it for awhile, I think it takes about an hour); one reference is for 2 hours 40 minutes, although it's difficult to tell what cycle was referenced (I believe the Braun was around 15-20 minutes).

The shaver LCD on the Panasonic goes out (at least onmine) when the shaver is being cleaned in the cleaning module, so you can't tell during cleaning what percent of charge remains; I suspect this is normal but it's impossible to tell from the instruction manual, and functionally it doesn't matter.The Braun system uses some sort of "logic" chip, so it "knows" if the shaver has just been cleaned or requires cleaning, or just charging; the Panasonic is just a washer and you have to select the mode.

Cleaning cartridges for the Panasonic are cheaper and less bulky to store than the Braun; should last the same number of shaves for both (about 30); not sure if you can tell when the cartridge needs to be changed in the Panasonic - the Braun device tells you.I also suspect the Braun system gets the shaver cleaner and more antiseptic than the Panasonic using alcohol-based fluid; eventually all my previous Panasonics developed a soap-scum and water mineral haze over shaver and cleaning unit; I anticipate the same with this one, but probably functionally doesn't matter.For the Braun, the down side of using alcohol is that it evaporates and is irritating.

The bottom line is the shave, and the Panasonic definitely is more comfortable when used wet (if I used it dry I would rate the Braun higher).Both shavers seem to have similar quality construction; I give the nod to the Panasonic in spite of the minor annoyances described because of the reduced irritation when used with water and shaving creme.

Updated review, 3 months later:Still getting a close, smooth, comfortable shave.Will continue to use the Panasonic vs the Braun.Cons: The cleaning unit never gave me an indication to change the cartridge, even after 30 days (it also doesn't smell as nice as the Braun).On reading the manual, it says "30-40 days", which is good with respect to the longevity of the cartridge, but I changed it after almost all of the water had evaporated from the tank.Couldn't be good for the unit to run dry, so I would recommend monitoring the water level rather than rely on an indicator light (if one ever shows).I also still get a soap film on the inside of the shaving head, and a slight film on the interior of the cleaning unit, even using distilled water; expected this, and it doesn't seem to affect the function of the unit.I also got a "change head" indicator after 3 months use (probably because my shaving time is 10 minutes or so - 3 minutes is WAY optimistic); easy to reset, but there's no "logic" behind this notification; I expect I'll change the head after 6-12 months.

Pros:So far, so good, and still delivers a great shave, with all the little quirks.I would recommend it.

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Product Description:
The Panasonic ES8249K Arc IV Nano Vortex Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaving System features a four-blade system, along with a linear motor, pivoting head, and other innovative technologies to deliver an outstandingly close and comfortable shave. And thanks to the HydraClean feature, your shaver will always be clean and ready to go.

The four-blade system provides 32-percent more cutting surface than previous models. View larger. Linear Motor Offers Maximum Power
The ES8249K features a linear motor that achieves an astounding 13,000 revolutions per minute. Even the thickest beards are no match for the shaver, and you'll experience a frictionless shave with less pulling and irritation.
Four-Blade Design for Extra-Close Shaves
A four-blade design offers comfort and support while delivering great performance. This four-blade shaver provides 32-percent more cutting surface than previous models, giving better coverage with less irritation. The foils and blades are arced to gently nestle into the skin to achieve maximum closeness.
The blades are angled at 30 degrees for the sharpest cut in the industry. The blades are also polished with Nano Technology for even better cutting performance.
Wet/Dry Design Lets you Shave in the Shower
The wet/dry design of the shaver means you can easily clean your shaver by simply rinsing it under running water. The Vortex has a cleaning mode that speeds the motor up to 17,000 RPMs for quick and easy cleaning.
The wet/dry functionality also gives you the option of shaving wet with lather while in the shower, in addition to dry shaving when you need a touch up on the run.
HydraClean Automatically Cleans Your Shaver
Panasonic's innovative HydraClean feature automatically keeps your shaver clean and hygienic all the time. With the intelligent base, you can clean, charge, and dry your razor. The cleaning system uses an alcohol-free water/detergent infused cleaning process that removes debris to keep the blades fresh. A heating element gets rid of all wetness and moisture for an extra-dry shaving head.
Rechargeable Battery Saves Money and Reduces Waste
An internal rechargeable battery means you don't have to wastefully buy and throw out batteries. The shaver gets about 14 shaves on a one-hour charge, and a handy battery monitor lets you know how much charge is remaining at all times. A convenient five-minute quick charge option lets you quickly charge up for a single shave.
International Voltage Conversion
With an automatic voltage conversion feature, you can take the shaver wherever you go and not worry about voltage converters; just plug it in and you're all set to go. A travel pouch is included with the shaver.
The Panasonic ES8249K Arc IV shaver measures 2.4 x 6.3 x 1.8 inches.
What's in the Box
Shaver, recharging/cleaning base, travel pouch.

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Panasonic ES8249K Arc IV Nano Vortex Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaving System
Description Wet/Dry Get an ultra-smooth shave every day, and the convenience of using the shaver wet or dry, rinses clean Hypoallergenic, Stainless Steel Foil and Blades Floating Heads Floating heads follow facial contours to provide a clean, close, and fast shave Pop-up Trimmer For mustache and sideburns Vortex HydraClean System Powerful hygienic cleaning system automatically charge, cleans, and dries shaver Sharpest Blades Conventional blades only cut at 45-90-degree angles, Nanotech blades cut at 30-degree for a precise cut at first pass Micro Polished Nanotech Blades The cutting blades are polished with Nano particles to create an exceptionally cutting surface Arc Foil Revolutionary arc foil nestle against the skin and glides uniformly Linear Motor Super fast 13,000 RPM linear motor ensures a quick cut eliminating pulling and tugging due to slow motor speed Pivoting Head Adjustable pivoting head rocks both up and down, and back and forth, following the contours of your face LCD Display LCD battery status and charge indicator to keep your blade fresh Rechargeable Dual Voltage Number of Blades 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 Replacement Outer Foil WES9941P WES9941P WES9941P WES9833P WES9085PC WES9085PC WES9087PC WES9087PC WES9161PC WES9161PC Replacement Inner Blade WES9942P WES9942P WES9942P WES9850P WES9064PC WES9064PC WES9068PC WES9068PC WES9068PC WES9068PC Replacement Foil & Blade WES9979P WES9979P WES9979P WES9839P WES9012PC WES9012PC WES9013PC WES9013PC WES9020PC WES9020PC Cleaning Cartridges WES035P WES035P WES035P

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