Panasonic ES8109S Vortex Wet/Dry Shaver with Nano Technology and HydraClean System Review

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(More customer reviews)Ok, so this is my third Panasonic wet/dry shaver in about 5 years and, by far, this one is the best one yet. I've experimented with other manufacturers' shavers over the years, including Brauns, Norelcos and Grundig shavers, but I've ultimately found nirvana, ok, not quite nirvana, but a most pleasant shaving experience with Panasonic shavers.I love Panasonic's shavers because I like being able to shave in the shower with an electric shaver and a little glycerin based shaving foam (Gilette Series foam in the long silver tube works best for me and doesn't gum up the shaver like gels do). I swear, this unbeatable combination (i.e., shower steam, Panasonic wet/dry shaver and Gilette Series foam) shaves me closer than even the best blades that Gilette offers (at present, the Gilette Fusion) with far less irritation and with no annoying little cuts in conspicuous locations around my face and/or neck.

Just to review, my first Panasonic wet/dry was great and served me well for about 3 years, but when the Panasonic models came out a few years ago with the Vortex cleaning systems, I just had to have one, so I moved on to the model ES8078 wet/dry shaver. The ES8078 served me well for a year-and-a-half - until I dropped that bad boy in the shower earlier this week! 'Nuf said. It didn't break into a zillion pieces or anything, but the motor just stopped working. (It's actually kinda funny because I was so preoccupied with ensuring the safekeeping of that little shaver ever since I brought it home, chiding my poor wife for even looking at it wrong, and then my dumb arse drops the dang thing in the shower. AAARGHHHH!!!)Anyhow, after a quick review of the top of the line shavers from various manufacturers currently available (including the new Braun Pulsonic models), I opted to go for the latest offering from Panasonic. Even though the new Brauns cost $100 more than the Panasonics, their motors are still slower, and you still can't shave with 'em wet. For the uninitiated, higher motor speed = faster moving blades = less friction = less irritation. Panasonics have consistently had the highest motor speed available in any electric shaver.

I've shaved with the new ES8109S shaver for a few days now, and my first impression after the very first shave was that I got a very close shave (consistent with the performance of my prior Panasonics) and, try to understand this, my face did not FEEL as though I had just shaved. It may sound a little odd, but you know how your face feels sensitive to the touch after you typically shave? Well, that sensation, at least for me, was far less apparent after shaving with the new Panasonic. Heck, maybe it's the new curved blade and foil assembly that reduces irritation or something. In this respect, the new ES8109S actually outperforms Panasonic's prior top of the line offering (the ES8078) and actually causes even less shaving irritation than that model (which itself wasn't all that irritating to begin with). Also, much like the prior models, the little pop up trimmer on the side of the new shaver is great not only for trimming sideburns (which I actually never use it for), but also for capturing those awkward little hairs that lie flat or may be becoming ingrown. The latest model is also quieter than the last model and has a more substantial feel to it while holding it.

Oh, one more thing, the ES8109S comes with Panasonic's latest iteration of its Vortex Cleaning and charging base, which is slightly different from its prior models, but appears to use the same cleaning cartridge. The Vortex quietly cleans, lubricates and even fully recharges your shaver for you (alternatively, you can just plug the power cable for the Vortex directly into the shaver to recharge it). The cleaning/lubricating solution in the Vortex consists of a slender cartridge containing a detergent based solid that becomes "activated" when it mixes with water in the Vortex base. The cleaner is not alcohol-based, so it does not evaporate over time like the Braun cleaning solution does - along with the money you'll spend on their big, expensive refills.

In summary, I highly recommend the Panasonic ES8109S shaver to persons like me with sensitive skin that is prone to irritation (I know you're thinking, "Why didn't he just say that from the outset?") Hope this review helps!

LONG TERM UPDATE! - Well, I've had 8109S for almost one full year now and it's still going strong. I've noticed it's become slightly less efficient at capturing the few hairs on my cheeks that tend to lie flat, so it's about time for the annual changing of the foil, which I know (based on past experience with Panasonics) will restore the shaver to its fullest hair capturing & cutting potential. One tip I have about cleaning the razor - I shave and rinse clean my shaver every day, and I only clean it in the Vortex when it needs charging which, for me, is about once every two weeks. This cuts down on the usage of the cleaning cartridge. The need to clean your shaver will depend in large part on what you shave with (I use a foam, which tends to rinse cleaner than creams and gels). Also, one more tip regarding the cleaning cartridges in the Vortex cleaning system - you DON'T HAVE TO replace the cleaning solution at the manufacturer recommended interval. You can definitely get away with using them longer. I tend to use them until the service light on the Vortex base turns on, then I change the cleaning cartridge and water in the Vortex and it's good to go. I'm only on my third cleaning cartridge in the year I've owned the razor.

EVEN LONGER TERM UPDATE! - Well, it's a little over a year-and-a-half since I purchased this shaver, and it has died on me. It all started about two weeks ago when I noticed that it was holding less of a charge between chargings, i.e., I could get progressively less and less shaves per charge. Then the display started giving unintelligible readings that did not correspond to the charge level. Then, today, I go to try to turn on the shaver and no response. All in all, this shaver performed exceptionally well throughout it's lifespan and, considering the price of "next-best option" Gillette Fusion blades, was far less expensive, and less irritating, over time than shaving with blades. I have to admit I thought it would've lasted me a little longer than it did as past Panasonics I've owned have lasted longer. Now, I could try to have this thing repaired for some astronomical price, only to have it stop working again. Or, I could take this opportunity to purchase Panasonic's latest offering, the Arc IV Nano Men's Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaver, which I've scoped out and seen positive reviews of here on Amazon. I think I'm going to go with the new Panasonic, but this time without the Vortex cleaning base as this was the 2nd Panasonic shaver I've owned (one of which I dropped) that I am now stuck with a useless Vortex cleaning base. Happy shopping!

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Product Description:
The Panasonic ES8109S Vortex Arc 3 Wet/Dry Shaver with Nanotech Blades and HydraClean uses a pivoting head, a linear motor, and other new technologies to give you an outstandingly close and comfortable shave. The ES8109S's linear motor achieves an astounding 13,000 revolutions per minute. Even the thickest beards are no match for this shaver, and you'll experience a frictionless shave with less pulling and irritation.

Triple-Blade Design for Extra Close ShavesA triple-head design offers comfort and support while delivering great performance.There are two foils and a center slit that all float independently, and the pivoting head rocks up and down, and back and forth, so you will get a shave that closely follows the contours of your face.
Triple-Blade Design for Extra Close Shaves
Wet/Dry Design Lets you Shave in the Shower
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 Panasonic ES8109S Arc 3 Shaver 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.
HydraClean Automatically Cleans Your Shaver
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 shaver measures 2.6 x 6.3 x 1.7 inches (W x H x D).

What's in the Box
Shaver, recharging/cleaning base, travel pouch, adapter

ES-SA40-K ES4026NC ES7103K ES8103S ES8109S ES8243A ES8249S ES-LA63-S ES-LA93-K
(13,000)
(13,000)
(13,000)
(13,000)
(14,000)
(14,000) Rechargable 100-240V
Universal Voltage Number of Blade 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 Number of Motor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 Replacement Outer Foil WES9941P WES9833P WES9085PC WES9087PC WES9087PC WES9161CL WES9161CL WES9025PC WES9025PC Replacement Inner Blade WES9942P WES9850P WES9064PC WES9068PC WES9068PC WES9068PC WES9068PC WES9068PC WES9068PC Replacement Foil & Blade WES9979P WES9839P WES9012PC WES9013PC WES9013PC WES9020PC WES9020PC WES9165PC WES9165PC Cleaning Cartridges WES035P WES035P WES035P

Get an ultra-smooth shave every day, and the convenience of using the shaver wet or dry, rinses cleanFloating heads follow facial contours to provide a clean, close, and fast shaveFor mustache and sideburns Powerful hygienic cleaning system automatically charge, cleans, and dries shaver Conventional blades only cut at 45-90-degree angles, Nanotech blades cut at 30-degree for a precise cut at first passThe cutting blades are polished with Nano particles to create an exceptionally cutting surface Revolutionary arc foil nestle against the skin and glides uniformlySuper fast linear motor ensures a quick cut eliminating pulling and tugging due to slow motor speedAdjustable pivoting head rocks both up and down, and back and forth, following the contours of your faceLCD battery status and charge indicator to keep your blade fresh

Product Description Featuring arc foils and blades arced to nestle gently into the skin, together with triple blade action shaving and the added comfort of an adjustable pivoting head make for Panasonics closest shaver ever. Two foils and a center slit blade all float independently, while it's pivoting head feature rocks up and down, and back and forth, allowing the blades to form and follow every contour of your face. You can even adjust the amount of pivot based on your preference with the Pivot Action Selector. Panasonic also delivers the sharpest blades for precise and accurate shaving, now with Micro polished Nanotech blades. To maintain superior cutting performance, replace the outer foil at least once a year and the inner blade once every two years.

The patented motor spins at 13,000 revolutions per minute, making the Panasonic ES8109S Arc 3 Shaver one of the fastest razors on the market. Like all Panasonic shavers this unit has wet/dry technology, so it is fully immersible under water. When shaving is finished, simply rinse under running water. A Pop-up trimmer is accessible with the push of a finger for grooming moustaches and sideburns. Moreover, with its automatic international dual voltage conversion feature, this razor will fulfill shaving needs here and abroad.

The powerful cleaning system includes automatic charge, clean, and dry functions, while refreshing the shaver for its next turn of use. Included in the drying feature is a heating element for an extra dry shaving head leaving no wetness or moisture behind. This system uses a water/detergent infused cleansing process instead of alcohol for safe effective cleaning of the razor that will remove any and all debris. Panasonic's long-lasting cleaning cartridge provides outstanding cleaning power that keeps your blades fresh and ready to go. Also, for a quick and easy way to clean the razor, the Panasonic ES8109S Arc 3 Shaver offers a Turbo Cleaning Mode. Press and hold the on/off button to shift from 13,000 RPMs to an impressive 17,000 RPMs, then simply rinse the shaver under water.

To properly shave with the Panasonic ES8109S Vortex Arc 3 Wet/Dry Shaver, start out with gentle pressure on the face. It is important to note that the skin and beard require about 30 days to adjust to any new shaving method. Once the skin becomes used to the shaver, increased pressure may be applied to the face, but remember that shaving should never be painful.