Panasonic ES-LS9A Wet & Dry 6-Blade Electric Shaver for Men - Precise Clean Shaving with Cleaning & Charging Stand

I’ve years of experience with top of the range electric shavers - Panasonic, Braun and Philips, I’ve had the latest Braun Series 9 iteration and the latest Philips Prestige.When choosing foil or rotary in this price bracket you’re essentially choosing between a closer shave (foil) that takes longer than shaving by rotary and risks missing awkward longer hairs like those on the neck; or a slightly less close shave with a rotary but which is quicker and gets the awkward hairs first time.The Panasonic foil shaves noticeably closer than its Braun rival (and certainly closer than the Philips rotary.) It also has no irritation where the Braun can sometimes cause that when going for a close shave. Its capturing of awkward hairs is about twice as good as the Braun rival requiring only minimal deployment of the trimmer, if any. It’s just a superior shave to the Braun and is as close to a wet blade shave as I’ve experienced.In terms of cleaning, here Panasonic also wins. The current Philips cleaning iteration is the worst in the premium market. Either a Prestige model comes with no cleaning station at all (as they supplied it with a QI charging pad instead) which is silly for a top of the range shaver, or their new iteration of a cleaning pod, which is awful. The Philips pod is just a plastic container where the cleaning power is just the shaver itself going upside down and turning on. With no power to the pod there is no indication of when the liquid runs out or needs changing. Very bad,The Braun has its stalwart clean and charge station. This is very good, but the bulky plastic cartridges are over priced and run out quickly. Panasonic’s cleaning station is an improvement on Braun. It cleans better and has a long drying cycle. It has clear low indications. You use a sachet of chemical which you empty into the station and mix with water. A cheaper and less environmentally impactful proposition to the Braun.In terms of looks an aesthetics, that’s a personal choice. The Panasonic may look to some like it has an over sized head, but the hold and feel of the shaver is very good and feels more elegant in the hand than the Braun. It’s supplied with a nice case, plastic cap for the foil and cleaning brush.I surprised myself after about 7 Brauns and 4 Philips over the years that this beats both on pretty much all categories and I wouldn’t go back.

So much better that Phillips or Braun both of which I have tried previously. The shaving heads give a great, close shave and rarely requires a second or third pass saving a lot of time. The shaver fits comfortably in the hand and is east to wash/clean which is important for a close shave. I’m my opinion Panasonic shavers are the best and I am now on my third. The charge is log lasting and quick to top up. My only complaint is the difficulty in obtaining replacement foils/cutters, overall highly recommended

I have very sensitive skin, and wet shaving seems to cause some issues. Wet shaving is fine, don't get me wrong, but I can't get a very close shave unless I want a bunch of ingrown hairs and irritation.I've used electric before, but mainly rotary razors, which can tug and pull the hairs a bit causing irritation.However, using this Panasonic razor gives an exceptionally close shave, super smooth face feel and no irritation at all. The cleaning station, although very loud, is very effective and makes the razor look brand new.I recommend using either an alum block or pre-shave electric lotion before shaving if you have flat hairs on your neck as it helps lift them up.

I bought this razor and have been very happy with it. I have a tough beard growth and it copes well. I needed to replace the foil and blades … a nightmare getting the spare part. I tried Panasonic and they said it’s been long term unavailable. They reminded me that it’s out of warranty and I reminded them that it’s top of the range and I only bought it 2 years ago. They suggested I search the internet and find someone who sells this spare. The first two I tried have spares for other razors but not this top of the line 6 bladed one.When I buy a new razor it will, sadly, not be Panasonic.

If you're going to spend money on an item that will be one of the most expensive items in your bathroom then please consider my thoughts after 6 months of using this shaver:Pros:Close shave. Makes light work of stubble whose growth ranges from 12 hours to 2 weeks.Excellent cleaning solution replacement process. The re-fillers come as a power in sachets, where you just add water to make the solution. And it does a very good cleaning job. I found this a much more convenient, and far more environmentally friendly method, than buying plastic tubs of ready made cleaning solution, that you get with Braun shavers.Sits nicely in my hand and feels like a premium product.Not as loud as other brandsGood side trimmer that actually works.Handy travel case with a decent cleaning brush.Cons:Expensive. As is the replacement foil set.... But on the upside any guest who visit your bathroom will note that you're someone who has a discerning palate.I found the On-Off button getting in the way which shaving. Annoyingly, I kept switching off the shaver in mid-shave.Battery doesn't last too long. If you're travelling, then take the charger with you.Conclusion:If you're after a premium shaver at this price point, then I suggest trying out other comparable shavers first before buying this. At this price point there won't be much difference in shave quality, they will all be good and you will get a premium shave. However, there will be other factors to consider such as noise, ergonomics and battery lifeDespite the expensive price tag and the on-off button that gets in the way, the Panasonic works for me.