Panasonic Arc5 Wet/Dry Electric Shaver. Model: ES-LV97-K841. I believe this is an ATL in this calendar year (Camel x3 shown $224.31 sometime late 2024).
This version includes auto cleaning dock / charger stand.
Please advise if any editing is required for this listing :)
Have a lovely day everyone!
CamelCamelCamel.
Nice find, I had one wishlisted that was 105 bucks almost this one is way cheaper.
$90 for new blades. Is there a cheaper alternative or do you have to stick to genuine blades for this?
I've never found any alternatives. That said, I do think these are excellent shavers, and they perform noticeably better when you replace the blades and foil.
I usually do mine every 12-18 months.
Had mine for about 8 years and never changed the blades/foil. Changed the battery this year because it was starting to loose charge. Still works really good. Would buy again.
Woahhhh
I've got pretty heavy daily use of my 5 blade and replaced the blades 12 months in. This time around I'm carefully regularly cleaning and lubricated it to hopefully extend this lifespan. What's your usage like?
2 min shave every 2 days. Also I have a small beard (breaking bad style) so its not shaving the full shaveable area. I never oil it and the cleaning (and lubrication I guess) is done by base station once a week or two.
This one or Braun series 8? Any comments?
This for a closer shave. According to internet reviews
This
Amazon reviews aren't encouraging
I would suggest that an average of 4.4 from 1000's of reviews is actually 'quite' encouraging.
Further, most professional reviews of this model (and its siblings/cousins) are pretty much positive as well.
I see 4.3 from 73 reviews
You must have the discount, 'reduced function' version of Amazon.
Ignore them. Have not gone back from Panasonic since I first had one. Tried all the others. This is the best in my opinion.
I just bought a Philips blade 360 flex.
Would I notice much of a difference?
Does this shaver only shave back to skin? Are there length options to leave short stubble for example?
You probably want a trimmer vs this shaver. Shaves back to skin, has a trimmer but not ideal for what you want.
Appreciate your help
This is the best shaver I have ever used. Coming from Philips rotary, this was solid upgrade and it require no special cleaning fluid for cleaning. I don’t have the cleaning station so I just run it under hot water for 10-20 seconds and it’s a job done.
I use it dry but it can used for wet shave too. My battery recently died after 4 years and instead of buying a new one, I ended up buying original battery for $20 and replaced it myself (instructions on YT).
Blades are expensive but you only need them replacing after 2 years of daily use or 4 years of occasional use. At this price it’s a steal as I paid as much just for the shaver.
2 years daily wouldn't work for me
Does it give a full shave like doing it from a razor
Even closer than a razor, it's amazing.
Although you still have to make multiple passes, quite a number of times more than a razor.
Does it give a full shave like doing it from a razor
It’s very close but I still end using Gillette Fusion for face contours, which last me almost 3 months with daily use in combination with this shaver.
Very close.
I only use a razor one a week now.
Bought mine in 2019, still haven't change the blade/foil. I don't daily shave though. Also mainly brush the blade dry etc. Oil it up once awhile with shaver guard.
Might get this for when need to replace the foil lol
Can confirm these are BIFL worthy, have had this for 5+ years too. Wet or dry, it's a workhorse
eBay plus peeps can get an ES-LV67 for under $180, which is pretty much this but without the dock. I use the dock to sit it in and charge it, and dry it after I rinse it under the tap about once a week. The dock will eventually fail anyway and requires consumables- I wouldn't recommend it other than an expensive charging dock with dryer.
People will weigh up this or a rotary and I've tested them individually, and I think this is better for 95% of the job but rotary takes longer but it's better at angles and troublesome hairs. I now use the Arc5 first and do a finishing pass with the rotary- best of both worlds. If you're buying one, this is an excellent choice and I recommend it over the rest.
eBay plus peeps can get an ES-LV67 for under $180, which is pretty much this but without the dock.
Are you referring to the used razor as I can’t seem to find new one for $180.
https://ebay.us/m/sbYogc
PL30S for eBay plus users for $30 off the $208.
My partner bought a pair at Christmas for her brothers, from this seller.
Code no longer valid?
Thank you! I've been looking for this shaver without the cleaning/charging dock. Bought it off your link with a $20 StudentBeans coupon + some gift cards. I couldn't get PL30S to work.
I have this but left the battery uncharged for a while and now it doesn't work/charge. if you buy it don't leave the battery at 0%.
That's actually important for almost all rechargeable batteries.
I don't know how to explain it or who the target demographic is - South East, East Asians? I have the Philips 360 OneBlade does a bad job at cleaning beard. According to ChatGPT the OneBlade "leaves a micro-stubble (about 0.1–0.2 mm) by design, which feels like it “doesn’t fully clean” on thicker, straighter hair shafts common in many Asian beards."
I want a baby-smooth finish anyone have any recommendations?
The Panasonic shaver deal: "Community feedback in Australia is mixed on long‑term durability of stations/batteries but broadly positive on shave quality; experiences vary by usage and maintenance."
Read what people are saying in these OzB comments and just go buy one.
I've had mine since Jan 2024 and like mine a lot. Can't comment on the replaceability of the blades as I'm an infrequent shaver. I usually wet shave using a Nivea or Gillette foam in the shower and it works well for me, no skin irritation. You do have to go over a few more times than an actual razor for some stubborn hairs but I find that's a fair price to pay to not have red skin or an accidental nick.
As others said, probably don't need the cleaning base. I simply fill the basin with a bit of water and dunk the head and blades under and watch all the little hairs float away.
Second this.
Recently I have started using Jack Black's Beard Lube. Oh my.
Expensive, but you only use a fingertip-size dollop. Doesn't foam like other gel. Just smooth over face. Also don't need conditioner or post-shave moisturiser.
Makes the Gillette foam feel like WD40.
Oh, and it's not Jack Black the actor.
For those interested you can get the same for $254 on Mydeal with Afterpay code( APD15)
https://www.mydeal.com.au/panasonic-multi-flex-5-blade-elect…
Same price at shaver shop
I have one too probably over 7 years now
I would say this is the best brand
i have had one, not my forte i prefer one blade you get a much closer finish and much quicker, but this is probably more cheaper long term
I must have got a dud. Had it for over a year and always missed whiskers. Ended up having to finish with the blade.
I've got a Panasonic 4 blade for 10 years and it's still running strong, except that the battery doesn't last as long as before but still quite acceptable. I shave 3 times in a week and I've NEVER changed the blade since bought (yes you heard me).
Just checked the model was ES-LA93 printed on the front of the shaver. It comes with a cleaning station and I'm still using it. Also it claims "self sharpening" and I bought it in Japan. That's all I can remember about it.
If you don't need the cleaning station, I believe this is the same model. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Thought I would leave a comment on my own post after having the shaver for a few days now. Coming from a cheapo 10year old shaver holy crap its the best shave I've ever had. The size of the head was intimidating ngl, but the head is super flexible and I feel like it just follows and glide along my face so well. Areas that used to take more than a few passes now only take 1-2 passes at most. I have yet to set up the auto washing station yet (no space in the bathroom) but tbh I don't really see the point in it. It is super easy to take the foil out to rinse under the tap.
Would recommend!
Back in stock at Amazon but only 1 left.
Just ordered from Shaver Shop and still showing as in stock for the same price with free delivery.
Have had a arc 5 for years, nice shaver, best to change blades yearly though, a lot quieter if you do too.
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00E59PO8K