I'll caveat this review by saying when it comes to shaving I'm a fanatic and perhaps a bit too compulsive. A fan of wet shaving with shave brush, high quality creams and straight edge razors. However it's incredibly time consuming.
As I'm a head shaver as well using a straight blade is literally a "Bloody mess" not to mention impossible - unless I liked looking like a Zombie from a George Romero Movie, not a good look.
All high end electrics have their pros and cons and of course what works well for one has poor results for another - hence gentlemen, the seemingly endless search for a great, comfortable and close shave.
Before I dive into the Panasonic ES-LV61 here for whatever it's worth is a quick run down on my electrics:
Braun 790cc - Hands down was the best electric razor I ever used. What made the Pulsonic line rock was the cutter block and foil. The unique cutting foil had what seemed an arbitrary array of different punch outs, half moons, octagons, stars , triangles and the like.
There was a method to the madness as it lifted virtually every hair no matter how short or how difficult. Add the crazy sharp blades and center "lifting strip" and you had yourself the best electric for head shaving - at any price.
When Proctor & Gamble bought out Braun, they scrapped the patented cutting block and foil and replaced it with a genereic that's awful - just take a look at the reviews both on and off Amazon.
Panasonic ES-LA63-S Nanotech 4-Blade - Great for face shaving, the 30 degree "Arc" in the blades and foils work extremely well. My experience was this razor was terrible for head shaving. Because of the high center arch it's impossible to get the foils to lay flat on your scalp you only get about an inch of contact, so you end up rocking the razor back and forth as you shave. It takes forever, leaves lot's of stubble behind along with razor burn.
Norelco SensoTouch 3D - Rotary shavers have long had poor reviews in relationship to their non rotary cousins. However as Consumer Reports was impressed with complete overhaul of the SensoTouch line I had high hopes for this shaver and purchased the 1250 with cleaning station. Good on the face, fair on the neck and as for head shaving let's just say it's the most expensive "pre-shave" on the planet. The razor is gorgeous, the cleaning station a technological marvel. But it's soap based and unlike the alcohol based Braun Clean & renew it causes buildup and doesn't strip the blades clean. Braun still has the best cleaning system bar none. Prior to purchasing the panny ES-LV61 I had considered upgrading to the SensoTouch 1280, however both models use the same replacement - scratch that idea.
The 5 blade Panasonic ES-LV61K Arc 5 Multi Flex Wet/Dry
If you're on the fence about this razor and still suffering through this review, let me assure you this is one spectacular machine. Right out of the box with a dry shave it's cuts as close and as comfortable - not to mention crazy fast, as the Braun did before it's fall from grace.
The Arch isn't as dramatic so head shaving is not only comfortable as all the foils float - but it's incredibly effective.
The center lift foil must have been inspired by the original and now defunct Braun Smart Foil, it lifts every single whisker no matter where, no matter how difficult and really does cut below the skin line for a blade quality shave.
Of course you have to stretch your skin a bit in troublesome areas to help the 5 blade system work, it pulls the hairs with lightening speed - it's painless by the way there's absolutely no sense of pulling or burn.
Just a cool, comfortable straight razor, Barber shop quality shave.
Quick Specs And Observations
* Just as German Engineering is most always top shelf, Japanese knives and blades are second to none. Panasonic Nano blades are forged steel and surgical quality sharp.
* Multi Flex pivoting 360 degree patented head just does what it promises. It conforms to every single angle and curve with a definitive hug.
Difficult areas such as under my jaw line and throat where I would need multiple passes and often a blade touch up - are history. One pass, perhaps two and the shave is baby butt smooth.
* Hands down the most powerful motor there is at a whopping 14,000 CPM
* Patented 5 blade cutting system - really does an amazing job
* 45 minutes to an hour of shave time per charge
* 5 minute quick charge
* Crazy fast 14,000 cycles per minute (cpm)
* Linear motor drive - surpasses rotary and pulse driven razors by miles. It's rapid fire fast and incredibly effective.
* Micro thin foil is pretty amazing - but delicate and easy to tear. This is easy to avoid if you don't add pressure. Much like a straight blade or safety razor, let the weight do most of the work. The inclination to press hard is natural but try to avoid undue pressure
* Can be used wet or dry. With creams or gels, perfect for a shave in the shower as it's 100% water proof.
* Very good trimmer albeit hard to see due to the size of the head - but all electrics seem to have this issue to some degree. No sane person buys a razor for the trimmer, it is what it is.
If you're still reading this Novel my hunch is your deciding between this razor and the ES -V81. I know I was. The poor reviews of the cleaning station, the soap based cleaning cartridges are problematic in my opinion.
Both razors have an effortless sonic mode for manual cleaning. A little soap, press the button for sonic under warm water (never hot!) pop the foil off, rinse, viola it's like new.
The ES-VI is black and has a few, I'm too old to say it but "cool" LED bells and whistles. Is it worth the extra $100 bucks - not for me, cleaning systems come with their own set of problems and added expense.
On a lighter note, the ES-LV61 has a gorgeous aesthetic. The razor is a deep Indigo blue with metallic navy accents and a black rubber back grip.
Perfectly balanced and surprisingly light and quiet - it's form meets function.
While it's true that it takes between 3 and 4 weeks for your skin to get used to the razor, and the razors float system to get used to the contours of your face (and or noggin') the first shave from this bad boy was quite remarkable.
If it was this impressive from the get go - it should get even better in time. The box comes with the razor of course, a manual, charger, nice quality soft carrying case and a plastic head protector.
The razor is warranted for two years - make sure you register on line or mail in the registration card
My past reviews of other electrics are somewhat more critical than complimentary. Not the case here. Elegant, efficient and powerful - this is the first electric I've used over the past 30 some odd years that does indeed deliver a comfortable, blade quality close shave.
***UPDATE***
As both my skin and the float system of the head have gotten used to each other - the shave has improved. Cleaining is a snap and re-confirms how glad I am to have passed on the cleaning station. I have always thought of using an electric for a wet shave to be somewhat of a gimmick - well I've given it a few tries and the expperiance is exceptional.
In tradional, old school wet shaving there's a reason for the hot towels, the shaving brush and the rich dense creams. They all serve to break down and soften the whiskers which are made of Keratin which is quite dense and found in the enamel of our teeth as well. Soften the Keratin get a closer shave.
I've been using King Of Shaves gel and the results have been outstanding. I still prefer the time saving elements of a dry shave but will tell you that a wet shave is even closer and faster.
*** A FEW TIPS THAT MAY HELP****
If your going to spend this much on a shaver and wet shave, even once in a while. I would urge you to never buy a can of edge, or for that matter most any shave cream that's sold in super markets and drug stores. An exception would be the before mentioned King of Shaves. An upgrade from KOS would be the British - Taylors Of Old Bond Street, one of the densist creams there are, the formula hasn't changed in hundreds of years - it's a remarkable product. It may seem expensive but a small tub will last you a year, the scents are superb and fade quickly. The best prices for either are big surprise, on Amazon.
** Cleaning you new Panny - To get all the oil build up off the tiny nano blades soapy water isn't going to do it. So I figured if Dawn dishwashing liquid was good enough to clean up the horrific Valdez oil spill - not to mention save the lives of countless wild life it was worth a shot and it just so happened we had it in the house. Dawns patented grease and oil cutting properties, strip those nano blades slick clean. All you need is a drop, press for sonic clean (keep the foil on) rinse and viola it's a brand new day.
Still hands down the best electric I have ever used it trumps my now defunct Porsche razor which was twice the price. Owch.
Highly recommended.
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Panasonic Electric Razor for Men, Electric Shaver, ARC6 Six-Blade Electric Razor with Pop-Up Trimmer, ES-LS8A-K (Black)
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From the manufacturer
Panasonic ES-LV61-A Men’s Electric Shaver, 5-Blade, Wet/Dry Operation
Panasonic shavers for men are packed with smart, innovative features that deliver a remarkably close and comfortable shave. The Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV61-A is a 5-blade shaving system, which means more foils for better coverage and reduced shaving time. In addition, its Arc5 nanotech blades are honed at an acute 30-degree angle enabling whiskers to be cut cleanly at the root. The Multi-Flex pivoting head allows the shaving machine to glide uniformly over the chin and the jaw line for more efficient coverage and maximum comfort. The 14,000 CPM fast, linear motor drive system eliminates the tugging and pulling that can occur with slower electric shavers and also maintains peak power right up to the end of the charge. The Panasonic ES-LV61 electric razor comes equipped with a travel pouch, 10-stage LCD display, switch-lock button and pop-up trimmer.
Replacement Accessories: Foil (WES9171PC), Blade (WES9170PC) and Combo Set (WES9030P).
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Lift-Tech Foil SystemFive ARC5 foils work together to provide an extremely close shave. Finishing Foil: Unique, ultra-thin design captures and cuts stubborn hairs. Lift-Tech Foil: Reverse tapered edges lift and cut flat-laying hair. Quick-Comb Blade: Angled to catch and cut longer hairs. |
Face-Hugging Multi-Flex Pivoting HeadElectric razor head motion range: approximately 25 degrees back and forth, approximately 20 degrees left and right. Conforms to neck, under the chin area, and jaw line. |
30-Degree Stainless Steel Nanotech BladesThe Panasonic ES-LV61-A Arc 5 features Nano polished 30 degree angle stainless steel hypoallergenic blades cut hair at its base for outstanding precision. Stainless steel hypoallergenic blades and foils provide comfort and less irritation for sensitive skin types. |
Fast, Linear Motor DriveA rapid-fire 14,000 cycle per minute linear motor drive delivers a fast, close shave. This shaving machine's fast, linear motor ensures a quick cut, helping to eliminate pulling, tugging and irritation. |
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Multi-fit ARC BladesThe ES-LV61-A uses five independently floating blades follow the contours of your face, chin and neck for a close and smooth shave. |
100% Washable—Cleans in Seconds Under the FaucetCleaning the Panasonic Arc 5 is quick and easy. Simply rinse it thoroughly under running water for convenient cleaning in seconds. |
Wet/Dry ShavingEnjoy the convenience of a quick shave using the dry operation or use wet, with foam or gel, for a smooth shave. |
Pop-up Trimmer for a Perfect FinishA simple move of the finger instantly engages a built-in, pop-up precision trimmer to add the perfect edge to sideburns and mustaches or to deal instantly with unwanted hair while shaving and grooming. |
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10- Stage Illuminated Blue LCD DisplayA 10-stage meter displays LCD battery status and charge indicator plus a cleaning reminder to keep your blades fresh. |
What's in the BoxPanasonic ES-LV61-A Shaver. AC Recharger. Travel Pouch. |
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Compare with similar items
This Item  Panasonic ES-LV61-A Arc5 Men’s Electric Razor, 5-Blade Cordless with Multi-Flex Pivoting Shaver Head, Wet/Dry Operation |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | $185.14 | $149.99 | $499.45 | -8% $349.94 List: $379.99 | $429.99 |
| Price Per Unit | — | $185.14 / Count | $29.29 / Ounce | $499.45 / Count | $349.94 / Count | $429.99 / Count |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 23 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 23 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 22 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Easy to clean | ||||||
| For traveling | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Ergonomic | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Elta Beauty | Amazon.com | Bricked Buys | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| head type | Foil | Foil | Foil | Foil | Foil | Foil |
| special feature | Wet & Dry, No Docking Station, 5-Blade Cordless with Multi-Flex Pivoting Shaver Head | Waterproof | Wet, Dry Shave, Pop-Up Trimmer, Portable, Shave Sensor | Lightweight | Dry Shave, Portable | Rechargeable |
| power source | AC 100-240V (Automatic International Dual Voltage Conversion) | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| number of blades | 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
| blade material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| weight | 0.4 pounds | 200 grams | 0.32 pounds | 0.5 pounds | — | — |
Reviews with images
Overrated... Not as good as the one I was trying to replace, the Panasonic ES8243 WET/DRY.
Overrated... Not as good as the one I was trying to replace, the Panasonic ES8243 WET/DRY.TOO MUCH HYPE OVER THE SIZE OF THE FOILS WHICH IS JUST A MARKETING GIMMICK. It has 2 cutters, just like my previous shaver and the bulky head makes it difficult to reach areas on your face with precision. A bit disappointed with the shave as it is not that close or even worse than the one I had. There is a lock function which is good when you travel as it prevents the shaver from switching on inadvertently. It happened to me couple times with the older one.
Top reviews from other countries
Pacal Votan
So far it's the best shaver I have ever owned
Reviewed in Canada on March 31, 2017