Panasonic ARC4 Electric Shaver, 1 Count (Pack of 1), Silver

Update 7/17/17; Update 12/1/12; original review 10/9/10.Update about 7 years later...I'm still using this razor, though I've changed the foil and blades a number of times.At this point the digital display is dead and the razor head is stained with soap/shaving cream that won't come off. But it still works, holds a charge for a long time, and gives a good shave.* * *12/1/12After two years I replaced this razor. Could you get more life out of it than two years? Definitely. Why did I replace it?1. Mold, despite regular cleaning regime.* After about 18-20 months, this razor started to get black mold on/in the plastic under the foil cover, on the part of the razor where the blades are attached. This part of the razor is a light color plastic, so it could be easily seen. It does not rub off; it is in the plastic and like a stain. I should add this problem emerged even though I ALWAYS took off the foil cover, rinsed the foil cap and blade area of razor after use, and left the two parts out on the counter to dry. I can only imagine that not doing this cleaning routine (a quick rinse and putting it in a drawer) would leave one with a very moldy razor.* I tried cleaning the mold with a bleach solution, soap, and hydrogen peroxide. Helped but didn't get rid of it. I'm sure the mold was also within the razor in areas that I couldn't see.* I think this was mostly a cosmetic issue, but I didn't like the idea that there would be mold near shaving blades and my face.* If you have a black version of this razor you probably have the same thing happening, but you don't see it. It might be a good idea for everyone to give their wet razors a dunk in hydrogen peroxide or a bleach solution once in a while.2. I upgraded to a model with a cleaning stand.* As noted below, I didn't really like that this razor didn't come with some kind of stand. I knew that I wouldn't put a wet thing in a drawer, and if I was going to leave it out on the counter, it felt like it should have a stand.* Because of the mold issue, I upgraded to a model that would have a stand and the cleaning function. I am hopeful that the cleaning function will eliminate the mold problem with my new Panasonic razor.* I will write a review of the new razor, but let me just say here that the stand is big, not very elegant, has very bright flashing lights (you won't want it near your bedroom at night), and very noisy for about 5-10 minutes (sounds like a train, and in a quiet room feels as loud, no joke-- my wife hates it).Summary-- Panasonic makes a great razor, but this mold issue was an unexpected disappointment.10/9/10.This is an excellent shaver and I've switched happily and probably permanently from blade shaving, only wishing I had switched years ago. But years ago (say 15 to 20) I had used a few different rotary Braun and Norelco electric razors that didn't do a great job, and gave them up for blades. This one works differently, whether it is the ultrasonic or the blade style and motion, so if you think you have tried an electric shaver by trying only one kind, I've learned that you have to try all the different types. This one might be the one for you.I shaved for years with Mach III blades, but even using high quality shaving cream, I came to hate shaving, that knife on my face, which I have to do every day, with a dark beard. This razor give a close shave and it is painless. I continue to shave wet, with no difference than with my blade, and have had no irritation, even with the very first use (so don't be put off by that "you have to get used to it" warning). I actually look forward to shaving now, or at least don't mind it at all. Granted, I still have my Mach III handy, to clean up a few missed hairs, but I do not mind the "extra step," since I get a closer shave than I ever have, and without pain and any cuts. (My routine includes Art of Shaving or Body Shop shaving cream, excellent products, a small amount of cream lathered on with a damp shaving brush.)Shaving is quick with this razor. Its rapid ultrasonic motion creates more lather when you use shaving cream, which makes the shaving even smoother. It takes a few minutes, and you don't have to worry about getting cut.Maybe you can get the same shave with one of the lower priced models, but I am so pleased with it that I don't resent the price. I sometimes wish that I had bought a model with a stand however.

Prior to purchasing the Panasonic ES-LA63-S, I used Gillette Fusion ProGlide in combination with "Nivea For Men" shaving foam. The Gillette blade delivered a perfect closeness and made my skin feel very soft. However, because my skin is quite sensitive, I sometimes got red spots and cuts on my face when conditions were not optimal. I could mitigate this problem by shaving under warm shower and applying the foam for a longer period beforehand, but this whole procedure took a lot of time.A decade ago I had owned an electric shaver from Panasonic, but the results didn't come even close to a neatly executed blade shave. At some point I stopped using the electric shaver and relied on the blade only. Thirteen years later, as technology has made a substantial advancement, I reconsidered buying an electric shaver again and I expected it to perform better than my old one.So I compared the technical details and reviews of some high-profile models, and the new Panasonic ES-LA63-S not only had very good ratings, but was sold at a price much lower ($150) than originally. So I thought to give it a chance.After using it for two months, I can conclude that I made a right decision by buying the new Panasonic shaver. Here are some of my experiences that I want to share with any potential buyers:During the first weeks, shaving dry delivered better results than my old Panasonic shaver, but the difference between Gillette Fusion ProGlide was still significant. The new Panasonic model can be used in a dry and wet mode. I think this is a big plus, because I have found that using the shaver under the shower produces a noticeably closer shave than using it dry, especially when I apply the foam in small quantity. Another reviewer has noticed this as well. After two months of using this shaver on a regular basis, I can attest that the dry method works better than it did initially: The shave is closer and it takes less time to complete it. The manual states that the skin needs about a month to adapt to a new shaver. I was skeptical about this statement when I read it first, but now it seems that there is some truth behind it.The question of interest for anyone is: How does the electric shaver fare against Gillette Fusion ProGlide for me personally?I would say that when used wet with the shaving foam, the Panasonic comes as close as 95% to the blade. I consider this as a very good result. The 5% "deficit" is only going to be noticed after one day, when hair growth can be already noticed after using the electric shaver, whereas petting the skin after using Gillette ProGlide still feels quite soft. However, that advantage comes at the cost of higher risk of irritations and cuts, which so far I have never had with the Panasonic shaver. I gladly accept the lack of irritations over the nuance in difference between closeness. Using the shaver dry produces a result of 85% these days when expressed in above numbers, which is still very good to me considering the time savings. Since I have owned the Panasonic shaver, I have never used the blade for my facial hair any more - only for hard-to-reach body and neck hair. Again, Gillette Fusion ProGlide is still the champion in the closeness category, where the Panasonic shaver is just almost as good when used in wet mode. However, given the lack of problems with skin irritations and the time savings, I would say that the Panasonic shaver has proved to be a better option for me overall.The other advantage of the electric shaver is that it retains its closeness over a longer time period than regular blades (which need to be exchanged for new ones more frequently). Even though the electric shaver requires a higher initial investment than a blade shaver, I think that the expenses break even at a point when the electric shaver still performs well. Cleaning the electric shaver is not a problem at all: Just put some liquid soap on the blades, activate the motors and rinse it with water. This will keep the shaver clean and will make it a pleasure to smell. The other model that comes with a cleaning station is not really needed in this regard.Other reviewers have already criticized the battery life on this razor. I can indeed concur with that because I have found that a full battery charge provides energy for just about five 6-minute sessions (this is how long it takes for me to get a neat shave). This is not a lot, but on the positive side, the time to fully charge up the battery is short, too (just about an hour).Here is my comprehensive list of pros and cons:+ Can be used in both dry and wet mode.++ Closeness almost as good as with Gillette Fusion ProGlide when used wet.++ No skin irritations and cuts+ Easy to use and easy to clean- Short battery life (but it charges fast).- When fully charged, the display blinks until the plug is removed, which can be annoying (although not a big deal).- The motor is a little noisy, but not nerve-wrecking.That's it for now. I think this shaver has deserved five stars given the highly appreciated positives and the fair purchase price. Should anything be added to my experience, I will update this review.