After more than a thousand reviews what can I add? Well, as a traditional wet shaver I feel that electric razors have been given a bad rap. That has been deserved to only a degree. I started out using them back in the mid 70's and continued until about 10 years ago. I have used a couple of Norleco razors and one Braun. I still have the Braun (Model 5414) that I was using for evening touch-ups. For reference I have a moderately tough beard combined with sensitive fair skin.
I have been wet shaving for about a decade. I travelled the familiar route of canned shaving cream and decent disposable razors and then to a Schick Quattro. For the last 3-4 years I graduated to using a shaving brush, better shaving creams and soaps and finally to double edged razors. I still use on very rare occaisons the Edwin Jagger razor equipped with Derby, Feather or Dorco blades. That served me well for years and is a very nice way to shave for very little money long term. As mentioned previously though, I have sensitive skin and it was taking it's toll. I tended to use 5 passes on average to get a nice close shave. Six was not out of the question. By Sunday my face was very sensitive and I was tempted to skip a day which is not something I like to do at all. Trying to shave in the evening for a night out was not a fun prospect and I would cheat and use the Braun. Not nearly as close but passable.
To give context I will rate my shaves in order of comfort and closeness. First off, cheap disposable razors. Worst of everything. Feels like I am ripping out the hair and the skin with it. My experiences with these go all the way back to their earliest days.
Second, the older electric razors. Not very close and I would have to go over and over my face to get the job (it really felt like a job) done. ElecricShave did not help much. Any raising of the hair was accompanied by drying of the skin as well as a burning sensation.
Third, the newer Gillette and Schick 4 blade razors. Ridiculously expensive blades and the shaves are not as close as a double edge. I experimented with this several times. After about 3 passes with them it seemed they just started gliding over my face without getting any closer. They are a good compromise between comfort, no nicks, and closeness. I could easily get closer after them with my double edge. In fact, when my face was a little tender I would use my Schick for the first 3 passes and then two more with the DE.
Fourth, my trusty DE razor. If it were not for the skin irritation I would have just stuck with it. The closest shave of all and quite a pleasurable experience every morning. Very economical as well once you purchase a razor. About 10 cents a blade when bought in decent quantities.
OK, so now you have a baseline for my review. I would like to take the opportunity here to thank previous reviewers for helping me make the decision to purchase this razor. I have been using it for 5 weeks now. My face is in better condition than before without a doubt. I don't have to worry about touching up before going out at night anymore. As a side note, I do not use any alcohol based after shave balms or cologne. As per my previous experiences I was hesitant to purchase another electric razor. This razor is in a completely different league. I did not expect to ever be able to give up my DE razor especially with my affinity for really close shaves.
You can use this razor to dry shave but if you want a nice, COMFORTABLE shave, use a wet shaving technique. I still use my shaving brush to apply a very small amount of shaving cream directly to my face. No need for a shaving bowl. It's too bad since a have a couple of nice ones. If you over-apply it will be like putting Bubble-Bath in a jacuzzi. Just a big counterproductive mess. I use Truefitt & Hill shaving creams. It can be applied using just your hand if you wish to avoid the cost of a brush. I tried using plain water and facial soap but the results were not nearly as good.
I make a few passes and then rinse off the razor and some of the lather off of my face. There is plenty of cream left inside the razor to give you a nice glide for a couple more passes. Don't let it get dried out from the friction. Just keep your face slightly wet. You will get a nice feel for it in no time. The results have surprised and pleased me. Really a great shave with almost no irritation. I can touch up at night using a dry shave method without too much irritation at all. A little (non-alcohol) aftershave balm and I feel great. Is it as close as a 5-6 pass DE shave? Not quite but it is as close as a 4 pass shave at least, and certainly IMO as close as a Shick or Gillette shave with much more comfort. Everyone's face is different so YMMV.
A few folks have mentioned the noise of the razor. I only have my old Braun for comparison. At 4" away it measures 71 db. The Panasonic measures 66 db. The Panasonic is much quiter but it's noise is a little higher in pitch. Certainly not too much to complain about IMO.
My final verdict; a very fine product for a reasonable price. Works better than expected. This is coming from a very dedicated DE shaver.
I will add a couple of side notes here for guys who have not tried products outside of the norm or are just struggling with having to shave and getting no pleasure out of it at all. First off, if you are using alcohol based after shave balms or colognes and you do not like the burn or the drying sensation quit using them. Just because most guys use them they might not be suitable for you. The most widely available non-alcohol product out there is Nivea for sensitive skin. There are a few out there as well but that one is still in my rotation.
Secondly, consider quitting the shaving cream in a can. Besides not being the most environmentally freindly stuff out there it winds up costing more especially if you purchase this razor. You do not want a thick and foamy product on your face. At the rate I am using my cream it will take me years to use one tub of this stuff.The most widely available cream that I know of is Proraso (also marketed as Bigelow at Bath and Body). It comes in a metal tube like toothpaste. Very nice "old school" scent as well.
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From the manufacturer
Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men ES8243AA ARC4
Rechargeable, Cordless Shaver with Wet/Dry Convenience
Enjoy a close, comfortable shave every time with the cordless, premium-tier Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men ES8243AA. This Panasonic ARC4 men’s electric shaver includes four precision-honed, ultra-sharp, hypoallergenic Nanotech razor blades, a high-efficiency Panasonic 13,000 cpm linear-drive motor, a Multi-Flex quick-pivoting electric razor head and a dual motor system that delivers side-to-side and back-and-forth movements to lift and position hairs to ensure gentle, clean, even removal on all skin types, making the Panasonic ES8243AA an ideal bald head shavers, too. The sleek, ergonomic design of this Panasonic shaver is comfortable to hold and operate and an illuminated 10-stage LCD in the cordless razor handle shows electric shaver functions and battery status. The exceptional wet/dry design can be used for a quick dry shave any time, or over the sink or in the shower with shaving foam or gel, and rinses clean under running water using sonic vibration cleaning mode.
A precision pop-up shaver trimmer adds the perfect finish and details beards and mustaches. For shaving away from home, the ES8243AA includes universal voltage and a travel pouch.
Like all Panasonic shavers for men, blades and foil should be replaced when dull to ensure the best electric shaver performance. The ES8243AA ARC4 electric shaver for men replacement accessories include: WES9161PC (Foil), WES9068PC (Inner Blade) and WES9020 (Combo Set).
At a Glance:
- Four 30-degree ultra-sharp Nanotech blades and ultra-thin ARC foil offer precision cutting
- Pop-up trimmer details sideburns, mustaches and beards
- Flexible pivoting head follows the contours of your face
- Wet/Dry shaving convenience
- Linear motor with 13,000 cuts per minute for consistent close shave
- 10-stage LCD displays battery power and cleaning mode
Features & Benefits
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Panasonic ARC Shaving System Cuts Close for a Precision ShaveThe Panasonic ES8243AA ARC4 system features micro-thin, stainless-steel foils to capture, lift and hold whiskers while four super-sharp, 30-degree-honed Micro-fit Panasonic blades cut hair cleanly at the base for a close, precision shave. The result is thorough, high-performance shaving, greater men’s electric shaver comfort and reduced shaving time. Both razor blades and foils are hypoallergenic and designed to shave gently on even the most sensitive skin. |
Flexible Pivoting Men’s Electric Shaver Head Offers Outstanding ComfortThe agile, Panasonic ARC4 face shaver is designed with a flexible pivoting head which moves side-to-side and up-and-down to ensure smooth, uniform motion along each of the individual contours of the face to shave the chin, jaw line and neck while also providing maximum closeness and comfort. The flexibility also makes this an outstanding head shaver. |
High-Performance Linear Shaver Motor Drive Delivers a Fast ShaveA smoother, cleaner shave is also faster with Panasonic's quiet, high-performance cordless razor linear motor designed to shave at speeds of 13,000 cycles per minute (cpm) to ensure peak electric razor performance throughout the shaver’s battery life. Panasonic ARC4 men’s razor operates nearly 1.5 times faster than 10,000 cpm shavers, delivering twice the cutting force. |
Multi-fit ARC Foil for Maximum Grooming ComfortThe Panasonic men’s razor electric shaver head is gently curved to let the shaving machine glide evenly along the chin and along the jaw line for maximum men’s grooming comfort. With the ARC4 foil shaver, you can also move the shaver head in a circular motion—ideal for those accustomed to a rotary shaver. |
Additional Features & Benefits
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30-Degree Stainless-Steel Nanotech Blades for Precision CuttingThe Panasonic ES8243AA ARC4 rechargeable razor features blades that are forged and honed to an acute 30-degree cutting edge to cut more efficiently and cleanly at the root. Stainless-steel, hypoallergenic blades and foils provide gentle comfort, even on sensitive skin. |
Wet Dry Electric Shaver Operation for ConvenienceWhether you're in a hurry or have time to spare, the premium Panasonic ARC4 wet dry electric shaver is ready when you are. Use this men's wet/dry shaver for a quick, dry shave when pressed for time or when time permits, shave over the sink or in the shower with your favorite shaving foam or gel. |
Pop-Up Shaver Trimmer for Convenient GroomingThe ARC4 electronic shaving machine for men includes a pop-up trimmer, which is great for trimming and detailing your mustache and sideburns. It is located on the back of the cordless razor head. Simply pop up when ready to use and push to close when you're finished. |
Advanced Illuminated LCD DisplayA quick-read digital display built into the Panasonic electric razor’s sure-grip handle includes a shave timer, five stage battery indicator, cleaning reminder, sonic vibration cleaning mode, a blade and foil replacement reminder and battery charge indicator. |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men, ES8243A ARC4, Wet/Dry with 4 Blades and Flexible Pivoting Head |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | -23% $77.22 Typical: $99.99 | $21.00 | -8% $109.00 Typical: $119.00 | $103.16 | $99.99 |
| Price Per Unit | — | $77.22 / Count | $21.00 / Count | $109.00 / Count | $103.16 / Count | $20.00 / Ounce |
| Delivery | — | Get it May 10 - 15 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it May 13 - 29 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | — |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Easy to clean | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Ergonomic | ||||||
| For traveling | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Triplenet Pricing INC | Amazon.com | Elta Beauty | Amazon.com | 6ave |
| head type | Foil | Foil | Foil | Foil | Foil | Foil |
| special feature | Wet & Dry, No Docking Station | Wet & Dry, No Docking Station | Stainless Steel Blades | Wet & Dry, No Docking Station | Rechargeable, Shave Sensor, Ergonomic Design, Floating Head, Washable | Rechargeable |
| power source | Battery Powered | AC 100-240V | Battery Powered | AC 100-240V (Automatic International Dual Voltage Conversion) | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| number of blades | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| blade material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| weight | 178.6 grams | 201 grams | 0.01 pounds | 0.4 pounds | 0.54 grams | 0.3 pounds |
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Customer Review: So glad I decided to buy this shaver.
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Great Razor Elezenioc G3 You Should Try
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Outstanding shave... But build quality wanting
I have been using Panasonic wet-dry shavers on a daily basis since the 1990's, and employed this particular model for three-and-a-half years (June 2009 to Jan 2013). I have a thick beard coupled with adult acne and sensitive skin, so shaving has always been a challenge.... Happiest day of my life was when I was able to combine an electric shave with hot, wet lather, a concept that Panasonic introduced. (Note: there's really no need to spend a lot of money on a shaver if you can't / aren't going to wet-shave with it; a dry-electric shave will inevitably be inferior.) I agree with other reviewers that the design of, and results from, Panasonic's earliest wet-dry's were superior to the ES8243A (and similar high-end models of the past decade); nonetheless, I would still strongly recommend this shaver to anyone. It delivers a smooth face (even in the pesky spots under the chin and down the neck) with a minimum of irritation in under 4 minutes.As the 4th or 5th Panasonic wet-dry I've owned, however, this model continues with what I have found to be a disappointing build quality. This shaver lasted 3.5 years before giving up the ghost; my previous Panasonic (earlier version of this model) lasted only about 3, as I recall. None have lasted more than 4 years. Granted, I provide regular, fairly hearty use, but I always scrupulously clean and air-dry the shavers - no dropping on the floor or tossing out of windows. This shaver failed in a manner identical to the previous one: one day it started activating randomly, without my touching the switch, and within a week it stopped responding to the switch entirely (i.e. wouldn't turn on). During the previous 12 months, the battery life had decreased - down to about 16-20 minutes on a full charge - and the LED screen had ceased functioning, though the motor still provided full RPM and shave quality was great.My buying habits tell the story: to replace my deceased ES8243A, I'm sticking with Panasonic, as I always do, and have purchased an ES-LF51, essentially the same shaver with a slightly stronger motor. I'm looking forward to using it. But I own a cheap backup, which I expect to have to use for a few days in about 3.5 years (give or take a few months) when my new Panasonic fails. 4 Stars, because any product that costs more than 100 dollars (as this model did in 2009) ought to last at least 5 years.
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
Ettwas
Buena pero no la mejor
Reviewed in Mexico on July 5, 2019Style: Orange LCD ES8243AVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Best electric razor i've found
Reviewed in Canada on March 21, 2018Style: Orange LCD ES8243AVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Good shaver
Reviewed in India on March 14, 2019Style: Orange LCD ES8243AVerified Purchase
Efrain Rebollo
El mejor precio
Reviewed in Mexico on August 25, 2018Style: Orange LCD ES8243AVerified Purchase
Gary J
I wont' use anything but a Panasonic Linear Shaver now!
Reviewed in Canada on April 5, 2017Style: Orange LCD ES8243AVerified Purchase
