UPDATE 09/30/2016:
I am two months shy of having used this razor for a year, and I wanted to provide an update. I have yet to change the cutting block. The razor still performs great, but I can tell it is starting to deteriorate ever so slightly. I have used nothing but hand soap to clean it every other shave, so this is still the most affordable razor I have every owned. It works so well, requires no proprietary cleaning fluid, and the cutting block is durable. In other words, I am still happy with my purchase.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I have used Braun for decades. I tried one of the new Braun Pulsonics, but went back to my trusty 7526, which is more comfortable and more capable. The pulsing is just a gimmick, in my opinion. A bad gimmick. Alas, after over a decade of service, my 7526 broke. Actually, the charging and cleaning station broke, the razor still works perfectly. That is a true testament to its craftsmanship.
Nevertheless, it was time to look for a new razor. I wanted a razor with three things, comfort, closeness and a low cost-to-own. As much as I liked my Braun, I loathed buying cleaning solution AND cutting blocks for it constantly. I was nervous about trying a new brand, but I saw several reviews by previous Braun owners who said they were happy with the Panasonic. I can confirm that it does indeed provide a comfortable, close shave. Here are my comparisons between the two, with a winner for each category:
- Closeness: Panasonic wins here. It is just closer than my Braun ever was, which I did not know was possible from an electric shaver.
- Comfort: Panasonic wins again. I have a patch on my neck that is very sensitive due to the wildly frayed direction the stubble grows. The Braun always irritated it, but the Panasonic does not.
- Durability: Braun wins, I'm sure. Although I haven't had the Panasonic long enough yet, I don't see it lasting for well over ten years like my Braun did.
- Build Quality: Again, Braun wins. The Panasonic is much more plastic-y.
- Economics: The Panasonic wins here. It is cheaper to buy initially, and you can use regular soap and water to clean it. Further, the manual only calls for the blades and screen to be replaced annually, which has been confirmed by other reviewers. The Braun's cutting block did not last that long for me, even using its expensive cleaning solutions. It should be taken into account that the Braun lasted for over a decade, which surely saves money, but I think the other expenses still put it behind the Panasonic in overall value.
- Time: Draw - The Braun shaves much faster, but that is a function of the fact that it doesn't shave as close as the Panasonic. The Panasonic takes longer, but I imagine if I only shaved enough to get as close as my Braun, then it would be about the same.
- Pop-up Trimmer - I like the Braun pop-up trimmer better. I don't know why, but it seems to work better, seems to be sturdier, and I just prefer its design better. The newer Brauns may be different, though.
I should mention that I also use a safety razor, and the Panasonic cuts just as close as the safety razor for me. This is because I am unable to go against the grain with the blade (regardless of the combination of soap, cream, pre-treatment, or razor I use) without irritation. If you use a safety razor and can go ATG then, of course, the razor will be closer than the electric. I think you might be surprised by how minimal the difference is, though.
Although there is somewhat of a split between all the categories above, I feel the Panasonic is still far superior because of the three things that matter most to me: Cost, comfort and closeness. Panasonic wins handily in all three of these categories.
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From the manufacturer
Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men ES8103S Arc3
Rechargeable, Cordless Shaver with Wet/Dry Convenience
Packed with smart, innovative features, the Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men ES8103S Arc3 delivers a remarkably close and comfortable shave. Panasonic Arc3 men's shavers feature a three-blade system with 30-degree angle blades to cut hair at its base for close, accurate precision. The flexible pivoting head allows the cordless shaver to float effortlessly along the contours of your face for a fast shave, especially around your sideburns and under your chin. The fast, linear motor delivers 13,000 cuts per minute to eliminate the tugging and pulling that can occur with slower electric razors, while maintaining peak power right up until the end of the charge.
The Panasonic ES8103S men's three-blade electric shaving system with Nanotech blades comes equipped with a travel pouch, hypoallergenic blades and foils for sensitive skin, a pop-up shaving trimmer, and an AC recharger.
At a Glance:
- Three 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
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Flexible Pivoting Men’s Electric Shaver HeadSide-to-side and up-and-down movements allow the Panasonic electric shaver head to follow the contours of your face for an effortless and quick shave. |
30-Degree Stainless-Steel Nanotech Blades for PrecisionNano polished 30-degree angle stainless-steel blades cut hair at its base for outstanding precision. Panasonic beard shaver blades are hypoallergenic to shave gently with less irritation on even sensitive skin. |
Fast, Linear Shaver Motor Drive Delivers a Close ShaveA rapid-fire 13,000 cycles per minute linear motor drive delivers a faster, closer shave. The Panasonic razor's fast, linear motor ensures a quick cut, eliminating pulling, tugging and irritation. |
Multi-Fit Arc Blades for a Smooth ShaveThe ES8013S shaver for men is designed with three independently floating blades follow the contours of your face, chin and neck for a close and smooth shave. |
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Pop-Up Trimmer for Sideburns and MustachesThe Panasonic shaver is equipped with a pop-up trimmer which is great for grooming your mustache or sideburns. Just pop up when ready to use and tuck away when you're finished. |
Wet/Dry Shaver for Your Personal PreferenceEnjoy the convenience of a quick shaving machine using dry operation or use wet with foam or gel for a smooth shave. |
100% Washable Razor with Extra Cleaning PowerRemove the foil from the men's shaver and switch on turbo mode to rinse clean and renew blades under running water. Sonic vibration cleaning mode produces sonic waves to give extra cleaning power. |
Illuminated LCD Display Indicates Battery PowerA digital display built into this men's shaver indicates ten stage battery meter, cleaning reminder, charge indicator and sonic vibration cleaning mode. |
Recommended Accessories
Like all Panasonic shavers for men, blades and foil should be replaced when dull to ensure the best electric shaver performance. Panasonic Shaver ES8103S Replacement accessories: Men’s Razor Foil (WES9087PC), Electric Razer Blade (WES9068PC), and Men’s Razor Combo Set (WES9013PC).
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| ES-LT41-S Arc3 Men's Electric Razor | ES8103S Arc3 Men's Electric Razor | ES8243A Arc4 Men's Electric Razor | ES-LF51-A Arc4 Men's Electric Razor | ES-LA63-S Arc4 Men's Electric Razor | ES-LA93-K Arc4 Men's Electric Razor | |
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| Customer Reviews |
1,336
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8,061
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3,658
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1,072
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3,891
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1,333
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| Number of Blades | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Display Type | 5-Stage LCD | 10-Stage LCD | 10-Stage LCD | 5-Stage LED | Multi-LED | Multi-LED |
| Pivoting Type | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Multi-Flex | Multi-flex |
| Linear Motor Speed | 13,000 CPM | 13,000 CPM | 13,000 CPM | 14,000 CPM | 14,000 CPM | 14,000 CPM |
| Wet/Dry and Washable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Fit ARC Foil | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Motor Cutting System | NA | NA | NA | NA | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Automatic Clean and Charge Station | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ✓ |
| 2-year Limited Warranty | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men ES8103S Arc3, Wet/Dry with 3 Nanotech Blades and Flexible Pivoting Head |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | -19% $209.99 List: $259.99 | $105.99 | $21.00 | $104.99 | $119.00 |
| Price Per Unit | — | $209.99 / Count | $105.99 / Count | $21.00 / Count | $104.99 / Count | $119.00 / Count |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 | — | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Easy to clean | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| For traveling | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Ergonomic | ||||||
| Sold By | — | 6ave | US SUPPLY STORE | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Elta Beauty |
| head type | Foil | Foil | Foil | Foil | Foil | Foil |
| special feature | Wet & Dry, No Docking Station | Sensor, Pivoting, Self Cleaning, Washable, Waterproof, Pop-up, Cordless, Ergonomic | Wet & Dry, No Docking Station | Stainless Steel Blades | Rechargeable, Shave Sensor, Ergonomic Design, Floating Head, Washable | Wet & Dry, No Docking Station |
| power source | AC 100-240V | Battery Powered, Corded Electric | AC 100-240V | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | AC 100-240V (Automatic International Dual Voltage Conversion) |
| number of blades | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| blade material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| weight | 1.15 pounds | 0.5 pounds | 201 grams | 0.01 pounds | 0.54 grams | 0.4 pounds |
Videos
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Customer Review: regretting: noisy and not easy for shaving
PeterC
Reviews with images
Speaking as someone with sensitive and acne prone skin: THIS SHAVER WORKS!!
After going through 3 different types of shavers and shaving methods I finally found the right one! The Panasonic ES8103S, which is a mouthful to say the least.This shaver gives me a nice close shave, but just a tip for those of you with sensitive skin: Don't use it while showering with shaving cream because that's the only time I got a very small acne outbreak was when I was using it whilst showering, so I prefer a dry shave and a warm face rinse after.And don't get me wrong the whole waterproof functionality works A+ and the trimmer on the back is amazingly sharp! I Love it! Here's a list of all of the Pro's and small consPRO:Charges FastNot too noisyThe Sonic Cleaning function is awesomeClose shave with the grainNo Acne outbreak or skin irritation when shaving against the grain (if you really must, I wouldn't recommend it)SharpGood design and feelWaterproofInformative LED screen ex: Tells you when to clean-, wash, and charge the shaver and battery %Con:None.Please Note: That if your 16/17 and this is your first shaver then YOU WILL GET ACNE, maybe not as bad as some or maybe worse , but you will get acne and your skin will get irritated by a shaver the first time you use it and it's absolutely normal and will go away the more you use it. And take care of your skin, use benzac after a shave and a moisturizer over the weekend to keep your skin clean and acne-free.ENJOY!
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
JRF
Excellent no-frills shaver
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2021Style: ES8103SVerified Purchase
Joydip Chanda
Perfect shaver for men
Reviewed in India on March 22, 2018Style: ES8103SVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
No adapter
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2021Style: ES8103SVerified Purchase
