The Panasonic Arc 5 is arguably one of the most powerful, advanced, and capable electric shavers on the market today. It boasts an incredible range of features, design upgrades, and revolutionary technology that will ensure you have the smoothest, cleanest shave.
However, we wanted to make sure it has earned its reputation, so we compiled a list of competitors and measured them against the Panasonic Arc 5! If you are interested in upgrading your existing electric shaver or want to make the leap from disposable razors but aren’t sure if the Panasonic Arc 5 is right for you, then read on!
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Table of Contents
What Is the Panasonic Arc 5
The Panasonic Arc 5 is a premium electric shaver that belongs to the ‘Arc 5′ generation of electric shavers developed by Panasonic. The Panasonic Arc 5 was launched back in 2009, and even though there have been many models released since then, Arc 5 is currently in its third generation. Panasonic is dedicated to always providing the highest quality electric shavers for its customers to compete with other top brands, such as the Braun Series 9, and the Phillips Series 9000 Prestige.
Choosing a suitable electric shaver can be challenging, especially when there are so many competent brands to choose from and hundreds of variations and products. Well, we’re here to help because, in this article, we will take a closer look at the Panasonic Arc 5, exploring many aspects of its specifications to help you narrow down your search for the perfect electric shaver.
Product Specs
The Panasonic Arc 5 has a long list of features and interesting specifications, so we’ve broken up each key aspect into its own section. At first, we’ll start with an overview of its features before progressing into the Arc 5’s build quality and ergonomics. There are many sophisticated features on the Panasonic Arc 5, including all of the following:
1. The 5 Blade Shaving System
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The Panasonic Arc 5 exhibits the defining characteristics of this line with an arched profile of the foils and the extremely efficient 5 blade shaving head. This is a unique feature to the Arc 5 electric shavers since it’s the only line of foil shavers that have five individual cutting elements.
The purpose behind this multi-blade system is to increase effectiveness and efficiency, as each of the blades can tackle different lengths of facial hair in quick succession, such as short, long, or flat-lying hairs. Let’s get into how the blade system actually works.
The final element is the one-slit blade trimmer directly centered in the middle of the Panasonic Arc 5. This part is engineered to capture and cut any long hairs so that they can then be easily cut by the other elements of the shaver. All these elements work in unison as a 5-blade system to provide the fluid and efficient shaving power of the Panasonic Arc 5.
However, the hidden element of this shaver that actually does most of the cutting is Panasonic’s signature 30-degree Nano-blades. These Nano-blades are used throughout Panasonic’s entire range of shavers because their effectiveness produces extremely close, but comfortable shaves.
2. 14000 CPM Motor and Shaving Sensor
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The Panasonic Arc 5 is equipped with one of the fastest motors currently available in any electric shaver with a unit capable of delivering 14000 cycles per minute (CPM). Comparatively, electric shavers from other leading brands can only reach speeds of around 1000 CPM. Now, speed isn’t the most important feature of a great electric shaver, but the extremely fast speeds guarantee that the 30-degree Nano-blades of the Panasonic Arc 5 can provide the smoothest and quickest shave ever.
The Arc 5 also comes equipped with unique shaving sensor technology which you can enable or disable whenever you please. This sensor technology automatically adjusts speeds depending on the gradient of your skin and the density of hair. Disabling this function grants you full manual control of the electric shaver.
3. Flexible Shaving Head
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Almost all premium electric shavers have a head that can flex or pivot while maintaining contact with the skin. However, the Panasonic Arc 5 harbors one of the most advanced shaving heads of any foil razor in terms of flexing and pivoting with ultra-smooth motion and constant angle adjustment. The head can also be locked in a fixed position, when you need it, for a precise shave.
4. Fully Waterproof Operation
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Apart from being unable to use the Panasonic Arc 5 while it’s plugged in and charging, it can be used anywhere you wish, in both wet and dry areas. Since Arc 5 is waterproof, you can even use it in the shower is you choose, and this is recommended since it can easily be cleaned with water.
5. Miscellaneous
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Some other Panasonic Arc 5 features include a guaranteed 45-minute cordless operation time, together with a pop-up trimmer, a vibrant LED display, and a travel lock.
6. Design
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The aesthetic of the Panasonic Arc 5 is sophisticated, with an elegant silver and black color scheme that complements its contemporary design. On the front of the shaver is a fascia with a glossy black finish that surrounds the controls and LED display, and around this black fascia is a silver trim with a matte finish.
Surrounding the power button on the Arc 5 is a locking ring that protects the user from accidentally turning on the shaver. Aligning the locking ring with either the open or closed padlock acts as a simple but effective safety mechanism. This ring of safety feature has been a popular addition to many of the electric shavers on Panasonic’s range.
7. Interface
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The Arc 5’s LED display is vibrant, clear, and responsive, and able to display useful amounts of information, such as shave duration, remaining battery, shaving sensor mode, and even a cleaning reminder. The display can also show you when the blades and foils of the shaver need to be replaced.
The mode will be disabled, and the blinking icon will cease once the ON/OFF button is simply pressed again while the shaver is on, enabling access to the full power mode of the shaver.
8. Handle and Head of the Shaver
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The sides of the Panasonic Arc 5 provide lightly textured grooves that extend to the back of the shaver as well, providing a comfortable and secure grip to the user, even when the shaver is wet. Around the back of the shaver, you can also find a unique pop-up trimmer that is positioned on the head, sitting perpendicularly when deployed, and that can be locked into position after setting the desired angle.
Despite having a large 5-blade shaving head, Arc 5 is able to deliver extremely compact and well-balanced ergonomics with a sculpted profile that is extremely comfortable to hold. With a shaver that doesn’t weigh more than 200 grams, or 6.9 oz to be exact, the innovative engineering of the Panasonic Arc 5 is something to behold.
9. Battery Life and Charging
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The Panasonic Arc 5 comes with a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery that provides an extra-long period of operation of up to 45 minutes between charges. The safety mechanism on the Arc 5 prevents any use during charging, so the shaver must be operated cordless as this is to prevent any possibility of accidental electrocution.
The advanced Li-ion battery can also provide a constant supply of power so that you will never experience drops in performance, even when the battery is close to depleted. The levels of power remaining are clearly monitored on the LED display and shown in percentages. The battery indicator has a unique circular design that splits into 6 wedges from the center, with the first 5 pieces having the value of 20% battery life, and the last to act as a blinking signal when power drops below 10 percent. Even with less than 10% battery remaining, the Arc 5’s Li-ion battery can still deliver at least 2 complete shaves.
In addition to displaying the battery life, the Arc 5 will also show you the shaving time that has elapsed during your session. It will display this for 5 seconds when you begin and then once more for 8 seconds after you turn the shaver off. This is a subtle, yet handy, feature as you can gain an idea of how long it takes you to shave and see how efficient different shaving techniques can be.
Between shaves, the Panasonic Arc 5 can go from depleted to completely charged in less than an hour and is fitted with an automatic voltage converter, enabling it to adapt to any voltage between 100v and 240v.
10. Cleaning and Maintenance
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The Panasonic Arc 5 shaver is easy to clean and care for as users have reported taking less than a minute to empty the shaver. However, if you so choose, you can opt for an Arc 5 variation that comes with an automatic cleaning base that sits within the charging station. This cleaning station is extremely effective as it conveniently is readying your shaver to look as if you never used it in the first place.
When you combine this with the powerful 17000 CPM motor, the Arc 5 blades vibrate at extreme speeds that are able to dislodge any traces of dirt and hair follicles. Because of these features, we recommend not opting for the cleaning station, as you can save yourself quite a bit of money.
How to Clean the Panasonic Arc 5
- Once you finish shaving, begin cleaning the Arc 5 by removing the foil frame and gently tapping it on the edge of a bin or sink to get rid of most hairs.
- After snapping the foils back into place on the shaver, cover them with a small amount of liquid soap and water, then press and hold the ON/OFF button for more than two seconds. This will activate the Arc 5’s cleaning mode, and after 20 seconds, the shaver will automatically turn off.
- Next, you need to clean the inner blades, and you do this by once again removing the foils and adding a small amount of soap and water to the inner blades.
- Press and hold the ON/OFF button again to activate the Arc 5’s cleaning mode, but hold it under running water for the duration of the 20 seconds.
- Once complete, shake off any excess water and pat dry with a cloth. You can also use the included cleaning brush, but it is best to use the above-mentioned method to get the best cleaning every time.
Pricing
With various fluctuations in the prices on the market, we have determined the standard price range for a brand new Panasonic Arc 5 is between $150 – $200 in the US. The electric shaver can be purchased conveniently on Amazon.
How It Compares
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In order to review the Panasonic Arc 5 properly, we picked 3 other top-selling electric shavers on the market and compared their differences in Price, Ease of Use, Assembly Time, Performance, Durability, and the Pros and Cons. This was based on online customer feedback forums and ratings. Our focus for this article will be on:
- Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 9700
- Braun Series 9
- Wahl Professional 5-Star Series
Panasonic Arc 5
Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor for Men, 5 Blades Shaver and Trimmer -...
- 5-Blade Shaving System for a Close Shave: The Panasonic five blade foil shaver uses micro-thin outer foils and...
- Efficient, Hyper-Performance Linear Motor: Ultra-fast linear motor powers 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute to...
- Shave Sensor and Multi-Flex Shaver Head: Intelligent sensor detects beard density and adjusts motor speed while a shaver...
Ease of Use [5 Stars]
You can shave in any direction with ease. The Multi-Fit outer foil and the agile Multi-Flex pivoting head glides, rotates, and flexes effortlessly over the contours of the jaw, chin, neck, and face.
With the freedom to shave wet or dry and the addition of the built-in precision trimmer with a fine, 45° angled blade, you can use this shaver in a hurry or at your own pace! The device is 100% washable with its own automatic cleaning and charging station that use a sonic vibration cleaning mode.
Once clean, the Panasonic Arc 5 is left to charge whilst the station dries, ensuring everything remains pristine and ready for the next shave. For ease of use, the Panasonic Arc 5 also comes with a Panasonic Personal Care Warranty and Panasonic Operating Manual.
Operating Parameters [4 Stars]
The Panasonic Arc 5 requires 1 hour for charging time and allows 45 minutes of shaving time, which is approximately 15 shaves (with 3 mins being the average time for a shave) per charge.
Performance [4 Stars]
The 5 blades glide over the skin at speeds of 14,000 CPM (cycles per minute) to provide an ultra-smooth, clean shave. This is almost 1.5 times faster and with twice the cutting force than its 10,000 CPM competitors. Arguably, one of the best features of this premium electric shaver is the Panasonic Arc 5’s sensors which automatically detect variances in beard density and continues to adjust its power flow to speed up where the beard is thickest and slow where it’s not.
Any extra thick or stubborn hair is captured by the Finishing Foil. Some reviewers have reported issues with charging, but this can be resolved by cleaning the main body rear terminals and the charging terminals of the self-cleaning recharger with a damp cloth.
Durability [4 Stars]
Panasonic reports the expected life of system outer foil is approximately 1 year, whilst the inner blades will last 2 years before needing replacement. Online reviews confirm the Panasonic Arc 5 is incredibly durable, with some reporting no issues after 3 years of use; its universal voltage and travel design make it ideal for use at home, work, business trips, and vacations.
Trusting the value and durability of this premium electric shaver, Panasonic offers a Personal Care Warranty and guarantees on their website that you only need to retain a copy of your receipt or bill of sale from the authorized Panasonic dealer where you purchased your shaver, and if there is a defect or its faulty, they will offer to exchange or repair the shaver (within 2 years of purchase).
- Gentle razor
- Reliable and durable
- Active shaving sensor
- Multi-Flex pivoting head
- Built-in precision trimmer with 45° angled blade
- Wet/Dry shave
- Self-cleaning recharging station
- Travel pouch
- 2 Year Warranty
- Batteries can wear out with excessive use in long intervals
- Noisy
- Pump in the cleaning station can stop working
Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 9700
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Delivering an extremely close shave at skin level, the Philips Norelco Electric Shaver uses NanoTech blades (strengthened by Nanoparticles) to cut hair with the highest precision and Skincomfort rings with metallic pigments and anti-friction coating to ensure the shaver glides gently over your skin. This smooth, friction-free shaver adapts to the contours of your face for a wet or dry shave.
The Philips Norelco Electric Shaver can be used for a wet or dry shave. Its contour detection technology and flexibility allows the shaving heads to move in 8 directions and cut up to 20% more hair for an extremely close result. It has three settings: slow (skin-friendly shave), medium (stubble shave) and fast (high-powered shave).
Its illuminated digital interface provides information on the shaver’s battery level as well as the cleaning indicator, the replacement head indicator, and the travel lock indicator. Whilst the SmartClean System cleans, lubricates, dries, and charges your shaver.
The Philips Norelco advertises that this shaver requires 1 hour for charging time to get 1 hour of operation time, which is approximately 20 shaves (with 3 mins being the average time for a shave) per charge. However, some customer reviews indicate these times to be accurate: 1 – 1.5 hours for charging and only 40 – 50 minutes for operation time.
Quiet and fast, this shaver is an asset to have on the go! The BeardAdapt Sensor checks the hair density and adapts the shaver to the needs of your beard and face. However, customers have noted that the need to replace heads and tighten blades after a period can become frustrating and reduce the overall performance of the shaver.
Mixed reviews online suggest the after a few months of use, this shaver can suffer loosehead attachments, weakened clips, poor battery life, and an increased frequency in the replacement of blades.
- Skin comfort rings
- SmartClean System
- Quiet
- BeardAdapt Sensor has 3 adjustable settings
- Digital interface
- Click-on trimmer for sideburns and your mustache
- Premium travel case
- Shaver head to body attachment loosens over time
- Plastic head feels flimsy and needs a protective guard
- Poor battery life
- Should provide a brush to help with cleaning
Braun Series 9
Braun Electric Razor for Men With Precision Beard Trimmer,...
- Braun Series 9 9370cc Men's Electric Shaver with Clean & Charge Station, Cleaning Cartridge, Travel Case, Smart Plug and...
- World's most efficient electric shaver* features 5 shaving elements to get more hair in one stroke than any other...
- These electric razors for men intelligently respond to your face contours and beard density, giving you more skin...
Coined a gold standard in shaving, the Braun Series 9 is the latest shaver designed by the German company to maintain its top position in the manufacturing of foil shavers. This titanium coated, electric shaver has a flexible head with 4 blades and a SkinGuard, capable of cutting hair in 10 directions. This design is exceptionally gentle to your skin with the addition of 2 specialized trimmers for even the toughest to reach hairs.
Ease of Use [4 Stars]
This Contour Flex Head and Sonic Technology make shaving and trimming over the sink or under the shower a breeze. The 10,000 micro-vibrations and the adaptive shaving motor capture the hair in every stroke, while its waterproof design and AutoSense Technology make shaving dry or with water a refreshing and smooth skin experience.
They also make cleaning easy with the 5-action, alcohol-based Clean&Charge station, which hygienically removes shaved stubble, automatically lubricates, and recharges your shaver for the next time you will need it!
The Braun Series 9 requires 1 hour for charging time and allows 50 minutes of cordless operation time, which is approximately 16 shaves (with 3 mins being the average time for a shave) per charge.
The Braun Series 9 shaver has a state-of-the-art, Li-ion battery to ensure premium performance for 50 minutes, and reviews positively confirm its long battery life. However, some customer’s experiences with the shaver’s overall performance vary.
Many people have had great success with the shaver and agree that the Braun Series 9 sets a benchmark for comfort with a redesigned shaving head, a more powerful motor, and the additional cutting element. Others report that they must repeatedly shave over certain areas of their face to achieve a clean shave, and the shaver often leaves patchy areas. A few other customers, who have had repeatedly sent their shaver back for warranty repairs, supported this.
The manufacturers state that the Series 9 will last up to 7 years based on its German craftsmanship and the premiere materials like titanium coating. The shaver also comes with a 2-year limited warranty, which aligns with the various customer reviews that praise its durability and superb reliability.
It is worth noting that there have been a few reports of shavers falling apart after 9 months and others corroding from water reaching the circuit board.
- Reliable and durable
- Blades can cut in 10 directions
- SkinGuard for skin comfort
- Sonic Technology
- AutoSensing motor to shave more hair in one stroke
- Wet & Dry Convenience
- Waterproof up to 5 meters (16 feet)
- Alcohol-based Clean&Charge station
- 2-year limited warranty
- Travel case
- Expensive
- Can leave noticeable stubble
- Locking button can be faulty
- Shaver is wider than others
Wahl Professional 5-Star Series
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The Wahl Professional 5-Star Series shaver is the upgraded and enhanced version of the Wahl 8061 that guarantees a clean and efficient shave. It has a cordless design for ease of use and can easily handle a close shave for its unique hypoallergenic gold foil feature, which leaves even sensitive skin free of razor bumps and ingrown hairs. This Wahl 5-Star shaver will help you save a lot of energy and time as it assures the best performance with each recharge.
The Wahl Professional 5-Star Series shaver can be used for either for a wet or dry shave, and the cordless feature means you can use it almost anywhere. It is also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at only 5.8 oz with a length of 4.6”. It has a compact and simple, yet extremely effective, design. The Wahl 5-Star Series is perfect for use on the face, head, and neckline as the ultimate finishing tool.
The Wahl Professional requires 1 hour for charging and allows 1 hour of the operation time, which is approximately 20 shaves (with 3 mins being the average time for a shave) per charge. This shaver is one of the simplest, electric models for use as it only has two modes, on or off, They are activated with a simple touch of the button.
Simple, yet effective in design, the Wahl Professional 5-Star operates with minimal noise, and the hypo-allergenic gold foils do an excellent job on completing a close shave even on the most sensitive of skin. The razors can cut close without causing any irritation, and it is so versatile in design, it can be used in most places around the face, head, and neckline.
Simple, yet effective in design, the Wahl Professional 5-Star operates with minimal noise, and the hypo-allergenic gold foils do an excellent job on completing a close shave even on the most sensitive of skin. The razors can cut close without causing any irritation, and it is so versatile in design, it can be used in most places around the face, head, and neckline.
Overall, the Wahl Professional presents a durable shaver that will effectively carry out its purpose. Unfortunately, the gold foils can easily be damaged if too much pressure is applied while shaving. However, mixed reviews online suggest that the shaver may have to be emptied at least once during shaving to maintain optimal performance.
The manufacturers also state that the Wahl professional 5-Star shaver cannot handle hairs that are too long, so the user must not have too much growth before use.
- Affordable
- Cuts super close without leaving any bumps
- Powerful motor
- Can stay charged for several days even with daily uses
- Can handle thick facial hair
- Wet and Dry convenience
- Cordless
- Lightweight
- The gold foils can be easily damaged
- Cannot cut long hair
- Is not the quietest shaver
Conclusion
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After reviewing the Panasonic Arc 5 and comparing it with other competitors on the market, we gave it a final rating of 4 stars! With the freedom to shave in any direction with the agile Multi-Flex pivoting head and its wet/dry convenience, this electric shaver is elevated above its competitors with an effortless, pristine shave along the contours of your jaw, chin, neck, and face.
The built-in precision trimmer is an added benefit, along with the automatic cleaning and charging station which uses sonic vibration and a drier to ensure everything remains pristine and ready for your next shave!
The Panasonic Arc 5 provides premium grooming performance, and its affordability, durability, and supreme travel design make it ideal for use anywhere in the world! We hope this has helped you with your search!
