Light and Quick
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| Review Date: February 4, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Gadget Geek, |
I have the identical shaver, the ES8077S. The difference between the two is that this ES8043SC model does not include a cleaning station.
I bought this as a replacement unit for my old Braun 5550, which after a few years of use has finally died.
If you prefer not to purchase the bulky cleaning station (from the ES8077S model), the manual suggests an alternative method to clean -- using liquid soap and water; this would be convenient when on the road!
Replacement Parts & Accessories (Retail prices & model # as indicated in insert):
1) Protective Cap (WES8044X7158): $0.62
2) Outer Foil (WES9085PC): $35.00
3) Inner Blades (WES9064PC): $21.95
4) Charging Adapter (WES8044K7658): $16.11
5) Self-Cleaning Recharger (WES8078H4218): $41.89
6) Detergent Cartridge 3-pack (WES035P): $9.99
Pros:
- The Panasonic Vortex is relatively light, and easy to hold/grip.
- Wet/Dry: One of the main features that won me over. I decided to get this unit instead of the Braun Activator because of this feature. I usually shave right after I take a shower, and my old Braun wouldn't cut cleanly until I fully dried off. First thing I did when I received this unit was to try shaving after a shower -- worked perfectly.
- Speed: For my old shaver, I had to take several passes, and yet still missed stubs here and there. With the Vortex, I was able to shave cleanly in one quick pass. I'm impressed!
- Head Pivots: The head of the shaver adjusts smoothly to the contours of my face.
- Battery: Right out of the box, I used my shaver for about a month before charging!
Cons:
- After my shave, my skin got a bit irritated at first use. After a few uses, my skin was able to adjust.
- Came with a cheap travel bag.
---
Some reviewers have mentioned the noise of the unit. With any electric shaver, the noise is unavoidable. I didn't find the noise too annoying, though some of you may. |
Comparison Panasonic, Braun 360 Norelco Speed XL,
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| Review Date: October 1, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Paul Taatjes, |
The following review is because I found it excruciating to find an electric razor that really truly met all my needs. And because I can't trust anyone's opinion that hasn't really tried a few.
To start I have very sensitive skin on my neck, the hairs lie very flat as well there...and my beard hair is freaking tough. Freakishly thick, evil little guys.
The contenders:
Norelco (Phillips) has been around for a while and is known for their 3 head rotary design. I got a SpeedXL, 8175XL. Claiming 50% more surface area than before with three rings on each head.
Braun a big name in the foil shaver market and apparently the top rated by a certain consumer mag. I got a 8975, 360 Complete.
Finally Panasonic "Linear", the lone entry as a wet/dry shaver, boasting "fastest speed" and "sharpest" blades. ES8043 was the model.
The lowdown:
Norelco...bundled with lots of extras. Best feedback with most LEDs. Very quiet, picked up the wonky hairs. But I wasn't happy. I had little control over where it cut and it was hard to address the little problem areas. Also it doesn't cut along a line well...so if you want a beard and to shave your neck, not a good chioce.
I realize others may not have that concern...so how about the actual cut? Decent, but I had an OLD Panasonic model which was right in the ball park...and I wanted to replace that one. Back to the store with you!!! The cleaning on this was also harder as the rotary area wasn't very streamlined.
Braun. After that first round I was done. I went for the top (well almost, mine didn't have the cleaning station). The 360 Complete had new Gillette tech, a really cool looking foil patter, and wow!! it was $140. This guy was a little heavier than expect. Fired it up...and loud, MUCH louder than the Norelco, even louder than the Panny...and it vibrated more in my hand.
Not too worried, more power right? First off...we have a contender. It cut fast, and closer than my previous Panny, much better than the Norelco. Came with a nice little hard case for travel. Pretty much it was all good. I figured this was the same model as the one with the cleaning stand...so rinse clean right? NOPE. A three step process of open partly, shake out, open fully brush out, finally a drop or two of oil.
Hmm still it cut pretty darn nice. But it was very expensive. Better take one last look....I had a Panasonic, what do they have? Without returning the Braun I got the new Panny. Hmm..wet/dry, self cleaning "sonic mode" (add a touch of soap and cleans itself), 13,000 rpm motor. It was quiet, it was lighter.
Now I had the two contenders in hand, time to test on the 5 o clock shadow. Panasonic first. Quickly shaved one side of my face. Hmm quieter than the last...subconsciously thought might not live up. Felt that side of my face...HOLY &^*(& that is smooth, like perfect, blade-eque smooth, except one tiny ridge along the jaw bone I just missed.
Still this was the easy task...nice short hair, lets bring out the Braun again. It made quick work of the other side of my face as well. Well mostly...one spot stayed a little rough and I gave it multiple passes. Still very much acceptable. Before finishing up, I decided to run the Panny back over the area the Braun had some issues with. ...and some tell tale hair clinking noise....felt it. Perfect.
The easy winner: Panny
Done. Told my now exasperated GF I found it. My shaver. Fastest, middle quiet, cheapest of the bunch, able to clean itself with no special stand, and finally wet or dry capable. Awesome!!
Wrap up:
Norelco (Phillips) 8175XL:
Pro:
+Great accessories
+Best LED feedback
+Li-ion batter (pretty sure)
+Quietest
+Best on slightly longer hairs that are laying flat
Con:
-Least close shave
-longest time to shave
-those longer hairs get pulled a bit (ouch)
-a bit more irritation (more passes)
-Hard to cut along a line (beard shaping)
-iffy sideburn trimmer (fell all the time)
Braun 8975
Pro:
+Almost as close a shave
+good sideburn trimmer
+Top rated makes you feel cool
+indicator for time to replace cutting block
+best pivoting head
+Hard Case for storage
Con:
-Loudest
-Expensive
-Didn't cut as well as the Panny
-No allowance to even get it slightly wet anywhere
-Only one with Ni-MH batteries
-Heavy
Panasonic ES8043
Pro:
+Least expensive
+great cleaning that can be done anywhere (so special stand)
+Best shave, close and fast
+Much quieter than Braun
+Light
+Li-ion battery
+Only with full, in the shower Wet capability (not even tested...still won)
+Great sideburn trimmer, now a solid flip up design
Con:
-Lousy soft vinyl case
-weird plug design...have to look when plugging in for charging
-same brand as before
So there you have it. I don't want to sound too down on the Norelco, it just was slow, imprecise and didn't cut as close...maybe with enough time training your skin it would be better? |
Best Razor Ever!
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| Review Date: January 14, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Shannon Edds, Anaheim, CA - Home of Angels, Ducks and Mice! |
I have owned many different razors in my time. My last razor was a Panasonic ES726. This was a great razor for $40.00. Close and comfortable. But the battery is dying so I went to buy another $40.00 Panasonic. It was one of the basic Pro Curve models. It didn't do as good a job as my ES726. I took it back and got a Braun Cruser3. This razor was terrible! So I took it back and got the Panasonic ES8043SC Pro-Curve Pivot Action Linear Wet/Dry Shaver. After the 1st use I was like, OMG! This razor shaves as close as my ES726 but is even more comfortable!
This razor runs at 13,000 RPM's.
Has a triple blade system.
Wet/Dry shave.
Cleans under water.
Pivot head.
Turbo clean mode.
Cord/Cordless operation.
This razor has everything you could want and it delivers. I highly recommend it |
You want razor closeness, look no further
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| Review Date: May 23, 2006 |
| Reviewer: J. Reich, |
This is an excellent electric razor. This review is also for all the head shavers out there that need a good quality razor for getting bald. How do I know this Panasonic is a good razor? Well a little while ago I began searching for an electric razor to shave my head, it had to be fairly inexpensive and able to shave razor close. I bought two different electric razors that were in my price range and tested them both out. And the Norelco was returned to the store for a refund.
I began using the Norelco 7735X Cool Skin, electric razor. It took another few days for my Panasonic ES8043SC to arrive, so I continued to use my Norelco to shave my head. Let me be honest, the Norelco Cool Skin works great and gets a good head/face shave. Then my Panasonic arrived and I wasn't very impressed with the look of the razor and was not expecting much. As soon as I did a dry head shave with the Panasonic I could see the difference! Quickly, I knew this Panasonic is a better all around razor and shaves closer than the Norelco. I can also shave faster with the Panasonic but the Norelco contours my face and head a little better.
Because of the speed of the Panasonic I can shave everyday. I like to keep my head shaved very close and keep it clean looking, the Panasonic is the best for this. My hair grows fast and I just shave my head in the shower every day. It's like mowing a lawn; if you keep it trimmed it is very easy to cut it the next time. I don't use any shave gel and I merely shave my head in the shower and rinse off. If there are any missed spots I usually shave them after the shower to clean my head up. It takes 5 minutes at most to shave my head in the shower with the Panasonic. And I'm getting quicker by the day. I actually think the Panasonic shaves my head better than my face. This is because of how flat heads are compared to faces. It can be hard to get to certain places on a face.
Actually, the Norelco contours your head better than the Panasonic, but the Panasonic shaves quicker and a closer. A strange paradox here. The Norelco does do a good job, don't get me wrong here. But the Panasonic is better. I'm really pleased with the closeness of the razor. Additionally, I shave against the grain on my head to get a really close shave, and this baby of a shaver does get razor close. I will repeat, razor close, completely smooth.
This Panasonic 8043 runs at 13,000 rpm and works excellent. Turbo Cleaning Mode (available on our Pivot Action Shavers) is used for quick and easy cleaning. Press and hold the On/Off button to shift from 13,000 RPMs to an impressive 17,000 RPMs in this mode. I will never use a Mach 3 again on my head because there is no need for one. This thing rocks! Great product, great feel, quick charge, excellent razor wet/dry close shave. Period.
*Updated on 10/7/2007
So after about a year and a half I bought a new razor. Remember, I do shave my head every day in the shower. I believe there was wear and tear from being in my shower over time. I did notice a big performance boost from my new razor and I am completely satisifed with the new purchase. Buying new replacement blades only worked for so long. Still a great shaver. Lets face it, head hair is tough to shave. I found its better to shave everyday and keep it trimmed. I do not see how men shave their heads with razor blades. Also recommended is baby oil or "King of Shaves" shaving oil for better performance. |
The Best Ever !
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| Review Date: March 18, 2006 |
| Reviewer: C. Dudley, Rochester NY |
It has been three years now using this shaver, and I would never go back to another brand. It shaves clean and close in less time than any I've owned, and its shape and weight makes it comfortable to use.
There is no need for the added-expense cleaning kit, as it cleans itself with soap and water, unlike many other models.
The only complaints I have are:
1) with the cheap travel bag, which does not hold the charger. A minor drawback.
2) the motor sound takes some getting used to, as it is a high pitched whine. |
I like it.
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| Review Date: June 25, 2006 |
| Reviewer: J. Kim, Seattle, WA |
I finally made the jump after almost seven years with the original Mach 3. First, if this is your first electric, realize that your face is gonna be tender for a while as your not used to it. I hear it takes a month to get used to it...I'm on day 2. First of all, let me say that this thing shaves closer than the Mach 3 in some areas. For example, the mustache area. If I had wanted to get this close in the mustache area, I would had to have shaved against the grain, and that simply isn't an option with the Mach 3. Can we say razor burn? Well, this electric got it nice and close, seems even below skin level. On the other hand, in other, more fleshy areas like the neck and cheek, its not quite so close. I would right now say that it rivals the Mach 3 but not quite as close in those areas. As my sensitivity decreases to this, I'm betting on getting closer and closer shaves. If your thinking about the other more expensive Panasonic model with the base charger/cleaner, don't get it. Get this one like the other reviewer mentioned. It takes 2 seconds to clean this shaver with soap and water. If I remember, I'll try and do a follow up later on after my face gets adjusted. I'm glad I made the switch. I always heard the mantra that you can never get a close a shave as with a wet shave, well you can wet shave with this thing, and its as close as any blade...well maybe not as close as the ridiculous 5 bladed monster they have now. SNL coming to life.
P.S. Its pretty cool shaving with an electric and being able to use shaving get. |
Great Shaver
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| Review Date: September 2, 2006 |
| Reviewer: P. McLain, Sammamish, WA USA |
I've been using my new Panasonic shaver for a month now and love it. I had an older Panasonic linear shaver before, and it served me well for quite a while. The newer version tends to shave more closely in a single pass and holds a charge for at least an entire week's worth of shaves. I like being able to wash it with soap and water and not have to deal with those expensive alcohol based cleaners like the Brauns use.
My one complaint is that the newer shaver does not have a charging stand; you simply plug the cord into the bottom of the shaver to recharge. The base on the older version gave you a place to keep your shaver dry and made charging an automatic. On the other hand, having a simple cord is easier when you travel. |
Much better than my Braun
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| Review Date: June 10, 2006 |
| Reviewer: DFLKID, Costa Mesa, CA United States |
I just tried out this shaver in the shower and I am extremely impressed. I read some reviews here, and I thought I'd give it a try, and I'm glad I did. Here's what I like:
- I can now shave in the shower (need to invest in a shower mirror)
- This thing cuts CLOSE people. For me, it's just as good as my Mach3. We'll have to see how long it can keep this up.
- The form factor is much more ergonomic than my Braun. Shaving with a Braun is like shaving with a garage door opener. The Panasonic is small and lighweight, and contours to your hand.
- I can put a little shaving cream on the razor itself and it seems to help get a closer shave
So there you have it. I'm sold on Panasonic. It's only the first day, but I'm confident I won't regret this purchase. |
I think I'll forgo the 30 day return policy on this one...
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| Review Date: May 30, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ashram, |
I purchased this shaver because I was disappointed in the performance of Norelco electric rotary shavers that I've tried.
Above the chin was okay, but below the chin proved to be problematic as multiple passes would have to be done to clip the whiskers, causing visible skin irritation.
Being fed up with the lackluster performance of the Norelcos, I decided that I needed to get a new electric razor.
I had previous experience with Remington (not impressed) so I skipped them. That leaves Braun and Panasonic.
I ended up purchasing the Panasonic ES8043SC over other Panasonic and Braun models because of various benefits, including the wet/dry ability and being able to wash the cutting blade and foil by using just liquid soap and a little water instead of the cleaning base with expensive fluid cartridges.
Basically, the shave was almost perfect the first time I used this thing when shaving wet with cream. There were still some missed hairs that required shaving over again, but not as frequent or as uncomfortable as the Norelco shavers. Dry shaving was almost just as good with performance still superior to Norelco.
Although Panasonic insists that it may take a month to adapt to it, I feel like I've already gotten used to it; I think it's because after suffering from the Norelco all this time, the Panasonic is a revelation in comparison, even on the first try! If my face actually adapts, I can only imagine performance being better, even though it's already good as it is!
The fact that I can fully charge the Panasonic's battery in just one hour is a plus compared to the eight hours required of my last Norelco.
So, I think I may forgo the 30 day exchange. As of now, I am convinced that this is the electric that works for me. |
Don't fall prey to marketing, but it's a good electric razor
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| Review Date: November 2, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Music Person, Montreal, Canada |
After years of shaving with a blade, I decided about six months ago to switch to an electric, because I thought it would be better for my eczema-prone skin. I had never used an electric before, and I therefore had lots of homework to do. Eventually, I settled on this model.
- can be used in the shower
- can be used with face/shaving cream
- can easily be cleaned with water
- multi-voltage charger (can be used in other countries)
- quality and relatively long-lasting battery
- razor quality and speed stays constant even as the battery charge decreases
- very good trimmer
- sturdy casing, easy to hold with wet hands
Razor Shopper Beware:
- cleaning systems are a marketing gimmick, they do not clean any better than soap and water; the alcohol and chemicals used in cleaning systems can in fact be bad for your skin
- many electric razors sold in the US are crippled of their multivoltage capability; counterpart models sold in other continents often do have multivoltage capability
- shaves-per-second, vibrations per second: these are meaningless statistics that are almost marketing fraud
- Panasonic sells a model just like this one, but without the trimmer. Panasonic calls it the "hypoallergenic" model. This is a gimmick, because the model with the trimmer is also hypoallergenic. Actually, just about all good electric razors are hypoallergenic.
- manufacturers use a multitude of intentionally confusing model numbers in order to sell the same razors to different "marketing segments" at different prices. You will have difficulty shopping on model number. Shop on manufacturer and feature set, because model numbers could be different for practically identical razors. [...]
On using an electric razor
- I was surprised at how close it shaves. Genuinely as close as a blade
- Give your face a week or two to get used to the electric, if you were previously using a blade. Your skin must get used to it. Also, your facial hair will grow in a different direction (unnoticeable to the eye)
- The razor foil on this model is supposed to last for a relatively long time. Overall, using this electric razor is far cheaper than Gillette models that rake in huge profit on their blades. |
Panasonic Pro-Curve ES80443SC - I Like It
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| Review Date: August 20, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Arizona Joe, Surprise, AZ USA |
| This is far and away the best electric shaver I have ever used. It is light, comfortable to use, and shaves closer than a blade in hard to get to places and almost as close elsewhere. I shave with lather and it is very confortable. It takes me about 5 or 6 minutes per shave and the battery lasts for 12 or 13 shaves. I used a Norelco rotary for many years. It was good (dry shaver) but this new Panasonic is superior. It is also superior to the older Panasonic ES8092 which was much heavier with shorter battery life. What especially impresses me about the new shaver is its ability to cut neck hairs very closely. I highly recommend this shaver. |
The Real Deal
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| Review Date: May 3, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Joe Prog, Florida |
Do you ever make on of those online purchases that really exceed your expectations.
The Panasonic 8043 Pro Curve had me smiling from ear to ear the night I received it. I have the thickest beard of anyone I know, get a 5 o'clock shadow at noon, and used to shave every morning with a blade followed by my Braun. I have done this for over 15 years.... until now.
I was reluctant to write this review thinking that people would think I work for Panasonic, ranting about such a great product, but to tell the truth, they could hire me today and I'd gladly tell everyone about this shaver.
The first night I used it, I had not shaved the day before (a rare occasion). I told my wife I should give this shaver a fair chance and do my usual pre shave with my Gillette razor. But then I figured to put this thing to the test without any help. I followed the instructions of wetting my face and then lathering up with shave gel.
When I began, under the side burn, I felt absolutely no hair pull of any kind. I went up and down twice, with light pressure and could not believe what I saw. The hair was not only gone, but seemed to get grinded up into fine particles like dirt.
It has not taken me the 30 days as mentioned in the manual to get used to this shaver. To say I have the best shave of my life is an under statement.
Even if the replacement parts are a litlle more than other brands, I will gladly pay it. Time is money, and I will never have to buy razors and pre shave powder again.
T Moore |
Best yet!
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| Review Date: October 2, 2007 |
| Reviewer: JB, Beautiful Hawai'i |
I found that Panasonic easily outclasses Bruan, Remington and Norelco. I replaced my old 8017 Panasonic Linear shaver with a fixed head with the 8043 and it blows the old model away. I thought the pivoting head was more of a gimmick but it makes shaving easier, more comfortable, and produces a closer shave. I also love the fact that I can clean the shaver using any soft soap and water instead of having to buy "special" cleansers for an automatic gizmo than is a countertop space hog.
CAVEAT: Don't buy the replacement blade that Amazon is recommending to purchase with the ES8043SC. I bought it and had to return it because it isn't made for this model. I emailed Panasonic and the correct blade replacement is WES9064PC. |
GREAT SHAVER
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| Review Date: February 24, 2006 |
| Reviewer: George C. Fohl, BUTLER PA. |
| Good shaver for the money.Shaves as good as braun and doesn't burn face like remington.Really good on neck hairs. |
Well worth the money.......
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| Review Date: July 21, 2006 |
| Reviewer: R. Traylor, Virginia |
| This shaver is well worth the money. I have tried several different shavers, Remington, Braun and lately it was the Norelco Speed series. All of them were okay, but they always took so long and I never got a great shave. The Braun worked the best but it took like 10 minutes to shave. I had to go over each part of my face numerous times. So I decided to try the Panasonic based on all of the good reviews. Man were they right. This is the best shaver I have ever owned. I have now had the shaver a little over 2 weeks and I love it. It now only takes 2-3 minutes to shave instead of 10. It cuts much closer than any other shaver I have owned and it even gets the hairs on my neck. Also, I did not have any adjustment period at all with this shaver. From day one it felt great and never made my skin irriated at all. Well worth the money. |
Great, Great, Great!
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| Review Date: July 21, 2006 |
| Reviewer: HapC, |
I have owned every electric brand. I rate this the best of all. I thought the Braun Advantage did a good job, but this does even better with a whole lot less mess and noise. I also owned a Norelco Smart Touch, but I have sent that to my son.
I am convinced that Panasonic has really come close to a blade shave. I use it dry. I couldn't be more pleased |
Great shave/easy to clean
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| Review Date: August 3, 2006 |
| Reviewer: A. Alvarado, San Jose, CA |
| Read some of the reviews on Amazon, bought this shaver and it gives a really great shave. I also found that it gets better has your face adapts and gets used to it. Someone said that it was loud, and I don't find that to be true. Everyone is gonna have different levels of expectations. I love that is sooo easy to clean, which was one of the things I hated in my last electric. Good stuff! |
Very impressed!
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| Review Date: March 26, 2007 |
| Reviewer: M. Miller, Greater St. Louis, MO |
I've been using this for few days, and I've used it both dry and with a light lather of shaving cream. Color me impressed! This thing shaves at least as close as my blades (Gillette Sensor Excell), with more consistent results and less chance of cuts. It's very comfortable to use, and my skin is in better shape after shaving than when I use a manual blade. I actually did lightly scrape myself lightly with it on my adam's apple on the first use due to using too much pressure on that raised area, so it's definitely getting close and it requires a bit of technique. But that was easily mastered, and I've had no problems since then. They say to give it 30 days for your face and beard to acclimate to the new shaver, but I don't think that's going to be necessary. I don't foresee regularly using a manual blade anymore. I'm getting better results in less time and with more convenience than I got with blades.
I've had zero issues with clean up. I just put it under running water with the motor running and it gets clean. It has a special 17000rpm cleaning mode ("Turbo" - what doesn't use that moniker these days?) to make sure it gets clean. You can use a bit of hand soap (per the instructions) in the cleaning foils and it will lather out, then you rinse it off, and it's like new again. I can't imagine needing the cleaning station that comes with other packages of this same razor. This is a great electric razor - recommended. |
Great cut
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| Review Date: May 13, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Vinnie, Pittsburgh, PA USA |
| This shaver has done an excellent job!! Smooth cut, great power and durable. I have had several shavers in the last 6 months and all did not even come close in comparison. The price has went up since I bought mine but well worth it. It did such a great job I bought my Dad one. Overall.......Superb!!!! |
Panasonic ES8043SC
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| Review Date: June 15, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Nicholas Fry, Centerville, OH United States |
| It works very well. I tried this shaver with shaving cream and tried it dry. Dry works better for me because it is less time consuming and not so messy with the dripping shaving cream. One thing to note, and I remember this from past electric shavers, is that it does take a few weeks for your face to get used to an electric shaver. I had been using a blade for the past few years and the first few weeks after going electric again I noticed my face would be a little sore after shaving. That has completely gone away and now my face feels great after shaving. I also like that this shaver holds a charge for a very long time. On a recent trip I didn't even bring the charging cord. I wouldn't get a shaver with a fancy cleaning system - lotions and base - since this cleans so easily with liquid soap and running water. |
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