Decent Razor for the $$
I've been using the Norelco for about a month now.  I had previously used the Panasonic ES8162S Pro Curve Elite (stolen out of my luggage at the airport), so I will use that as a basis for comparison.  I have somewhat sensitive skin; I did go back to a Gillette Fusion razor for a month in between electrics.<br /><br />Cost:<br />$129 Panasonic<br />$80 Norelco (Sale Price)<br /><br />Aesthetics:<br />The Norelco is a better looking razor imo, with a nice charging base.  The clock is a cool feature.  Norelco looks better on the counter.  Norelco is much quieter than the Panasonic.<br /><br />Features:<br />Both had sensitivity settings and LCD battery monitors.  Found the sensitivity settings helpful for the initial break-in period on both.  Panasonic was wet/dry.  Norelco is not.  Norelco comes with a nicer travel case.<br /><br />Break-in:<br />Panasonic took two weeks before redness subsided.  Comfort level was fine.  Redness subsided after a week with the Norelco.<br /><br />Comfort of Shave:<br />After the break in period both provided a comfortable shave with little or no irritation.  The Norelco will catch and pull a hair once in a while but its not a big deal, but I have to be careful around my lips with the Norelco or it will pull and cut them.  That didn't happen with the Panasonic.<br /><br />Closeness of Shave:<br />Panasonic wins hands down, its not even close.  With the Norelco I'll have to do a touch up at night (after morning shave) if I want clean shave look.  Wasn't needed with the Panasonic.<br /><br />Ease of Shave:<br />Panasonic wins again; much quicker shave.  So far I'm not a big fan of the rotary style.  I have to go over area's multiple times, and its tougher to get the tight/close spots.  Shaving takes at least double the time with the Norelco.<br /><br />Battery:<br />Norelco has a longer battery life, however you have to be careful not to overcharge it.  You can't just leave it on the charger and go to bed; you have to remove it when its fully charged, or you'll damage the battery.  A big pain if you ask me.  Didn't do this with the Panasonic.<br /><br />Cleaning:<br />Panasonic was wet/dry, Norelco is not, but both can be cleaned simply by running under water.  Really not much different.<br /><br />Value:<br />I wish I had gone for the more expensive Panasonic again, but the Norelco does a good enough job that its not worth buying another razor.  I would probably think the Norelco was great if I never had used the Panasonic.
Rating: 3 stars