Review (5/5): Better than Traditional Razor?
Just here to share a splurge experience on the Panasonic Arc/Lamdash 6.
Their newest (and world’s first) 6-blade electric shaver.
In my possession I have the Limited Edition model: ES-CLS9AX-K.
-Pros-
Probably the best experience I've ever had in a bathroom minus that one time in a dirty club.
Build quality is very solid and luxurious. It has a slight weight to it but that plays more in part to the premium feel and quality than it being unnecessary. I will admit that the Braun 9-series "looks" more luxurious with its bright, silver finish. The Arc/Lamdash 6 looks a more subdued due it it's darker colorway. Make no mistake though, the Panasonic has brushed metal accents with quality rubber side-and back-grips. The Braun, although finished in silver sheen, is all just plastic.
The rotation of the Panasonic head is fluid with minimal resistance. Some may prefer the slightly more "weighted" head on the Braun with its ability to keep its position better in difficult areas. I did not miss that feature when using the Panasonic. The shaving elements were always on my skin where I needed it to be.
I shaved my 10-day “beard” (if you want to call it that) no problem. I repeat: TEN-DAYS! It took a few passes but never pulled or tugged. I was shocked at how close it cut (closer than baby butt). I'm still rubbing my double-chin in awe. I don't think I can go back to traditional razor now. I can imagine with a 3-day or less stubble a single pass would suffice.
As you're shaving the vibration you feel is almost negligible like a light facial massage. Multiples passes, especially with a 10-day beard, did not irritate whatsoever. It's actually very soothing and comforting. The noise emitted is of a slightly higher frequency but of lower decibel than the Braun 9-series it replaced. To me, it sounds much more pleasant but everyone is different regarding auditory preference.
The LED display is very easy to read. The charging case is amazing (very high quality soft fabric with strong magnets) and it charges quality. There's even a weather seal. The inside of the case is hard plastic except for where the shaver head lies, which is made out of soft rubber. Much thought was given to the design of the case alone.
The Washer/Charger is great as well. Very easy to setup and maintain. It comes with blade oil for those who prefer to hand wash and rinse under running water. It also comes with one packet of detergent to use with the washer. The detergent has lubrication properties for the blades as well so the bottle of blade oil is not needed. One detergent packet will last a month if you use the washer everyday. It does get noisy when it's working, though, primarily from the Panasonic shaver switching it's ultrasonic cleaning mode on and off as part of the process. Honestly, unless you're working from within your bathroom or standing next to it during its cycle, who's going to hear it? I wasn't even aware the drying fan ever kicked on and people say that's the loudest part of the process. I'm staying in a Villa so master bedroom/bathroom is not far from my office. I could barely hear the shaver's ultrasonic cleaning mode let alone the drying fan. Just close the bathroom door, problem (if you consider it one) solved.
-Cons-
This is probably the most expensive shaver ever and it's currently only shipping out of Japan. Same applies to replacements and accessories for this item, they're all currently only shipping from Japan so delivery will take time.
Blade replacements will be more expensive due to this being their latest and greatest flagship 6-blade design. More blades = more material cost.
-Observations-
Being that this product comes solely from Japan at the time of this review, all documentation included in the packaging are in Japanese. For those who speak such a beautiful, amazing language and can understand the words, I envy you. Those of us who can't, have a very simple solution. Simply download Google Translate on your phone and use the camera function to translate the language in real-time. It's not 100% but it gets the job done and you can piece together the information to conclude on what the instructions and warnings are saying. I read through the manual with Google Translate in a few minutes. It's very easy.
From man-to-man this is my most favorite thing in the bathroom now. Next to my Squatty Potty footstool (pun intended).