Panasonic ES8243A Arc IV Nano Men's Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaver, Blue Review. 4-blade shaver (4-outer and 2-inner blades)- Super-sharp Nanotech(TM) coated blades offer sharpest blade angle at 30degrees- Pivoting head- Independently floating blades- 5 min quick charge- 14-day battery life per charge- Turbo cleaning mode- Fully submersible for easy cleaning- LCD display - Linear motor speed: 13,000 RPM- Automatic voltage conversion- 2-year warrant...
"A Truly Great Shaver!" 2008-11-18
By Vito_jr (North Andover, MA USA)
Really don't like a dry shave, so I went looking for a wet/dry electric option. A little over a year ago I bought the Panasonic ES8168. It gave a good shave on the face but I needed to go over the neck several times for the closeness I wanted. All in all a good shave...but not great. Also, I wasn't crazy about the cleaning/drying/charging station - I didn't like having to buy the refillable cleaning units and it took almost four hours to complete all cycles.
Recently I picked up the ES8243A and couldn't be happier. Firstly, the shaver's appearance is much nicer than the online photos... the blue on the front is dark and the sides and back are slightly rubberized black (I think it is black). So if you are holding out for the black model ES8243K (with the cleaning unit) don't bother. The 8243A is the new "four blade" technology - purported to be a faster, closer shave. I have found it is what has been advertized - a faster and closer shave! The "four blades" actually refers to the outer foil, a "squarer" design than the 8168. There are still two inner blades, but spaced farther apart than the 8168. For me, the new head design touches more of my face than the 8168 and therefore cuts faster. I have read on other sites that the foil is a thinner steel, allowing the inner blades more access to the skin. The shave has been fast, gliding easily and for the most part needs only one pass for the reults I want. Big improvement!
Ergonomically the shaver is easier to hold than the 8168 and the head design hits all of the hard to reach areas of the neck.
Have been using it with Billy Jealousy Hydroplane shave cream, a great product. Because you only need to apply a very thin layer it is perfect for an electric shaver. The ES8243 glides effortlessly over it and the build-up on the razor is minimal. I usually rinse it 3 -4 times during each shave.
Until this shaver I have been of the opinion the electrics couldn't compare to the closeness of the Gillette Fusion (my previous fav), but all that has changed with the ES8243A. For the first time I can say the shave is as close as the non-electric options, and with no razor burn. IMO Panasonic has hit the bullseye with this product.
"Best shaver yet when used AFTER a shower with Afta!" 2009-02-03
By Andrew L.
Please note: I should probably finish evaluating these things before posting reviews since I changed this review in favor of the ES8101S before I figured out I was using too much pressure with the ES8243A and that was why I was getting irritation. So my recommendation is that the ES8243A is better if you don't press really hard into your neck/face like I was doing.
My old review that is true if you don't use too much pressure:
Let me start by saying I have sensitive skin and tough neck hairs which really seem grow in different directions, and I have always nicked/scratched my neck up when using a manual razor, especially around my reasonably protrusive Adam's apple. Six months ago I jumped on a deal for the Panasonic ES8101S (like the ES8109S minus the expensive cleaning station), and I have been pretty pleased with what it had to offer since it can be used both for wet-shaving and dry. I just found that regular dry-shaving with it would not provide enough skin protection, and wet-shaving would give me trouble around my aforementioned Adam's apple since wet-shaving does get closer than any dry-shaving shaver.
Then THE deal ($80) for this ES8243A came along and I had to see if it could beat an already pretty versatile and powerful Panasonic shaver. Again I tried wet-shaving (shower, wash face, hot/wet towel, good shaving cream), and this shaver totally rocks for that, since it drastically reduces the time needed to shave and gets closer than any dry method. I just find that with my sensitive skin paired with shaving everyday, the closest possible shave may not be right for me. Enter Afta Pre-Electric Original-scented, which I find to be more pleasant and mild than the Fresh-scented variety. Conventional wisdom is to dry shave (with Afta) before showering and washing your face, but I find that the hairs do not stand up well and you end up needing to go over and over the same areas to get good results. So I tried this shaver with Afta AFTER my shower, and I will never look back! The hairs really stand up and, with my skin pulled taut, the shaver really plows right through them; it gets as close as I need without irritation on the area around my neck.
Shave time is definitely less than with my previous Panasonic due to the extra middle "blade" and better design (flatter shaving surface), so this really is the best Panasonic shaver yet. It comes with a built-in timer and traveling case, which aren't critical but are certainly appreciated, and it doesn't come with an expensive cleaning station which is actually a feature IMHO. Cleaning stations aren't really necessary with wet/dry shavers since cleaning can be accomplished just by running them under water in turbo-mode with the occasional use of liquid soap and then wiping them dry. The only negative for some travelers may be the battery life since a full charge might last for only 5-6 shaves depending on how long each shave takes for you (mine take 6-7 minutes each). Thus, I would definitely recommend this shaver for even sensitive skin types over anything else on the market so far - wet or dry - when used after a shower and with the right skin conditioner.
Pros: Made in Japan (vs. China like my ES8101S), top of the line Panasonic with "4" blades, wet/dry versatility, closest shave for any electric without irritation (I've used the Norelco Advantage also but that irritated my neck), easy to clean (without needing a cleaning station), blades/foil last a long time, timer/battery life indicator, traveling case, trimmer, nice blue color
Cons: Battery life could be better
"Clean, smooth and faster" 2008-12-14
By Doctor J
For years I've searched for the perfect electric shaver. I have a tough beard and very sensitive skin, so a straight razor is out of the question. To get a smooth shave from any top brand electric shaver takes 20 minutes, and the abrasions are a killer, not to mention the red face for most of the day. So I once again entered the new razor arena, recently trying the top brand shavers including the newest Braun Pulsonic 9585 and the latest Norelco Arcitec, and was left unsatisfied with 20 minute painful and irritating shaves, until using the Panasonic Arc 4 ES8243A.
I've never been inspired to comment on any product of any kind like this, but I would like to spare others the hours of surfing online for the perfect shaver. The Panasonic Arc 4 actually delivers as claimed. I can shave comfortably and even more smoothly in literally half the time compared to my previous 20 minute ordeals. I'm also experiencing an unexpected bonus: even after only a few days, each shave has taken less time than the day before. My last shave this morning was only 8 minutes. My skin is consistently left smooth and comfortable. So far, I've only used this shaver dry. When I'm not rushed in the morning I may try it wet to see if I can lessen my shaving time even more.
"Much improved from past Panasonics" 2009-01-03
By Comdet
I have several electric shavers - always looking to try out something new. Up until now, my best shave was from the Norelco Arcitec line. Well, the Arcitec has been put aside in favor of the Arc IV.
I used a Panasonic a couple of years ago (one of their lower-end models) and found it gave a pretty good shave when used wet, but a so-so shave when used dry. It was particularly poor on the neck and jaw line, areas where the Arcitec really shines. It was a very comfortable shave, but the Panny got passed along to my nephew since I mostly tend to shave dry.
Heard that the Arc IV had some notable improvements, so I thought I'd check it out (especially since it was on sale). I'm pleased to report that the improvements are real -- the dry shave is far better than before, especially on the neck area. Just as gentle as the Braun Pulsonic, but far closer. Perhaps even a wee bit closer than the Norelco, and certainly more gentle on the face than a rotary.
The build quality is excellent -- very solid with a non-slip grip. The screen area gives info on charge status which is very helpful (does it in percent of charge left). Recharge time is great (under 1 hour for a total discharge to total charge status).
This razor is one of the easiest to clean, so save some money and get this model rather than the model with the cleaning station. I've used the Panasonic cleaning stations and, while they are better than the ones offered by Remington and Norelco, they are way behind what Braun offers. You'll get the razor just as clean -- and usually cleaner -- if you clean it under the tap (just a couple of drops of liquid soap, run it in turbo mode, quick rinse, and you're done). Since the razor is built to be used in the shower, you don't have to be careful as you are with other razors when rinsing it off under the tap.
Excellent shave, easy to clean, quick to charge, and comfortable to use. Five stars!!
"Excellent product, however takes about a month to start doing a good job on the neck" 2009-10-04
By Maharajah (MI, USA)
This is the first electric shaver I have used. I used a Gillette Fusion razor before that. I did a decent amount of research before buying this one.
When I initially started using this shaver (little more than a month ago), it did a very good job on the face, but really struggled on the neck (there were patches of hair it could not remove) - trying it wet or with a regular shaving cream did not help either. I put too much pressure and tried repeatedly, but that did not improve results (just as the manual says), it only caused irritation. The manual also says you need to wait about 30 days to see improved results (so do others, with experience with an electric shaver), so that your skin and hair get "used" to it. Even though I was disappointed at first, and wanted to return it, I patiently waited for 30 days, even though waiting past 30 days would mean it will be beyond the returnable time limit.
Gradually, it started doing a better job on the neck. Now, I can get an excellent, close shave (just like an excellent razor), without applying any pressure, and without any irritation, both on my face and neck. Dry seems to work better than wet or with a regular shaving cream, for me. However, the best results were with a pre-electic shave lotion - closest shave (even on the neck), least effort, least irritation and least amount of time spent.
Pros:
+ Excellent, close shave (face and neck), like an excellent razor
+ Very little effort required; easy and convenient to use and carry (comes with a travel case)
+ No shaving cream required; also does a very good job dry
+ Does a phenomenal job with an electric pre-shave lotion
+ No irritation, no cuts
+ Not messy - most of the cut hair stays inside
+ Very quick - usually takes about 2.5 minutes for me; it has a timer
+ Very easy to clean - just remove foil, and rinse both foil and blades in running water (an expensive, elaborate and cumbersome cleaning system is not required)
+ Enough charge - I can get at least 15 to 20 shaves on 1 charge (no need to take your charger with you on most trips); charges very quickly
+ Money saved on expensive regular razor blades - I believe you need to seldom replace this electric shaver's foil and blades (at a reasonable price)
+ Excellent value for money
Cons:
- requires at least 30 days to start showing good results, especially on the neck (in my case)
Overall, an excellent product (as you would come to expect from Panasonic), however I had to be very patient for a little more than 30 days, and had to resist the urge to return it.
Worth every dollar - I thoroughly enjoy using it! Much more convenient and quicker shave than a regular razor, without the mess, cuts or irritation!
By Vito_jr (North Andover, MA USA)
Really don't like a dry shave, so I went looking for a wet/dry electric option. A little over a year ago I bought the Panasonic ES8168. It gave a good shave on the face but I needed to go over the neck several times for the closeness I wanted. All in all a good shave...but not great. Also, I wasn't crazy about the cleaning/drying/charging station - I didn't like having to buy the refillable cleaning units and it took almost four hours to complete all cycles.
Recently I picked up the ES8243A and couldn't be happier. Firstly, the shaver's appearance is much nicer than the online photos... the blue on the front is dark and the sides and back are slightly rubberized black (I think it is black). So if you are holding out for the black model ES8243K (with the cleaning unit) don't bother. The 8243A is the new "four blade" technology - purported to be a faster, closer shave. I have found it is what has been advertized - a faster and closer shave! The "four blades" actually refers to the outer foil, a "squarer" design than the 8168. There are still two inner blades, but spaced farther apart than the 8168. For me, the new head design touches more of my face than the 8168 and therefore cuts faster. I have read on other sites that the foil is a thinner steel, allowing the inner blades more access to the skin. The shave has been fast, gliding easily and for the most part needs only one pass for the reults I want. Big improvement!
Ergonomically the shaver is easier to hold than the 8168 and the head design hits all of the hard to reach areas of the neck.
Have been using it with Billy Jealousy Hydroplane shave cream, a great product. Because you only need to apply a very thin layer it is perfect for an electric shaver. The ES8243 glides effortlessly over it and the build-up on the razor is minimal. I usually rinse it 3 -4 times during each shave.
Until this shaver I have been of the opinion the electrics couldn't compare to the closeness of the Gillette Fusion (my previous fav), but all that has changed with the ES8243A. For the first time I can say the shave is as close as the non-electric options, and with no razor burn. IMO Panasonic has hit the bullseye with this product.
By Andrew L.
Please note: I should probably finish evaluating these things before posting reviews since I changed this review in favor of the ES8101S before I figured out I was using too much pressure with the ES8243A and that was why I was getting irritation. So my recommendation is that the ES8243A is better if you don't press really hard into your neck/face like I was doing.
My old review that is true if you don't use too much pressure:
Let me start by saying I have sensitive skin and tough neck hairs which really seem grow in different directions, and I have always nicked/scratched my neck up when using a manual razor, especially around my reasonably protrusive Adam's apple. Six months ago I jumped on a deal for the Panasonic ES8101S (like the ES8109S minus the expensive cleaning station), and I have been pretty pleased with what it had to offer since it can be used both for wet-shaving and dry. I just found that regular dry-shaving with it would not provide enough skin protection, and wet-shaving would give me trouble around my aforementioned Adam's apple since wet-shaving does get closer than any dry-shaving shaver.
Then THE deal ($80) for this ES8243A came along and I had to see if it could beat an already pretty versatile and powerful Panasonic shaver. Again I tried wet-shaving (shower, wash face, hot/wet towel, good shaving cream), and this shaver totally rocks for that, since it drastically reduces the time needed to shave and gets closer than any dry method. I just find that with my sensitive skin paired with shaving everyday, the closest possible shave may not be right for me. Enter Afta Pre-Electric Original-scented, which I find to be more pleasant and mild than the Fresh-scented variety. Conventional wisdom is to dry shave (with Afta) before showering and washing your face, but I find that the hairs do not stand up well and you end up needing to go over and over the same areas to get good results. So I tried this shaver with Afta AFTER my shower, and I will never look back! The hairs really stand up and, with my skin pulled taut, the shaver really plows right through them; it gets as close as I need without irritation on the area around my neck.
Shave time is definitely less than with my previous Panasonic due to the extra middle "blade" and better design (flatter shaving surface), so this really is the best Panasonic shaver yet. It comes with a built-in timer and traveling case, which aren't critical but are certainly appreciated, and it doesn't come with an expensive cleaning station which is actually a feature IMHO. Cleaning stations aren't really necessary with wet/dry shavers since cleaning can be accomplished just by running them under water in turbo-mode with the occasional use of liquid soap and then wiping them dry. The only negative for some travelers may be the battery life since a full charge might last for only 5-6 shaves depending on how long each shave takes for you (mine take 6-7 minutes each). Thus, I would definitely recommend this shaver for even sensitive skin types over anything else on the market so far - wet or dry - when used after a shower and with the right skin conditioner.
Pros: Made in Japan (vs. China like my ES8101S), top of the line Panasonic with "4" blades, wet/dry versatility, closest shave for any electric without irritation (I've used the Norelco Advantage also but that irritated my neck), easy to clean (without needing a cleaning station), blades/foil last a long time, timer/battery life indicator, traveling case, trimmer, nice blue color
Cons: Battery life could be better
By Doctor J
For years I've searched for the perfect electric shaver. I have a tough beard and very sensitive skin, so a straight razor is out of the question. To get a smooth shave from any top brand electric shaver takes 20 minutes, and the abrasions are a killer, not to mention the red face for most of the day. So I once again entered the new razor arena, recently trying the top brand shavers including the newest Braun Pulsonic 9585 and the latest Norelco Arcitec, and was left unsatisfied with 20 minute painful and irritating shaves, until using the Panasonic Arc 4 ES8243A.
I've never been inspired to comment on any product of any kind like this, but I would like to spare others the hours of surfing online for the perfect shaver. The Panasonic Arc 4 actually delivers as claimed. I can shave comfortably and even more smoothly in literally half the time compared to my previous 20 minute ordeals. I'm also experiencing an unexpected bonus: even after only a few days, each shave has taken less time than the day before. My last shave this morning was only 8 minutes. My skin is consistently left smooth and comfortable. So far, I've only used this shaver dry. When I'm not rushed in the morning I may try it wet to see if I can lessen my shaving time even more.
By Comdet
I have several electric shavers - always looking to try out something new. Up until now, my best shave was from the Norelco Arcitec line. Well, the Arcitec has been put aside in favor of the Arc IV.
I used a Panasonic a couple of years ago (one of their lower-end models) and found it gave a pretty good shave when used wet, but a so-so shave when used dry. It was particularly poor on the neck and jaw line, areas where the Arcitec really shines. It was a very comfortable shave, but the Panny got passed along to my nephew since I mostly tend to shave dry.
Heard that the Arc IV had some notable improvements, so I thought I'd check it out (especially since it was on sale). I'm pleased to report that the improvements are real -- the dry shave is far better than before, especially on the neck area. Just as gentle as the Braun Pulsonic, but far closer. Perhaps even a wee bit closer than the Norelco, and certainly more gentle on the face than a rotary.
The build quality is excellent -- very solid with a non-slip grip. The screen area gives info on charge status which is very helpful (does it in percent of charge left). Recharge time is great (under 1 hour for a total discharge to total charge status).
This razor is one of the easiest to clean, so save some money and get this model rather than the model with the cleaning station. I've used the Panasonic cleaning stations and, while they are better than the ones offered by Remington and Norelco, they are way behind what Braun offers. You'll get the razor just as clean -- and usually cleaner -- if you clean it under the tap (just a couple of drops of liquid soap, run it in turbo mode, quick rinse, and you're done). Since the razor is built to be used in the shower, you don't have to be careful as you are with other razors when rinsing it off under the tap.
Excellent shave, easy to clean, quick to charge, and comfortable to use. Five stars!!
By Maharajah (MI, USA)
This is the first electric shaver I have used. I used a Gillette Fusion razor before that. I did a decent amount of research before buying this one.
When I initially started using this shaver (little more than a month ago), it did a very good job on the face, but really struggled on the neck (there were patches of hair it could not remove) - trying it wet or with a regular shaving cream did not help either. I put too much pressure and tried repeatedly, but that did not improve results (just as the manual says), it only caused irritation. The manual also says you need to wait about 30 days to see improved results (so do others, with experience with an electric shaver), so that your skin and hair get "used" to it. Even though I was disappointed at first, and wanted to return it, I patiently waited for 30 days, even though waiting past 30 days would mean it will be beyond the returnable time limit.
Gradually, it started doing a better job on the neck. Now, I can get an excellent, close shave (just like an excellent razor), without applying any pressure, and without any irritation, both on my face and neck. Dry seems to work better than wet or with a regular shaving cream, for me. However, the best results were with a pre-electic shave lotion - closest shave (even on the neck), least effort, least irritation and least amount of time spent.
Pros:
+ Excellent, close shave (face and neck), like an excellent razor
+ Very little effort required; easy and convenient to use and carry (comes with a travel case)
+ No shaving cream required; also does a very good job dry
+ Does a phenomenal job with an electric pre-shave lotion
+ No irritation, no cuts
+ Not messy - most of the cut hair stays inside
+ Very quick - usually takes about 2.5 minutes for me; it has a timer
+ Very easy to clean - just remove foil, and rinse both foil and blades in running water (an expensive, elaborate and cumbersome cleaning system is not required)
+ Enough charge - I can get at least 15 to 20 shaves on 1 charge (no need to take your charger with you on most trips); charges very quickly
+ Money saved on expensive regular razor blades - I believe you need to seldom replace this electric shaver's foil and blades (at a reasonable price)
+ Excellent value for money
Cons:
- requires at least 30 days to start showing good results, especially on the neck (in my case)
Overall, an excellent product (as you would come to expect from Panasonic), however I had to be very patient for a little more than 30 days, and had to resist the urge to return it.
Worth every dollar - I thoroughly enjoy using it! Much more convenient and quicker shave than a regular razor, without the mess, cuts or irritation!
