Electric shaver - Braun 9 or Panasonic Arc5?

[Bluside]

Since I'm recovering from my bicycle accident, I have decided to get an electric shaver to make my life a little easier.

After reading all the stuff online, I've narrowed it down to the latest models models of the Braun 9 or Panasonic Arc 5.

Anyone have any experience with either?

[avidflyer]

I’ve had a seven for over a decade, always want to replace it, but never do it just works perfectly. Only imagine what the nine is like. Best razor i’ve ever bought.

[dddrees]

I've got a Braun 9 but I've never tried a Panasonic. The Braun works for me but my beard isn't very heavy either.

[Grnvette65]

I had many iterations of both, the last Panasonic was the arc es8248. The Panasonic shaved a little closer than my Braun 7series and I mean very little however the head is bigger which in theory is a faster shave but I found it harder to get around well under the nose regions.my daily is still the 7 series. I thought about upgrading and haven’t because the head on the 9series is bigger. I too had the 7 since it’s introduction and it’s been great no issues.I would look at the series7 cause it’s cheaper and from my research the 9 doesn’t add a lot unless you have a beard everyday.

[sco]

Iv’e had the 5,7, and 9. I really like the 9, no complaints. Personally, shave every other day and leave some scruff in between.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by sco

Iv’e had the 5,7, and 9. I really like the 9, no complaints. Personally, shave every other day and leave some scruff in between.

Same here

[robjohna]

I typically hate electric razors. I recently bought the Braun S9 and it completely changed my view. Absolutely love it and I shave in the shower. Having it waterproof with the cleaning dock is perfect.


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[JasoninDenver]

I have owned both brands over the years. They both give a close and comfortable shave. My last Braun was a Series 7. I currently use the ARC 5.

While I do like Braun, I became disenchanted with the brand's declining build quality, especially of the replacement shaver head and cutter foil. I rarely would get the full year of effective use out of them before it felt like the shaver was very rough on my skin and not shaving as close as it should. Also, it really seemed that the replacement parts were a much lower quality even though they were authentic parts.

About three years ago I tried the Panasonic Arc 5 and was very impressed with the shave quality. After three years, i have replaced the head and foil only once. The longer interval is also reflective of the fact that I often skip days shaving since retirement, but I still feel the replacement foil and blade quality is a notch or three above current Braun standards. Ditto for the overall product build quality.

I actually liked the Panasonic so much, I bought an ARC 4 on sale for our mountain house. It is not as good as the ARC 5 but still good. It would compare with a Series 5 or 6.

[Dan Pierce]

Have owned both, currently use a Braun 7. No complaints other than the foil can grab some beard hairs, which will elicit some colorful language on occasion.
dP

[Blansky]

I have a couple of Braun 7s with the 790 being my favorite over the flex head model because of the placement of the trimmer. The flex head model is the second one in my Amazon links. It's ok but not as good as the 790 in my opinion.

I also have the Braun 9 which I don't like as much because it's kind of big and clunky.

Personally I'd buy the Braun 7, 790( some of the numbers have to do with the stuff that comes with then like cleaner, which to me is bogus......just use tapwater to clean)

And good luck on your recovery.

https://www.amazon.com/Braun-Electri...s%2C229&sr=8-7

https://www.amazon.com/Braun-Electri...%2C229&sr=8-14

[watchmaker]

I use a Braun series 9 (9390cc) and it's the best electric shaver I've ever used.

No irritation at all, handles four day (coarse) growth like it was one day fluff. Excellent battery life and the charger/cleaning station does it's job well enough that I don't mind it on my bathroom shelf.

I've had it for 14 months and I'm only just beginning to notice a slight reduction in the foil sharpness. I'm planning to replace it at the 18 month point which is their recommendation but I'm sure it could solider on a bit longer than that.

[Bluside]

Thanks for all the replies (and the well wishes).

Just like our watches, it seems like there is no wrong answer. I guess I'll need to get one of each.

[uscmatt99]

Do you guys use these wet or dry? I'm due for a new shaver, but like to use shave cream or foaming gel with my current shaver. The design is different though, mine has those 3 spinning things, a Norelco.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by uscmatt99

Do you guys use these wet or dry? I'm due for a new shaver, but like to use shave cream or foaming gel with my current shaver. The design is different though, mine has those 3 spinning things, a Norelco.

I have some facial hair (I was an 80s porn star) so never use it in the shower so just dry for me with a mirror.

Guess I could use it wet in the sink but don't.

[droptopman]

Get well soon.

My braun is like 20 years old. Think 5 series. Replace the blade and foil every so often and still works great. Have not tried the Panasonic. Now that I look at it, I probably need to upgrade....Thanks

[barneb10]

I haven't owned either one, but I have been using Philips Norelco 7000 for years. Highly recommend.

[swils8610]

Been using a Braun for years. Very happy with it.


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[stratguy]

Originally Posted by barneb10

I haven't owned either one, but I have been using Philips Norelco 7000 for years. Highly recommend.

I second the Norelco. I bought one last year and it's been really good.

[Watchflair]

My wife recently got me a Panasonic Arc and I'm very happy with it - previously hated electric shavers as I felt they didn't get close enough. This one more than does the job -

[OttawaSteve]

I have had Sunbeam, Phiilips and others I can't remember. The Braun 9 is the best that I have owned.

[joeychitwood]

I bought a Braun after I busted my shoulder and ribs skiing four years ago. It works really well and gives a nice, close shave. I can heartily recommend Braun.

[Burlington]

I’m currently using the Phillips one blade.

It’s more a trimmer than a shaver, but can cut close enough to give you a midday shadow.

I usually shave approx twice per week only though and grow stubble in between.

[dba]

Originally Posted by Burlington

I’m currently using the Phillips one blade.

It’s more a trimmer than a shaver, but can cut close enough to give you a midday shadow.

I usually shave approx twice per week only though and grow stubble in between.

My choice also.

[Jocke]

I never found one that working.

[Bluside]

I ended up getting a Panasonic ARC 5. I've got too say, this thing has so far exceeded my expectations. I've used it twice and am getting a shave as close as the blade that I have been using for ages. I am very impressed. Electric shavers have come a long way in the past years.

[SoTaxLaw]

I use the Arc5 and I’m happy with it. It recharges quickly and lasts about a week on one charge. Plus it’s easy to clean.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by SoTaxLaw

I use the Arc5 and I’m happy with it. It recharges quickly and lasts about a week on one charge. Plus it’s easy to clean.

I'm surprised you only get a week with the charge.

Not sure on my Braun 9 but on the Braun 7 I go on vacation for 2 weeks and never need to recharge during that time. I bet it can easily go 3-4 weeks.

And I shave every day.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I never found one that working.

[SoTaxLaw]

Originally Posted by Blansky

I'm surprised you only get a week with the charge.

Not sure on my Braun 9 but on the Braun 7 I go on vacation for 2 weeks and never need to recharge during that time. I bet it can easily go 3-4 weeks.

And I shave every day.

A week is okay for me under normal conditions but two weeks would be ideal to cover vacations and to allow users to leave the charging cord at home.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by SoTaxLaw

A week is okay for me under normal conditions but two weeks would be ideal to cover vacations and to allow users to leave the charging cord at home.

As I mentioned I have 3 Braun 7s and the oldest one bought in 2012 always seemed to have the best battery to this day. Now I just use it as my vacation shaver in my to go bag, since it seems to last forever without having to charge.

The more recent ones I don’t think go much past 12-14 days.

I think the Braun 9 dies off in about 7-9days.

For the hell of it I tried a Norelco 8900 circular head shaver to see how they work but it didn’t seem very close so I returned it.