Panasonic ES8243A Arc IV Nano Men’s Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaver, Blue
Panasonic ES8243A Arc IV Nano Men’s Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaver, Blue
NEW! Arc IV Shaver with Quadruple Arc Foil, Nanotech Blades, LCD, Wet/Dry Technology, Turbo Cleaning Mode and Pop-up Trimmer, Blue
Panasonic ES8243A Arc IV Nano Men’s Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaver, Blue Reviews.
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.
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.

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