Panasonic ES8249

No more Panasonic for me – I purchased this shaver in September 2009.Initially it was very good but my good experience did not last long.Despite regularly changing the cleaning cartridges.In that time it used 2 sets of replacement blades at about $60 a time & 2 replacement foils at about $70 each.It would also run out of charge mid shave.The charger/cleaning unit stopped working after 2 years & 2 months.Since then I have charged it directly until one month ago when it would not charge at all.The ES4815 travel shaver it came with is fantastic but runs out of batteries in a week with continual use.

Expensive to purchase and maintain and poor quality

This shaver surpassed my expectations by a long shot - I WON'T BE TAKING THIS BACK!!!! – Having sensitive skin and regular patches of dermatitis on my chin and neck I regularly get razor grazes from standard disposals and even my rarely used rotating blade electric razor. I purchased this shaver today with a 60day return period, plugged it in, waited for the battery to charge with great anticipation. Due to my skin being the way it is, I have been using Sorbolene for most of my shaving life and didn't have any alternatives but to go for a dry shave first off.

Starting with one of my cheeks as a test patch the ES8249 did a fantastic job pretty much as fast as a razor. Being quite comfortable I went on, exploring more of my face and the results are way past my expectations. The first shave for me is easily as close as a razor and has not caused irritation that the rotating blade electric razor did. The whole shave took about as long as with a razor overall, but I didn't have to be as careful as there was no risk of cutting. Quiet, excellent shave, no irritation, price, easy to hold. The battery indicator is excellent addition. Only having the shaver for a short time, I have't noticed any issues.