Panasonic Multi-Flex 5-Blade Rechargeable ES-LV97
VerifiedMPNs: 16616 and ES-LV974 reviews
The best electric shaver there is! – I was a Braun man from 1984 to 2021. I was increasingly dissatisfied especially the latest models, which I tended to use for 3-5 years before changing. Then I jumped the ship and bought Panasonic ES-LV97 (no cleaning station), made in Japan. I have now been using it for about four years. Below are my observations and experiences: A lot, less noise than Braun (my wife always used to comment on the noise every time I used Braun).
It takes a little bit getting used to, to avoid skin burns (if you press a little harder than you need to, you will get skin burns indeed).
The shave is the closest you will ever get in an electric shaver, often closer than the blade.
It is very well balanced and sits in the hand very nicely as opposed to Braun, which always tended to gradually slide the wrong way in the hand and after a while had annoyingly sticky rubbery grips collecting dirt.
The head mobility is one of the best features in terms of range and directions.
The battery lasts me 6-7 shaves. I have a fair bit of face real estate to cover.
Easy to clean without the station. They have a great cleaning brush included, I just squeeze a couple of drops of foamy hand sanitizer you get from supermarket for $3 (it has both, soap and sanitizer), take the brush to it and Bob's your uncle. Then you put a few drops of oil on the foil and you're set for another stubble offensive.
Replacing shaving unit (both foil and blades), takes ~$100 every 18-24 months, which I can live with, but that gives you, essentially, a new shaver.
Overall, Panasonic ES-LV97 is a great product at a reasonable price for the quality.
Purchased in .
- Causes Irritation: No
- Caused Razor Burn: No
I see some people complain about burns the shaver gives them. Do not press to hard on the skin, especially when the shaver is new or if you switched to Panasonic from another shaver. Get used to the amount of pressure you need to apply for a comfortable shave. Even if you think the pressure is too light, you will still get clean shave and, as you get used to the shaver, you will find the pressure that is right for your skin.
Use the brush that comes with the shaver, the long-bristle brush is for the blades, the bristles are very soft (essentially as soft as hair) to preserve the blades' edges.
You can use this shaver with any shaving product be it foam, gel or oil. You will get great results. With shaving oil though, you may need to ensure you do clean the foil and blades regularly as the oil is stickier and tends to cling to the surfaces, forming build up and clogging the foil decreasing the quality of shave.
Finally, just for the record, I have no affiliation with Panasonic, I just like this product so much and happy to share my experience and views on the product.
NOT GOOD OVER LONGER TERM – Ok first things first. The shaver is the best electric shaver I have used. Still nowhere near as good as wet shaving, but I used for when traveling etc and did the job. BUT, after only a few years the shaver died. I took it back to the store and they said the battery had died and nothing they could do and this was the same response from Panasonic. Not what you would expect for a $500+ shaver and a major company. UPDATED - Panasonic did contact to resolve the situation, but unfortunately after spending 2 weeks asking questions just stopped emailing. So now lost even more faith in the company
- Causes Irritation: No
- Caused Razor Burn: No
Hi Ozn, I apologise for the difficulties you have had with the battery in your shaver. Please private message me and Panasonic will have a look into the contact you've made and determine how we may be able to assist you. [Name Removed].
I have been in contact with Panasonic. I sent all the information on model etc. I even chased after no reply. But communication was ignored even after several attempts. Would you like to give me your contact and I can forward to you?
Hi Ozn, I apologise for the way your communication is being treated. Please call 132 600, supply your case number: [Number Removed], ask for [Name Removed] and you'll be put through to me, otherwise you can leave a VM, or your call will be noted on your case, and I will call you back. Your details will definitely make their way to me very quickly, and I will confirm we've made contact. Kind Regards,
I will call next week when back in Australia. Best [Name Removed]
Your name and the case number have been removed from the message above. Can you please call me on 0450 344456 to resolve. Best Mat
Hi Mat, Thank you for your contact. Glad I could reach you. MM
Great shaver !! My go to everyday – I was sold years ago on the electric shavers with the 3 rotary cutters, but when I went to buy new blades for it I couldn't really justify the cost of the replacement blades and decided to put my hard earned towards a new one, After hours of research I decided to buy a blade type of shaver, I had never really liked them, but thought I'd take the chance and I'm glad I did.
I use mine most days and I think you you need to if you want smooth skin all of the time. A hand razor seems to give me about 2 days shave free but not an electric shaver. Don't know why.
First off I must say that my face is relatively smooth without too many wrinkles or tricky areas . So far !!! So I don't know how it would go on other face types. But for me it is nearly perfect. You do have to spend a bit of time to get the perfect shave especially around the top lip and corner of the mouth areas,but very happy with the final result. It's like a baby's bum !!
I would recommend a pre shave skin lotion before using and a special spray for the blades. Now to the best part... It has an automatic cleaning system. At first I thought this was/would be a bit of a gimmick, but no it isn't , it actually works !! You do have to buy special cleaner liquid sachets to place in the unit, but that's fine with me . You do get one in the box along with all the charging cords, travel case and the charging/washing unit.
It holds it's charge strongly and for a long time for a shaver.
This a Japanese manufactured item, so the quality is excellent.
So what's wrong with it ? In my opinion nothing. Obviously electric shavers may not suit all skin types, face types etc, but I have 2 mates who bought one on my recommendation and are over the moon with their purchases.
PROS. Clean smooth shave. Self cleaning Easy to clean the unit Long charge Quality brand and feel. Handy travel case and accessories
CONS. I'm struggling to find any. Some people might feel that the charge/washing unit is a bit big. But I don't.
Purchased in at Shaver Shop Online store.
- Causes Irritation: No
- Caused Razor Burn: No
Very Smooth Results – Great Close Smooth Shave, Tends to miss too many whiskers, Best pop up Trimmer I have used. If I could Mix this with a Braun series9pro That would be the Ultimate Shaver
Purchased in at Shaver Shop Online store for $349.
- Causes Irritation: No
- Caused Razor Burn: No
Hi Bob41, Thanks for taking the time to put up this review.
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Hi Otis, it's great to hear you have experienced so much satisfaction with your shaver. From the closest shave you can get, to the ergonomics of how the shaver feels in your hand, right through to the advantages of replacing your foils and blades. Thank you for your very in-depth review of the ES-LV97 Shaver.