The Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV97-S features the fastest linear motor in the consumer electric shaver category at 14,000 CPM, five 30-degree nanotech blades arranged in a contour-following arc, and includes an automatic cleaning and charging station. Available on Amazon.ca (ASIN B00GFAW0AE) at around $199 CAD.
11 mentions · 6 threadslast mention May 2026
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
Just made the same upgrade myself. I bought the ESLV67 model when it was on sale for Black Friday. So far I find it gives a closer shave with fewer passes over the skin. I still use my OneBlade to clean up a few small hairs around the neck the Arc5 can miss but overall very happy about about the purchase.
I just got the arc 5 as my first real electric razor. I cant believe how close of a shave it gets. I should have gotten one years ago. The build quality is very good too
I say get an Arc 5 with a cleaning station. I also have lots of experience with safety razors and shavettes and rotarys and the Arc 5 gives me the best shave and I've only been using it a couple of weeks. I used it dry yesterday and it did a fantastic job.
I have both. The arc does shave close, but the one blade is so easy and fast to use, I go to it probably 19 out of 20 times.
I also had this shaver for 5 years, and never once replaced anything. ... I agree, this shaver is a godsend.
I shave my face, head and neck completely (except eyebrows) with my ARC5. It doesn't conform to the contours of my head, but it still does a fantastic job. I still have 70% charge after a complete shave.
I have an ARC5 and feel the shave is good and no irritation. I use Williams pre shave to lube my face but for me going against the gran isn't any difference.
I have been using the Arc 5 since right after making the original post. ... Otherwise, this is the smoothest electric shave I've ever had. ... the results are awesome and I am happy.
My skin is extremely sensitive and prone to breakouts. I tried every major electric razor on the market prior to getting this, this beat them all by a wide margin. ... Braun seems to have won the PR game, but Panasonic electric razors are otherworldly. Love this damn thing.
The last few weeks I've noticed that it has been leaving some hairs unshaved on my neck and around my face. I tried some Lectric Shave since last week. Doesn't seem to have helped. Of course I'm outside of any return window, but thinking of going back to my razor and cream.
This shaver is hands down amazing. ... This LV9FX just might be the best electric shaver ever made.
The Panasonic Arc5 is the closest foil electric shave you can get — its 14,000 CPM linear motor and 5-blade arc design consistently outperform Braun shavers in pure shave closeness tests. If your priority is getting as close to blade-shave results as possible from an electric shaver, this is the choice. For sensitive skin users who value comfort and skin engagement features over closeness, Braun's Series 9 Pro is more appropriate. At $199 CAD it's also a strong value versus Braun's $399 Series 9 Pro for users who want an excellent electric shave without paying for cleaning station luxury features.
