As an avid fan of electric shavers, I have tried various models from different brands over the years. One of the brands that caught my attention recently is Panasonic.
So, specifically with their Arc 5 lineup. I was excited to learn that they have released yet another model.
The new Arc 5 comes in two variations: Panasonic ES-LV67 (just the shaver) and Panasonic ES-LV97-K (which includes an automatic cleaning station). Both shavers are identical except for the cleaning station. If you’re wondering about the model names, the ES-LV67-K and ES-LV97-K are simply the black versions, while the blue option, ES-LV67-A, is only available in certain countries like the UK.
However, with three Arc 5 generations and eight distinct revisions (A through H) on the market, it’s understandable to be confused about where the new ES-LV67/ES-LV97 will fit in and how it compares to the existing Arc 5 models.
That’s why I decided to test the new Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV97 thoroughly and share all the important aspects with you, including how it performs relative to other Arc 5 shavers.
Aside from the details mentioned above, I was impressed with the shaver’s design and features. The new Arc 5 comes with a multi-flex pivoting head and five ultra-sharp blades that are designed to capture every hair on your face, no matter how thick or thin it is.
Plus, it has a powerful linear motor that can deliver up to 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute.
Panasonic ES-LV67/ES-LV97 features overview
| Design and Construction | |
| The closeness of Shave | |
| Ability to cut long and flat-lying hair | |
| Comfort | |
| Ergonomics | |
| Price |
For my review, I decided to get my hands on the ES-LV67-K, the black version of the new Panasonic Arc 5 shaver that comes without a cleaning station. However, it’s worth noting that the ES-LV97-K is the exact same shaver with the addition of an automatic cleaning station.
I was curious to explore the ES-LV67/ES-LV97 features and see how it measures up against the other Arc 5 models.
5-blade shaving system
Firstly, the ES-LV67/ES-LV97 features a 5-blade shaving system that’s a hallmark of the Arc 5 series. The massive 5-blade shaving head has a slightly arched design, and it uses a foil setup that we’ve already seen on the earlier (first and second generation) Arc 5 models.
The new shavers use the exact same outer foil and inner blades, which is a vital detail we’ll come back to later. The stainless steel blades have a 30-degree bevel for efficient cutting action.
There are two removable inner blades that correspond to the quick lift foils, while the remaining three blades are integrated into the foil block.
Although Panasonic has made some revised, updated foils for the third generation of Arc 5, they’ve fitted the ES-LV67 and ES-LV97 with the older foil used on the ES-LV65 and ES-LV95. Nonetheless, the good news is that the revised foils are compatible with the ES-LV67/ES-LV97.
16D flexing shaving head
One of its noteworthy features is its 16D flexing shaving head that can flex in various directions, including up and down, left to right, and vertically.
Plus, its five blades can move independently for added flexibility.
Although it’s not the most advanced Arc 5 shaving head, as some of the latest revisions, like C, D, E, F, G, and H of the Arc 5, have shaving heads that can twist and slide back and forth, the ES-LV97-K still provides an impressive shaving experience.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the ES-LV67-K/ES-LV97-K is a blend of some older shavers, and Panasonic didn’t use the latest technology available at the time of their release.
In fact, the body looks almost identical to that of the ES-LV9N and ES-LV9A. Nonetheless, the ES-LV97-K’s 16D flexing shaving head provides a comfortable and precise shaving experience.
Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV67-A
The linear drive motor
Panasonic ES-LV97-K is among the best electric razors with a 14,000-powerful CPM (cycles per minute) linear drive motor. This motor is also used in other Arc 5 and Arc 4 models and is the fastest motor fitted to any electric shaver.
The motor is one of the contributing factors to the excellent shaving performance of the Arc 5 series.
With the 5 blades, the ES-LV97-K can produce up to 70,000 cross-cuts per minute, providing a close and efficient shave. Panasonic boasts about this impressive feature, which is nothing more than the number of cycles per minute multiplied by the number of blades.
As someone who values a clean shave, the Panasonic ES-LV97-K is a great option to consider.
Intelligent shaving technology
The intelligent shaving sensor is an interesting addition to the ES-LV97-K electric shaver. While similar technology has been present on previous models, Panasonic claims that this sensor reads beard density up to 220 times per second, adjusting the motor’s power up to 14 times per second.
This is meant to optimize cutting power for coarse hairs while providing a gentler shave for lighter beards.
Unlike previous models, the sensor cannot be disabled on the ES-LV67 and ES-LV97. While the effectiveness of this technology is still debatable, it’s worth noting that this feature is unique to these two models.
Suitable for wet and dry use
I was pleased to discover that the Panasonic ES-LV97-K can be used for both wet and dry shaving. This means I can enjoy a comfortable shave in the shower or use my preferred shaving cream or gel for a closer and smoother experience.
It’s important to note that the shaver is cordless when in use, so there are no safety hazards to worry about.
The Li-ion battery provides up to 45 minutes of shaving time on a single charge, which is fairly standard in the industry. However, I would have preferred a larger battery like those fitted in Braun’s updated Series 9, which can last up to 60 minutes.
Nonetheless, cleaning the shaver is easy as it can be safely washed with water.
Panasonic ES-LV95: Build quality and ergonomics
I have always been impressed by Panasonic’s build quality and design, and the Panasonic ES-LV97-K electric shaver is no exception. It has a familiar design that’s almost identical to the previously released ES-LV9N, but the matte black finish is sleek and stylish. The texture feels smooth and refined when holding the shaver, and the dark blueish-grey hue adds a touch of sophistication.
The shaver is well-balanced and lightweight, weighing just under 200 grams, which makes it easy to use.
Despite the body being made out of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap or plasticky. There are no rough edges, and no cracking noises and the gaps between the various surfaces are extremely small and consistent, which is not always the case with other premium shavers.
Everything feels solid and almost over-engineered, which is a good thing since I want my razor to last for many years of use.
The large thumb resting on the front of the shaver, right below the head, is in a spot-on position, especially if you have larger hands. The Lamdash logo and the gold accents below the shaving head add a nice touch of luxury.
The five-blade shaving head is an impressive feat of engineering and delivers a close, smooth shave. Overall, the Panasonic ES-LV97-K is a well-designed and high-quality electric shaver that’s built to last.
The power switch
The power switch of the shaver not only serves as a simple, round button but also functions as a travel lock. Although it provides decent tactile feedback, it is quite sensitive and easy to press. Therefore, there is a possibility that you may accidentally turn off the shaver during use if you place your thumb on it.
To activate the travel lock, you need to press and hold the power button for 2 to 3 seconds while the shaver is switched on. This action puts the shaver in travel mode, and you won’t be able to turn it on.
The travel lock is indicated by a padlock icon at the bottom of the display, which flashes when you try to turn on the shaver. To disable the travel lock, all you have to do is press and hold the button again for 2 to 3 seconds.
The battery display
The Panasonic ES-LV67-K shaver features a long and slim display that shows various information, with the battery level being the most prominent. However, I find the display a bit overwhelming as all the numbers are displayed at once, taking up almost the entire screen.
Unlike older models such as Arc 5 and Arc 4, the ES-LV67 and Panasonic ES-LV97-K do not display the length of your shaving session, which I thought was a pretty cool feature.
Despite this, the razor has a generous rubberized sleeve on its sides and back that provides an excellent grip, along with an ergonomic handle and balanced weight distribution, making it one of the most comfortable large shavers I have ever used.
A pop-up trimmer
On the shaving head itself, there is a pop-up trimmer that can be found when the shaver is turned over. When I turned over the Panasonic ES-LV97-K, I was impressed by the placement of the pop-up trimmer on the shaving head itself.
This feature allows for better visibility during use, which is a significant improvement over older models with the trimmer located on the body. The switch located below the trimmer serves two functions.
Firstly, it locks and unlocks the shaving head and secondly, it deploys the hair trimmer.
You can choose from three positions, FREE, LOCK, and TRIMMER. The FREE position allows the shaving head to move freely, making it easier to navigate the contours of the face. The LOCK position, on the other hand, offers more precision.
However, it has only one predetermined position, unlike Braun shavers which have five positions.
The TRIMMER position deploys the trimmer, and you can start using it once the shaver is turned on. On the back of the shaver, you’ll find three dots which are the metal contacts that the ES-LV97 uses to charge in the cleaning station.
It is important to note that the ES-LV67-K cannot connect to the cleaning station due to the physical incompatibility of the contacts.
Accessories
When I received the ES-LV97-K, I was immediately impressed by the compact and well-designed box it came in. It was made out of thick cardboard with some nice illustrations, a far cry from the cheap and flimsy boxes that some other brands use.
When I opened the box, I was happy to find that the contents were neatly packaged.
Included a travel pouch, charging cord, protective cap, cleaning brush, a small bottle of lubricant, operating instructions, warranty card, and cleaning instructions.
Overall, I was impressed with the bundle, but I do have to mention that the soft, faux leather pouch was a bit of a letdown. While it looks nice, it doesn’t offer much protection and feels a bit outdated.
I would prefer a hard textile case, at the very least.
However, I was pleased to see that the package included lubricant and protective caps. These items may seem small, but they are incredibly useful and often not included with other shavers on the market.
I have seen some Arc 5 models that come with high-quality leather cases, but those are usually more expensive and only available in Japan.
Additionally, the latest Arc 5 models no longer come with the faux leather case and instead have a cheap velvet-like textile pouch.
All things considered, the accessories that came with the ES-LV67-K were impressive and useful.
Battery life and charging
One of the features that caught my attention was its battery life and charging capabilities. After using it for a few weeks, I must say I am quite impressed.
Firstly, the shaver comes with a Lithium-Ion battery that provides up to 45 minutes of cordless shaving time. This is more than enough for me, as I usually shave for about 10 minutes at a time.
Additionally, the shaver has a quick charge function that allows you to charge it for just 3 minutes and get enough power for a single shave. This is a lifesaver for those times when you forget to charge the shaver overnight.
Charging the shaver is also very convenient. The ES-LV97-K comes with a charging and cleaning station that not only charges the shaver but also cleans and dries it. The station uses an alcohol-based cleaning solution to remove dirt and bacteria from the shaver’s blades, leaving them clean and hygienic for the next use.
The station also has a display that shows the battery level of the shaver, as well as the progress of the cleaning and charging process. It takes about an hour to fully charge the shaver, but you can use it while it’s charging if you’re in a rush.
Another thing I love about this shaver is that it has a travel lock function. This means that when you’re traveling and don’t want the shaver to accidentally turn on and drain the battery, you can simply activate the travel lock function, and it won’t turn on until you deactivate it.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the battery life and charging capabilities of the ES-LV97-K. Its Lithium-Ion battery provides enough power for multiple shaves, and the charging and cleaning station makes the whole process very convenient. The quick charge function and travel lock feature is also very useful additions.
Replacement parts availability
WES9032(P) Foil and blades set
You may be wondering about the availability of replacement parts. As a long-time user of the Arc 5 line, I can confidently say that these shavers feature Panasonic’s standard shaving system, which consists of two removable inner blades and one outer foil.
The WESS9170P inner blades used in the Arc 5 line remain the same blades used throughout its history. This means that you can use the same replacement blades that have been used since the first generation of Arc 5 shavers.
Similarly, the outer foil has the part number WES9173P, which is the same foil used on older Arc 5 models like the ES-LV65-S, ES-LV95-S, and the first generation ES-LV61-A.
You have the option of purchasing the foil and blades as a set (part number WES9032P), which is usually more financially advantageous. Additionally, the newer, revised outer foils that feature two gold comfort rollers are compatible with the ES-LV67 and ES-LV97.
These foils have part numbers WES9175, and WES9177, from older to newest, respectively, and you can also purchase them together with the two inner blades.
To get a detailed overview of all the replacement foils and blades and their compatibility with various Arc 5 models, you can check out this guide.
As for how often you’ll need to replace them, it really depends on various factors, such as the coarseness of your beard, how often you shave, and how well you take care of your razor. Panasonic recommends replacing the inner blades every two years and the foil every year, but this will vary depending on your individual shaving routine.
I suggest replacing both the blades and foil at the same time, as uneven wear of one replacement part can actually accelerate the deterioration of a new part, and the performance won’t be optimal from the get-go.
Final words
If you have sensitive skin, or your hair grows parallel to your skin, and you don’t shave as frequently, then I would suggest going for a Braun shaver, such as the Series 9 or Series 7 (depending on your budget).
These models are excellent for situations like these, and they may not provide the same level of closeness as a Panasonic Arc 5, but the results are still satisfying.
The Braun shaver is one of the best shavers for African-American men and for shaving heads.
I would recommend opting for a cc model that comes with an automatic cleaning station, as it is practical and does not cost much more. There are also many affordable cleaning solutions available for the station.
With Panasonic ES-LV97-K, I would highly recommend this shaver to anyone looking for a high-quality, convenient shaving experience.
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