The Panasonic ES-LS9A-K is one of the latest models in the Panasonic ARC6 series. It is considered a one-step upgrade from Arc5 and has a bunch of advanced features. However, it also has a high price tag, which might make you wonder if it is worth the investment. In this article, I will give you all the information you need about the Panasonic ES-LS9A-K shaver and help you decide if it is worth upgrading from Arc5.
Pros
- Extremely close shaving capacity
- Comfortable performance
- Wet/dry shaving accuracy
- Reliable and elegant built-quality
- Great built-in precision trimmer
- Flexible head and headlock system
- Useful LED display
- 100% waterproof and easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Super expensive
- Bulky head
- Typical battery life
- Expensive replacement parts
Insights
I was very interested in testing the Panasonic Arc6 shavers after the release announcement since their Arc5 is already one of the market leaders. Since the competitors are bringing their higher models with new upgrades, Panasonic didn’t make it too late to announce their most significant update. Finally, the Arc6 shavers are widely available, and I managed the Panasonic ES-LS9A-K model to test that also has a dock-less model Panasonic ES-LS8A-K. Now it’s time to share the insights of the new highest-end Panasonic shaver.
Shaving Elements: The main significant feature of this Arc6 shaver is the six blades on the head. Panasonic redesigned and added a new shaving element to their highest-end shaver and created a new benchmark. Four regular foil blades cut the hairs at the skin level, and two foil trimmers (gold-coated) capture and trim the long and flat-lying hairs for a flawless shave with long stubble and stubborn hairs. The manufacturer tried to make the foils more sharp and effective to provide a faster and more comfortable shave with accuracy. Panasonic already had the best close-shaving machine, the Arc5, but it had some limitations, such as needing to be better at handling long stubble. That’s why they improved the new Arc6 for more perfection and customer satisfaction by shaving off the longer stubble and flat-lying hairs.
Inner Power: The shaver has been engineered with a powerful linear motor that uses Japanese technology to deliver consistent power in every beard type. The motor generates 14,000 cutting cycles per minute, which means that the six shaving elements produce 84,000 cross-cutting actions per minute to cut the hairs quickly and smoothly. The linear motor also has a smart sensor that detects the density of the beard and adjusts the power accordingly. This ensures that the shaver does not lose speed or performance, even on thick and coarse hairs. I observed this refined motor also makes the shaver quieter and more energy-efficient than predecessor shavers.
Flexible Shaving Head: The Panasonic Arc6 ES-LS9A has a more advanced flexible head technology than the previous models, which allows it to adapt to the contours of the face and provide maximum shaving versatility. The head and the shaving elements can move and tilt independently in 22 directions (up, down, left, right, back, and forth). As a result, the shaver can follow the curves of the chin, jawline, neck, and cheeks with ease and precision. The flexible head technology also reduces the pressure and friction on the skin, making the shave more comfortable and flawless.
Headlock: The Arc6 shaver has a built-in headlock system that lets the user lock the flexible head in a straight position to achieve precision shaves in tricky areas. Sometimes, some stubborn hairs remain untouched in narrow areas of the face and neck, and locking the shaver head makes it easier to cut those hairs smoothly. To use the headlock, you need to slide up the button on the back of the shaver, and it will lock the flexible head in a straight position. To release the headlock, you need to slide down the button, and it will allow the flexible head to move again.
Popup Trimmer:
The comes with a built-in trimmer that lets you trim your sideburns, moustache, and eyebrows with precision. You need to activate the popup trimmer by sliding up the button on the back of the shaver, one step further than locking the head. However, the pop-up trimmer is useful for outlining and fine-tuning your facial hair but not for trimming your full beard to shape it.
Wet/dry Shave: This premium shaver is designed for uncompromised wet or dry shave. You can use your favourite shaving products, such as gel, foam, or cream, to shave with ease and comfort. You can also have a quick and convenient dry shave when you are on the go. The shaver is fully waterproof, so you can use it under the shower or rinse it under running water for easy cleaning.
Battery and Power: The Panasonic Arc6 shavers have a rechargeable Li-ion battery providing 45 minutes of cordless performance, similar to the Arc5 shaver. However, the Arc6 has 6 blades, consuming more power than the Arc5’s 5 blades. Moreover, It takes 50 minutes for a full charge, compared to the Arc5’s 60 minutes. The Arc6 also has a quick charging option, allowing a full shave within 3 minutes.
LED Display: The shaver features a digital LED display on the front, displaying battery power percentage, charging status, travel lock status, cleaning reminder, and replacement head indicator. The display flashes when the shaver is low or charging and turns off when it is fully charged. It also warns about the need for cleaning and a replacement head, ensuring the shaver’s hygiene and performance. The display helps maintain optimal shaver condition and safety.
What’s in the Box?
The Panasonic ES-LS9A has a generous package that includes the following items along with the main device:
Foil Protective Cap: This is a transparent cap made of plastic that is meticulously designed to fit snugly over the foils, providing a robust shield against dust accumulation and external impacts. You’ll find it attached with the foils after unboxing the shaver package. It’s a simple yet essential accessory that contributes to the longevity and reliability of the shaver.
Travel Pouch: The shaver comes with a premium leather travel pouch designed for both storage and transport. This pouch serves as a convenient means to safely store your shaver when it’s not in use, particularly during travel. Constructed with resilience in mind, the pouch is sturdy enough to shield the shaver against minor impacts and the occasional drop from moderate heights. Additionally, it provides a safeguard against scratches that may occur from contact with other items in your luggage, ensuring your shaver remains in pristine condition. The leather material also acts as a barrier against dust, keeping your shaver clean and safe from damage.
Cleaning and Charging Station: The Panasonic ES-LS9A shaver comes with a cleaning and charging station. The cleaning and charging station is a device that can clean, dry, and charge the shaver automatically. It uses a special detergent that removes the beard clippings and sebum, which are difficult to remove with water, and keeps the blades sharpness longer. The station also has a built-in fan that dries the shaver after cleaning and a charging port that replenishes the battery. To use the cleaning and charging station, you simply need to set the shaver on the station and press the power button. The station will detect the shaver and start the cleaning cycle.
Cleaning Sachet: There is a sachet of cleaning dock detergent in this shaver package that you need to use in the cleaning station that helps to clean the shaver hygienically. This item is a recurring expense since you need to purchase it regularly for your cleaning station after consuming the current one. However, it’s not such expensive and available in any Panasonic showroom or any online retail shop including Amazon.
Charging Adapter: The Panasonic ES-LS9A shaver features a universal charging adapter, along with a USB Type-A charging cable, making it an ideal travel companion. Its global compatibility ensures you can easily recharge your shaver during your travels, offering convenience for grooming no matter where you are.
Cleaning Brush: This small item is one of my favorite that is useful to remove the debris and spare hairs instantly from the foils to shave off without any hassle. Its convenience means there’s no need for repeated rinsing or using a cleaning dock, especially when you’re opting for a dry shave.
There is also a Foil Lubricant Oil to lubricate the foils for a smooth shave.
Note: The Warranty Card and User Manual are the common papers with the Panasonic shavers.
Personal Experience
The Panasonic ES-LS9A-K is made of durable materials, such as stainless steel, rubber, and plastic, that can withstand daily use and wear. The shaver has a sleek and ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in the hand and provides a secure grip. The shaver also has a large and intuitive LED display that shows the battery level, cleaning mode, and other useful information. The blades are sharp, precise, durable, and can cut through even the thickest and coarsest beards. The shaver also has a flexible 22D shaver head that closely follows the facial contours, chin, neck, and jaw, ensuring a smooth and comfortable shave. It also has a powerful linear motor that delivers 84,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, making it one of the market’s fastest and most efficient shavers. However, this Panasonic Arc 6 shaver has a battery that provides 45 minutes of cordless shaving power, which is a limitation for such a premium device.
However, the shaver has a shorter charging time than the previous models and a 3-minute quick charging option that allows you to shave without interruption, even if the battery is fully drained. As a flagship series, the Panasonic Arc6 is the manufacturer’s main focus to achieve the best shaving performance. In my personal use, I found that the Panasonic ES-LS9A can provide an extremely close shave with or without shaving products. Some wet/dry shavers lose their shaving capacity when using shaving cosmetics, but this premium shaver does it even better than dry shaves with ease and comfort.
The Shaver also takes less time to complete the shave than other foil shavers because it has six blades that can capture more hair in each stroke. However, the shaver also loses its power when dealing with longer stubble (more than three days of growth), which might be a drawback for some users who do not shave on a regular basis. However, the built-in precision trimmer is a great feature of this shaver, and I found it to be the best precision trimmer on the market in terms of its trimming efficiency. Although the design and everything of the precision trimmers of the Panasonic Arc5 are identical, the sharpness and trimming efficiency of the Panasonic ES-LS9A-K is better. Therefore, the Panasonic Arc6 is a reliable shaver that offers premium built quality and shaving accuracy.
Panasonic Arc5 VS Panasonic ES-LS9A-K Arc6
The Panasonic Arc5 is a five-bladed shaver that is the predecessor of the Panasonic Arc6 ES-LS9A-K. Both shavers are made of the same materials and technology, but the Arc6 has a slightly refined look and shape. The Panasonic Arc5 is known for its close shaving performance and is still very popular in the market. The Arc6 can shave a bit faster and closer, but the difference is not very significant. The Arc6 can also handle longer stubble better than the Arc5, which was a common drawback of the Arc5 series. The Arc5 has an advantage in its lower price range. However, both shavers have the same battery life of 45 minutes, which should be longer for the premium Arc6. The Arc6 also has a shorter charging time of 40 minutes compared to the Arc5’s one hour. Both shavers have the same design and function of the popup trimmer, but the Arc6’s one is slightly sharper and more efficient, although the Arc5’s one is also very good for precision trimming. The Arc6 is also quieter than the Arc5, which is ideal for those who do not like noise while shaving. In summary, the Arc6 and the Arc5 have some differences, but they are not very significant. So, if you want to save some money, the Arc5 is a great option, and if you do not mind the cost, the Arc6 is a worthy upgrade.
Comparison with Alternatives
Braun Series 9 Pro+: The Braun Series 9 Pro and Pro+ have four blades on their shaving heads, while the Panasonic ES-LS9A has six blades, which may explain why the Arc6 can achieve a faster and closer shave. However, the Braun shavers look smarter than the Arc6, as they have a slimmer head and body. Both shavers have flexible shaving heads, but the Braun Series 9’s is smoother to move and swivel than the Arc6’s one. Moreover, the Braun shaver has a five-position headlock technology, while the Arc6 has only a straight-position locking system. Most importantly, the Braun Series 9 and the Series 9 Pro have a battery life of 60 minutes, while the Arc6 has a battery life of 45 minutes, and the Arc6 also slows down when it has 20% of charge, as it has a bigger motor. Another plus in the Braun Series 9 Pro+ is, it can shave longer hair than any other foil shavers and till now they are market leading for comfortable operations. Therefore, The Braun Series 9 Pro and Pro+ are the best choices for those who are looking for a comfortable and reliable premium shave, and the Panasonic Arc6 is the best choice for those who are looking for a fast and close shave.
Philips Norelco 9000: The Philips Norelco Series 9000 is a different type of shaver from the Panasonic Arc 5 and the Panasonic Arc 6, since it is a rotary shaver, not a foil shaver. The rotary shaver has three circular heads that work in a different way from the foil shavers. However, the Philips Norelco Series 9000 shavers are the most advanced rotary shavers, with premium metal and plastic build quality. The rotary shavers are typically better at handling longer hairs, and the Philips s9000 Prestige and the Philips 9800 do it best. I tried them with a five-day beard, and they did not disappoint me, while the Arc6 would not give a flawless shave. The Panasonic Arc6 is a quiet shaver, but the Philips s9000 Prestige is quieter. On the other hand, the Philips shaver has a battery life of 60 minutes, while the Arc6 has a battery life of 45 minutes. Therefore, if you want to switch to a rotary shaver, the Philips Norelco Series 9000 shavers are the best alternatives to the Panasonic ES-LS9A-K shaver.
Verdict
The premium shaver Panasonic ES-LS9A-K is a good investment for those who want top-notch shaving results in a super comfortable way. It’s a well-built shaver with elegant features that meet with a sophisticated shaving routine. However, it is not well balanced with its price tag, which may deter some users. So, it is ideal for you if you are willing to spend a premium budget.
Should You Buy the Panasonic ES-LS9A-K Shaver?
Yes, if you want to have a very powerful shaver.
Yes, if you like to shave faster with or without shaving cosmetics/water.
Yes, if you want a premium shaver and are ready to pay a hefty price.
No, if you are aware of spending extra costs.
No, if you shave irregularly and need to shave long stubble.
No, if you are uncomfortable with a bulky shaver head and body.