We asked testers to evaluate each razor for closeness of shave, speed, and irritation. First, testers used the razors at whatever their standard “I need a shave” interval was. We then asked for a double-growth test—skipping a shave—and, as a go-for-broke scenario, a triple-growth test. The 7085cc and the 7020s provide Philips Norelco Shaver the same high-quality shave as our pick, but they each come with different sets of accoutrements. We think the new 7071cc has the features that most people want or need, but prices tend to fluctuate, and if you find one of the others for significantly less you won’t be missing a lot by picking that model up.
Braun’s Series 9 clean-and-charge base uses the same cartridges as the Series 7 base and is functionally identical. Replacement cartridges last about three months and cost about $25 for a four-pack. Replacement foils are considerably more expensive for the Series 9; they currently run about $50, compared with about $30 to $40 for the Series 7. That extra power and performance come at a dollar and design cost. Series 9 razors are notably bulkier than Series 7 razors, and some testers found the Series 9 razors tough to maneuver in tight spots . You’ll need to replace the foil on your shaver more or less annually, depending on use.
While it costs close to £200, Panasonic’s ES-LV9Q is one ludicrously high-tech shaver. Its five-blade cutting system cuts at an incredible 70,000 actions per minute to ensure no facial follicle goes unsliced. Meanwhile, its pivoting head moves to trail the different surfaces of your face and a sensor checks your beard density to give the heads more power where necessary.
If it weren’t for the Panasonic ES-LS9A, we’d be crowning this the new king of shavers. You may also want to consider the ergonomics of the electric razor’s handle since grip comfortability plays a large role in your shaving experience. Some shavers use a special technology that allows each shaving head to move independently from the others. This means that each head can move in eight directions to more closely match the contours of your face and neck, which means you’re more likely to get a perfect shave. Getting a nice, clean shave is important, whether you’re heading to work for the day, preparing for a date night or attending a formal function. Even if you don’t go for the totally clean-shaven look all the time, it’s still important to keep your facial hair nice and tidy.
To be honest, we doubted Panasonic could improve on the ES-LV9Q. In fact, adding a sixth cutting blade to the LV9Q’s five seemed a little like a gimmick. Panasonic’s previous flagship shaver gave an almost flawless, super-smooth shave every time, thanks to an ingenious pivoting head, a density sensor and a cutting system that worked at 70,000 actions per minute.
The foil’s perforations guide the whiskers into the block, where a pair of opposing blades slice them off. The action is more like what you’d get from a pair of scissors than from a knife. Rotary shavers use similar perforated surfaces Remington Shaver to guide whiskers toward their cutters, but instead of snipping, hundreds of tiny blades slice hairs with a circular motion. Imagine the horizontal spinning blade on a power lawn mower—but with teeth—and you’ll get the idea.
You’ll have to budget for the proprietary detergent, and while the sachets aren’t as expensive as Braun’s plastic cleaning cartridges, the mixture only lasts for 30 days. Still, if you’ve spent this kind of money on a shaver, you want to keep it in tip-top condition. That goes double when the shaver is – like the LV9Q before it – the best we’ve ever reviewed. A superb shave that’s even smoother and closer than the old model managed, with its one failing – problems handling longer hairs – completely banished. As someone who always cringes while shaving my neck if I’ve left the stubble to grow for more than a day or two, I couldn’t believe how easy going the ES-LS9A turned out to be.