Panasonic ARC5 LV65 shaver has been a top-tier electric razor for the last few years and in my opinion, it’s probably the best when it comes to dry shaving.
From advanced AI features to five cutting elements that render a better shave than manual razors, any applause wouldn’t describe it to the fullest extent.
The ARC5 is not only grand for home consumers, but professional barbers can easily consider it as their primary shaving tool.
Is the Panasonic ARC5 going to be your perfect electric shaver? Let’s find it out in this in-depth review article comprising feature analysis and my personal experience!
“Panasonic ARC5 is the pioneering series from the brand, out of which the LV65 stands tall over newer models from Braun or Philips. Embedded with numerous features, the electric shaver is considered as a miracle of technological advancement and the shaving experience is nothing but heavenly.”
Contents
- 1 Unboxing Panasonic ARC5 LV65
- 1.1 Specifications: Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV65-S
- 1.2 Panasonic ARC5 LV65: Standout Features
- 1.3 Panasonic ARC5 LV65: Additional Features
- 1.4 My Experience with Panasonic ARC5 LV65
- 1.5 How I Tested the Panasonic ARC5 LV65?
- 1.6 Who is Panasonic ARC5 LV65 For?
- 1.7 Panasonic ARC5 vs ARC6: Six Cutters Better Than Five?
- 1.8 FAQ
- 1.9 Final Thoughts
Unboxing Panasonic ARC5 LV65
The ARC5 series shavers from Panasonic are packaged in similar paper boxes with sturdy thickness as it keeps the razor safe at all times.
To add to that safety, you’ll find the shaver stashed inside a thick holder and stored within a premium leather case.
Since I ordered the LV65-S, the ‘S’ stands for ‘solo’, therefore only a charging adapter and user manuals are included other than the shaving device.
What’s Inside the Box: Panasonic ARC5 LV65 Razor, Charging Adapter, User-Manual.
Specifications: Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV65-S
Allow me to briefly mention the technical aspects for the Panasonic ARC5 LV65 including its weight, cutting elements, battery runtime and so on.
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 6.8 x 4.2 cm
- Weight: 6.9 Ounces
- Color: Black
- Wireless: Yes
- Contour Adaptation: Multi-Flex Pivoting
- AI Technology: Active Shave Sensor
- Blade Type: Foil
- Blade Elements: 2+2+1
- Motor Power: 14,000 CPM
- Waterproof: Yes
- Display: LCD Panel
- Battery Runtime: Around 45 Minutes
Panasonic ARC5 LV65: Standout Features
A plethora of features need to be discussed about the ARC5 LV65 and it’s quite challenging to keep things short. But I’ll try that and start with the design elements of this iconic foil razor!
Refined Design
The housing design of Panasonic ARC5 LV65 has redefined how we perceive electric shaving devices. It looks nothing shy of a technology borrowed from the aliens – yes, it looks that good!
Sleek Silver Aesthetics
You’ll instantly fall in love with the housing design of the ARC5 LV65 because of its combination of minimalism and extravagance at the same time.
The entire handle is shiny and reflective like a mirror, but the cleaning doesn’t need to be very vigorous. Then again, your fingerprints will remain until you mop it off using a cloth rag.
Like most other luxury razors, the head area is quite wide and it slims down as you climb down. There’s a large black portion at its chest, hosting the power button and the LED display.
Such shiny silver accented with black creates a ripple effect on the spectacle and poses this device to be one of the most fabulous-looking grooming tools one could possibly own!
Firmest Grip
While the frontal portion of the LV65 is flat and smooth, the back of it is what ensures maximum ergonomics.
It’s shaped in an arc to allow your fingers to be wrapped around conveniently. This back part has a layer of premium rubber so that it doesn’t slip even in wet shaving mode.
The rest of the grip level is ensured by its handy size and portable weight. Men with any hand size would find it a comforting journey to glide it around your face for longer durations!
Robust Build Quality
As you can understand from the housing design, the ARC5 LV65 is built with quality materials and it oozes durability from the word go.
From consumer experience, the LV65 is one of the longest surviving electric razors to ever exist in the grooming world and credit is certainly due to the Panasonic team behind it.
It withstood drop tests, submersion as well as durability tests in the blade, motor and battery department.
Overall, every inch of it is meant to withstand the perils of time and offer you the better value for money than most other electric shavers of such caliber.
What I Like
- Modern & futuristic design is eye-catching
- Smartly confirms grip levels using the handle design & minimal rubber pads
- Meant to last for years in the future
What Could be Better
- None that I can think of
Panasonic ARC5 LV65: Additional Features
Aside from the design elements, there is more to the Panasonic ARC5 LV65 shaver. Things like refined foils, smart motor, advanced LED display are what separates it from the other top-tier devices in the market.
Easy to Maneuver Weight
Recent electric razors like the ARC5 LV65 are built with much lighter weight so that these can be used without being exhausted.
The ARC5 LV65 weighs in toward the lower weight category of premium razors due to the expensive material used in the construction that reduced the burden to some extent.
Therefore, even elderly men with feeble hands can experience the greatness this razor has to offer and I must tell you, it’s simply unmatched in many regards!
Ultra-Sharp Nanotech Blades
Panasonic has revolutionized the cutting elements in the ARC5 LV65 through their unique blade system that runs rapidly beneath the foils.
These blades are super-sharp and manage to trim off your facial hair from the very root without causing any sort of discomfort.
The way of achieving such a feat has been through technological prowess, like honing the blades at 30 degree angle because that’s the most ideal setup to remove any hair type or even coarse beard!
14,000 CPM Linear Motor
In the Panasonic ARC5, the brand has installed their most powerful hyper-performance linear motor unit.
The same motor is shared with the ARC5 LV67, the device more agile at shaving in wet conditions.
This motor unit is capable of performing 14,000 cuts per minute or CPM, totaling up to 70,000 cross cutting actions per minute over your face.
Active Shave Sensor Technology
The Active Shave Sensor technology controls the motor power, decreasing the torque over low density beard while boosting it automatically at coarse regions.
Due to this, your shaving experience won’t just be a vigorous skin-torture at all times, rather something delicate that caters to sensitive skin at all times!
If you press the power button once, the razor will turn on with the Active Shave Sensor. Pressing the power button twice will run the shaver in raw power mode, disregarding this AI feature.
Ultra-Thin Arc Foils
Now, many foil razors adapt smarter technology yet fail to produce good enough foil elements to efficiently feed the beard through the holes for removal.
Panasonic ARC5 LV65 is not among those shavers as the device features five cutting elements in total – four foils with a cutting cassette down the middle.
The philosophy is similar to Braun Series 9, the cassette trims longer beard and the shorter ones are then passed through the foils for effective trimming.
These foils are arced and contain different patterned vents so that every type or thickness of hair may find their way through the holes.
Both the blades and foil units are built with stainless steel and coated with a hypoallergenic alloy – therefore no sort of irritation can be experienced even after getting a dry shave using this tool!
Wireless Operations
In my opinion, the battery runtime is average on the ARC5 LV65 – around 45 minutes of grooming activity with a full charge.
But due to the efficiency and high-performing motor, you’ll only require around 5-7 minutes to complete a full shave, implying a full cycle will grant you at least 5 full shaves.
The device retains full performance till the last bits of the battery life and no drag or pull was experienced from my point of view.
In general, one hour should be enough to replenish the battery with the option for a 5-minute quick charge to grab a fast shaving session.
LED Display & Travel Lock
One of the most remarkable aspects for the ARC5 LV65 is its LED display. It’s not a typical bar system battery indicator, rather more intricate and interactive with the consumers.
First of all, the initial turning on will show the shaving duration and the Active Shave Sensor icon on the display.
Pressing the power button three times brings forth the battery level in precise percentage level, so that’s very useful in my opinion. Below the battery life, a plug icon will appear once you start charging the thing.
The display goes to sleep mode after 5 seconds of screen time. Right above the display rests the power button with the travel lock ring – turning it will easily engage or disengage the lock!
What I Like
- Advanced blades and foils are meant for sensitive skin shaving
- Motor power and auto-adjustment render the learning curve very easy
- Bright and large screen is visible even under broad daylight
What Could be Better
- Five cutting elements make the shaving head bulky for tighter facial regions
My Experience with Panasonic ARC5 LV65
You’ve learned about most of the major features of the ARC5 LV65 unit. But features aren’t always the representatives of reality, therefore practical experiences must be taken into consideration for a true assessment!
Close Shaving Result
When it comes to the shaving outcomes using the Panasonic ARC5, the results are truly magnificent!
I already mentioned that the closeness is identical to manual razor shaving and the LV65 in particular can easily compete with any of the top Braun shavers in the market.
After getting a shaving session done, it doesn’t matter whether it’s dry or wet, your skin will feel super smooth afterward!
One aspect I personally struggled with is the ability of capturing flat lying hair. For some reason, I had to make additional passes when my stubble is slightly longer. But for those who are shaving daily, this won’t turn out to be an issue.
Skin Comfort
When it comes to shaving comfort, the four foil units on the ARC5 LV65 work wonders on every skin type – be that thick or sensitive.
I experienced no razor burn, tugs, pull or ingrown hair and I’d recommend the device to be used in both conditions. I’d say the ARC5 is almost as comfortable on skin as a rotary electric razor!
The issues usually arise at narrow facial areas like mustache or neck as the large shaver head fails to adjust there.
My solution is to stretch out your skin so that there’s more surface area for you to glide around and it tends to be more comforting on the skin as a whole!
Shaving Efficiency
I’ve seen very few electric razors matching the efficiency of the ARC5, and a lot of the credit is due to its Multiflex Pivoting head.
The neck of this shaver tilts in every direction but doesn’t feel wobbly at all. Add the pressure sensitivity of the cutting elements to that, you’ll receive a device that’s perfectly capable of adapting to your contours.
Some might feel that such agile movement of the neck might be over the top and the shaving pressure needs to be increased to compensate for that.
Well, I’ve got good news! At the back, there’s a slider to pop the trimmer out, but halfway through the same hinge locks the neck in place. If that’s your preference, you also have a built-in solution!
Dry/Wet Shaving
Panasonic ARC5 LV65 and LV67 share the same razor head with four foils and one trimmer, but there’s a factor that sets apart these two units.
ARC5 LV65 has less rubber paddings and therefore could potentially slip out of your hand if you’re not careful enough.
In general, due to the blade sharpness, comfort, motor power and efficiency, I recommend ARC5 LV65 as a dry shaving device, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the LV65 performs worse in the wet!
For wet shaving, you can easily apply shaving foam, gel or lotion and this will render the shaving result even much smoother.
Pop-up Trimmer
The mentioned slider at the back of the razor head is the one that pushes out the pop-up trimmer at a 90-degree angle with the handle.
This trimmer isn’t really meant for mass trimming, rather to outline your hairline, beard or at the very best trim your mustache.
Some consumers have found a better work for this trimmer, and that is to shorten the neck beard if the stubble growth is over 3 days.
That way, your foils would be able to conveniently pick up the beard from that area and you’ll get away with faster shaves!
Cleaning & Maintenance
Since the ARC5 LV65 is a fully waterproof electric shaver, the cleaning jobs are much easier than all of those affordable devices.
It’s quite easy to remove the blades from the handle. Locate the two buttons on either side of the blade head, pushing them together will release them from the hinges.
After that, either use a brush to remove the dirt or rinse everything under running water. Let everything dry for the next few hours.
Once things have dried out, apply a couple drops of lubricant on the foils, blades underneath and the motor heads, pop everything back together, run the device for a few seconds and turn it off for safe storage.
Alternate Cleaning Method: Another easy cleaning method is to bring in a small container filled with some razor cleaning agent.
Press and hold the power button for a few seconds to engage the Sonic Cleaning Mode. It will rapidly oscillate the motor for a thorough cleaning process. It lasts for around 20 seconds and turns back off automatically.
This mode may also be activated when you’re rinsing the razor under the tap. It’s an easier and faster way of cleaning out hair residue from the inside without removing the shaver head.
How I Tested the Panasonic ARC5 LV65?
My assessment of the Panasonic ARC5 LV65 has been very thorough. From covering the basics of housing heating, noise levels, vibration, durability to more advanced tests like the AI feature, comfort, efficiency etc. were all done in my lab personally.
I didn’t only use the razor extensively on myself, I went ahead to shave my brother’s beard on a regular basis.
Also, I lended my ARC5 to my barber friend for a week to learn about his opinion across a diverse consumer group.
Lastly, different reviews from first-hand ARC5 LV65 users worldwide have been taken into consideration. All of these function as the knowledge basis for my Panasonic ARC5 review article!
What I Like
- Shaves as close as manual razors
- Comfort levels match with Norelco rotary shavers
- Pivoting head increases shaving efficiency
What Could be Better
- Struggles with flat lying hair with a stubble growth over 3 days
Who is Panasonic ARC5 LV65 For?
Although the Panasonic ARC5 LV65 is a little pricey, I’d still recommend it as a home grooming tool for the swift daily morning rituals.
Beginners may not be interested in buying this unit, not only for the cost, but also for the advanced features could scare them.
But let me tell you, the ARC5 is probably the most user-friendly electric razor and it’s very easy to use with convenient maintenance.
Apart from home consumers, professional barbers will also take a liking out of the ARC5 due to the premium results across various hair textures and types.
Panasonic ARC5 vs ARC6: Six Cutters Better Than Five?
| Feature/Quality | Panasonic ARC5 | Panasonic ARC6 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade System | 2+2+1 | 2+2+2 |
| Automatic Technology | Active Shave Sensor Technology | Active Shave Sensor Technology |
| Shaver Head | 16-D Flex Head | 22-D Flex Head |
| Battery Life | Around 45 Minutes | Around 45 Minutes |
| Pop-up Trimmer | Yes | Yes |
| Clean & Charge Station | No | Yes |
| Price | See On Amazon | See On Amazon |
The big boy in the form of a luxury shaving device has landed on the market, and it’s the newer and more advanced Panasonic ARC6 LS9A!
There are certain similarities between the ARC5 and ARC6 models, for instance, the 45 minute battery life or the linear 14,000 CPM motor power.
Apart from these, variances start to show, among which some are quite extravagant to say the least.
Priced almost twice as much as the ARC5, the question we’re left with today is whether the upgrade to the latest ARC6 is worth it.
That’s why I’ve decorated this section in the shape of a Panasonic ARC5 vs ARC6 battle to hold these two electric razors side by side and allow you to pick a winner!
Ergonomics
Firstly, Panasonic ARC6 has improved upon the ergonomic design from the ARC5 LV65 with a more grippable handle design.
Gone are the shiny materials and these are replaced with matte and textured elements. Especially the sides and the back contain textured spots for a refined grip level.
What this does is, it eliminates the lack of grip that the ARC5 LV65 tends to have in slippery conditions.
Apart from that, the new look is more minimal yet it speaks style at the same time – quite brilliant from Panasonic I must say!
Cutting Elements
This is the most major difference between Panasonic ARC5 and ARC6, the number of cutting elements between the two.
Panasonic ARC6 is the first ever device to introduce a total of six cutting elements in the hopes of increasing shaving efficiency!
This model adds a separate cassette trimmer so that your shaves are even faster and the central foil has been attached with a safety bar to protect your skin.
But sadly, it’s not a drastic game changer when it comes to practical performance. You might be able to save around a minute of shaving time at best using the ARC6 over ARC5.
Also, the newer device still struggles to pick up on flat lying hair longer than 3 days of growth, so you should set your expectations accordingly.
Flex Head
Panasonic has added even more movement on the shaver head with their ARC6 model – a total of 22 directions to follow along your contours as opposed to 16 directions in the ARC5.
This does alleviate some pressure on skin and caters mostly to consumers with sensitive skin. But again, it’s not something worth replacing your existing and fully functional ARC5 razor.
Only place where I found this tilting useful is around my neck region. Otherwise, to be very frank, it feels quite the same as the older generation.
Active Shave Sensor
The sensor reading your beard density 220 times per second still prevails in the ARC6 model, but the change hasn’t occurred there.
Rather, the Active Shave Sensor mode right now provides a higher motor power by default and the adjustment according to density isn’t rapid like the ARC5.
This is a welcome change in my opinion, having a higher torque in general helps to clean out the beard even faster.
Because with the ARC5, I often found myself switching to the raw power mode. Glad I don’t have to walk that path with the ARC6!
Clean & Charge Station
If I strictly compare between the Panasonic ARC5 LV65 and ARC6 LS9A, then the Clean & Charge Station must be brought into the discussion.
The ARC6 comes with the station to ease your cleaning and I reckon it mostly caters to the professional groomers who are in constant need of such a utility.
As a home groomer, I can easily make do with manual cleaning and maintenance, therefore spending that hefty amount isn’t something I’d prefer doing if I didn’t grab the razor for reviewing purposes.
Display
Another minor tweak in the design element is the alteration of the LED display. I personally preferred the ARC5 LV65’s clarity of the screen and how it merged with the housing design.
While the ARC6 does blend the display in with the matte handle, it often feels like I’m reading from a kindle display.
The numbers or information are layered with a matte protector, thus losing slight clarity. On the upside, there are additional icons to let you understand your shaving under a better light.
Travel-Friendliness
Panasonic ARC6 has changed its power button to a more tactile one. The altered power button doesn’t contain the easy to use travel lock like the ARC5.
Instead, you’ll have to press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to engage the lock – same as the other top-tier electric razors in the current market.
Added to that is the carry case provided with the ARC6. It’s made with a robust material and protects your device better than the flexible leather case that comes with the ARC5.
Verdict: In short, if you are a professional groomer in a frequent need to cater to different consumers swiftly, then yes, the upgrade to a Panasonic ARC6 model is worth it.
Otherwise, if you’re a home groomer like myself and have a fully functional ARC5 model at your disposal, then the upgrade is practically pointless.
The performance boost isn’t going to alter your electric shaving perception, efficiency is marginally better and in my opinion, it’s not worth spending twice as much for an upgrade.
FAQ
The following FAQs on Panasonic ARC5 LV65 will give you additional information about this quality electric razor and a better understanding of your next potential purchase.
Q: Does the Panasonic ARC5 LV65 come with a cleaning and charging station?
Ans: No, neither the Panasonic ARC5 LV65 nor LV67 come with any cleaning and charging station. In order to get the station, you must order the newer LV95 variant. And if you’re planning to buy a separate station for your existing LV65 or LV67, that’s not going to work. Because these versions don’t have the pins needed for charging through the station!
Q: How often do the ARC5 LV65 blades and foils need replacement?
Ans: The frequency of blades and foil replacement for the LV65 varies on your usage and beard coarseness. Generally, Panasonic recommends you to replace the blades each year while the foils should be replaced once every two years.
Q: Is the Panasonic ARC5 LV65 noisy during operation?
Ans: The ARC5 LV65 isn’t the most silent electric razor out there but the noise levels are toward the more sensible region. Usual sounds are made when your beards are being crunched by the blades. Otherwise, the sounds remain at a regular level.
Final Thoughts
Today’s Panasonic ARC5 LV65 review went above and beyond to encompass the breakdowns of different features and their practical impact on groomers.
Personally, I’d become a fan of this device the moment I started using it on a regular basis. With effortless shaving and easygoing maintenance, this does demand a lot less than most other razors.
I don’t think the price point set for the ARC5 is out of the ordinary, since the performance and longevity you’ll get in return would be totally worth it.
And if you manage to take proper care, this ARC5 should last you for the upcoming 5-7 years with zero issues at all!
| Score | |
| Shaving Closeness | 4.8 |
| LCD Display | 4.8 |
| Advanced Technology | 4.9 |
| Battery Life | 4.7 |
| Ergonomics | 4.7 |
| Wet Shave Score | 4.6 |
| Cleaning/Maintenance | 4.8 |
| Ease of Use | 4.8 |
| Overall | 4.76 |
| Verdict
Panasonic ARC5 LV65 has 5 cutting elements, 16 directional neck movement, 70,000 CPM motor, sensor to regulate power according to beard density, advanced LED display, travel lock and more – the price is worth it for such a killer electric shaver. |
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