I've been using a Braun Series 9 9370cc for the past 3 years and just switched to the Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV67-K. After two weeks with the Arc5 I wanted to share my comparison for anyone considering between these two flagship razors.
Why I switched: My Braun was still working fine but I wanted to try Panasonic's linear motor technology. I have thick coarse facial hair and heard the Arc5's 14,000 CPM motor handles that better than Braun's rotary system.
Cutting Performance: The Arc5 is noticeably faster on my thick beard. What took 5-6 minutes with the Series 9 now takes about 3-4 minutes with the Arc5. The linear motor really does plow through dense stubble more efficiently. Both give a close shave but the Arc5 requires fewer passes to get there.
Comfort: The Series 9 is gentler on my skin. The Arc5 is more aggressive which speeds up shaving but can cause slight redness if I'm not careful with pressure. For sensitive skin the Braun might be better.
Build Quality: Both feel premium and solid. The Arc5 is slightly lighter which some people prefer but I liked the heft of the Series 9. No complaints about either one's construction.
Battery Life: The Series 9 lasted about 50 minutes per charge. The Arc5 claims 45 minutes and that seems accurate. Both easily handle two weeks of daily shaving per charge.
Cleaning: I don't have cleaning stations for either. Both rinse clean under water easily. The Arc5's head pops off more easily which makes thorough cleaning slightly faster.
Value: The Arc5 ES-LV67-K runs about $150-170. The Series 9 9370cc is usually $200-250. For the performance difference with thick hair, the Arc5 is better value in my opinion.
Bottom Line: If you have thick coarse facial hair like mine, the Arc5's extra cutting power is worth it. If you have normal hair or sensitive skin, the Series 9's gentler approach might be better. Both are excellent razors but they excel in different areas.
Would I go back to the Braun? Probably not. The speed difference matters for my morning routine.
Gerald
Why I switched: My Braun was still working fine but I wanted to try Panasonic's linear motor technology. I have thick coarse facial hair and heard the Arc5's 14,000 CPM motor handles that better than Braun's rotary system.
Cutting Performance: The Arc5 is noticeably faster on my thick beard. What took 5-6 minutes with the Series 9 now takes about 3-4 minutes with the Arc5. The linear motor really does plow through dense stubble more efficiently. Both give a close shave but the Arc5 requires fewer passes to get there.
Comfort: The Series 9 is gentler on my skin. The Arc5 is more aggressive which speeds up shaving but can cause slight redness if I'm not careful with pressure. For sensitive skin the Braun might be better.
Build Quality: Both feel premium and solid. The Arc5 is slightly lighter which some people prefer but I liked the heft of the Series 9. No complaints about either one's construction.
Battery Life: The Series 9 lasted about 50 minutes per charge. The Arc5 claims 45 minutes and that seems accurate. Both easily handle two weeks of daily shaving per charge.
Cleaning: I don't have cleaning stations for either. Both rinse clean under water easily. The Arc5's head pops off more easily which makes thorough cleaning slightly faster.
Value: The Arc5 ES-LV67-K runs about $150-170. The Series 9 9370cc is usually $200-250. For the performance difference with thick hair, the Arc5 is better value in my opinion.
Bottom Line: If you have thick coarse facial hair like mine, the Arc5's extra cutting power is worth it. If you have normal hair or sensitive skin, the Series 9's gentler approach might be better. Both are excellent razors but they excel in different areas.
Would I go back to the Braun? Probably not. The speed difference matters for my morning routine.
Gerald
