Panasonic ES-GA-21S Men's Arc Linear Wet/Dry Shaver, Black

Panasonic periodically tweaks its shaver models, and the ES-GA21S, announced in early 2009, is another example. Prior to buying this model I owned the ES8101S for about 18 months until I accidentally left it at a hotel. The ES-GA21S is identical in its core shaving features (and shaving quality) to that model and to the ES8103S and ES8109S models. Reviews for any of those models should generally apply to this model as well.

I'll focus on the minor differences compared to the ES8101S. The ES-GA21S (except for the power adapter) is manufactured in Japan rather than in China, and its fit and finish seems slightly better overall. For example, the seams between the plastic components look more precise. This difference doesn't affect the shaver's function, though. Also, where the ES8101S is a matte blue color the ES-GA21S is a semi-gloss black. Neither is pink or magenta, so who cares? The ES-GA21S feels very slightly lighter than the ES8101S but just as solid. The ES-GA21S adds a simple rotating locking mechanism to the on/off button, but I never had any problems with the ES8101S turning on accidentally when I owned it. Like the ES8101S and ES8103S but unlike the ES8109S, the ES-GA21S does not include the "HydraClean" washing system. Washing the shaver manually is easy, and in my opinion HydraClean is just a bulky and expensive anti-feature.

The ES-GA21S is probably in Panasonic's "mid-high" range, and it's a good choice if you're looking for a wet/dry shaver that hasn't "jumped the shark" with superfluous features. For example, do you really need a digital readout showing how much battery charge is left? Probably not: the ES-GA21S charges rapidly at any voltage. It shaves well (after the normal adjustment period if it's your first electric) and reasonably quickly, cleans up easily, and keeps shaving well as long as you replace the blades and screen at a reasonable interval. (Panasonic says to replace the blades every year, but I think somewhat more frequent replacement works better. The screen probably lasts the two years Panasonic suggests, but perhaps it's easier to remember to replace it every other time you replace the blades.) The charger is relatively small, so there's no problem bringing it on longer trips when it might be needed. (But I'd leave it home for a weeklong trip. There's plenty of battery capacity on a full charge.) Shaving cream and gel (especially) just slow the razor down, so I'd just stick to warm water. If you're particularly sensitive try a little glycerin soap in the mix. Keep an eye out for the occasional sales Amazon has on Panasonic shavers.

I recently switched back to a Panasonic after once again giving Braun a chance. This razor as usual is far superior to the competition. The razor is whisper quite compared to any electric I've used in the past, and I have been using electric razors for the last 14 years. The shave is quick, precise, and very close. Clean-up is simple and does not require expensive cleaning cartridges. This razor works best with a wet shave. I do not use shaving cream nor lotion, just a couple handfuls of warm water to the face, then let the razor do the work. Battery life is strong and provides approx 10-14 shaves per charge. If you're looking for a quality razor at a reasonable price this one is worth considering.

This is my first electronic shaver and so far I am very satisfied with it. I used shave with Gillette Power Fusion shaver for years, but my facial hair grows way too fast. Need a cheaper shaving product and so far this seems to do the job just fine. It cost about $150+tax in Future Shop (down in Canada) so i figured i'd order it from Amazon. Cost me a total of $91CDN. Its a great bang for the buck.

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