Value and Close Shave With Some Shortcomings

I’ve been using my brand new Panasonic Sonic-2 Pro-Curve Wet/Dry Shaver (ES4026, and hereafter abbreviated as “S-2”) for over a month now, so it’s time to weigh in. But before I give my review, I feel that I should explain that this is my first Panasonic shaver and that I’ve been an otherwise faithful Braun Flex Intergral shaver user for nearly a decade. Because of this, I may not be able to offer a purely objective review, but instead I find myself comparing the new S-2 to what I have become accustomed to over the past ~10 years.

WET/DRY: This is my first wet/dry shaver. I love the freedom to choose whether to shave in the shower or anywhere else for that matter. (The S-2 cannot be used underwater.) I actually prefer to shave in the shower because it seems that the shave glides across my skin more smoothly, while offering a closer shave. Shaving “dry” now seems passé. Clean-up is a breeze; just run the exposed blades under running water and all the little hairs and such disappear down the drain.

CLOSENESS OF SHAVE: The shave of the S-2 is even closer than the Brauns that I have used. The S-2 offers a very close shave, almost as good as a blade.

ERGONOMICS/COMFORT: The S-2 has a very natural feel and is comfortable to hold. The only deficiency is that the non-slip rubber has not been placed on the unit where I normally hold the shaver. The non-slip rubber is mostly on the sides of the shaver, and I tend to hold it by the front and back while shaving.

RECHARGING: This is an area where the S-2 could definitely improve. First of all, the batteries in the S-2 are nickel cadmium, which are long known to develop a “memory” problem. If not fully depleted of power before recharging, nickel cadmium batteries have a tendency of not being able to retain a full charge. Nickel cadmium batteries also have a shorter life span than other types of rechargeable batteries. My former Braun shaver, on the other hand used nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries, which do not have the “memory” weaknesses and have a much longer life span. Neither shaver offers the option of replacing the batteries unless done so at an “authorized service center.”

Another recharging issue is the number of shaves per charge. For me personally, I can get about 3 – 4 shaves out of the S-2 before it needs recharging, whereas the old Braun would go for a full week (6 – 7 shaves).

And a third issue about recharging involves the recharging equipment of the S-2. The recharging adapter of the S-2 plugs it into a wall outlet and acts as a base that supports the weight of the shaver sitting upright on top. (There is no cord.) This is adequate, but I actually prefer the system that Braun used, where a cord is plugged into an outlet and the other end into the shaver. This way, you could shave while the shaver is recharging, an option that you do not have with the S-2.

TRIMMER: There is also a beard trimmer which opens up to a 90 degree angle away from the shaver. This is useful for the mustache, sideburns and beard, but is not as well designed as Braun’s trimmer. The trimmer on the S-2 does not lock in position and can too easily be collapsed back into the shaver with very little pressure in the wrong direction. Braun’s trimmer, while very strong and stable, does not shave as closely as the S-2.