Following up on the premium ES-LV9Q, Panasonic introduces the ES-LV9U (similar to their TV naming convention, where the differentiating factor is often a letter). We at Senses are pleased to provide one of the first Nordic reviews of this new device.
The Panasonic ES-LV9U shares many similarities with its predecessor. The design has evolved from a grey metallic finish to a predominantly black plastic construction (with a refined finish), resulting in a slight reduction in weight, which improves handling. It retains the five-blade cutting system and a cleaning dock that sanitizes and sharpens the blades. Note that the cleaning dock requires a dedicated cleaning fluid, available for approximately 200 SEK per three-pack. The shaver is equipped with a high-performance motor delivering 70,000 movements per second, a speed designed to minimize skin irritation. Additionally, an integrated sensor measures beard density 220 times per second to further reduce the likelihood of nicks and blotchy skin.
It’s recommended to use shaving foam and wet shaving (e.g., in the shower) during the initial week of use. Subsequently, dry shaving can be employed for a smooth and efficient experience. This allows for convenient multitasking, such as attending to tasks around the house while shaving. The device is capable of effectively shaving up to three days of stubble in a single pass, and we found it to be slightly sharper than the previous model. The shaver head also exhibits a slightly reduced range of motion at the joint, potentially enhancing precision. For those with shorter beards, the ES-LV9U effectively captures trimmed hairs, minimizing stray hairs. Disassembly and rinsing under running water are straightforward for cleaning.
Functionally, the ES-LV9U performs admirably. The shaving experience is comfortable and convenient after the initial adjustment period. The metal components maintain a cool sensation against the skin, and the automated cleaning and drying dock is a valuable feature that should extend the lifespan of the shaver. One drawback remains the noise level of the cleaning process (considered significant by some members of the editorial team), which can be amplified in environments with reflective surfaces. Panasonic should consider optimizing this function to reduce noise in future iterations. Similar to its predecessor, the ES-LV9U is most effective on stubble and less suited for longer beards.
The package includes a hard carrying case for travel, a feature requested by many users. This case accommodates only the shaver itself, which is practical considering the cleaning dock contains liquid that would be difficult to transport.
The Panasonic ES-LV9U is part of Panasonic’s 900 series, scheduled for release in Sweden later this year, with an expected price of approximately 3,000 SEK with the cleaning dock (the shaver will also be available for purchase without the cleaning unit). This autumn will also see the arrival of the next level from Panasonic, the 900+ series, featuring shavers with six blades instead of five. We anticipate publishing a review of that model in the near future.
Panasonic provided test samples for this review. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence.
