Panasonic ES8109S Hair Trimmer

Pros: Closest shave I've ever had. Vortex cleaning system even better. Price is right. Love it!
Cons: Cleaning apparatus a little noisy for first 20 minutes. No corded operation (fortunately charges quickly).

I haven't written a review in a little while, mostly because I've found little to inspire me enough. . . but leave it to this little baby, of all things, to do just that! Here's the funny thing: my most recent review? About the Panasonic ES7056S ...

Pros: Very very close clean shave.
Cons: Price is steep at over $100, hope it lasts.

I have used several brands of electric shavers for years, settling mostly on Norelco. After reading up on new models I decided to spring for the highly touted expensive Braun Pulsonic in hopes of a clean shave in return. Right off out of the luxurious ...

Pros: close shave, clean cut, LED charge level, non slip grip, good feel in you hand
Cons: I wish I had 2, one for home and one for work.

I was reluctant about electric shavers because I tried them years ago. Since I have a full beard (italian guy) they never got close enought for me and use to pull. This one is great. I have used it for 2 months now and I love it. I started shaving on my ...

Pros: Close shave,
 Shaver can be used in shower
Cons: Very clumsy cleaning-charging unit,
whaich is harder to clean than the shave
(any shaver).

There are two methods of cleaning the shaver.

1) Using the stream water from the tap
2) Using the Cleaner-Charger  unit (recommended)

Both are described in
Panasonic Operating Instructions Rechargeable Shaver ES8109
for Panasonic ES8109 Electric Shave

which can be downloaded from
http://personalcare.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/panasonic/es8109.html

method 1) is activated by holding on the ON/OFF button 20 20s (after removing the cover). It's OK, but not recomended.

Method 2 is recommended, it also charges the shaver and dryes it.

Method 2 requires buying a cleaning cartrige (with detergent).
(once a month $5 on average)

That is not the main problem:
Cleaning the cartiege is more dificult than cleaning the shaver!

Fig 4 in the manual is very misleading. The Cleaning unit
is 7 cm (3") deep and not easyly reachable by paper tisues.

Pros: Extremely close shaves.
Cons: Battery doesn't last and can't be replaced. Shaving in the shower wastes water.

The Panasonic ES8109 gave me the closest shaves I have ever had. No 5 O'clock shadow at all, and a smooth face well into the evening. The performance was very impressive. If anything the shaves were a little too close when used wet as evidenced by the number of nicks on my chin. The automatic cleaner was also a nice feature, and the price was reasonable compared to other similar models from other manufactures.

Unfortunately the thing didn't last. It uses a lithium-ion battery which is light and powerful, but they tend to fail within 2 years (this one lasted 1 1/2 years). I called Panasonic about it, and the only thing they would do is try to sell me a new one at a higher price than what I paid for this one (even after a supposed 15% discount). With that attitude toward customers, I will look elsewhere.  In the mean time I will go back to my old Braun rechargeable that is nearly 10 years old, but still works, and the battery (NiMH) holds a charge just fine.