Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 Review

The Panasonic ES8013S Arc3 is a slightly older Panasonic shaver but is still stocked across the world due to its great value for money. Generally selling for around $60 it’s on the lower end for such a competitive shaver. At the time of writing it has 4,245 reviews on Amazon and 4.5 stars making this a real contender for any buyer looking to purchase a low cost shaver that performs above its pay-grade.

The Panasonic Arc 3 features 3 full-width sharp nanotech blades that ensure a close shave without nicking or cutting the skin. The head of the shaver itself actually pivots which allows you to contour with the face meaning a much more natural experience that will ensure that no hairs are missed as is often the case with shavers that can’t pivot. The 3 blades on the Arc3 operate in a traditional foil motion which is the most common option for shavers and ensures the closest shave.

The design itself isn’t going to win any awards, it’s not the most beautiful shaver on the market but at such a reasonable price point you shouldn’t expect too much. The bezel is a light blue with a darker surround that is textured to provide you with grip whilst you shave. It’s clear that this is one of the older models still for sale based on the design alone but it does still offer a great performance and if the design doesn’t bother you then this is some of the best value for money out there today.

Packed with a high performance motor the blades are capable of providing 13,000 cuts in a single minute which is greater than even some of the newest shavers released by brands like Braun . It features a cordless design with a battery that rivals much more expensive models, lasting for multiple full shaves easily. This is particularly important with shavers like the Panasonic ES8013S Arc3 where the charger itself is used purely to charge, unlike the newer Braun shavers where the charger its also a built in storage and cleaning unit. It’s fair to assume that which models like the Arc3 you’re less likely to bother putting it on charge daily and so it’s important that the battery can last.

With a pop-up trimmer the Arc3 offers a lot of versatility . This is something that has often been removed in the newest shavers to save space and weight but is sorely missed. The trimmer can be used for your mustache, beard and sideburns to ensure a clean cut all around. Surprisingly, the trimmer packs quite the punch.

On models at this price point you often find that the trimmers are very weak in comparison to the main shaving head and can often feel disappointing and more of a novelty rather than a tool. That’s not the case at all with the Arc3, it feels like it was designed in there from the beginning and it works exactly how it should.

It’s important to note that this Panasonic model can be used in the wet too. This is one of the biggest benefits we’ll note throughout this Arc3 review. More and more people are using their electric shavers in the shower or with a shaving cream and so for an older model at such a cheap price point to be able to be used wet is a real selling point.

On the front of the shaver is a super convenient LCD screen which can tell you how much charge it has left. This is reminiscent of some more high-end Braun models and whilst it’s not crucial to have it’s a nice addition that screams of the value for money that this entire model represents.

Another really fantastic feature that the Panasonic Arc3 has is a built-in sonic vibration cleaning mode. This essentially vibrates the blades in such a way that when you run them under running water they are able to clean themselves. While we would still recommend that you regularly clean and sterilize the blades it’s not entirely needed because this mode does such a great job of cleaning out any excess hair which would have otherwise reduced the performance of the blades.

When you open up the ES8103S the box contains a really convenient travel pouch so that you can easily carry your shaver with you whilst you travel. It might comes as a shock to you but even more high-end shavers don’t always come with travel pouches as standard so it’s definitely a nice touch.

You’ll also notice that it comes with a spare set of hypoallergenic blades and foils for sensitive skin so that you have a replacement for when the built-in pair start to dull.

We’ve generally found that each pair of blades can last a couple months but it will depend greatly on the thickness of your hair and how regularly you shave. When you do finish shaving it’s important that you dry off the blades with a towel or a hairdryer to ensure that the blades are dry to prevent any rusting and to extend their life.

One of the most positive reviews we’ve seen from customers is that it’s excellent for those people who have sensitive skin. This seems to be because the blades are so efficient that you don't have to push hard onto the skin and you rarely have to go back over the same part of your face again, which could possibly cause irritation to the skin.

Overall, the Arc3 is by far one of the best shavers under $100 and can often be found far closer to $60. At this price point it’s an absolute bargain because it performs like a shaver that is more than double the price. If you don’t mind a slightly older model then the Arc3 could be right for you, with over 4,000 positive reviews it’s hard to go wrong. While some of the newer models offer slightly faster blades and a prettier design, the Arc3 has virtually nothing wrong with it. It’s a solid product that I’m sure will continue to be popular for another decade.