Having been going back and forth between Braun and Panasonic the past few years...decided to switch to Panasonic again.
Here's my take; the Braun's are great all around performers but don't cut as close as the Panasonics, which have a higher vibration rate and cuts per minute. Caution with the Panasonic: because of its faster cycle, sensitive skin users should use less pressure with the shaver, as it can irritate or cut the skin. There is a little learning curve when switching from Braun to Pans - Use a preshave lotion before shaving. All in all, I'm very happy with it and recommend it to those who want the closest shave possible!

Had used the four-blade Panasonic device a few years ago and was happy with it, but it was my first electric shaver and hadn't had anything to compare it to. The foils had somewhat deteriorated after about two years of use, and instead of getting replacements, just opted for a brandnew, cheap shaver.

Switched to a lower-model Braun that was absolutely worthless. The closest I could get was about the equivalent of a full-day regrowth using the Panasonic (both the four- and five-blade models). Once again, it was a lower-model Braun, so I can't comment on their expensive ones. But I make a point that the money you pay for this Panasonic upgrade is absolutely noticeable. Used the Braun for about six months before realizing that I wanted the Panasonic-close-shave again.

After getting this five-blade device, my wet shaves take about 3-5 minutes. I use Proraso as the shave soap. I go over the same places on my face multiple times, more just out of habit than because it's absolutely necessary. Closeness is so good that even twelve hours later I'm still baby smooth if I move my hand on my face with the grain.

Why the lost star: same as with the four-blade device, both of these Panasonic have absolutely pathetic sideburn trimmers. They're flimsy. The one on my four-blade device stopped working after about 18 months. The one on my five-blade device is noticeably the same; hopefully it holds out. The sideburn trimmer on the cheap Braun I KEEP IN MY CABINET IN THE DARK BECAUSE I PREFER IT OVER THE PANASONIC'S, DESPITE THE BRAUN BEING WAY WORSE. So yeah, that says a lot. But I still give four stars because the foil/close-shave function is stellar.

This shaver is great! It shaves closer than my Gillette fusion. Some spots you have to go over more than others but it is a quick shave and the self cleaner is great although it does take a very long time. I always hated electric razors because they would cut my neck this one does not have this issue. I believe it has the fastest motor on the market. The only issue I have is it shaves so close that I develope ingrown hairs on my chin and the sides of my mouth. I am 36 and looked like a 16 year old after I shaved. After 2 months of use, I do switch and use the Gillette every other time to help the ingrown hair problem it is not nearly as bad. It definitely takes a little time for your face to adjust. I have to shave often and it really is unbelievable how soft my face is after using this razor. It is expensive but when you consider an 8 pack of Gillette blades are about 40 dollars it will pay for itself in a couple years. I'd highly recommend this razor.

What an amazing product. This shaver works exactly as advertised. Even when using dry, you can expect a near razor close shave. The battery life is great and i especially love the charging option. Traveling? No worries there, take it with you and bring along the cord. The razor charges through either the cleaning station or cable.

The cleaning station works exceptionally well and doesn't have the alcohol smell other detergents have. Hands down, this is the Rolls-Royce of electric shavers.

Boss! -- Panasonic, in case you didn't know is probably the LAST true "MADE IN JAPAN" company still selling to a now 3rd world welfare state America. Back in the day buying Japanese goods was like buying gold. Today, if you look closely most 'Japanese companies' are "Made in China" if you read the print on the back... not Panasonic.. still geniune made in japan --note the optional 'cleaner' is made in china, and of course summarily breaks in about 4 uses...

The razor is boss. It's 'expensive' only if you are used to Wall*Mart quality and prices. If you have any respect for yourself you will find that this razor is priced exactly as what you'd expect for something that will ACTUALLY WORK AND LAST....

People in America expect everything to be $19.95 and last 100 years. Then they act surprised when it breaks after 2 uses...

you get what you pay for...

the thing shaves great, and LASTS... cheap pays thrice...