Is the ARC5 good for coarse beards?

Yes. The five-blade head and beard sensor are built for dense growth, and owners with coarse beards report close shaves in fewer passes.

Can I use it in the shower?

Yes. It is a wet/dry shaver, so you can use it with foam or gel in the shower or dry.

How does it compare with the ARC4?

The ARC5 adds a fifth blade and a 16-direction head over the ARC4's four blades and fewer pivot directions, giving a closer, more contour-following shave.

What comes in the box?

The shaver, a clean-and-charge station, a Panasonic ER389K beard and mustache trimmer, a fiber cloth and other accessories.

How often do the blades need replacing?

Panasonic recommends replacing the blade unit about every one to two years, depending on use and beard thickness.

Does it work with shaving foam?

Yes. The wet/dry design works with foam, gel or soap, and it rinses clean under running water.

Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV97-K Shaver Price History: Lowest $279.95

Q: Where is the Panasonic ARC5 Advanced 5-Blade Men's Electric Shaver ES-LV97-K cheapest?

At Newegg, for $279.95, as of our latest check.

What reviewers say

Owners generally rate the ARC5 highly for shave closeness and speed, especially on dense beards. Complaints center on replacement blade cost and the size of the cleaning station.

What people mention

Shave closenessPraisedOwners say five blades and the fast motor give a close shave in fewer passes.
Head flexibilityPraisedThe 16-direction pivoting head is said to follow the jaw and neck well.
Blade costCriticisedReplacement five-blade heads are called expensive compared with three-blade rivals.
Cleaning stationMixedThe clean-and-charge station is convenient but large and needs cleaning solution refills.
Skin comfortMixedSome users report irritation on sensitive skin, while others find it gentle.

From Newegg

Advanced five-blade cutting system with ultra-sharp precision blades for a close, smooth shave
High-speed linear motor with 14,000 CPM, up to 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute
16-direction pivoting shaver head adapts to facial contours for thorough, irritation-free shaving
Beard sensor technology automatically adjusts motor power to beard density
Built-in pop-up trimmer for mustaches, sideburns and beards
Includes clean and charge station for hygienic maintenance

Guarantee: Contact the seller directly for warranty information; warranty information may also be found on the manufacturer's website.
Returns: Return for refund within 30 days; non-replaceable; covered by 6Ave Return Policy.
Shipping: Shipped by 6Ave.
Packs: Bundle includes shaver, clean and charge station, ER389K trimmer, fiber cloth and more accessories.
In the box: Panasonic ARC5 Luxury 5-Blade Men's Electric Shaver, Clean and Charge Station, Panasonic ER389K Rechargeable Beard and Mustache Trimmer, Fiber Cloth, More Accessories

About the Panasonic ARC5 Advanced 5-Blade Men's Electric Shaver ES-LV97-K

The Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV97-K is a men's electric shaver with a five-blade cutting system. It has a high-speed linear motor rated at 14,000 CPM, which produces up to 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute. It is rated for both wet and dry use.

The shaver head pivots in 16 directions to follow the contours of the face. A beard sensor adjusts motor power to the density of the beard. A built-in pop-up trimmer handles mustaches, sideburns and beards.

The shaver comes with a clean and charge station for hygienic maintenance.

Type: Electric shaver
Blades: 5-blade cutting system
Motor: Linear motor, 14,000 CPM
Cutting action: Up to 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute
Head: 16-direction pivoting
Use: Wet and dry
Trimmer: Built-in pop-up trimmer
Sensor: Beard sensor adjusts motor power
In the box: Shaver, clean and charge station, ER389K rechargeable beard and mustache trimmer, fiber cloth, more accessories