Rotary vs Foil Razor - Which should you buy?

Panasonic Foil Shaver vs Norelco Rotary Razor. Comparing and contrasting the difference between the two technologies. I also must note that my skin is extremely sensitive.
Thanks for watching my first Video. :)
Razors mentioned:
Panasonic ES8103S (3 blade) amzn.to/3nNVp6C (Out of Stock)
Panasonic Alternative Models
Panasonic ES-LV65-S (5 blade) amzn.to/42ZZ6HG
Panasonic ES-LL41-K (3 blade) amzn.to/3W7FJud
Norelco (similar to my model with adjustable sensitivity adjustment)
SP9820/87 amzn.to/3nIhhQR
Norelco (alternate) S5588/81 amzn.to/3zlf4Nu
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
(both these Norelco models are able to be disassembled and cleaned)
Key Takeaways from video:
Don't waste your money on self cleaning shavers.
Braun shavers are very hard to manually clean and should be avoided along with certain Norelco models.
The choice between Foil and Rotary is what you want from your shave. Rotary IMO is going to be a closer shave, but might cause more irritation. Whereas foil might not be quite as close, but will provide a lot less irritation. Both work good and are wonderful options if you have sensitive skin, skin that is prone to ingrown hairs, or just want to save from having to constantly purchase a new blade.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. TY for the support. ♥

[@additios125]

*You, sir, look like a 16th century painting.*

[@RedFlyingFox007]

It's so weird but true

[@hichamelyassami1718]

lol

[@MONSTER-sf5il]

😂😂😂

[@rice4423]

It’s the eyes...

[@thankunext1625]

im screaming bc this is too accurate but doesnt make any sense 😂

[@JohannY2]

I think this video is the gold standard of how a product comparison should be done.

[@kshitijjain5456]

@Moon Rise foil

[@corbinslaymaker3346]

Check out vacuum wars than. Mans is top tier

[@RYLIK_89]

He's okay, Project Farm is much better.

[@aktchungrabanio6467]

I think I loved you before I met you

[@JG-kb6pz]

Great review!!

[@xw591]

I like how he started the video with the intense stare but quickly became comgortable & honest about the razors

[@BradByers12]

I've been using the 8000 series Norelco which looks similar to the Norelco you demonstrated. But the 8000 comes apart for cleaning. It has a separate unit to attach and use for sideburn trimming. The secret to preventing shaving irritation is to use a good wet/dry electric razor and shaving gel like Edge for sensitive skin. It gets closer too. My wife thinks the results are as good as a safety razor. I've been using different kinds of electric razors for 40 years.

[@taddddd67]

Great job on the review. I Purchased this exact Panasonic foil shaver after watching this review. It is my first foil shaver, and i absolutely love it. Shaves well, love the battery indicator, easy to clean, feels great in the hand, and if you don't like the pivoting head you can lock it. He is correct when he says it doesn't pull the hair as much as the rotary. Great purchase!!

[@MrOptik1]

Great video mate very accurate and descriptive. You were highly in depth and that helped me make a confident decision so thanks.

[@unclejoe3397]

This is the 5th video on electronic razors i've seen and by far the most useful. You give practical advise in your comparisons. Thank you. I've been using rotary for about 35 years but am about to go to the Panasonic.

[@pininja4981]

35 YEARS?? damn... It really took you 35 years to finally try something new huh...

[@lovemademan]

Panasonic cheaper and much more balanced! Cheers!

[@delg1211]

@@pininja4981 LOL

[@marvin2678]

dont you like rotary anymore ?

[@RyanK-100]

A very logical video with the time wasting sections cut out. Thank you. A great summary of important features that are rarely reviewed. Great job.

[@kpdelaney6460]

This was so helpful! The panasonic seems to fit my needs better. Thanks for the tip at the end to not wash the face before shaving; that makes a lot of sense!

[@Beatit19]

Awesome review and comparison! Im a lady looking to buy an electric razor for my hubby as a gift (he’s never had one!) so this helps a lot. I was actually about to buy the Norelco rotary for 279 bucks and this stopped me on my tracks.. I just heard similar commentary as yours on it on another video. The foil shaver seems perfect for my guy, thank you!

[@JazzBarista]

You look way too you to have been shaving for 22 years! This video was really helpful. In all the reviews I've read, there was no discussion of the ability to properly clean the blades. Great demo. Also good tip on NOT washing prior to shaving.

[@herlysarmiento9863]

I have been using electric razors for 30+ years. This is Hands down the best review I have seen. Thank you!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I’ve never liked rotary razors. So much I never bothered trying a foil. But I finally bought a cheap foil razor at the dollar store for 10 bucks and I’m pleasantly surprised!! If a 10 dollar one works that good then I’ve been missing out for a long time and should have bought a quality foil one years ago

[@ShuffleToExpresss]

I'm high af watching this and very intrigued, thanks man

[@shaunmeyer420h]

I'm baked af too, and this is overly interesting right now 😅

[@giladelian]

it seems like he is too

[@learn2therhythm]

Bro same

[@benkova6925]

Jesus Christ, how did I end up here in the same manner? Guess I'm not mixing strains anymore..

[@JokobZuma]

Lmaoooooo

[@marceloa.8881]

This dude deserves way more views, know how to do reviews and great points when buying shavers!

[@expeditingvineet]

You answered exactly what I was looking for. Others did not. Thankyou

[@Will-ql5db]

Excellent review, Mr. Vaun.

[@khanscombe619]

I grew up on Braun 5, 7, & now 9 series. Awesome for close smooth. Ya, the rotary types pull if sensitive like mine is. Great video. We just fun to watch (:

[@ryandirkse4374]

Your video answered all my questions. Thanks so much this was a big Help!!!

[@notacontentprovider]

Finally, someone doing a practical revew. Brilliant, thank you.

[@robertkraychik1884]

Excellent video, Dan. Very helpful.

[@YosemiteJohn]

Good video especially about what not to buy, which had seen it 25 years ago though Braun shavers can last a lot longer than they say if you take them apart once a month and clean all the moving parts with a brush, but your Panasonic foil design is much better for the reasons that you state. That rotort one is a lot easier to clean than the one I had in the 80's too though it wasn't bad.

[@RZetlin]

Your advice has helped a lot in choosing a shaver.

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for your input and information. I have been having issues with my Norelco rotary and just ordered a battery operated Panasonic foil razor as a backup. With rechargeable batteries

[@EThaiZone]

Wow. Thank you so much for making this video. I have same problem too when I tried rotary razor and it pulled so I stopped using any electronic razor. Now looks like I still have another choice.

[@atulranade4348]

Thanks, this was quite helpful review while choosing the right shaver.

[@atokagawa5596]

Your face and voice are so calm that I didn't feel the 8 minutes passing. Great video, subscribed.

[@jonathanr2417]

Super helpful! Thanks for the succinct review and tips.

[@justinkase9345]

I own a foil and a rotary shaver. The rotary is quieter. The stubble stays in the razor and doesn't fall on you and your sink, table, etc. But the foil gives you a closer shave. I shave my head and it is very apparent on that skin & bone dome. I use a Braun foil and a Norelco rotary. For me, it is like night and day. The foil shaver gives me a closer shave.

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

Yes, the foil gives you a closer shaving, but the problem lies in the neck hairs. Better using the rotary to finish there.

[@rondail5675]

Thanks Justin.

[@dandisatya3727]

@@josepmariaaguascaribot9239 yes for best result just combine it

[@SynnJynn]

@@josepmariaaguascaribot9239 dang that sucks... so you need to get two shavers?

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

@@SynnJynn : I think that is the best option.

[@BorisG13]

Thank you for this! Finally a comparison that makes sense!

[@TimeWarpKing]

Loved the video Dan! Thanks for the tips! :)

[@ecsyntric]

been on YT for 12yrs . cant believe first time watching someone shave

[@JLeonSarmiento]

This is the kind of guidance I was looking for

[@orion5992]

EXCELLENT Presentation and review.

[@Makeit101]

You sir look very normal Dan, and provided very good information while making an excellent and representative comparison of the two electric shaver types. Bravo!

[@dan2851]

Outstanding video. Thanks. Well done and informative.

[@DowntownCanon]

I'm historically a blade shaver although I've bought a number of electrics over the years. With the pandemic and working from home, I haven't felt like using a blade so I got out my Braun foil and Norelco rotary. I'm liking the Norelco better.

[@alans.wendelschafer6588]

This is by far the best video I have seen on electric shavers on The Tubes.

[@TNTRVing]

I have had my Norelco 9190 XL for 23 plus years and as of yesterday it will not take a charge. Simply amazed that it lasted that long!! Thanks for the review...

[@TNTRVing]

Just purchased thru your link!!! Thanks

[@rondail5675]

Great, logical review. I've been using Norelco rotaries for 25 years. After your review, I am buying an Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men ES8103S Arc3. And I will try shaving before washing my face! Thanks.

[@trevor9066]

Think I will go for foil type since I plan on shaving every morning. I want the least amount of stubble visible, but don't want those red bumps from the rotary.

[@BASHERSUNITED]

Thanks for this video! I am just switching to electric and I didn't know the difference nor did I know that I should not shave right after a shower. Thanks for your help!

[@TheFarmanimalfriend]

I have been shaving for more then 30 years. I was using a Braun Series 8. The foil degraded in the clean and renew holder, and it completely trashed my face. I tried a Phillips/Norelco shaver and was astounded. It shaves my neck, without pain, for the first time ever! The three shaving heads are held on by one cover. I hated the Braun and love the Phillips/Norelco. 👍👍😁👍👍 I will never buy a Braun shaver again.

[@Zandor434]

thanks for the vid. good review. bought the foil on your recommendation.

[@KalonOrdona2]

Very helpful dude, thanks!

[@kassyliuk6492]

Thank you VERY MUCH for this video and for sharing your experience!!! ❤️❤️❤️ I am about to buy an electric shaver and am choosing between these 2. So thank you, thank you, thank you! 👍👍👍

[@kassyliuk6492]

@Minecraft . Wow, I have legs, can you imagine that?

[@VonSpyder]

I agree entirely that oscillating style shavers are better suited to sensitive skin and easier to clean. I've had numerous rotary style shavers and every single one of them ripped hair from my face. Now with the oscillating style the big issues I've always encountered were whether the foil screen was durable (almost all of them developed holes that made the shaver unusable, OR the foil screens holes weren't large enough to give an adequate shave) my favorite shaver of all time was my remington dual foil 5 (yes, I'm so old my favorite shaver was CORDED) it finally got a hole in the foil screen last week after nearly 30 years of faithful service, so I'm having to try to find a replacement, but i guarantee it will be an oscillating style shaver. Great review!

[@vesselinkrastev]

I know this is an old comment, but how long did it take for the holes you mentioned to develop? I literally can't understand how this is possible unless you were to use the foil for way longer than intended. The foil and blades of most shavers are rated at 1-2 years. I understand people trying to save a buck and stretching that to 3-4, maybe even 5-6 if your beard is not that dense. I do that as well. But 30 years?! That's just crazy to me...

[@thepurpleufo]

This is a great video on several levels.

[@Vladislavbgd]

Thanks. The best explained problems with the shawers and the skins overall. Much obliged ✅👌

[@dtyn]

This is a helpful video. I have similar experiences with both foil and rotary and yes, I much prefer foil for the reasons you mentioned. Rotary is not as good for stubble that’s longer and it can tug (ouch!). However I’ve switched to using a razor wet shave now but still like to use my foil once in a while.

[@BorisG13]

Why did you switch?

[@dtyn]

@@BorisG13 I travel a bit. A razor is lighter than an electric shaver to pack along.

[@TheTarajiste]

​@@dtyn I noticed that shaving with a manual razor takes approximately the same time as shaving with an electric razor, and the result is of course better. I don't see why there is so much interest in electric razors when we have the best results and the cheapest price with the manual razor?!!

[@arpitadatta2711]

This was so informative. I am trying to buy one for my husband and now I KNOW. Thank you.

[@ahmadawadallah5321]

This was really good info. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@rajibalam9748]

Thank you! This video was very helpful!

[@Moiez101]

Your review was superhelpful especially the part about the type of rotary shaver(detachable vs. non-detachable). Im planning to buy philips rotary.

[@chaosblow4838]

Great video !

[@touavang1092]

Nicely explained, now i know what I want to get. Thanks

[@mikenkaried4543]

Reading the comments and listening to this guy its clear to me that people forgot what a lift and cut is. When he said the rotary tends to pull the hair around the 3:50 mark ... he's right and its by design to pull the air up and cut it dropping it back down below the skin giving you a closer shave that will last for some of us even until the next day. It seems that feature is sort of lost these days?? I actually started my search with "lift and cut vs foil" to see if foil was finally providing that capability.. seems like it just isn't made to do that, but I can certainly see hy long hair would be more comfortable with a foil as it is not designed to Lift and cut and wont feel like its ripping out long hairs.. it just runs over those who enter the screen with a blade meaning it leaves part of the hair sticking just out of your skin, which with this guy you may never see it.

[@anthonycaldi7056]

Great Video...very informative!

[@terry7893]

For cleaning a foil shaver, I have a Braun 7 series with the cleaning station. That cleaning station is KILLER! Makes the razor like new. You're supposed to use the cleaner after each shave but I only use it maybe once a week.

[@Rokio5]

3 months passed, are you still happy with your s7?

[@terry7893]

@@Rokio5 My s7 was already several years old before buying the cleaner. Quite frankly, I like rotary razors and HATE foil shavers. But I bought the Braun because it was highly rated. It is the best foil razor I've ever had but I have to go over my face repeatedly, where a rotary shaver can do the job faster. The s7 does have a fantastic clipper on it though. Does the job like you wouldn't believe.

[@niveshkomal2894]

Awesome review! I hate the rotary system because my philips shaver made my face red for almost 2 days, Its terrible for sensitive skin. I bought that braun series 7 and I loved it, however you need the cleaning station in order to clean the blades, I hate that the blade is not seperate. Thats why I am buying the panasoic arc 5 next. Everything you said was accurate and helpful

[@andrewkinzie9564]

Thank you for your video. This is the information I was looking for to purchase a proper electric shaver for a good price on this Amazon prime day. 🤙

[@afaqnadeem8579]

this was really very helpful. Thanks!

[@douglascassetty6553]

At last a a good video. Thanks

[@bozhidarpetrov]

For little to buy Braun but your review saved me. Well done

[@sanjaykumarnand6252]

Thanks. This really helped

[@ahmedsyed3436]

Purchased “Panasonic ES-LV65-S” (for $123). I prefer to shave dry because shaving dry is faster and less messy too. This electric shaver is amazing, I was skeptical but trust me it shaves as close as blade. Thanks for the video.

[@bunberrier]

Ive read those Norelco circular screens and cutters are matched sets, and therefore best results are obtained by keeping each cutter with the screen it came with originally. Idk if thats actually true, but its a habit I've always followed. I have to shave every day and have very thick coarse growth. I used my first Norelco for almost two decades before it finally wasnt worth repairing, and I have been on my second one for about 8 years. Vs razors the cost alone is a winner, but also not ever cutting yourself accidently, and the ability to shave basically anywhere. I do it while Im driving sometimes. You dont need a mirror; run it all over where you think you got it all, then search by feel for any spots you missed and follow up. Once you get the electric one you will never go back.

[@randombrandon8514]

Some of the newer Norelco don't keep that shaved hair contained well so if you shave on the go the hair will fall down your shirt.

[@robertestrada1683]

Thanks Dan I’m expecting to spend $60-90 on my next shaver and didn’t want to get something that I was gonna regret but after watching this video I’m definitely going with the foil type

[@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked]

Foil generally seems better. Xiaomi says they have one that doesn't tug, especially on low battery. But I dunno.

[@marvin2678]

@@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked tried that, can't recommend

[@ginotarabotto]

Great tutorial. Thanks!

[@fideauone3416]

Had several rotary types but I have been using an Andis foil razor for a year and it is definitely the best.

[@deandrewolf5996]

Thank You for this video 🤝🍻

[@SPORTCAR545]

very helpful info. thank you very much

[@wakeupnow2996]

You've been shaving for 22 years!? So you started when your mom bought you a razor for your 5th birthday? Lol Dang. You look great!

[@lumashsingh6629]

Thank you, very helpful video!

[@murrymurf]

Excellent info!

[@chasb7771]

I'm a woman, trying to help my 96 yr. old father. This video is very helpful Thanks 👍

[@buildingtradesassociation4740]

Great video thank you keep it up

[@thecrowing1989]

Such a great video, thank you

[@drone-age9173]

The arcitec does disassemble completely. I take mine apart once a month to deep clean and I like to sharpen it. It is the best razor Ive ever owned. Thank you

[@Hirokiji]

Ye I concur. I never use my Arcitec, but I can remove the blades easily as well... How do you sharpen them though???

[@cameronjones305]

You're welcome

[@janwilliams178]

Just purchased a braun 300s foil shaver and I must say so far so good.

[@jigarbarot786]

Thanks a lot man. It helped a lot.

[@WEE2LY]

nice review it help me a lot bro

[@davidaustingreen]

Thanks for making the video. I'll be switching to a foil razor. I like the Panasonic! It has a lot of good reviews

[@Lev79T]

Thanks. A lot of good information.

[@canhthanhle2542]

Thanks for the review

[@qazifaisal5]

I just bought two non branded rotory electric razors so we will find out how they work tomorrow. Great video learned a lot.

[@PMitchell106]

update?

[@myspace04]

@@PMitchell106 did you check obituary columns in news?

[@TimidapsinVids]

😂 😂 😂

[@ChillCash]

So clean of a shave, he was beyond replying. That settles it, I'm switching to rotary.

[@benoitthibeault7846]

It's nice to see this comparaison. In the end you're talking about the oil or whatever to put before shaving and I agree that most of the time it's useless, but I find that when I shave after a couple of days that I haven't, my rotary razor pull my hair less and I get less irritations using it.

[@benoitthibeault7846]

@Moon Rise I never used foil.

[@saladler]

Great post. Thank you.

[@lokmack3746]

Omg! Rare! Detailed! Precise! To the point! Organized!!! I love that!

[@Tony-un3vf]

Good information, thanks

[@Uns_Maps_8]

Great video

[@dlloyd6300]

I have also used both and find the Panasonic foil to be far superior in cut, comfort, and cleaning.

[@bernardputersznit64]

hust for your comment about the Braun cleansing made this video wholly wort it - thank you

[@JT-td1th]

To the point! Good job.

[@Jeff-tt7wj]

Ok I need to buy a foil razor right now. I’ve always used rotary and found it to be a bit inconveniet but didn’t know there was a better way. Thanks for this video!

[@foreverfree2624]

Excellent video

[@jimjack3447]

Very useful thanks

[@ManjitSandhu]

Great video Thanks.. Just wondering if there is a newer model of Panasonic that you would recommend now?

[@lewisdoyle]

I bought my first rotary this year (Philips 9000) after 15 years with foils. I always buy high end and have had Braun and Panasonic foils. Have to say that this Philips rotary gets closer than a foil ever did. I can get as close a shave with the Philips as I ever could with a blade. One downside is that the Phillips cannot shave a perfectly straight edge on my sideburns. I wouldn’t go back to foil now. Shaving is a very personally thing though and what might be right for one person will be completely wrong for another.

[@griffot]

I agree. I’ve used Brauns forever but after a year with a Philips I’m a fan. They’re better in every way (for me)

[@rico4you]

The best gift from my wife...the Philips 9000...it's just amazing...wife loving my baby smooth skin...no more thigh irritation for her..😜😃😃

[@filipemachado5419]

I think philips got it right in the new model releases(rotary), I had the old Philips Norelco Series 2000 model and I thought it was good, but it lost a bit in performance related to the new braun series 9 release (my brother has one of these). I bought the new philips s9000 prestige and can say for sure that it gives an excellent result. Since you mentioned a downside of rotary models that are straight lines, I can mention one advantage of them is that they are much quieter than foil models

[@midifire]

I'm not buying Philips electronics anymore, time after time they fail just after the 2 year EU warranty. Dutch junk.

[@glennbucc7107]

The Norelco 9000 and Prestige are much better rotary than the one you used here.

[@arncj18]

do you use machines exclusively or use safety razers as well? My nech is so hard to get baby smooth even with classical shaving, so i was wondering if something like a babyliss fx02 which everyone is praising would do the job.