Had my 1st shave with my new Panasonic ES8249 today and was very happy. I have been a Braun owner forever, last one a 8595, but I didn't like Braun not supplying fully compatible foils for my shaver and I wanted a new shaver that was fully up to date.
1. The ES8249 makes a higher pitched noise but operates with much less vibration.
2. I didn't find it any quicker but got a better, closer shave from a more comfortable shaver which is also lighter than my old Braun.
I don't intend to use the wet shave or shave in the shower options as notwithstanding the shaver being designed for them, it appears to suffer from immersion and I can't be bothered with all the bits and bobs connected with wet shaving!
I haven't tried the cleaner yet but I'm glad I bought a shaver with a cleaner system but I note the comments other reviewers have made about the greater cost of replacement foils, cutters and cleaning cartidges.
Thanks to all those who reviewed this shaver before me, your comments really helped.
Very pleased with this model. As a previous Braun and Panasonic user, I find the closeness of shave unequalled. Shaving is much quicker because I don't have to go over the same area several times.
Cleaning/charging takes a while but the job is well done. Only reservation is that remaining power indication disappears soon after shaver is switched off, but I suppose that helps conserve power.
Don't see need to go for much more expensive new 5 blade/14k rpm model - especially at the price Shavers.co.uk sells the ESB8249 at.
I've owned dozens of shavers from various manufacturers and I've had a better/quieter shave before, but this Panasonic is the only shaver with zero irritation to the face/neck regardless how long I take to shave.
If the foil & cutters weren't so criminally over priced I would award it a 10.