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(More customer reviews)First up, my history. When I first started shaving, I used a disposable manual razor. Twice. After that, realizing shaving wasn't something one could usually get out of by choice, I bought an electric razor, of the rotary type. When the Gillette Mach 3 was introduced, I got that to keep for a backup, or for a closer shave for important events, concerts, shows, etc. Eventually I upgraded my rotary razor to a Braun Pulsonic (expensive) razor. Soon after, I tried the Gillette Fusion Power, to see how it compared. Lets just say it compared just enough to be actually worth comparing. This again went into the cabinet as a special occasional razor. About three months ago, as the cartridge in my Braun Pulsonic was aging beyond it's recommended life cycle and the shave was getting less close, and more painful, I decided to try the Gillette Proglides cartridges. I used them on my Gillette Fusion Power handle, since it's basically the same as the Proglide handle. Here was my experience with not one but four separate cartridges:
I decided to shave at roughly the same time every day, just to get a real good idea of how it performed in relation to my electric. I also shaved the day prior, with my electric.
The very first shave was very smooth and close, with no tug and pull, just as advertised. I was surprised, but pleased. It did tend to nick up my face pretty bad, but the blades were sharp enough so it didn't affect comfort. I shave well in advance of leaving home, so this wouldn't have been a big deal. The second and subsequent shaves were dramatically different from the first one. All were painful, rough, uneven, and frankly not all that close. I was close to just heading back to the Pulsonic with two year (plus) old cartridge, but I decided to stick it out. As the strip of lubricant wore down significantly, the comfort of the shave improved. It wasn't as close, but it was almost, if not as comfortable as the first. This lasted until the strip was nearly gone, and it was clearly time to replace.
I decided at that point to return to my Pulsonic, and just buy the new cartridge, as it had served me well for two years on one cartridge.
A few weeks later, I had an interview, so I bought a three cartridge set of the Proglide cartridges. I decided that after I used the one for the interview, I would use the other two to do a slightly different test.
With the final two cartridges, I decided to wait varying periods of time between shaves, so the stubble would be a different length each time.
Overall, the results were the same as the first time, with a few differences. Any shave of stubble that was between two days and five days old was much more comfortable and close than it would have been at the same point in the cartridge life cycle with shorter stubble. The longest stubble, which was about six days growth, resulted in a shave that was less close, but as comfortable as the other longer-stubble shaves.
I don't know whether my rate of stubble growth is typical or atypical, but I can grow a nice goatee in about a week.
Overall, I think that Gillette is going in the right direction, but they need to strike a finer balance between shave quality, and longevity of blades in order to make these worthwhile.
After all the hype (which I tried to ignore, but who can, really?) I was expecting something different, and much improved. Frankly, even the few times when I turn to a manual razor, I would probably turn to the old Fusion, just because I didn't have as many guessing games. It worked until it stopped, which was just before the color from the strip was gone. Even for someone who shaves primarily with a manual razor, unless they have money to blow, I wouldn't recommend the Proglide.
Overall, my opinion is that this is a debatable improvement over the previous generation, and that it was so far over-hyped that it created false expectations. Had it not been hyped so much as a dramatic improvement, I might have given it four stars, but that type of advertising really irks me.
NOTE: This was my experience with the product, and since this sort of product depends a lot on individual faces, hair, shaving habits, etc., it's not good to draw a conclusion based solely on a few other reviews. In addition, different people expect different things from a razor. I prefer a balance of longevity, comfort and closeness, while others prefer one over the others. My opinion is: if you're an owner of a Fusion handle, you can always get a small pack of the Proglide cartridges and try them out. They may well work differently for you.
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Re-engineered Low Cutting Force Blades with thinner, finer edges and our advanced low-resistance coating, enabling the blades to cut effortlessly through hair with less tug and pull.
A Blade Stabilizer to maintain optimal blade spacing for comfort, while allowing the blades to adjust to the contours of a man's face.
A streamlined Snowplow Comfort Guard which channels excess shave prep to help maintain optimal blade contact, stretching the skin for a close, comfortable shave.
An Enhanced Lubrastrip™, larger than before, infused with mineral oil and lubricating polymers, enabling the razor to move smoothly over skin even on repeat strokes.
An improved Precision Trimmer, including an enhanced blade, a comb guard to better align long hairs and rinse-through slots.
A Redesigned Handle with bigger, more ergonomic grips for better control, enhanced weight and balancing and improved transition between front and back shaving surfaces.
An innovative Microcomb that helps guide stubble to the blades.
Delivers soothing micro-pulses for incredible comfort. When the power turns on, the razor moves so effortlessly, you'll barely feel the blades.
The razor handle features an on-board microchip that provides consistent power, shave after shave.
A Low-Battery Indicator Light signals when to change the AAA battery, so you always have power when you need it.
Automatic Shut-Off turns off the razor after eight minutes in case of accidental activation, and protects the battery during travel.
*vs. Fusion® Manual
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