Cartridge Razor Review

Gillette ProGlide Review – A More Comfortable Fusion

Next up on the campaign to find the best cartridge razors is the Gillette ProGlide which is a razor that has some additional features compared to the Gillette Fusion5 that I tested and reviewed a couple of days ago.

The ProGlide came on the market in 2014 and was first named Gillette Fusion ProGlide, then Fusion5 ProGlide, and now it’s just called Gillette ProGlide. I guess it made sense at first to name it Fusion5 because the five blades and its colors were closely related; however, the significant differences between these razors should give the ProGlide the independent and unrelated name it has now.

Without going in-depth, the most significant changes compared to the Fusion5 are the FlexBall handle, top lubrication strip, and bottom MicroFin strip on the ProGlide. Yes, these functions can make quite a difference, which we won’t go into detail about here.

This review will look closely at the all-important features and test out the razor for facial shaving on various days of beard or stubble growth and head shaving. Finally, I will recommend who the razor would be best suited for within the closing thoughts. 

Video

The YouTube video I created for the razor might provide some additional information, and/or the visuals might help you out.

Description & Features

As I journey through these cartridge razor reviews, I can’t help but feel that Gillette’s marketing hype gets more hyped up as I move from one razor to another. But, I guess that’s the nature of product marketing and quite normal!

The ProGlide is available with its handle and one blade or a number of blades, usually 4, 8, or 12. Packaging and blade amounts will vary in different stores and countries. 

The ProGlide razor I bought for this review has orange and black colored strips on the cartridge blades, while the other colored cartridges have blue and green strips. They are the same blades and only differ in color, and my guess is Gillette is moving to green and blue to differentiate between the Fusion5 and ProGlide. 

• Blades: Gillette states the five martensitic stainless steel blades have an anti-friction coating that enables the blades to last for up to a month. Each blade is closely aligned to prevent skin bulging, and a spring-mounted base helps the blades adjust to the skin’s irregularities. 
• Precision Trimmer: Like the Fusion5 and others, Gillette has added an extra blade on the top back side for users to trim sideburns, under the nose, other hard-to-reach areas, and styling. 
• Lubrication: The lubrication strip we find on all Gillette cartridge razors is a thin strip along the top that gels when it gets wet. It is slightly wider than a Mach3 and Fusion5.
• Handle: The solid gun metal handle has rubberized sections which offer users plenty of grip when shaving. 
• Flex head: The head flexes back to around 60 – 70 degrees, enabling the razor blades to shave along the various contours of the skin and to get the best blade angle.
• FlexBall: What Gillette calls the Flexball technology is the cartridge blades’ ability to move left and right with the various contours of the face.
• Microfin Strip: The microfin strip at the bottom of the cartridge blade prepares and slightly stretches the skin. This stretching enables the blade to cut hair closer to the skin. 
• Changing blades: A small push button on the top of the razor easily releases the blade, and then a new blade is best attached via the cartridge case. 

Anything to add about the Features?

Gillette has certainly ramped up the styling and design of its razors. The Gillette ProGlide looks kind of futuristic, and if you like gunmetal razor handles, then you will like the ProGlide handle.

The FlexBall design is a very useful feature we find on electric shavers to enable them to move along the various contours of the face better. However, on my first shave, I could not notice any difference between this razor and the FlexBall with other cartridge razors that do not have the left and right movement (i.e., FlexBall). After the first shave, I was curious to see if I could see the FlexBall provide any movement, and I could not see any at all. It seems that a lot of pressure between the face and the razor would be required to enable the blade to move left or right, which would mean applying too much pressure for irritation-free shaving.

I’m not sold on the FlexBall, but that is just my experience; others might experience it differently.

Now, the Flex Head is a different matter compared to the FlexBall. The Flex Head moved backward and forward; it is easy to see and feel how much of a difference this makes when shaving.

The MicroFin strip at the bottom is a little different compared to the Mach3 and quite different from the Fusion5. The MicroFin strip on the Fusion5 is much bigger and bulkier than on the ProGlide, and I prefer the ProGlide version. The ProGlide has an extra guide beneath the MicroFin strip and a small strip above the MicroFin (the Gillette SkinGuard also has this).

The ProGlide Precision Trimmer (extra blade at the top back) is very useful. I have used it under the nose and tested it on my sideburns, and it works fine. Because the lubrication strip is wide on the ProGlide, I have had to use the trimmer as the gap between the blades and under the nose is significant, leaving a little hair behind – unshaven.

The heavier handle on the ProGlide is a welcomed feature for me and others, and the ergonomics are good. The rubberized sections make sure there is no slipping while wet shaving.

How Well Does Gillette ProGlide Perform And Shave?

I expected a similar shaving experience to what I got from the Fusion5, which was quite an aggressive close shave. There were mostly similarities, although I felt more comfort shaving with the ProGlide. 

How Often Did You Shave with the ProGlide?

As usual, I test out razors on three and two days without shaving and then daily shaving for three days consecutively.

With three days of growth, the ProGlide shaved through the whiskers very efficiently, and I could hear the feedback from the blades. There was some tugging, but when I slowed down, there was less. 

On a two-day stubble, I still got a very good shave that was quick and fairly comfortable. I noticed at this stage that I could now use much more lather on my face as the lubrication strip had slightly worn off the excessive gel it produces when the razors are new.

I’m not a daily shaving person; however, for testing purposes, I usually give it a go. I did get redness of the neck after the first shave and stopped daily shaving. The irritation shows the ProGlide has some aggression which is great for a close shave but not daily shaving for me (I am not overly sensitive, but I can get irritation).

Lubrication 

The lubrication strip on the first two shaves provided a lot of gel and too much to lather my face as I usually do with a safety razor or a Mach3. However, on the third shave, the lubrication strip produced less gel, and I could cover my face properly with traditional shaving soap. Too much of this gel stuff and lather does not seem to work well and makes my face too slippy.

The larger lubrication strip may have made it slightly harder to shave the hair right under the nose. However, as mentioned above, I used the trimmer on top of the ProGlide razor, which cleared it up.

How Was Head Shaving with the Gillette ProGlide?

I’m follically challenged, which allows me to test razors and electric head shavers for other balding gentlemen. Cartridge razors are about the closest and safest shaving tool for head shaving a man can get. 

The ProGlide, like the Fusion5 is great for head shaving. The shave is completed in no time without going over patches very much, and the end result is as smooth as a baby’s bum.

I highly recommend the ProGlide head shaving.

Do You Have Any Dislikes?

At this point, after using the Fusion5 and ProGlide five-blade razors, I’m not sure five are an advantage for me and others like me over three blades. Of course, the five could be overkill and unnecessary, but they do provide a faster shave.

As I have mentioned above, I am not sure that the FlexBall feature does much to improve the shave, but as it is just part of the handle, it cannot be doing any harm.

Overall Shaving Experience?

The ProGlide gives a very close shave, and it’s quick. Closer and quicker than a Mach3 with fewer shaving strokes.

However, while I like aggressive razors, they do not suit my skin when shaving daily. This aggressiveness is fine because my shave routine is not usually daily, but other guys could find it overkill and aggressive if they need to shave daily.

Cartridge Longevity & Changing Blades

Gillette states one razor blade provides up to a month of shaving. Blade longevity will depend on factors such as beard density and how often a person shaves ++. I find giving an idea of how many shaves a person gets is slightly more accurate.

I got ten shaves from the Gillette ProGlide blade and shaved my head twice with that same blade. The lubrication strip had worn, and the blades dulled at about nine, but I got one last shave out of the blade.

The blades are removed easily with the push button on the handle and like other razors from Gillette they kind of jump out, so do make sure you aim the razor and cartridge somewhere that won’t be a problem when the blade jumps out. The blade jumping out is probably why most people place the blade inside the cartridge pack, but I do enjoy seeing how far it will jump.

The blades are easily attached via the cartridge pack.

Caring for the Blades

A simple way to look after the blades and hopefully make them last longer is to just gently bad the razor after using it on a towel. This will remove the excess water and stop the lubrication strip from geling and reduce the chances of rust.

Value for Money – Costs?

The ProGlide costs around 15% more than the Fusion when purchasing the handle and four blades from Gillette. And the cartridge refills cost 30% more than the Fusion, which is a significant price hike.

*Cost (handle + 3 or 4 blades): Approx $22 USD (4 blades) – £21 UK (3 blades) – €18 EU (3 blades).

*Cartridges cost (4 pack): Approx $20 USD – £15 UK – €16 EU.

*Prices can vary from store to store, country, and the packaging of the razor.

As these new Gillette cartridge razor models upgrade or change, the prices also increase with the added features.

If costs were an issue, a buyer could quite easily stick with the Mach3. 

Final Thoughts – Who is the Gillette ProGlide Best Suited For?

There is a lot in common between the Fusion5 and Gillette ProGlide, but I would say the ProGlide does offer more comfort while shaving. The ProGlide still provides the closeness and aggressiveness of the Fusion5, but it seems to tone that aggressiveness down a little. 

The ProGlide is not a razor I would recommend for those with sensitive skin or those with a daily shaving routine (unless your skin is tough). It’s overkill!

Current Fusion5 users might like to try the ProGlide, but they should consider the extra costs, among other factors.

Gents with coarse growth or men with non-sensitive or tough skin are good candidates for trying out the ProGlide.

Next on the cartridge razor review campaign to get close to my skin is the Gillette Labs, which has an exfoliating bar and a cool-looking magnetic dock. You guessed it costs a little more, though!

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