Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro GX5 – A Worthy Upgrade?
Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO GX5
The GX5 is the 2025 upgraded version of the Pitbull Gold Pro that features quite minor additional benefits over the previous version. It remains a very comfortable and quick head shaver with its practical, patented ergonomic design.
Pros
It provides a very comfortable head shave without irritation
The patented ergonomically friendly design makes a big difference when shaving around the back of my head
The blades flex when in use, which helps the shaver adapt to the various contours of the head
When shaving daily or every other day it takes a couple of minutes to complete a head shave
The percentage indicator is useful, and the travel case that the GX5 model comes with
Cons
Some online feedback is negative about the shaver’s longevity and returns policy
It's quite pricey
It will not shave as close as a manual razor
Skull Shaver introduced a new version of the Pitbull Gold Pro in 2025, named the GX5.
In this review, I will cover the pros and cons of the key features of the Pitbull Gold Pro GX5, as well as the changes made with the new GX5 version.
The Gold Pro with the upgraded GX5 remains on my best head shavers roundup page due to its features and its performance compared to other dedicated electric head shavers I have used and reviewed over the years.
Im not saying any of the Skull Shaver brand of shavers are perfect – none of them are; however, they are the best out of many I have tested and reviewed.
What’s New with the GX5?
When I first looked at the GX5, I thought the main difference was the travel case. However, after doing some research and putting it to the test, I found some other key upgrades and upgrade mentions.
- Upgraded Blades: The water-resistant rating for the blades on the GX5 is IPX7 for greater waterproofing, while the old blades were IPX5. IPX7 means the shaver can be submerged in water, so if it gets dunked in water, it will survive.
- Enhanced Motor: The official sales page mentions an upgraded, more powerful motor. I was skeptical at first, but after hearing the difference between the GX5 and the more expensive Platinum model I own (which should be the same as the old Gold Pro), the GX5 motor sounds noticeably faster. I would say I got a slightly quicker shave, but that could be due to it being a new shaver and having new blades.
- Travel Case: The blue hard travel case that comes with the GX5 previously only came with the Pitbull Platinum Pro (next pricier shaver up).
It is strange that the Skull Shaver comparison chart (see image below) only shows that the GX5 has the IPX7 blades and the additional travel case.
However, the website clearly states it has been upgraded with a more powerful motor (see first image below). The website also claims to have refined the ergonomically friendly handle (See second image below), which is not visible to my eye.
The bottom line for me on the upgrade is the motor sounds faster and feels slightly quicker, and the travel case is very useful.
I do think part of the upgrade is a marketing thing to introduce something new and appealing. However, all companies do this, so I am not going to criticize Skull Shaver for what is the norm.
Description & Features
In the box, we get:
- The GX5 shaver
- A hard travel case (previously only included with the Platinum model)
- A soft velvet pouch
- USB charging cable and wall adapter (a nice touch, as many brands skip the adapter now)
- Cleaning brush
- Blade cover
- Lubricating oil
It’s a nice, complete package — and the travel case is a practical upgrade over the Gold Pro.
Design and Ergonomics
The patented ergonomic design is what truly makes Skull Shaver stand out from the competition. It’s a game-changer for head shaving.
Design & Ergonomics Ratings
The ability to slide your fingers through the body and cup the shaver in my hand makes it incredibly easy to reach the back of my head and around the sides. You can also hold it traditionally, but once you try this “cupping” method, you’ll see why it’s so popular.
It took me a while to adjust to using the shaver with the cupping method, but now I use it that way throughout most of the shave.
When holding it at the sides, it does feel like the shaver has too much height, whereas other head shavers do not have that kind of height and can be held better for maneuvering around the head. This is not an issue for me as I am using it mostly with the cupping method, but if I weren’t, then it would not be the best design.
The GX5 or any other Skull Shavers do not have a rubberized grip like other head shavers have. However, this is not an issue as the grooved design at the sides works well when holding the shaver, and the cupping method of holding does not require grip.
Blades and Head Section
The GX5 uses the same Forte blades as the original Gold Pro, which are a very effective four-blade system. In my opinion, four blades are plenty. Some companies try to sell you on six, seven, or even nine blades, but that’s just a marketing gimmick.
Head and Blade Movement Ratings
The four blades on the Skull Shaver contour perfectly to the scalp. Not only do the rotary heads flex, but each blade also flexes (i.e., they press in), providing a comfortable and close shave while following the unique curves of the head.
The head section, unlike other head shavers like the Freebird FlexSeries, Manscaped Dome, Remington Balder Pro, and others, does not flex at all. However, if it did provide flex, it possibly would present problems with the cupping design method of holding it, and it is fine without any additional head movement anyway.
The head section can be removed completely (see video clip below), and attachments can be used like the trimmer and nose/ear trimmer, which are not included in the bundle. To remove the head, we have to turn it, and then to reattach it, we just align the head with the body of the shaver, and it fits in easily enough.
The top cap that holds the four rotary blades clips off easily enough, and inside, you’ll see a useful, large collection chamber (see video clip above) that collects debris while we are shaving.
Battery, Charging, and LEDs
We get 90 minutes of runtime from the GX5, and as I was able to show in a demo shave on YouTube, the shaver only used a few percent of its charge from a full head shave with three days of growth.
Battery, Charging, and LEDs Ratings
Of course, after about 12 months of use, the battery will not hold its charge as well, just like other lithium-ion batteries.
The battery percentage indicator is especially handy — it’s nice to know exactly how much charge is left instead of guessing. We dont get this feature with the Silver Pro model.
I quite like how the company provides a useful long USB charging cord and an adapter. Minor details, but I like them all the same.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is straightforward, and this is my method:
- Pop the blade cap off and blow out loose debris. You can also use the small brush provided to remove hair from the corners of the collection chamber that can get stuck.
- Run the blades with a bit of antibacterial liquid soap and water for 10–15 seconds, then rinse.
- Leave the cap off to dry for a couple of hours or so.
For a deeper clean, you can remove the individual blades (see video clip below) by undoing the grey retaining clip. I recommend doing this once a month, plus applying a drop or two of oil regularly to keep them running smoothly.
Cleaning & Maintenance Ratings
Skull Shaver recommends replacing the blades every 3-6 months. The lifespan of the blades depends on how often you shave and the coarseness of your hair. A new set of blades will cost you around $35 if you purchase them without a subscription. Just be mindful of the subscription option on their website—make sure you’re ticking the box to purchase the shaver and blades only if you don’t want a recurring charge.
Warranty
Skull Shaver offers a 1-year warranty in the USA and 2 years in the UK/Europe, plus a 45-day money-back guarantee (USA), 30-day (UK/Europe).
I’ve had and seen some users report trouble getting replacements under warranty.
The main annoyance I’ve seen people mention is having to pay return shipping if there’s an issue with a shaver within the warranty period. The company states it returns the postage costs within the 30 or 45-day guarantee period, but not the warranty period.
Personally, all of my Skull Shaver models are still working fine — but I rotate between many shavers for reviews, so I can’t vouch for long-term daily use over a long period of time. Just keep in mind: these are electronic devices, and failures do happen.
Subscription Plan
I have provided a few words of advice about teh subscription plan in the video below. It is worth checking out if you plan to buy the GX5 from the official website.
Head Shaving Experiences
I was not new to shaving with a head shaver from the brand Skull Shaver, and I have been using and reviewing them since 2019, including the Gold Pro.
However, it’s great to revisit a product and see if I have new views, and update any pros or cons.
Head Shaving Ratings
I used it shaving daily, every two days, and then after trimming my hair to hair clipper length without a comb (I accumulated four days of growth). It’s best to use dedicated head shavers on short growth.
Contours – Staying Close to The Scalp
The GX5, like all other Skull Shavers, shaves along the various contours, including the back of the head, extremely well.
The blades maintain contact with the scalp throughout the shave very well, which can be seen easily when shaving over the top of the head (there is no blade overlap).
Comfort
The GX5 is one of the best at providing comfort during shaving. Some head shavers I have used are a rougher shave than this shaver, even the Remingtons I have used and reviewed.
This comfort will make a difference for those who experience irritation on the back of the neck.
I dont get any irritation from the GX5 and can use it daily without irritation problems occurring.
Speed and Closeness
I get an extremely quick shave, and it’s one of the reasons why dedicated head shavers are a better option over standard shavers.
I can get a shave done in a couple of minutes when shaving daily or every other day.
The closeness is not manual razor close, and I do get left with some slight stubble areas on teh sides and back of my head where the hairline recedes.
If you want razor-close, then this head shaver or any other head shaver is not going to be right for you. The closest shaver I have used (for head shaving) is the Braun Series 9 Pro, but it lacks the ergonomics and other benefits that a dedicated head shaver provides.
Wet Shaving
We can shave with the GX5, and I have tried it with traditional shaving cream and a lather. I dont get much benefit from wet shaving and always feel like I might as well get a manual razor out.
However, some guys do seem to get a little additional comfort from shaving with a Skull Shaver wet with lubricant, and some guys like to shave in the shower.
The option to wet shave with your favorite lubricant is available if desired.
Value for Money
Within the Skull Shaver range, above the Pitbull Silver Pro, prices become quite expensive.
Value for Money Ratings
On the official US Skull Shaver site:
- Gold Pro: $111
- GX5: $121
The Gold Pro was already quite pricey, so adding an extra $10 to a pricey product might not please everyone.
The Silver Pro is what I would call a good deal at around $70 – $77 for a very good head shaver. However, you might want to check out the differences between the Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver and Gold Pro first before deciding, as you might prefer the additional features of the Gold Pro.
The bottom line for me is I am willing to pay the extra for the shaver I am most happy with.
Final Thoughts – Verdict (Who’s It For?)
The Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro GX5 is a very good head shaver. It’s comfortable, fast, and gives a decent result for a rotary electric shaver. The added travel case and the seemingly more powerful motor make the small price increase over the old model feel justified.
Would I recommend upgrading from the Gold Pro to the GX5? Probably not. If your Gold Pro is working well, there’s no need to switch.
Would I recommend the GX5 to someone looking for a new head shaver? Absolutely. If you have the choice between the Pitbull Gold Pro and the GX5, the GX5 is the way to go. You get the travel case, the better waterproofing, and what sounds like a more powerful motor for just a few extra dollars.
If you’re on a tighter budget and still want a great Skull Shaver, consider the Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver or the FlexSeries Pro. They’re both good shavers and great for anyone new to electric head shaving.
If you are looking for the closest head shave you can get from an electric shaver, then the Braun S9 Pro is one of the best options, but it costs over $200. See Braun Series 9 Pro Head Shaving Experience.
