Gillette Fusion 5 vs ProGlide – Differences Compared Side-by-Side
The Gillette ProGlide was first named the Gillette Fusion ProGlide, then Fusion 5 ProGlide, and now it’s just called the Gillette ProGlide.
Even the Gillette Fusion had its name changed to Fusion5 after minor changes were made to the original Fusion.
Anyway, that’s some of the name-changing confusion out of the way so we can focus on this article ‘Gillette Fusion 5 vs ProGlide’. A comparison project to find what features are different, what is the same about these razors, and which one shaves best – or rather, what aspects of the shave stand out with each razor.
I have recently used and reviewed the Gillette Fusion 5, and then I started shaving with the Gillette ProGlide, which I also reviewed.
About the Fusion 5 and ProGlide
These razors are quite closely related, and I can see why Gillette first named the ProGlide, the Fusion 5 ProGlide. However, there are some significant differences that I will go into shortly.
The Fusion was the first five-blade razor to come on the market in 2006, with Gillette stating five blades offer more comfort and reduce bulging, better than three blades. It seems the US company Schick beat Gillette to the four-blade razor (Schick Quattro), so Gillette went one up and got you guys five blades. How many blades next, I wonder!
The ProGlide followed the Fusion some eight years later, in 2014 with quite a few changes made vs. the Fusion with both main components (i.e., handle and cartridge blade).
Similarities and Differences
The first obvious similarity is they both are a five-bladed razor, and then both have a lubrication strip on the top and a MicroFin rubber strip at the bottom. The Fusion and ProGlide also both share the same rubberized grip.
| Fusion 5 | ProGlide | |
|---|---|---|
| Handle | Grip | FlexBall with Grip |
| Blades | 5 | 5 |
| Lubrication Strip | Standard | Large |
| MicroFin Strip | Large | Smaller Detailed Strip |
| Size | Slightly Longer and Wider than Fusion 5 | |
| Weight | Heavier than Fusion 5 | |
| Precision Trimmer | Yes | Yes |
| Cartridge Costs (x4 blades) | $15 | $20 |
FlexBall Handle
The FlexBall feature is only found on the ProGlide. This feature enables the razor head to move side-to-side and aims to flow with the contours of the face. However, I could not see the movement at all when testing out the ProGlide and found it would need much more pressure than required and less lubrication to make the feature work. Yes, flexible head movement is great on electric razors because they shave dry, but I could not see any benefit with the ProGlide vs Fusion5 or any other cartridge razor.
I do shave my head with cartridge razors, and it could be possible that the flexible head movement (FlexBall) helped at the back of the head, but I could not see this.
It could also be possible that the FlexBall head movement could be more beneficial for thicker beard growth; however, on three days of growth, I found no benefit and could not see its movement.
Lubrication Strip
Both razors have a lubrication strip at the top, offering extra protection while shaving. The ProGlide strip is slightly wider. However, I found this extra lubrication on this razor — as I did with the Mach3 Turbo (Mach3 vs. Mach3 Turbo), only made a difference on the first couple of shaves, and at first, it felt over lubricated. The lubrication preference will differ from person to person, and what other gel, shaving soap, or cream they are using.
If you like lubrication from the strips, the wider strip on the ProGlide will be helpful.
MicroFin Strip
The MicroFin strips on cartridge razors help guide the blades toward the skin and stretch the skin before the blades cut the hair.
This strip on the Fusion5 is considerably larger in width than on the ProGlide. The ProGlide MicroFin strip has more detailed rubber elements.
I prefer the bottom MicroFin strip on the ProGlide and find the Fusion5 is too wide. I guess I find the strip on the Mach3 is sufficient enough to stretch the skin a little, and both of the strips on the ProGlide and Fusion 5 don’t make a noticeable difference.
Weight and Size
The ProGlide is slightly longer, wider, and more weighty than the Fusion 5. The ProGlide feels more solid in the hand, and I like the extra weight.
I’m not sure the weight and size differences make that much difference though, in terms of how they shave.
Gillette Fusion 5 vs ProGlide Shave Experience
We have covered the similarities and differences in features of the ProGlide and Fusion 5 quite well, and all of this only really has meaning when testing out these shaving tools.
We need to compare the comfort, speed, closeness, ease of use, and overall end shaving result.
As usual, I have used and reviewed the Fusion 5 and ProGlide separately and then did a side-by-side shaving test.
I did find the Fusion5 an aggressive cartridge razor the first couple of times I used it. However, this may just have been about the skin adjusting to a new razor, which is normal.
When I used both razors together, there was very little difference between them and definitely no difference in the end result. I might have found the ProGlide slightly more comfortable, but that is a might.
I really wanted to be able to say wow, this ProGlide is so much more comfortable and gives a faster shave. Unfortunately, maybe only slightly more comfortable is all I can report for the ProGlide!
Both the Fusion 5 and ProGlide give a very close shave and fast.
ProGlide vs Fusion 5 Costs
We won’t look at the costs of the initial handle and razor purchase because that is just a one-off cost and not the best measurement compared to buying cartridge blades regularly.
In the US, Gillette’s website price for a four blade pack is $15 (Fusion5) and $20 (ProGlide). That is considerably more for the ProGlide blades.
We are not comparing the Mach3 here, but if we did then blades for the Mach3 cost $10. So, ProGlide blades are double the price of Mach3 blades.
While I do prefer the ProGlide, an extra 35% a pack? I’m not sure that’s a good deal when counting the costs over a year.
Final Thoughts – Which Razor is Best?
The Gillette ProGlide does look better and has enhanced features compared to the Gillette Fusion5. The ProGlide handle and its FlexBall are among these enhanced features. However, I found very little difference between them when shaving.
I would give the ProGlide the advantage on the comfort score while shaving. But, I guess if a buyer is okay with paying an extra 35% for each pack of blades for this little extra comfort, then go for the ProGlide.
If I wanted to save $5 the next time I bought a pack of cartridge blades, then I would go with the Fusion 5.
