Gillette ProGlide Power Razor Review: Does the Buzz Make a Difference?
Gillette ProGlide Power Razor
The Gillette ProGlide is a suitable razor for normal to hardy skin, effectively handling coarse growth. Adding some microvibrations to the razor does have an effect, and while I don’t think it’s a must-have feature that will wow anyone, it was enjoyable to try.
Pros
It gives a very close shave, and quickly
Ideal for normal – tough skin types
Good rubberized handle grip and ergonomics
The flexible head movement is useful when shaving over the contours
Larger lubrication strip
The power features seem to have an effect
Cons
It might be too aggressive for some men (old-style blade), especially for sensitive skin types
It might not be the best daily shaving tool for some men
Not sure the FlexBall is beneficial
For some time now, I’ve considered the Gillette ProGlide a great all-rounder in the world of multiblade razors.
It consistently delivers a comfortable and efficient shave, striking that perfect balance of being neither too mild nor too aggressive.
I’ve previously used and reviewed the standard ProGlide, and it earned a spot on my annual Best Cartridge Razors round-up page for being a good all-rounder.
Gillette markets the ProGlide, largely due to its “FlexBall” technology, which allows the head to pivot left and right. They offer a wide range of razor designs, but the flex head is a key feature for the ProGlide.
So, does adding vibrations to the ProGlide improve its shaving performance? My quick response to that is that it does, to some extent. However, it may not suit all men, which I will discuss in this review.
Design & Features
Handle
Comparing the standard ProGlide to the ProGlide Power, you’ll notice that the Power version is slightly longer and features a wider handle. The wider handle makes sense, as it needs to house a battery!
The handle itself features a generous rubberized grip on both the front and back, making it very comfortable to hold, even when wet.
FlexBall
It retains that signature FlexBall feature of the ProGlide, allowing the head to pivot left and right. The pivoting head is designed to assist shaving by adapting to your facial contours, much like the movable heads on some electric shavers.
Honestly, in my experience, I haven’t found this particular feature to make a noticeable difference in the shave itself. I’ve tried to consciously observe its movement during shaves and haven’t really seen it in action.
If you’ve had a different experience or found a specific technique that highlights its benefits, please share it in the comments – we’re all here to learn and help each other out!
Power Mode and Battery
So, how does the “power” work? You simply press a button, and the handle vibrates. When I inspect the blades, I notice a subtle vibration is present.
The big question, of course, is whether this micro-vibration actually improves the shave. As I have mentioned, it does, slightly!
The ProGlide Power requires an AAA battery. You simply twist the bottom section to reveal the battery compartment. It comes with an AAA battery, and the compartment seals up nicely, so I’ve never had issues with water leaking in.
These AAA batteries last for months, resulting in minimal extra expense for battery replacements.
Cartridge Blade Features
Here’s where things got a bit interesting – and a little confusing! The ProGlide Power razor I purchased came with a cartridge that’s actually very similar to the Gillette ProGlide Shield. The only real difference is the color of the lubrication strip (orange for the ProGlide Power, yellow for the ProGlide Shield).
I looked into this because I expected it to come with the standard ProGlide cartridge. It turns out that the one I bought is labeled “new” on the box (see next photo below), suggesting that this is a newer version that uses the same cartridge as the Shield.
I’ve also seen the ProGlide Power sold (see next photo below) with the traditional ProGlide cartridges (usually named Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide Power).
The “new” one I received features a fairly large lubrication strip at the top, along with the five blades. Just below the blades, you’ll find a micro-fin strip and a micro-comb (see nest photo below). The micro-comb is designed to guide hairs, while the micro-fins help pull the skin taut before the blades cut. What’s also notable about this “new” cartridge is an additional lubrication strip at the very bottom, which the standard ProGlide cartridge does not have, and features a rubberized area in the same location.
The Fusion5 ProGlide blade features a blue bottom section and a green top lubrication strip, whereas the standard ProGlide blade is black with an orange lubrication strip. These both have the same design and only differ in color.
Keep in mind that the Fusion 5, ProGlide, SkinGuard, and Shield blades are all interchangeable. We can switch any of these blades and handles.
After using both the standard ProGlide and the new version I received (identical to a Shield blade), I prefer the standard blades, as the bottom microfin and rubberized section make the skin more taut before shaving. The new Shield-like blades glide more smoothly, thanks to their additional lubrication strip, which is beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Other Features
The cartridge flexing back and forth is a standard feature on all cartridge razors, significantly enhancing the shaving experience. The FlexHead allows us to apply varying amounts of pressure when shaving, while keeping the blade close to the skin to cut hair effectively.
It features a design now standard on multiblade razors: a trimmer with an extra blade located on the top and back of the cartridge blade. I have come to appreciate how easily this feature on cartridge razors trims those extra hard-to-reach hairs underneath the nose. The trimmer can be used for any detailing work.
The push-button design at the top of the razor releases the cartridge for easy replacement, making it a practical option.
Shaving Experiences
I was not new to the ProGlide or the micro-vibration feature. I have used and reviewed both the ProGlide and the ProGlide Shield Power, and this ProGlide Power is a combo of that (when using the original ProGlide blades).
I tried out the new type of blade with the razor and the normal ProGlide.
I paid close attention to the feel of the razor while shaving. It’s truly hard to tell if the micro-vibrations from the power feature make a significant difference.
There were moments when I actually found the buzzing a little distracting, and part of me wanted to switch it off! I found that to potentially get the most out of the power feature, you need to go a bit slower, similar to my experience with the Gillette Labs heated razor. If you’re in a rush, you might miss the subtle benefits.
I shaved on about three days of growth a few times before reviewing and got excellent shaves that were comfortable, quick, and BBS (Baby Butt Smooth).
As mentioned, I preferred the standard ProGlide blade attached, as I really like the rubberized bottom section (it makes the skin taut) with the microfin and microcomb strips. I found the standard can cut through my coarse stubble and get a deep shave—if that makes sense.
The new blade version, which is really a Gillette Shield, still gave very good shaves. I rate it as a good razor blade that falls between the ProGlide and SkinGuard, as it is more gentle than the ProGlide but offers less blade protection compared to the SkinGuard (and a closer shave). The extra lubrication on the bottom of the blade will be beneficial for those who want the added glide, while others, like myself, might prefer more of what the standard ProGlide provides and less of the lubrication glide.
Value for Money
These cartridge razors—especially the blade replacements—get pricey once we get above the Mach3 Gillette razor.
You’ll have various options when buying a starter kit (i.e., handle and initial blades). For example, some stores sell a handle with one blade, while others sell handles with four or more blades, and some offer additional options.
—Handle + 1 Cartridge Blade (approx.): $16 US, £15 UK, and €18 EU*
—4 Blade Refills: $20 US, £17 UK, and €20 EU*
*Prices vary a lot from store to store for the starter kits.
While the price of the blades is quite a jump from the Mach3, they are priced similarly to other Gillette refill packs and less than the GilletteLabs.
Regarding the handle, there is currently no cost difference between the standard and power handles. In some stores, the power handle is even cheaper.
Final Thoughts – Verdict (Whose It For?)
The pulsating micro vibration feature of the Gillette ProGlide Power is obviously not a feature that will wow many, and was likely created to keep us, the customers, interested in buying Gillette products.
As for the vibrations, though, yes, I believe they do help somewhat. But would I go out of my way to purchase the Power version if I already had a standard ProGlide handle and was trying to save money? Probably not.
It feels a bit gimmicky, but it does have some effect. The only other minor downside is that there is an initial distraction from the vibration, but you become accustomed to it fairly quickly.
Keep in mind what I have mentioned about the blades (i.e., two types) and consider whether the slightly wider handle of the ProGilde Power will suit you best rather than the standard handle.
I still like and rate the standard ProGlide blades, whether on the standard or power model handle.
If you need any additional information or have something to share about the ProGlide Power, please feel free to leave a comment below.
