FlexSeries vs FlexSeries Pro – Which Is Best For You?
As soon as the FreeBird FlexSeries Pro became available, I jumped on ordering one–for two reasons.
The first reason was that I had a sneak peek at the Pro online before it was available for purchase, and it looked like a major improvement over the standard FlexSeries.
The second reason I was quick of the mark to order one was that I am always on the lookout for the next best electric head shaver to join my roundup page.
If you were to ask me which one is best, then without a doubt, the FlexSeries Pro version is much better in most ways. However, the cost or even a feature of the Pro might not suit all of you guys, so let’s compare the Pros and Cons of each.
Let’s Compare What’s Most Important
Let’s compare the design, ergonomics, grip, blade systems, charging, shaving performance, and costs.
Features or Aspect | FlexSeries | FlexSeries Pro |
Build Quality | 6.7/10 | 8/10 |
Ergonimcs | 8/10 | 6.8/10 |
Head and Blade Movement | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Runtime | 90 mins | 90 mins |
Comfortable Shave | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Close Shave | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
Quick Shave | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Cleaning | 6/10 | 9/10 |
Travel Lock | N/A | |
Cost | £39.95 | $69.95 |
Video
You might be able to find some additional information in the YouTube video comparison I created for these head shavers, and/or the visuals might help.
Features & Design Similarities
There are more differences between these two head shavers than similarities. Nevertheless, let me point out what is similar.
- Accessories (kit): They both come with a bunch of accessories in a kit. However, some of what is included also has differences.
- Rotary Blades: They are both rotary-type shavers with circular blades. However, these also differ.
- Power Cord: Both come with a USB power cord and no adapter (a 5V adapter is required).
- Battery Runtime: Both provide 90 minutes of runtime and take approximately an hour to fully charge.
- Wet & Dry: Both can be used shaving wet or dry and with your favorite shaving lubricant of choice.
- Blade Longevity: FreeBird states we can get 50+ shaves from either of the blade heads.
Features & Design Differences
These are like two completely different head shavers, and it’s not like the standard version has had an upgrade; it’s more of a complete change bar those pesky accessories (which I am not a fan of).
Design, Ergonomics, and Grip
The standard version, despite looking like a cheaper version of the Remington Balder Pro (RX5), fits better in the palm than the Pro. The standard has an oval design that slims down at the bottom and fits snuggly in the palm.
I am not sure why, but FreeBird made the Pro version a rectangle block shape, and it’s my only real complaint about the Pro. However, I did get used to the rectangle shape, and other positive aspects outweighed the shape issue (it was not a deal breaker).
I found the grip on the standard to be okay, but it is a poor copy of the Remington Balder Pro (RX5) with its lined hard plastic side sections. The grip is pretty good on the Pro, with two rubberized sections on the side, and the whole outer area is coated in anti-slip.
The standard has a trimmer attached to the top that flips out. I do not find this very useful, and I am happy to see the Pro without one.
The Pro has the advantage of coming with a useful travel lock. We press and hold the button for a few seconds to switch it on the travel lock and then hold it again for a few seconds to switch the lock off.
Blade System and Flex Head
The FlexSeries Pro only has four blades, whereas the standard has five. Having more blades would seem like an advantage, but that is not the case; how the blades flex and the quality are more important than the amount, and four is fine.
The head of the standard version pivots and provides movement while shaving along the various contours of the head. This is useful because the blades dont flex or move individually, but each of the four corner sections of the blade head moves.
I found the Pro version blade system is much better because each blade flexes (pushes in) individually, and the four blades also flex together. It seems that although the head does not pivot, the flex in the blades provides the required head-hugging experience (i.e., blades staying close to the scalp throughout the shave).
How the blades open or are removed also differs, and the Pro version has a debris collection chamber. More about this is in the cleaning section below, though!
Battery Power
The standard FlexSeries has a 600 mAh lithium-ion battery, while the Pro has an 800 mAh lithium-ion battery.
The difference in batteries does not seem to affect how much runtime we get, and I am not sure that I see any difference in power output while shaving, although additional power should be the case with the Pro version.
Accessories
Both come with a bunch of accessories, which is why they are sold as a kit. I am not a big fan of these types of accessories, but the most useful is the trimmer.
The trimmer is better on the Pro version, but I would still only use that if I never had a set of hair clippers of another trimmer, as it is not that great and small in width.
I won’t say anything more about these as I would rather these companies did not waste investment in these things and put more effort into the shaver. I also find them more gimmicky than useful.
LED Indicators
The LED indicators on the standard FlexSeries are very basic. We get a power light and a charging light.
The Pro version, however, has three lights that reduce to provide us an idea of what runtime the battery has left. Three lights indicate 100% or less, two lights 66% or less, and one light indicates 33% or less runtime.
It’s useful to have an idea of what runtime we have left, but it’s not what I would call a deal breaker.
Cleaning
The Pro version blade head section can be detached as a whole unit, and inside, there is a collection chamber for shaving debris. These blades can also be removed individually if we ever need to give them a thorough clean.
I do not like the fold-out system of the standard blades, and the design just does not make sense to me. These all fold out individually and take more effort to clean.
Head Shaving Experiences
I reviewed these both individually and then used them side by side to compare them more accurately (you can see that on my YouTube video).
The FlexSeries Pro was by far the most comfortable, and that really matters for me. The standard does have a rougher feel to it while shaving.
They both shave very fast, and I could not see much difference between them.
While the shape of the standard fits better in the palm while shaving, I found no issues with the more rectangular shape of the Pro version.
The blade systems on both of these hug close to the head and provide very good coverage along the various contours.
They both gave the closeness I expect from a dedicated head shaver, which is not as close as a manual razor but close enough. The Pro may have given a slightly closer shave, but that was minimal.
Cost Comparison
There is no difference between the costs of replacement blades for these shavers. They cost $29.99 for a new set for both shavers when not subscribed with the FreeBird subscription service.
The FlexSeries currently costs $39.95, and the FlexSeries Pro currently costs $69.95. That’s quite a bit more for the Pro version, but I think it is worth it.
Final Thoughts – Which Shaver Is Best?
Until recently, the standard version cost quite a bit more than $39.95, which put many other head shavers I have used above it. However, its lower price makes it an option for those who are budgeting.
Based on features and, more importantly, shaving experience, without a doubt, the Pro version is much better. Comfort is a big selling point for me, and the Pro provides that.
One feature I pointed out that might be important to you is the ergonomics. While the FlexSeries looks and feels cheaper overall, its shape is better for holding in the palm.
FreeBird made major improvements with the Pro version, which puts it up there with the best head shavers I have used and reviewed.
Related Reviews
Remington Balder Pro Review – It’s One Of The Best
Remington Balder Boss Review – It Has A Turbo Fitted!
Bald Buddy Shaver Review – We’ve Tested And Share Findings
FreeBird FlexSeries Head Shaver Review – Is It Worth Buying?
Groomie BaldiePro Review – A Palm Held Head Shaving Device
Skull Shaver Palm – The Standard Model from Skull Shavers
Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver Pro Review – Dedicated to Head Shaving
