Powered Razor Review – Gillette Fusion Power, Gillette Fusion Proglide Power, Schick Hydro 5 Power, & Gillette M3power

Reviewed by Russell C on Jan 13.
Rating: 1.0 Don’t Buy

1. They only take specialized cartridges that cost more, even though there is no evidence that they are different from the standard cartridges.
2. People have been shaving without dying of razor burn for hundreds of years, and there have been claims about every new razor release for decades that “finally this new razor works perfectly close and without razor burn.”
3. The quality of a shave is mostly dependent on the operator. If you want a perfect shave, you can get it today with a standard Mach 3 razor. Buy a nice shaving gel, and slowly work it into your skin. Then wait a few minutes for it to soften the hairs and moisturize your skin. Then very slowly and carefully, work the razor around all of the contours of your face in short and precise motions. Lather and repeat. After your shave, apply a top shelf aftershave and relish in the results! Shaving is largely about technique, not a more expensive traditional razor with a vibrator.

Gillette is more of a marketing company than a technology company, and they work very hard to sell more expensive razors to consumers as they stand in the convenience store aisle. There is nothing wrong with this, and they are very effective at upselling their customers. That being said, I don’t want my readers to get ripped off. Fusion ProGlide Power razors cartridges cost less than 10 cents to manufacture, but they charge almost $5/blade in a 4 pack for the power version. Read this fantastic article in the UK’s DailyMail.

The Verdict: If you want an electric experience, stick with real electric razors. For the price of a Gillette M3 Power razor with replacement cartridges over the course of a year or two, you could have easily purchased a high end electric shaver and a replacement head. They cost more upfront, but you'll be glad you made the investment.