Written By: Tom Malone
It can be tough for a man to pick a razor that feels comfortable while providing the smoothest shave possible. Although it’s not the most technologically advanced option out there, the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor helps to solve this age-old debacle.
The Fusion features 5 blades that are placed close together in order to provide a smooth shave that doesn’t irritate your face in the process. Its “microfin” pad should flow with contours of your face to enhance comfort while displacing shaved facial hair and shaving cream. The back of the blade has a single-bladed precision trimmer to ensure straight sideburns and beards. Near the top of the blade, a fresh green stripe turns white after excessive use, signaling the need for a blade replacement.
The snug 5-blade design does provide a smooth shave, while the microfins give it that ProGlide feeling. For a single blade, the precision trimmer works well. It shaved effectively, sculpted with accuracy, and remained sharp longer than I expected. The Fusion also features a thumb pad for maximum grip when using the trimmer.
The green-to-white replacement signal strip does not function as effectively as I would have hoped. The strip remained at a consistent teal after my first shave, creating a guessing game when it came to the blade replacement. Blade replacements are expensive (around $25 for a 4-pack). I had to replace the blade nearly every week for optimal results.
Schick, Gillette’s main competitor, manufactures the Schick Hydro 5, which has 5 blades and performs similarly. Both feature similar blade attributes, lubricating strips, and microfins. The Hydro 5 has a pop-up top blade feature that functions somewhat like the precision trimmer on the Fusion, though the Fusion’s trimmer maneuvers more nimbly. The Hydro 5 and replacement blades cost a few dollars less than the Fusion and its replacement parts.
Some celebrities have voiced their praises about the Fusion. New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter uses the Gillette Fusion ProGlade Razor, along with professional wrestler John Cena and NBA star Tony Parker.
The Fusion does as it is supposed to. It shaves smoothly and handles better than most razors. It may be a little overpriced (especially the replacement blades), but the quality of the shave might just be worth it.