Gillette Fusion Power Replacement Cartridges, 8-Count Package Review. Gillette Fusion offers every man--whether clean-shaven or with facial hair--a better way to shave. Gillette Fusion features a breakthrough 5 blade shaving surface: technology on the front of the shaving cartridge. The blades are spaced 30 percent closer together than MACH3 blades. This creates a Shaving Surface that distributes the shaving force across the blades for significantly less irritation and more comfort. Includes an enhanced Indicator Lubrastrip infused with Vitamin E, Aloe and natural oils fades from blue to white, signaling when optimal shave conditions have been reduced. The Precision Trimmer blade, a single blade built into the back of the cartridge, allows men to easily trim sideburns, shave under the nose and shape facial hair....
"Best shaver I've ever had." 2006-10-24
By Erik Olson (Ridgefield, WA United States)
I'm cursed with sensitive skin and a tough beard. I'll break out or rash up if my skin gets irritated, so I have to carefully prep for shaving. After years of trial and error, I've finally settled on a good shaving cream system: Cetaphil Skin Cleanser for a base, then Kiss My Face Moisture Shave as a supplement. For post-shave comfort and to prevent breakouts, I use a product like Clean&Clear Dual-Action Oil-Free moisturizing lotion. However, the weak link up until now has been the actual shaver. With the Gillette Fusion Power, I've finally found the right one.
I've used Gillette since they gave my unit free razors during the first Gulf War (I was in the Marines at the time). They've gotten the job done, but a 3-blade system is ultimately inadequate for my beard and skin type. It doesn't take long for the blades to start cutting my face and neck, especially since I take forever to change blades. I dreaded looking in a bathroom mirror at work and seeing dried blood spots (not to mention getting blood stains on my collar). Electric shavers don't work for me either - too hard on my skin, and I'd have a five-o'clock shadow around 2PM.
So, when I saw Gillette touting their new 5-blade system, I gave it a shot. I was initially skeptical about the powered aspect due to my issues with electric shavers. But the Fusion Power is the happy exception. At first I struggled a bit getting the battery cap off of the end. But once I mastered that maneuver and got the battery in, I was set. It takes one AAA-battery that seems to last a decent interval (the low-battery indicator is a nice touch). And even if the Fusion Power runs out of juice, you can still shave with it. The shaver glides over my face, and the vibration feels good - kind of like a pick-me-up in the morning. The five blades really nail my beard, and even tough spots like my chin and jaw line remain cut-free. I also like the one-blade trimmer on top - very handy for evening out my sideburns and zapping those stray whiskers right under my nostrils.
My only issue is the expense of the blades. But I can make them last a lot longer than the old 3-blade razors while still getting a great shave. And most importantly, I rarely get those annoying cuts anymore (if I do, it's more because of rushing or clumsiness than anything else). Ultimately, the result is worth the higher price. The Gillette Fusion Power is the best shaver I've ever tried. Highly recommended.
"What a shave" 2006-03-20
By Mr. Small Business (davis, ca USA)
This is the best shave I have had from any razor, wet or dry, outside of a barber's chair.
"A Mach 3 user who was a reluctant to change" 2007-06-12
By TubaTim (Florida USA)
I used a Mach 3 for years and was satisfied. I was reluctant to try the fusion, but a sample was included with my morning paper delivery a year ago, who would have thought to include it with the paper?
Anyway, after using the first razor and cartridge, the closeness of the shave was incredible! I used it for almost 3 months before having to bite the bullet and buy cartridges.
The shave from this razor is incredibly close, with no irritation. My beard grows every which way, leading to some discomfort with single or twin blade cartridges. This shaver, while refills can be expensive, provided a closeness in the shave I have never experienced before.
I have achieved a longer use per refill, partly I think, because I do not use a traditional shave cream. I use "Kiss my Face" shave cream, which does tend to extend the life of the cartridge, while also providing a better and closer shave, with far less irritation.
If you use this, try different shave creams, and be sure to thoroughly dry the cartridge between uses. This will help to lengthen the life of the cartridges.
One caveat... my beard is not thick, and I do sport a goatee, which may also help with longevity of cartridges. I currently use one cartridge every six weeks or so.
"I love it" 2008-05-13
By Ezzedeen A. Khayyat (Jordan)
I really find it much better than the M3. You just have to pass the blade less times on your skin than with M3.
It's a little bit expensive, but it worth it.
"Best Razor ever plus best cartridge replacement" 2009-01-06
By Peter J. Peters (Maspeth, NY USA)
Cartridges are replaced without ever touching them. They snap right into the Fusion razor and can be replaced by just pushing the button on the cartridge. They last about 2-3 weeks and always give a smooth no-nick shave. Gillette has come up with the perfect razor and perfect blade replacement system.
By Erik Olson (Ridgefield, WA United States)
I'm cursed with sensitive skin and a tough beard. I'll break out or rash up if my skin gets irritated, so I have to carefully prep for shaving. After years of trial and error, I've finally settled on a good shaving cream system: Cetaphil Skin Cleanser for a base, then Kiss My Face Moisture Shave as a supplement. For post-shave comfort and to prevent breakouts, I use a product like Clean&Clear Dual-Action Oil-Free moisturizing lotion. However, the weak link up until now has been the actual shaver. With the Gillette Fusion Power, I've finally found the right one.
I've used Gillette since they gave my unit free razors during the first Gulf War (I was in the Marines at the time). They've gotten the job done, but a 3-blade system is ultimately inadequate for my beard and skin type. It doesn't take long for the blades to start cutting my face and neck, especially since I take forever to change blades. I dreaded looking in a bathroom mirror at work and seeing dried blood spots (not to mention getting blood stains on my collar). Electric shavers don't work for me either - too hard on my skin, and I'd have a five-o'clock shadow around 2PM.
So, when I saw Gillette touting their new 5-blade system, I gave it a shot. I was initially skeptical about the powered aspect due to my issues with electric shavers. But the Fusion Power is the happy exception. At first I struggled a bit getting the battery cap off of the end. But once I mastered that maneuver and got the battery in, I was set. It takes one AAA-battery that seems to last a decent interval (the low-battery indicator is a nice touch). And even if the Fusion Power runs out of juice, you can still shave with it. The shaver glides over my face, and the vibration feels good - kind of like a pick-me-up in the morning. The five blades really nail my beard, and even tough spots like my chin and jaw line remain cut-free. I also like the one-blade trimmer on top - very handy for evening out my sideburns and zapping those stray whiskers right under my nostrils.
My only issue is the expense of the blades. But I can make them last a lot longer than the old 3-blade razors while still getting a great shave. And most importantly, I rarely get those annoying cuts anymore (if I do, it's more because of rushing or clumsiness than anything else). Ultimately, the result is worth the higher price. The Gillette Fusion Power is the best shaver I've ever tried. Highly recommended.
By Mr. Small Business (davis, ca USA)
This is the best shave I have had from any razor, wet or dry, outside of a barber's chair.
By TubaTim (Florida USA)
I used a Mach 3 for years and was satisfied. I was reluctant to try the fusion, but a sample was included with my morning paper delivery a year ago, who would have thought to include it with the paper?
Anyway, after using the first razor and cartridge, the closeness of the shave was incredible! I used it for almost 3 months before having to bite the bullet and buy cartridges.
The shave from this razor is incredibly close, with no irritation. My beard grows every which way, leading to some discomfort with single or twin blade cartridges. This shaver, while refills can be expensive, provided a closeness in the shave I have never experienced before.
I have achieved a longer use per refill, partly I think, because I do not use a traditional shave cream. I use "Kiss my Face" shave cream, which does tend to extend the life of the cartridge, while also providing a better and closer shave, with far less irritation.
If you use this, try different shave creams, and be sure to thoroughly dry the cartridge between uses. This will help to lengthen the life of the cartridges.
One caveat... my beard is not thick, and I do sport a goatee, which may also help with longevity of cartridges. I currently use one cartridge every six weeks or so.
By Ezzedeen A. Khayyat (Jordan)
I really find it much better than the M3. You just have to pass the blade less times on your skin than with M3.
It's a little bit expensive, but it worth it.
By Peter J. Peters (Maspeth, NY USA)
Cartridges are replaced without ever touching them. They snap right into the Fusion razor and can be replaced by just pushing the button on the cartridge. They last about 2-3 weeks and always give a smooth no-nick shave. Gillette has come up with the perfect razor and perfect blade replacement system.
