Nov 24, 2008 03:51 PM
23186 Views
(Updated Nov 24, 2008 05:09 PM)
The competition for Gillette’s shaving range comes from its own products. It introduced the multi-blade system way back in 70s and its triple blade system in the 90s. Recently it also launched the battery powered version of the triple blade Mach III power, which revolutionized the shaving industry. Now they again managed to surge way ahead of their competitors by introducing the new 5 + 1 blade technology in the form of Gillette Fusion.
Being a guy with tough beard line, I have always wanted the best piece of equipment, which will help lower the irritation. Therefore, ever since its introduction, I was so very tempted to buy it. But the comfort of my Mach III power kept me well away from Fusion.
But last week, I happen to see this irresistible offer, of 1 Fusion power razor plus 4 blades pack for AED49.95 (approximately INR 650) broke my resistance and without a second thought, I picked it from the shelf.
I was like a first time shaver, so curious and could not wait any longer to try out the dream equipment. So I was all set for my first shave with Fusion power. There I take out this beautiful looking piece of art and hold it in my hand. The bulkier handle with rubber grip provides greater comfort to hold. I quickly wet my face, having a 4 day old beard, and put on the shave gel. Now the time has come finally for me, to put the fusion to test. I open its battery compartment and insert the AAA battery provided in the pack and switch it on. I can feel its improved vibratory mechanism when compared to M3Power. So I was even more excited and convinced that this is going to be the best shave of my life!?!
So, there I put my fusion on my left cheek, the easiest area to start the shaving with and took the first stroke. Trrrrrrrrrrrrrackkkkk….there came a screeching noise, due to the friction of the blade (which usually happens when you shave the tough beard with a blunt or damaged blade). I was shocked for a minute and thought that I didn’t remove its protective cover or something! Wondering to myself, I took a closer look at the blades. There are no covers to remove?!? What’s wrong? Why is the blade so rough and hard to move down the cheeks? I was asking myself. By this time the first stoke had already started to cause burning sensation.
I was so convinced that Gillette cannot go wrong with its product, thought my last shave, (where I reverse shaved) was the culprit. So I decided to give another go. This time, applied some more gel and more water and made sure the surface is lubricated well enough.
Now with extra caution I took the second stroke. Trrrrrrrrrrrrack…. Again the same noise!?! Determined not to loose hope, I continued for sometime, bearing the great difficulty in gliding the razor and with lot of irritation. “I can’t take it anymore”, said to myself after 5 discomforting minutes. I stopped it and looked into the mirror. Now that I’m half way into the shave, and there’s no going back. Somehow I should complete it. My M3Power don’t have new blade. So I went back to my old mate Gillette presto, the use and throw type twin blade.
This time I started with my right side and then the first stroke with it. Srrrrrrrr….there came the smooth and easy sound indicating the smoothness of the blade slicing through the rough beard. There’s absolutely no friction or irritation that I had on the other side of cheek with Fusion??!!??
I was so confused, also surprised with the difference. Could this be true? Is it possible that Gillette’s costliest razor, its new master piece is inferior in performance to its low end model??? Or is there something wrong in the way I shaved? Still not ready to accept the shortcomings of Fusion, I decided to give it another try. So I went on to complete my shave using the disposable twin blade and with lot of doubts in my mind about the new Fusion.
So 2 days passed by without the shaving saga. There came the 3rd day where I can no more escape from the routine, started it all over again. Wet face, lot of gel and my new fusion and then the first stroke….. TRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRaccck….. “Oh my god, no not again….” I could feel the flexible comfort guard in front of the blades getting stuck to the surface and making it difficult for the razor to glide through. I thought may be this is one faulty blade; let me try the other one. So wanting to waste no time I quickly changed the blade from the razor and got into the act with new blade. This time it was lot better but way behind the expectations I had for Fusion. I managed to complete the shave with the new blade, without having to run for Gillette presto, but the irritation caused clearly indicated that it’s not the smoothest razor from Gillette.
In fact, the disposable twin blade razor and my M3Power performed better than Fusion power.
Having bought an expensive piece of equipment, it’s only natural for anyone to expect a greater result. But in the case Gillette fusion, even after 2 shaves, I’m not even close to getting convinced about its performance.
The looks and other features of fusion make no sense when its very performance isn’t even close to its expected levels.
