Gillette razors need no introduction. They effectively show exceptional quality shaving performance regardless of your beard or hair type.
So many models are there. People often feel confused about choosing between Gillette Fusion 5 vs. ProGlide.
Both options are no less. Each razor has some uncommon features that make it stand out from the other model. Here we will go for all the details about these two razors.
After reading this write-up, you will have a conclusive decision to choose the best option.
A Quick Comparison Table
Before going for a comprehensive discussion, how about having a brief idea? Here is the small comparison table to get a quick view of both Gillette razors.
| Specifications | Gillette Fusion 5 | Gillette Fusion ProGlide |
| Type | Manual | Battery powered |
| Performance | Good | Better |
| Refills | Four refills | Only one refill |
| Faster to use | Depends on shaving skills | Works faster to shave |
| Weight | 0.13 kilograms | 0.12 kilograms |
| Versatility | Less versatile | More versatile |
| Close Shaving | Better | Average |
| Safety | Decent safety | Safer than Fusion 5 |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
In-depth Differences Between Gillette Fusion 5 And ProGlide
So, you got a brief idea. But most of the time, it is not enough since there are many technical details that you should know. Here are their in-depth comparisons.
- Type
Before choosing a particular Gillette razor, you must know about its type. Generally, advanced shavers are battery-powered, while traditional razors are manual type.
Gillette Fusion 5 is mainly a traditional-based manual design. No battery is needed to operate it. If you are used to only manual shavers, you will feel comfortable using this model.
On the other hand, Gillette Fusion ProGlide is a battery-powered shaver that can help you shave your beard or hair more precisely.
You can even shave your beard using water or gel. However, it is always better to use foam or soap for comfortable and smooth shaving.
If you are interested, you can read my in-depth differences between Gillette Fusion ProGlide and ProGlide Power razors for more information.
- Performance
Compared to Gillette Fusion 5, Gillette Fusion ProGlide can show better performance for shaving. It can effectively remove ingrown hairs.
Plus, you have no reasons to go over the same area repeatedly. Gillette Fusion ProGlide will produce vibration to lift up the tiny hair follicles and cut them off precisely.
Contrastly, you may go over several times to shave your beard or hair when using Gillette Fusion 5. It is particularly true when the blade has a reduced sharpness.
- Refills
Having more refills means you need to go shopping less. Gillette Fusion 5 includes four refills, so you can easily use them for four months, even from regular usage.
On the other hand, Gillette Fusion ProGlide has only one refill. It can last 4 to 5 weeks at most. Hence, you need to go for a cartridge replacement once one month passes.
- Faster To Use
If you always maintain a busy schedule, saving time is what you will always thrive for.
Since Gillette Fusion ProGlide is an electric razor, it works more quickly than the manual one.
However, learning the basic skills to operate the Gillette razor is important.
You must have a decent idea of moving the razor in the direction and how much you are supposed to input.
In contrast, using Gillette Fusion 5 requires special shaving skills. Generally, people who have been using manual razors for a long time won’t have any issues.
In some cases, pro users can complete their shaving within a few minutes. They are so efficient that they can have quick shaving even before a battery-powered razor.
- Blades
The first similarity between the Fusion 5 and ProGlide is that they both feature 5 anti-friction blades positioned closely together for a close shave.
The blades have Gillette’s advanced Precision Trim technology, which uses progressively closer blades to trim hair uniformly. The first blade grabs long hairs, the second blade cuts down shorter hairs even more, and so on for a consistently close cut.
The Fusion 5 and ProGlide are evenly matched when it comes to their 5-blade cutting system. No clear winner here.
- Trimmer Blade
Another area where the Fusion 5 and ProGlide are identical is the built-in trimmer blade on the back of the razor.
The trimmer blade allows you to easily groom hard-to-reach areas like under the nose and sideburns. You can trim longer hairs down to size before going over your face with the regular blades.
Both models have a convenient blade perfect for detailed trimming tasks. Once again, equal performance by the Fusion 5 and ProGlide.
- Lubrication Strip
The lubrication strip is an important feature that helps the blades glide smoothly over skin for a comfortable shave.
Both the Fusion 5 and ProGlide have a lubrication strip with special oils to moisturize and maintain skin health. The lubrication gets activated by water when shaving wet.
No differentiator here either. The lubrication strip works the same way on both razors.
- Flexible Head
A flexible head that pivots is key for maintaining close blade contact on the many contours of your face.
The Fusion 5 and ProGlide razors both have flexible heads that pivot back and forth. This allows the razors to adjust seamlessly with the curves of your jawline, neck, and chin as you shave.
Evenly matched in the flexibility department. The Fusion 5 and ProGlide can handle the contours of any man’s face.
- Handle Design
The handle is what you grip when shaving, so ergonomics and control are important.
Both the Fusion 5 and ProGlide have easy-grip contoured handles made of rubber. The shape is designed to fit comfortably in your hand. The textured rubber surface gives you a no-slip grip.
No differences here either. The Fusion 5 and ProGlide handles are identical in shape, size, material, and handling.
- Length Options
Gillette offers their razors in different handle lengths to suit personal preference.
The Fusion 5 and ProGlide come in standard and Power (longer handle) lengths.
The Power versions work well for bigger hands or those who want maximum reach for hard-to-shave areas.
In terms of handle length options, it’s another tie. The Fusion 5 and ProGlide are available in the same configurations.
- Battery Life
Here’s one area where the Fusion 5 and ProGlide differ. The ProGlide is a battery-powered razor while the Fusion 5 is manual only.
The ProGlide is an electric rotary razor, meaning the blades spin 360 degrees powered by the built-in battery. A single 1-hour charge provides up to 9 shaves.
The motorized cutting action is convenient if you want power-assisted shaving. The Fusion 5 requires manual force applied to the blades.
For battery life and motorized shaving, the ProGlide beats out the manual Fusion 5.
- Wet Shave
The ability to get a smooth wet shave with shaving cream and water is a prerequisite for most men.
The Fusion 5 and ProGlide are both designed to work exceptionally well for wet shaving. Just apply your favorite shave gel or cream, wet the blades thoroughly, and enjoy a refreshing wet shave.
No differences here – the wet shave performance is equally good on the Fusion 5 and ProGlide.
- Dry Shave
In a pinch, dry shaving on the go can be handy. But how well do the Fusion 5 and ProGlide work on dry skin?
Impressively, both razors deliver a pretty good dry shave too. The lubrastrip helps the blades glide smoothly without needing water or shaving cream.
Of course, a wet shave will always be smoother and closer. But it’s good to know the Fusion 5 and ProGlide give decent dry shaves as well. Another draw.
- Versatility
You can’t use Gillette Fusion 5 without water or foam. Otherwise, your face and other shaved area will have irritation and even razor burn.
On the contrary, Gillette Fusion ProGlide is versatile enough to use dry and wet conditions. But if you have a sensitive and too thick beard or hair, it is always better to use wet shaving.
- Close Shaving
Here comes an exciting part! Most of the new users prefer close shaving at the first attempt. But they forget it depends on their shaving skills apart from the razor quality.
Gillette Fusion 5 is a manual razor, so you can depend on your shaving skills for a perfectly close shave. It allows you to add extra pressure on the cartridge as it doesn’t generate any vibrations.
Gillette Fusion ProGlide is mainly ideal for having comfortable and smooth shaving. Though you can enjoy closing shavings, it requires saving some practice.
Closing shaving requires extra pressure to remove ingrown hair from the face and neck area. However, figuring out the ideal pressure level is the trickiest thing with Fusion ProGlide.
You don’t need as much pressure as you need with Gillette Fusion 5. Hence, you should avoid adding too much pressure with this electric shaver to avoid unwanted issues.
- Safety
Safety is one of the biggest factors when choosing a razor, especially for new users. Since both razors come from the same brand, they are pretty safe.
However, Gillette Fusion ProGlide is safer than Gillette Fusion 5 because you don’t need to put the advanced one as much close as the manual one.
As a result, you will have minimal nicks and cuts with Gillette Fusion ProGlide. If you are a new user and decide to choose Gillette Fusion 5, you may experience small cuttings initially.
- Price
When you are an everyday shaver, you may need a decent budget for shaving. If you consider both the handle and four cartridges, Gillette Fusion 5 is budget-friendly.
In contrast, Gillette Fusion ProGlide has a relatively higher price tag when considering only one cartridge. But it is common for an electric slightly higher cost than manual versions.
Which Gillette Razor Is The Best For Shaving?
Choosing a particular Gillette Razor requires you first to decide what shaving features you want from a specific model. If you have decent shaving skills and wish to have a more affordable option, you can go with Gillette Fusion 5.
On the other hand, if you are a newbie in the shaving journey and want to get the maximum safety, Gillette Fusion ProGlide is a perfect pick for you.
However, it has a relatively higher cost and needs extra maintenance than the other model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Gillette Fusion 5 has mainly thicker and less refined cartridges compared to ProGlide. This makes the razor less expensive, but its shaving performance is slightly compromised.
Yes, ProGlide is better than Fusion5 in some cases due to extra Lubrastrip with additional lubricants. This ensures a smooth and quick gliding over the face.
Yes, Gillette ProGlide and ProGlide have similar blades, but you will have a better shaving experience with the power version due to its pulsating sensation.
Yes, you can use Fusion blades on ProGlide since they come in standard size and regular fit to match any ProGlide razors.
Yes, the Gillette Fusion5 works well for safely shaving the groin and testicular area. The 5 blade system gives a close shave without nicking sensitive skin. Go slowly and use plenty of shaving cream. Pull skin taut for easiest shaving. The trimmer blade is great for precision grooming. Take care around scrotum. Overall, Fusion5 gives a safe, close ball shave.
Conclusion
So, which option appears more reliable, Gillette Fusion 5 vs. ProGlide?
You can go with an option that seems convenient to you. Regardless of your choice, make sure you get the best shaving experience.
We have already mentioned all the precise information about both Gillette razors. Hopefully, you have picked valuable details from this post to get the best Gillette shaver for shaving.