Customer Reviews

Gillette Fusion Power Replacement Cartridges, 8-Count Package

5 star:		(61)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

If you read the description closely of the Gillette Fusion product as put out by Gillette, you will see that Gillette doesn't actually claim that you get a closer or even better shave. They very cleverly use terms like "a better way to shave" or "30% closer blades", and there is a reason for this. The reality is that very little (if any) improvement in the actual shave itself has been made since the 3-blade systems. And Gillette knows this through their own internal research. Their studies show that customers can't discern the difference between 3-blade and Fusion systems. It is all just perception. However, Gillette with these newer hyped blade systems is able to charge a lot more for the replacement blades and reap higher profit margins than the older blade systems. The reason I know is that I have a cousin high up in one of these companies.

Here is another interesting tidbit you probably didn't know about all of this. Have you ever wondered why the original blade that came on the actual razor you purchased seemed to last much longer than any of the replacements. Well there is a reason for this too. The blades that go with the razor packages actually come from a different stock, which are made much sharper to give a better shave and last much longer. Gillette doesn't want folks to get a bad first impression. As you probably know, they don't make money on the razors. The real money is with the replacement blades. And the blade stock used on the replacement blades is inferior and much duller to get folks to replace them faster.

With the significant price difference between the older 3-blade systems and newer ones like Fusion, folks really are better off saving their money and sticking with the older systems.

I have been using Gillette's Fusion Razor for a few weeks now and it's a nice razor with some pros and cons compared to Gillette's other blades. Gillette has some of the nicest products on the market, and I expected the Fusion to blow me away, but unlike the jump that was made when the Mach3 came out, I was not as excited after my shave as I was for the hype beforehand.

The Good

- The 5 blades are very smooth and glides across the face easily.

- Shaving time IS reduced with this new razor.

The Bad

- With so many blades, I felt like I was shaving off layers of skin. I feel there is a limit to how many blades are realistic, and this felt like it was too big for my face and I could seriously cut myself if I wasn't careful.

- Shave isn't much better than the Mach3 Turbo. While shaving my skin felt really smooth, but my hairs grew back just as quickly as they did with the Mach3 Turbo (no noticeable improvement).

- This razor is SO big I found it hard to get around facial areas like I could with the Mach3.

- The lotion strips on the M3 Power feel better and seem to last longer than on the Fusion razor.

- Design and look of the Fusion isn't as slick or nice as the M3 Power.

- Blades are no longer interchangeable. They went with a new interface for putting blades in that seems to take a step back, and having to buy the new razor to work with the new blades was a sneaky move in my opinion.

- The single blade on the back is useless. It's very hard to get the angle correct, and it barely gets anything off. The M3 Power got in tight spots just fine.

In conclusion, I plan to stick with my M3 Power. 3 blades seems to be just the right amount for getting in all areas on the face. While it might take a shave or 2 more to get all the hairs off then it does with the Fusion (on the large surface area portions of my face mind you), the M3 Power just seems safer in general.

This is more like 3 1/2 stars. Yes it's a nice shave, but it's not worth all the hype or additional financial burden this new blade will put you back.

**** RECOMMENDED

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.

Last year I received a free Fusion handle and blade in the mail from Gillette. Tried it and got the smoothest shave I've ever had. I immediately decided to switch from an older system that I had been using for years.

That sample Fusion blade lasted about 3 months (I kid you not) and I do have a heavy beard. Wow, I thought. These blades are expensive, but if I didn't have to change them as often, it would actually cost less than I was paying for the Sensor refills. The great shaves I got from the Fusion really sold me on the product.

I purchased my first 4 pack locally and replaced the sample blade after it finally wore out. What the heck? After about a week the replacement blade was dull. I went through the 4 pack in about a month and bought a second pack at another retailer. Same thing. One week=1 blade.

Gillette must really think we're stupid. Give the suckers a free sample that's great and make them pay for crummy blades after they've committed to the system. Never again, Gillette.....I just ordered a Braun cordless from Amazon so you can just go pick someones else's pocket.

Edited: Any suckers our there still letting Gillette rip them off? Yeah, I guess so since they're still in business. The Braun electric I mention above has recently been relegated to backup status to my Merkur double edge razor. Yep, one of those things like my dad used and that I learned to shave with. Blades cost about 7 cents each in bulk and last about a week. Let's see...that a penny a shave for the blades plus a few cents worth of TOBS shave cream. Give it a try and tell Gillette what they can do with the Fusion.

The comapny claims these cartiriges are brand new in original box. However, my experience shows the following:
1. The cartirges arrived in an opened package which had labels, probably from a retail store, removed from its back. It was obvious that this "original box" was previously used
2. After using the first blade it felt like I am shaving with sand paper. It was a counterfeit. The top blue layer with soothing gel felt like rubber.
3. I went to Target and bought true original blades to compare. The experience with the original blades was smooth and nice shaving.

These do have serial numbers yet shave nothing like the same ones I buy at local retailers where I live. Just got off the phone with Amazon no problem getting refund and getting free shipping label to send back. Yet will never buy razor blades from any store online again. Dont have the time to do the research if they are knock offs or no I just know from my experience with the ones from Amazon that they are way to sharp and cut up my neck and face even though I first wet my face with hot water then wait a couple minutes for shaving cream to settle into skin and shave the exact way I always do which never caused cuts with the blades I buy locally. Who knows whats up I will stick to buying my razor blades from the local retailers.

Update: I contacted Amazon about this product. I hate to do this but because these are fakes I told them they will be shipped to Proctor and Gamble's counterfeit department for inspection. The reason I am doing this is because first of all the fake blades I received give a painful shave and I just cant allow fellow buyers to be deceived the way I was. So hopefully Amazon will either sell real ones or Procter and Gamble will peruse legal action. The bottom line is buyers like myself would gladly pay the couple extra dollars you would at Wal Mart rather then be deceived and being sold fake blades. And yes Amazon did refund my money but the procedure when you receive a counterfeit product is not to return it to the merchant first you should contact the company who makes the actual product then local and state attorney departments and the better business beuero. If I wanted fake razor blades I would have purchased them off of Ebay. Grow up Amazon and quit trying to trick people!!

I bought these blades and was overcharged on shipping by $28.00US If you check the fraud pictures posted on the internet these fall under the fake category.


I bought these for friends and family and i get responses that these blades do not stay sharp. The blue glide strip does not wear like normal ones. No serial numbers, Indent on outside of cartridge that signifies fake blade the metal clip holders not bent down to hold blades secure to cartridge again are being sold as fake.

Just not the same shave as authentic blades should be.
Not happy with purchase

These blades are not genuine Gillette blades. Comparing these blades to actual Gillette brand ones I bought at the store, these blades have a fake "indicator strip." Blades wear out long before genuine Gillette ones do. The plastic molding of the blade is different than the real thing. The packaging is much cheaper than actual Gillette packaging. I would not recommend these unless you're looking for a fake gillette version blade.

This razor gives a good shave, but, it is really not that much better than the M3 or even the the Sensor. It certainly is not worth the outrageous price Gillette is charging for refill blades. Twice as much as M3 and 3 times as much as Sensor.
$ 28.00 for 8 blades? Ridiculous!!

The Fusion does truly gives me the best shave ever, and I have a very thick beard, and I have to agree the blade on the back is useless. One thing though, you have to be very careful. One slip of the hand and BAM! I've cut my lips 3 times now, twice bleeding profusely. So be careful...