In its Mach and Fusion razor lines, Gillette produces some of the most excellent shaving cartridges on the market. The Gillette Mach 3 and Fusion 5 are two of the most famous options in these lines of razor heads.
Gillette Mach 3 vs. Fusion 5? There is a lot more to these two Gillette razors than the number. Let’s look at how these two Gillette best-sellers are similar and dissimilar to one another!
Introduction To Gillette Mach 3 And Fusion 5
Gillette Mach 3
Mach 3 is a well-known product from the Gillette brand, a brand of cartridges and manual razors primarily aimed at men.
First, this product features excellent safety razor blades designed for precision and comfort. Using these blades, you may expect them to remain sharp and strong for an extended time. This sharpness is intended to last approximately fifteen pleasant shaves.
In addition, its blades are extremely developed anti-friction, which are designed to get rid of facial hair with modest irritation. Also, it has an ergonomic handle that gives you complete control over each shave.
Another notable benefit of Mach 3 is the ergonomic design, which has been supported well despite being created a decade back. Although it is relatively simple, it does what it is supposed to do without frills.
Next, regarding the handles, the Mach 3 handle is not too delicate. It appears to be made of metal, but it is genuinely chrome-colored plastic with rubber grips. Using it, you may feel like it is minimal in your hand — about the size of a ballpoint pen. Once held, it has an ideal weight as if a metal mass is inside it.
Finally, Mach 3 has micro fins at the blades’ base, which is a plus because they assist in getting skin tight when the razor moves. It also has a lubrication strip running across its top.
Pros:
- Sharp, strong, and anti-friction blade
- An ergonomic design
- Handle with high-quality material
- Micro fins at the blades’ base
Cons:
- It does not cut hair in wide areas. It is suitable for shaving hair in small sections that thicker razors cannot reach.
Gillette Fusion 5
Apart from Mach 3, Fusion is also one of Gillette’s most famous razor lines. The majority of the products in this line make use of cutting-edge shaving technology, including Fusion 5.
To begin, its design performs to reduce the pressure applied to each blade, helping it significantly become comfortable to use in case your skin is sensitive. Its design moves with the skin, preventing chafing and irritation.
Furthermore, the Gillette Fusion 5 includes precision hair clippers at its back for more accurate edging. This function is designed to help you cut even the most challenging areas, including around the facial hairstyle, the sideburns, or under the nose.
Notably, there is a lubricating strip on the top. The strip cools and moisturizes the targeted area as well as several surrounding areas. For a more convenient surface, mineral oil is added to the strip.
Finally, the bottom comfort bar has a rubberized surface. The rubber’s straight-line guarantees that the trimmer may not irritate or aggravate your skin.
Pros:
- Good design
- Come with the hair clippers for more accurate edging
- A lubricating strip on the top
- Rubber’s straight-line
Cons:
- The razor’s head does not pivot sufficiently.
The Similarities Between Gillette Mach 3 And Fusion 5
Blades
The first attribute that these two razors share in common is the blades.
The blades of these two are both anti-friction ones, which helps reduce friction and increase comfort.
Pivotability
The Mach 3 razor pivots back fast enough, but it refuses to turn back itself. A high-quality razor will usually spring back into place. The Mach 3 merely pivots and remains pushed back.
Similarly, the Fusion 5 razor has a comfort guard on its bottom. It has a straight-line guard rather than a curved one, which allows you to pivot its blades anywhere along the face for added control.
Lubricating strips
Both have simple lubrication attributes that progressively fade to white to suggest if it is time to switch the cartridge.
In addition, the lubricating strips on each blade of both razors offer you a pleasant, non-irritating surface. They contain oils and moisturizers that last for a long time. Once the oils on the blade are getting low, you will know you had better replace it.
Comfortable grip
Both razors have a comfortable grip that makes your skin feel comfortable after every stroke and prevents them from slipping.
The Differences Between Gillette Mach 3 And Fusion 5
Number of blades
The most noticeable difference between Mach 3 and Fusion 5 is the number of blades.
In terms of Mach 3, it has 3 blades. With these blades, Gillette Mach 3 is supposed to provide a smoother and far less irritating shave than traditional men’s razors.
In addition, compared to today’s five or six-blade razors, the three provide significantly more area between them, which is a valuable feature when you suffer from cluttering on tighter-built razors.
Because there is no center to help keep the blades in position, they may flex slightly once force is applied to the center.
On the other hand, Fusion 5 comes with 5 blades. The Fusion 5’s thin blades have significant sharp surface areas. The first four are incredibly sharp, making a significant cut without causing much friction. A smooth cut is produced by the fifth one found on the top part.
All of these blades are arranged in a zigzag pattern, with each blade interlacing another by a small amount. They are designed to cut through the skin without irritating. Possessing five blades eliminates the strain or pressure of using only one or two blades.
Also, Fusion 5 comes with advanced 5 Blade Shaving Technology with blades positioned nearer together than MACH3 for a more comfortable cut.
In comparison, Mach 3 has fewer blades than Fusion 5.
The closeness of shave
We have to admit that both the Gillette Mach 3 and Fusion 5 razors provide a close shave.
The blades on these two are precision coated and sharpened. Besides, both have a Microfin skin guard, which gently extends the skin to minimize the probability of cutbacks and nicks.
In general, depending on the thickness of your beard, utilize Mach 3 if it is thin, or Fusion 5 if it is thick and rough.
Despite that, the Fusion 5 produces a cleaner shave thanks to the fact that it has two more blades than Mach 3. Also, the Fusion 5 razor comes with a guard bar smoothing the skin well before the blade.
Furthermore, Advanced Microfin Skin Guard is a feature on Mach 3 that assists in stretching your skin and prepping the hair for cutting. Meanwhile, Fusion 5 includes MicroComb innovation, which enables you to channel your hair to the blades while keeping them straight up to maintain a clean move at first.
Additionally, the blades of Fusion 5 are designed to trim down stubble first; after that, cut even closer for a clean texture in only one stroke.
In short, the Gillette Mach 3 shaves less closely than the Fusion 5.
Cross-compatibility
In terms of the cross-compatibility of the blades, the Gillette Mach 3 is cross-compatible with all Mach 3, Mach 3 Turbo, and Gillette razors with 3 blades.
On the other hand, Fusion 5 conforms to all Fusion blades, including Fusion ProGlide, Fusion ProShield, SkinGuard, and Gillette 5 blade razors.
Regarding the cross-compatibility of the handle, only the premium Mach 3 handle may fit Mach 3. In turn, all Gillette razors with any Fusion handle may be compatible with the Fusion 5.
In summary, Fusion 5 appears to be more beneficial regarding the cross-compatibility of the handle.
Easy cleaning
Gillette Fusion 5 has vents around its body to enable you to clean out whatever hair that gets stuck along its blades. These vents also let water circulate throughout the razor’s body.
Nonetheless, if there is one aspect where Mach 3 outperforms the competition, it must be in cleaning. It has much more area between every blade when it contains 3 blades.
In addition, there are not many grooves or design characteristics for your hair to get trapped in. It only takes a few seconds to wash Mach 3 under running water, and the trim hair is easily removed.
Overall, if you appreciate having a great razor that is easy to clean, the Mach 3 is unrivaled.
Easy of use
Gillette Mach 3 is constructed to boost ease of use whenever it is used for shaving. Also, it is easy to hold in one’s hand.
As for the Fusion 5, it has the Flexball technology giving you complete control over your facial contours, and allowing you to get practically every hair. Also, for precise edging, use the back trimmer. You can make use of it to trim the hair under the nose, on your face, or on sideburns.
Some regard Mach 3’s high level of user-friendliness and comfort because it is significantly heavier than Fusion 5.
You may easily stroll it over the face or the surface you are trimming with it. Many people find the Fusion 5 too light, and they have difficulty putting too much stress on it.
Apart from being heavier, Mach 3’s cartridge is slightly smaller than Fusion 5’s, which is among the reasons why people have no trouble controlling it.
One more factor that distinguishes the two razors regarding usability is the degree and regularity of clogging. Several users have expressed dissatisfaction with Fusion 5’s blades, claiming they become clogged far too rapidly. It is primarily due to the small amount of space between every blade.
Although Mach 3’s blades encounter clogging because of shaved hair, it does not happen as frequently as the Fusion 5, causing Mach 3 to be superior.
To conclude, Mach 3 performs better than Fusion 5 in usability.
Irritation and comfort
Once deciding between these two razors, consider which one provides the most comfort while still posing the least risk of irritation. Indeed, Mach 3 is superior to Fusion 5.
The reason is that the level of perceived comfort and discomfort varies depending on the skin type.
When it comes to sensitive skin, the fewer blades, the less contact the blade is in touch with your skin, lowering the risk of discomfort and irritation.
The Fusion 5’s two extra blades give you a cleaner, smoother shave, making the region you have shaved more prone to discomfort.
As a result, if your skin is sensitive, Mach 3 is a better choice because your skin’s response makes it susceptible to displaying the prominent effects of discomfort.
In short, using Fusion 5 has more significant potential for irritation and discomfort than using Mach 3.
Durability
Gillette Mach 3 blade refills have stronger-than-steel blades which can stay sharp for a more extended period. It is designed with sharper blades to go on for about 15 pleasant shaves.
The Fusion 5, on the other hand, comes with five anti-friction blades, which may last up to 20 shaves or one month per blade refill without sacrificing safety. Moreover, based on the shaving routine, hair condition, and shaving method, its blade may last up to 4 months.
Overall, Fusion 5 is likely to last longer than Mach 3.
Gillette Mach 3 Vs. Fusion 5: Which One Is The Winner?
Based on our comprehensive comparison between Mach 3 and Fusion 5, we can see that because both razors are of the Gillette brand, they share some aspects in common.
Despite that, since they belong to distinct lines, they are significantly different from each other in terms of the number of blades, closeness of shave, cross-compatibility, and others.
With that, consider your two choices depending on what you require. If you want a close shave, though it means risking ingrown hairs and razor bumps, Fusion 5 is the way to go.
Nevertheless, if you wish to minimize the chances of discomfort and are prepared to give up getting a razor that can not shave as closely as Fusion 5, Gillette Mach 3 is a wiser choice.
Again, look at this table to see how Gillette Mach 3 and Fusion distinguish from each other:
Aspects | Mach 3 | Mach 3 Turbo |
Number of blades | 3 blades | 5 blades |
Closeness of shave | Shave less closely due to a fewer number of blades | Shave more closely due to a higher number of blades |
Cross-compatibility |
|
|
Easy cleaning | Easier to rinse off since it has much more area between every blade | Less easy to rinse off |
Ease of use |
|
|
Irritation and discomfort | Suitable for those with sensitive skin | Suitable for those with thick, dense beards who prefer a close shave. |
Durability | Up to 15 shaves | Up to 20 shaves |
If you want to have a closer look at the competition between Gillette Mach 3 vs. Fusion 5, you can watch this video:
Final Words
We have already gone through the comparison of two Gillette products: Gillette Mach 3 vs. Fusion 5. Although they contain the same and different characteristics, they are both excellent products worth your purchase. So, you need to consider your requirements before deciding to get one.
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