[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Let me first start by saying that I'm reviewing this razor after receiving a complimentary one prior to release from Gillette. That being said, I've been a long time paying Gillette customer. From the Mach3 razors to the ProGlide with Flexball technology I've tried each new update to their product line and here's the bottom line. Gillette finds a way to constantly improve an already great product line. I'm a daily shaver and have used both manual and electric razors. For my regular electric I use a Braun 790cc which is great for a decently close daily shave. But as any daily shaver will tell you, nothing compares to the closeness and precision of a manual razor. I've tried Schick products and even a brief stint with one of the low cost monthly subscription razor services. Nothing comes close to Gillette's quality. The trade-off is cost and with the latest ProShield razor the story is no different. This is a top quality razor priced on the high end of comparable products. With this you are going to get what I find to be the absolute best shave you can get with going to a professional barber for a straight razor shave service. What separates this razor from the pack is the precision blades, lubricating strips, trimmer and the flex action that contours to every curve of your face. At the end of my first few uses I was left feeling like I did just leave a professional barber for shave. Wow! If I had to pinpoint any cons as this is an objective review I would have to state that razor head is not small so if you enjoy a smaller head like on the early iteration of Gillette razors (Mach3, etc) then you may first try the ProGlide before moving straight to the ProShield. The lubricating strips do make a difference but does it warrant a price bump from just the standard replacement blades that go with the Fusion ProGlide Flexball? My personal opinion is no if you're using a decent enough quality shaving cream. There in lies my only other notable con...the price for replacement blades. They will add up and if you're a daily shaver you may be able to squeeze up to a week and a half to maybe two weeks of use before the blade requires replacement.
All said, this is the best manual razor ont the market today by a longshot. Are there some trade-offs? Sure there are but name a razor where there isn't. I will gladly pay for the replacement blades on my ProShield because after experiencing the quality of shave and level of protection it provides, I know there is no better available. This razor blows away the closest competition and is light years beyond the subscription market razors. On a side note, the Gillette Sensitive Skin ProGlide Shaving Cream is a worthy compliment to this razor if you're not married to another particular shaving cream. It has the feel, lather, texture and finish of creams several times the cost.