Review (5/5): This is the best razor for me
Everyone's experience with a razor is different. I've tried a lot of different types, and I was more than happy to let go of my Gillette Fusion Power early last year. I bought a Shick Hydro Power. I thought it was great, cheap all around with an amazing cut. I even have the highest rated review on the product on Amazon currently. Now, I looked at the reviews for this saying Hydro 5 is better. It might be better for one person or another, but I have used both extensively and like this one better.
I have been using the Proglide POWER (yes, power) version for about 6-7 months now. I just purchased this manual version to take with me to basic training (in case the power version would be confiscated). I'll backtrack and talk about my experience with the Hydro 5. When I used it at first, it was kind of rough. I figured it would get a little better and it did, but it still was uncomfortable. I fooled myself into liking it because of its price and how long the lubrication strip lasted. I was getting only a week on my Fusion Power before it started to become uncomfortable because the strip faded out, and I was getting 3-4 weeks with the Hydro 5 until it ran out. The lubrication on that thing is funny though, because sometimes the whole thing will fall out of the razor.
My experience with the Proglide has been positive in every way as soon as I took it out of the box. I have learned long ago to not hype up any product until I've used it for a long time. With 6-7 months of experience I'm telling everyone how it is. The proglide can cut through thick stubble as good as it does on your 5 o clock shadow. I hadn't shaved for about a week and used the Proglide and it cut me down smooth with no pain and with ease. I bought myself a replacement pack of 8 cartridges and I have run through 6. That means in 6 months, I have used 6. Actually 7 if you include the one it came with. For those of you out there who know how to make a razor last, one of these can go up to a month or two. For beginners or average shavers, you will get at least two weeks worth before you even consider changing it, and, the lubrication will still be there.
One thing I hated about the Hydro 5 was the grip. It was a horrible design. With the Proglide, it was made with you in mind. It just feels natural holding it, and every stroke feels just right. As we all know, replacing Gillette cartridges can be a pain in the neck (not physically). To buy a pack of replacements, you're looking at about $30 for a pack of 8. The same will cost you under $20 with the Hydro 5. Not everyone cares to pay for it, but it's more than worth it. It's the best shave I ever had in my life, and I don't mind paying $10 extra every 6-9 months for a better experience.
Think of razors like gas, and you are the car. You only require regular gas, but if you decide to go with the premium (Proglide), your car will run faster and be more responsive.
I will state again I have not used the manual proglide yet, but it's the same thing without vibration (which I don't use much anyway).
Hopefully your experience is as good as mine.
Here is a run down of stats in my own opinion for the Proglide.
Fusion Proglide
Standard: $9.74 (comes with 2 cartridges)- replacement pack of 8 - $28.99
Power: $10.94 (1 cartridge) - replacement pack of 8 - $31.99
Comfort level: 5/5
Effectiveness of each stroke: 4.5/5 (sometimes you have to run the blade back over)
Smoothness of shave: 5/5 - Your experience may be different, but this is the best shave of my life
Cartridge life: 4/5 - Depends on how you use it. Will get you 2 weeks minimum and up to 2 months maximum
Design: 5/5 - The thing I hate about most razors is the design. This one feels great in hand
Overall: 4.8/5 - It's not perfect, but the best razor I've ever used in my life
It comes out of box with a razor holder which most gillette razors have, but others don't. Also, I strongly recommend buying the Proglide shaving cream. it's the best I ever used in my life. You can literally see your hairs rising in seconds if you look closely.
Good luck everyone!