Gillette caused a sensation when the company first introduced its Mach 3 line of razors. The Mach 3 Turbo continued an evolution in the line. People were fascinated by the idea of using three blades for shaving. But what makes these two similarly-titled razor models from Gillette different from each other?
This guide will take a look at the Gillette Mach 3 vs Mach 3 Turbo to see how these units are alike and different. These two choices look similar in that they both have three blades, but there is much more to these two models than what you might expect.
Table of Contents
In Depth Comparison Table
| Features | Gillette Mach 3 | Gillette Mach 3 Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Weight in ounces | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| Blade Quality | Standard | Turbo Sharper |
| Blades | 3 | 3 |
| Comfort Guard | Straight | Dense & straight |
| Lubricating Strip | Narrow body | Mega strip |
| Price | See On Amazon | See On Amazon |
What the Mach 3 Provides For Your Shaving Demands
Let’s look at the Mach 3 for starters. The design provides a better shave than what you’d get out of a disposable razor. You can also expect the Mach 3 cartridge to last for weeks at a time.
The Mach 3 blades are made with materials Gillette states are stronger than steel. The DuraComfort blades produce a better hold over your hair. The design easily grips to the hair. The first blade lifts the hair, while the second and third blades cut the surface. The design produces a clean and simple cut while reducing the risk of ingrown hairs.
A lubrication strip gives you a guide over the shaving process. The strip adds an extra bit of moisture to the targeted area after you shave around the space, thus preventing any possible irritation or dryness.
The microfin skin guard adds a good surface that stretches your skin so it may be prepared for shaving. The stretching effect allows your hair to be cut and for more hair to be exposed before the stroke goes through. The microfin design is also flexible and lasts as long as the lubricating strip on the other end.
The Mach 3 has been engineered to last for a while. The razor can work for about fifteen shaves on average. The lifespan will vary based on the amount of hair you need to shave, but you can expect a single Mach 3 cartridge to last for a few weeks when regular shaving habits are considered.
What the Mach 3 Turbo Offers
You cannot have a discussion of the Mach 3 Turbo vs Mach 3 without talking about both sides, so now it’s time to talk about the Mach 3 Turbo. The design might appear similar to the Mach 3, but the Mach 3 Turbo is distinct in many ways.
The Mach 3 Turbo uses sharp Turbo cutting blades that are stronger than what the original Mach 3 uses. The blades add a cleaner cut while moving through unwanted hair in moments. Each blade is also coated with an anti-friction surface to prevent the blades from wearing out.
The lubrication strip on the top adds a soft texture to the razor. The strip has a slightly larger body than what the Mach 3 offers. The surface provides you with a comfortable covering over your face to keep irritation from developing as you shave.
The sharp design ensures that the thickest and finest hairs around the face can be trimmed in moments. You can also use this around sensitive areas without having to apply lots of pressure on them to clear out thin hairs in those spots. The lightweight design makes it easy for you to keep a hold on the handle as well.
The microfin skin guard on the bottom also adds a better approach to shaving. While the guard does stretch the skin out for improved access to the hair, the guard offers more fins than the Mach 3. The extra fins allow for a more precise lifting motion. You can use this on even the toughest surfaces to shave.
Similarities Between the Mach Models
-
Three Blades For Betting Cutting
The three blades included on the two Mach 3 models use a simple mechanism. By lifting the hair up and then trimming the surface, the Mach 3 blades provide a good cut. The clean design ensures the hair is cut evenly.
-
Microfin Comfort
The microfin feature on the bottom part of each Mach 3 razor lifts the skin and stretches it out. The process exposes more hair, thus producing a clean and even cut. The risk of the hair being stuck under any folds of skin will be minimal.
-
A Comfort Bar Works
A comfort bar is included on the top part of each model. The bar adds a soothing texture to your skin that keeps you relaxed. The risk of razor burn drops as the bar adheres itself to your face. Each bar includes moisturizers to keep your skin from being too dry after you finish shaving. The process reduces the risk of redness and dry or chapped skin.
-
Handle Support In Many Forms
You can use either of these two razors on any Mach 3 handle of your choosing. Each razor head uses the same interface for locking on a Mach 3 handle. Many handles offered by Gillette include grooved handle surfaces to give you a non-slip grip on the razor. The ergonomic body of each handle also provides a firm grip that fits on your hand every time you use it.
-
Long-Lasting Design
Gillette has engineered each of these Mach 3 and Mach 3 Turbo cartridges to last for ten or more shaves. You can tell that you need to switch a cartridge out when the lubricating strip on the top is not working as well as it used to. Always take a look at how well the strip looks so you can tell if you need to get something new applied.
Important Differences Of Note
-
Microfin Changes
While both models offer a microfin guard on the bottom, the Mach 3 Turbo uses a dense body on its guard. The added fins provide extra comfort. These also lift minute parts of the skin to create an even closer trim every time you use it.
-
Coating Points
The coating on the Mach 3 Turbo is slightly thicker than what the Mach 3 offers. The coat provides of lubrication without causing redness around the skin. The Mach 3 does have the same type of strip on its top, but that strip is not as thick or detailed as what you would get out of the Mach 3 Turbo.
-
Blade Coating Materials
The Mach 3’s blades are sharp enough to go through many types of hair. The Mach 3 Turbo uses an anti-friction coating on its blades to produce a firm cut through your hair without pulling on the hair. The reduced friction keeps the shaving process relaxed and at ease.
-
Closeness Points
The Mach 3 may produce a slightly closer cut on average than what the Mach 3 Turbo offers. The slimmer coating on the original Mach 3 reduces the overall width of the razor head. The design ensures that the cut you produce is easy to follow.
Conclusion
Our overall verdict is that the Gillette Mach 3 is the better option. While the Mach 3 Turbo does have a few more advantageous features, they are relatively minor in intensity. The Mach 3 uses the same lifting the cutting motion and lasts just as long as the Mach 3 Turbo. The fact that the Mach 3 costs less on average helps too.
The Mach 3 and Mach 3 Turbo both have quality features that you will appreciate using. But you should also see how well these cartridges can work for you when trying to get the cleanest and best quality cuts possible.
Related Article:
- Gillette vs Schick : In-Depth Reviews and Comparison
