I've been a big fan of the Mach 3 since it hit shelves some six years ago or so. But when the Mach 3 Turbo came out, I recalled when Gillette released the Sensor Excel as an improvement on the Sensor - the Sensor Excel was crap compared to the original, for me anyway, I know a couple of you who do use it with great glee. Just to refresh you, the Mach 3 was one of the, if not the, first triple blade razor ever released.
I grabbed a couple of Mach 3 Turbo blades to see what kind've improvement they had made. The Turbo boasts an improved lubricating strip and anti-friction blades, as well as an improved handle...handle? If you're having problems holding onto your razor and need this model for better handling, well I think we all need to get together and agree that you will look great with a beard - in other words we'd prefer you to be alive than throat-slit on the bathroom floor, LOL.
Anyway, the first shave, well struth, this baby was close. So close it felt like I took four layers of skin off my face, like I'd given myself my own nip and tuck. So yeah, felt pretty raw until I got the old moisturiser on. Wow. The second shave with the blade, well that was quite nice, I was happy with that. But its by the third and subsequent shaves that this new blade shows its true colours. The lubricating strip is all but completely deteriorated and the blades are dulled. Now I'm not a big shaver, every couple of days does the job for me, but for a blade to only last a week in good form is no good when we're talking a ten buck price tag for four blades. The regular Mach 3 blade happily cruises on my face for 2-3 weeks and maintains its lubricating strip et al.
So for my face and shaving habits, this blade didn't cut it. Admittedly its a closer shave, of that I am unequivocal, but its longevity based on price leaves a lot to be desired. Anyone happy with the Mach 3 would not be advised to "upgrade" here. BUT, don't let me leave you without filling you in on the next generation Mach 3, check out Mach3.com for details, but get this, you put a battery in it. What the...? I'm hanging out for this one!