Freebird FlexSeries vs. FlexSeries Pro: Full Review & Comparison
November 14, 2024 • 9 min read
The Freebird FlexSeries rotary shaver has long been a favorite among head and body shavers, known for its reliability and performance. Now, there's the FlexSeries Pro, an upgraded version that promises an even better shave. But how does it really stack up against the original?
I've used both shavers extensively, so in this side-by-side comparison, I'll share my honest takes on the differences to help you determine which model meets your needs.
Quick Verdict
Essentially, for only $20 more, the FlexSeries Pro offers a range of upgrades: a new 4-head blade system, an adaptive motor, anti-slip coating and rubber grips, a travel lock, IPX7 waterproofing, three level indicator, and a larger hair chamber.
The FlexSeries remains a solid budget-friendly shaver for daily use or for anyone new to electric head shaving. If you travel often, want easier cleaning, or want more premium features, the FlexSeries Pro is your best bet.
Design and Build Quality
Ergonomics
The FlexSeries is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, making head-shaving pretty straightforward.
The FlexSeries Pro takes things up a notch with an anti-slip coating and rubber comfort grips. These improvements make the FlexSeries Pro more comfortable to hold and less likely to slip while in the shower.
My Honest Take: The FlexSeries Pro looks sturdier and feels a little heavier, giving it a more premium feel. The FlexSeries' mostly plastic exterior feels a bit lighter, making you more cautious about dropping the device.
Interestingly, even with smaller hands, I found the FlexSeries's oval design more natural to hold versus the rectangular block shape of the FlexSeries Pro. However, the FlexSeries Pro's rubber grips and anti-slip coating are a clear winner, especially when you're shaving in the shower. The FlexSeries feels more slippery with its plasticky finish.
Blade Design
Number of Heads
One of the biggest changes with the Pro is the switch to a four-head blade design from the previous five-head design. Freebird's research and testing showed that four larger blades with optimal positioning gave a closer and smoother shave.
Convex Design and Dynamic Floating Blade Foils
The FlexSeries Pro also features a convex blade design and Independent Floating Foils, which allow the blades to adjust to the shape of the scalp, providing consistent contact for a smoother and more comfortable shave.
My Honest Take: After shaving my head, face, and body with both units, I can say that the FlexSeries Pro's enhancements in blade design provide a noticeably closer and more comfortable shave than the FlexSeries. The dynamic foils on the Pro hug my scalp and facial contours much better all throughout the shave.
To avoid pulling and tugging, especially on longer hairs (3+ days of growth), I'd recommend a quick pre-trim with the included precision clipper attachment.
Performance and Features
Attachments
Both shavers come with $60 worth of free attachments.
The FlexSeries:
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Precision Clipper
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3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
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Nose & Ear Trimmer
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Exfoliation Brush
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Silicon Scalp Scrubber
The FlexSeries Pro:
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Upgraded Precision Clipper
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3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
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Advanced Nose & Ear Trimmer
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Micro Cleaning Brush
My Honest Take: The precision clipper is useful to me since I pre-trim before shaving (a must for all shavers by the way). I also use it for a buzz cut when I switch up looks ( I get tired of a smooth head at times). The smaller clipper size does mean more passes, but it gets the job done.
I miss the exfoliation brush and scalp scrubber freebies on the Flexseris Pro Kit, but it's not a deal breaker.
Motor Power
The original FlexSeries model has an 8,500 RPM motor, which does a good job cutting through most hair types.
The FlexSeries Pro added an Adaptive Motor that adjusts RPMs based on hair thickness and is quieter to operate.
You also save more on battery life since the FlexSeries Pro's adaptive motor adjusts power accordingly depending on your hair thickness. This explains why the FlexSeries Pro can give you 90 minutes of power even with an 800 mAh battery.
My Honest Take: The Pro is indeed quieter, but when I shave with it, I couldn't tell if the motor was changing speed while shaving. Maybe it's more noticeable on thicker beards than mine. Both motors are good enough, though, for a quick 90-second dry shave on short stubble.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the blades of the FlexSeries can take a while. You have to remove the center blade cap and lift each head individually. It seems Freebird took note of this.
With the FlexSeries Pro, they simplified cleaning with a new Two-Part Blade System where the foils are now part of one housing and easily detach from the shaving chamber.
My Honest Take: Clean up is definitely faster and more convenient with the FlexSeries Pro's two-part blade system. Removing the center cap and each head one by one on the FlexSeries can be a bit tedious, especially after experiencing the ease of cleaning with the Pro.
Hair Collection
The FlexSeries has a regular-sized hair chamber that holds hair clippings while shaving.
Freebird leveled up by enlarging the hair chamber in the FlexSeries Pro. This means fewer shaving interruptions and longer shaving time before cleaning.
My Honest Take: The larger hair chamber on the FlexSeries Pro really helps minimize shaving interruptions. With the FlexSeries, you notice a dip in performance as the hair chamber fills up, requiring more frequent stops and a more tedious cleaning process. So, the Pro's larger hair chamber gets a thumbs-up from me for less hassle during and after shaving.
Battery Life
The FlexSeries' 600 mAh battery provides an ample 90 minutes of shaving time between charges.
The FlexSeries Pro has a new 800 mAh battery, still offering 90 minutes of cordless use.
My Honest Take: The FlexSeries and the FlexSeries Pro's 90-minute battery life is enough for shaving on the go. It gives me more peace of mind, especially on longer trips or if I forget to charge it before going out.
Water Resistance
The original FlexSeries is IPX5 water resistant, which is good enough for shaving in the shower. IPX5 devices can withstand water splashes for 15 minutes.
Freebird upgraded the FlexSeries Pro to an IPX7 waterproof rating for added peace of mind when wet shaving. IPX7 means the device can be immersed in water for up to 30 minutes.
My Honest Take: I dry shave more often, so the IPX ratings aren't a huge deciding factor for me. But it's good to know that the Pro can be immersed in water for up to 30 minutes without any problems. It's a big plus for those who prefer more thorough rinsing or frequently shave in the shower or bathtub.
Travel Lock
The FlexSeries is an ideal travel shaver for those who need grooming on the go. However, it lacked a travel lock that prevented accidental activation while traveling.
Freebird noticed travelers' dilemma and added a travel lock feature to the FlexSeries Pro.
To turn the travel lock on or off, just press the power button for three seconds until the three LED lights flash.
My Honest Take: The FlexSeries Pro is both my main shaver and travel shaver, so having a travel lock is a good feature to have for travelers like me. No more worrying about a buzzing shaver in my luggage!
Battery Indicator
The FlexSeries has a single LED battery indicator, which serves as a power light and charging light, very basic. The Pro is upgraded to a three-level LED indicator so shavers can better monitor battery level. Three lights mean 100% charge or less, two lights 66% or less, and one light 33% or less power left.
My Honest Take: It's good to know how much power we have left when shaving, and the three-level indicator does that better. It would have been even better if an LCD display had been added for a more accurate indicator, much like what we're used to on our cellphones.
Price and Value
The FlexSeries costs $59.95 without a subscription and $ with a blade subscription. Replacement blades start at $16.95 for the FlexSeries.
The FlexSeries Pro costs $79.95 without a subscription and $ with a blade subscription.
To avail of the $16.95 per-blade replacement price, members/subscribers need to buy a six-blade bundle or bulk pack. There's a three-bundle pack priced at $18.70 per blade
Opting for either the FlexSeries or FlexSeries Pro with a blade subscription is the best value since you get the shavers for $20 less, the blades for a 33% discount, and the lifetime warranty upgrade.
My Honest Take: I was content with my original FlexSeries (performance, features, and all), but if I were to spend $20 more and get all the upgrades, I'd say it's worth it.
The Final Verdict
After comparing the original FlexSeries and FlexSeries Pro, it's clear that both shavers have their unique strengths tailored to specific head and body shavers.
The FlexSeries has earned its reputation as a reliable, budget-friendly shaver. It's highly rated and remains one of the best head and body shavers at a more accessible price point.
The FlexSeries is a good choice for those who:
- Have a tight budget
- Prefer a five-head shaver design
- Want to switch from a manual shaver
Freebird succeeded in upgrading an already proven and tested rotary shaver with the FlexSeries Pro.
For only $20 more, you'll get advanced features and technology designed to elevate your shaving experience.
The FlexSeries Pro is a good choice for those who:
- Want a closer and smoother shave
- Want the latest tech (adaptive, quieter motor, new four-blade system)
- Want easier cleaning and maintenance
- Want IPX7 waterproofing
- Travel frequently (travel lock)
- Are willing to spend a little extra for premium upgrades
Ultimately, the choice will boil down to your preferences and specific needs.
You can't go wrong with the FlexSeries or the cutting-edge FlexSeries Pro. Both shavers deliver a smooth and comfortable shaving experience.
FAQs
Are Four or Five-Head Shavers Better?
Traditionally, five-headed shavers are favored for their larger coverage area, which speeds up head shaving. But with advancements in four-headed designs like Freebird's FlexSeries Pro, four-headed blades are now the superior option for a closer, more comfortable shave, and they still get the job done just as quickly!
Which Head Shaver Gives the Closest Shave?
A Men's Health article reviewed the original FlexSeries and said it gave the closest shave among the tested shavers.
Based on my hands-on experience, the Pro provided a closer and more comfortable shave. A randomized survey of FlexSeries Pro beta users conducted last April 2024 backs this up, as users said that 96% felt the Pro provided a closer shave than the FlexSeries.
How Long Do Freebird FlexSeries Blades Last?
Freebird says the ScalpSafe blades on the FlexSeries generally last for 50 shaves. They may last longer or shorter, depending on shaving frequency and hair type.
How Long Do Freebird FlexSeries Pro Blades Last?
Freebird recommends blade replacements every six weeks if you shave a few times weekly. Every four weeks, if you shave daily, and every eight to 12 weeks if you shave once a week.
Does the Freebird FlexSeries Leave Stubble?
No. The FlexSeries does not leave stubble. If you prefer a buzz cut or a little stubble left, a hair clipper or trimmer is the best tool for the job.
Does the Freebird FlexSeries Pro Leave Stubble?
No. The FlexSeries Pro shaves even closer than the FlexSeries, so no stubble is left for sure.
