Freebird FlexSeries Pro vs Remington Balder Boss Comparison
November 21, 2024 • 8 min read
I've spent over a decade shaving my head, and I've tested budget shavers that barely work to best-selling shavers that actually deliver. Both the FlexSeries Pro and Remington Balder Boss are upgrades from their best-selling predecessors: the FlexSeries Classic and Balder Pro. These are two serious contenders in the head shaving arena and after comparing every feature I'll show you which one gives you the best shave for your money.
By the end, you'll know which shaver handles thick hair better, which one won't die mid shave, and which one justifies its price tag.
Quick Verdict
Winner: FlexSeries Pro
After diving deep into the features and performance of these two popular head shavers, here's the scoop in a nutshell:
Both are waterproof and offer free shipping.
But when it comes to the nitty gritty, the FlexSeries Pro beats the Balder Boss with its:
- Longer 90-minute battery life
- Quieter 8500 RPM adaptive motor
- Lifetime warranty (with subscription)
- 40% cheaper ($59.95 vs $99.99)
- Independent foils
- Travel lock
- Three-level LED battery indicator
The Balder Boss has features the FlexSeries Pro doesn't have, like:
- Pop Up Trimmer
- Turbo feature
- Shaver lubricant
But let's be real: The FlexSeries Pro trumps the Balder Boss in almost all categories and is the more practical shaver.
Bottom line? The FlexSeries Pro wins on performance, price, and practicality. The Balder Boss costs more and delivers less, it's that simple.
Design and Build Quality
First off, let's talk about looks. The FlexSeries Pro has a sleek, modern design with ergonomic rubber grips and an anti-slip finish that screams "I mean business". Its lightweight and compact nature make it an ideal main and travel shaver, you're ready for a smooth shave anytime. While some may find the rectangular block shape of the FlexSeries Pro a bit different, it's a design that you'll quickly get used to and appreciate for how easy it is to maneuver.
Remington built this thing solid. It's easy to hold, solidly built, and also has rubberized sides for added grip. While it might not win a beauty contest against the FlexSeries Pro, the Balder Boss's solid build quality and design ensure that it's a shaver that will last you years.
Winner: FlexSeries Pro
Performance and Features
Attachments
Freebird always throws in $60 worth of free attachments for their head shavers. For the FlexSeries Pro, you'll get the following:
- Upgraded Precision Clipper
- 3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
- Advanced Nose & Ear Trimmer
- Micro Cleaning Brush
Meanwhile, the Balder Pro comes with...not much. You'll get the basics: a USB charger, shave cover, shaver lubricant, and cleaning brush in the box. That's it.
The FlexSeries Pro crushes it here with useful accessories versus the bare bones Balder Boss.
Winner: FlexSeries Pro
Blades
Both shavers boast Japanese stainless-steel blades, which are sharper, more durable, and more precise than ordinary stainless-steel blades.
The FlexSeries Pro rocks a QuadTorque Four blade design with independent floating foils a major upgrade from the five-blade design of the original FlexSeries. The new blade design gives a smoother and closer shave. Its larger blades cover more area, and the convex design ensures consistent contact between the blades and your scalp. The independent foils add the cherry on top as they help keep the blades close to the shape of your head. Freebird says blades generally last for 50 shaves, depending on how often you shave and hair type.
The Balder Boss has a five dual-track head design that pivots 360 degrees. Great for hitting those hard-to-reach areas. While the blades move inwards and outwards, the individual blades do not flex, unlike the FlexSeries Pro independent foil blades, a big difference in comfort and closeness. Remington claims that blades last six months if you shave every two days.
The FlexSeries Pro edges out the Balder Boss in this head-to-head category. Independent foils make all the difference.
Winner: FlexSeries Pro
Waterproofing
The FlexSeries Pro has IPX7 waterproofing, meaning you can dunk this device in up to one meter of fresh water for 30 minutes without killing it.
The Balder Boss claims to be "100% waterproof" with Remington's WETech technology. While it's not clear what this actually means, let's give Remington the benefit of the doubt and assume that it's similar to IPX7 waterproofing.
Both shavers allow for wet and dry shaving and cleaning under running water.
They're both better than IPX5 water-resistant shavers, which can only handle splashes and not submersion.
Winner: Tie
Battery Life and Indicators
Running out of battery mid-shave can be a bummer. The FlexSeries Pro gives you 90 minutes of cordless shaving, enough power for multiple shaves on a weekend getaway. At 90 seconds per dry head shave, that's plenty more juice left over to shave your beard and body if you want.
The FlexSeries Pro also has a three-level LED battery indicator, so you'll know when to charge your device. The three dots light up when fully charged, two lights at 66% and one light at 33%.
The Balder Boss has a single LED battery indicator and 60 minutes of battery life, which is a good enough baseline for shaver battery power but is way behind the FlexSeries Pro.
90 minutes of power plus three level indicator beats 60 minutes and single indicator every time.
Winner: FlexSeries Pro
Motor
The FlexSeries Pro features a quiet, powerful, and adaptive 8,500 RPM motor that adjusts power based on hair density. It's powerful enough to cut through coarse and curly hair with ease. You'll also save battery life as the motor doesn't run at full power for easy-to-cut hairs.
The Balder Boss, on the other hand, has a turbo feature that allows you to press a button(+) for extra power. If you're shaving thick and curly hair, this turbo button can do the trick.
The FlexSeries Pro beats the Balder Boss in this one because why push buttons, when the FlexSeries Pro does it automatically?
Winner: FlexSeries Pro
Added Features
Both shavers have hair-capture chambers, making them easier to clean than other shavers. The FlexSeries Pro has a larger one for fewer interruptions while shaving.
The FlexSeries has a travel lock, which makes it an ideal travel companion. Turning the travel lock on is simple: press the power button for three seconds to engage or disengage.
The Balder Boss has a pop-up trimmer, which beard guys may find helpful. The FlexSeries Pro doesn't have a pop-up trimmer, but it has a trimmer attachment with three guards for beard trimming (way more versatile).
Bigger hair chamber and travel lock wins here.
Winner: FlexSeries Pro
Price and Value
Now, let's talk about dollars and cents. The FlexSeries Pro costs $59.95 with a blade subscription, while the Balder Boss costs $99.99 (with no subscription option). That's a 40% savings with the Freebird FlexSeries Pro, plus a Lifetime Warranty, so you can rest assured that you're getting the best value for your money.
Blade replacements cost as low as $17.95(6 pack) for the FlexSeries Pro and $29.99 for the Balder Boss.
The FlexSeries Pro also gives away $60 worth of free attachments. The FlexSeries Pro is cheaper and has a lifetime warranty, lower-priced blades, and freebies. Without a blade subscription, the FlexSeries Pro costs $79.95, which is still cheaper than the Balder Boss.
Cheaper shaver, blades, lifetime warranty and freebies. We know who wins this one.
Winner: FlexSeries Pro
Money Back Guarantee/Warranty/Shipping
Freebird offers a lifetime warranty for subscribers and a three-year warranty for non-subscribers. You also get a 60-day shave trial and free shipping.
Remington provides a 5-year limited warranty, a 60-day shave trial, and free shipping.
Lifetime warranty beats 5 years all day.
Winner: FlexSeries Pro
Final Verdict
After pitting these two heavyweights, we have a clear winner: The FlexSeries Pro. It beats the Balder Boss in almost every category. It's cheaper, has more advanced features, a lifetime warranty, and $60 worth of useful freebies.
While outclassed, the Balder Boss is still a decent shaver for those who prefer a five-head shaver or are loyal to Remington. It's worth noting, however, that Amazon says that the Balder Boss is a "frequently returned item" a red flag you can't just ignore.
We also compared the original FlexSeries vs the Balder Pro.
Overall Winner: Freebird FlexSeries Pro
FAQs
Which is Better, Four or Five Heads?
Four heads are better for most people with modern head shavers. Leading brands like Freebird and Skull Shaver switched from five to four blades because they figured out that blade quality and flex matter more than blade quantity.
How Long Do Balder Boss Blades Last?
Remington says they can last six months if you shave every two days. This can vary based on hair thickness and how often you shave. If you're a daily shaver with thick and coarse hair, swap your blades earlier than recommended.
How Long Do FlexSeries Pro Blades Last?
According to Freebird, the blades on the FlexSeries Pro last 50 shaves depending on your shaving habits and hair type.
Does the Balder Boss Leave Stubble?
Electric shavers like the Balder Boss don't leave stubble. You should shave with a hair trimmer or clipper if you want some stubble left, like a buzz cut.
Does the FlexSeries Pro Leave Stubble?
The FlexSeries Pro doesn't leave stubble with its powerful 8500 RPM motor and Japanese stainless-steel blades that can easily cut through coarse and curly hair.
Is the Balder Boss Turbo Mode Worth It?
The turbo mode on the Balder Boss boosts motor speed for thicker hair, but it's not a game-changer. Reviews show the shave closeness is identical with or without turbo mode, it just goes slightly faster. The FlexSeries Pro's adaptive motor automatically adjusts power without you pressing any buttons, which is more convenient.
Can I Use These Shavers on My Face and Body?
Yes, both shavers work on your head, face, and body. The FlexSeries Pro comes with a precision clipper and guards specifically for beard trimming and body grooming. The Balder Boss has a pop-up trimmer for detail work, but the FlexSeries Pro's separate attachments are more versatile.
Which Shaver is Better for Sensitive Skin?
The FlexSeries Pro is gentler on sensitive skin thanks to its independent flexing foils and ScalpSafe technology. Multiple reviewers noted it felt smoother on the neck and around the ears compared to the Balder Boss, which some found a bit stiffer and more prone to tugging.
Does the FlexSeries Pro Work in the Shower?
Yes, the FlexSeries Pro is IPX7 waterproof, so you can use it in the shower with gel or foam. Just rinse it under the tap when you're done. The anti-slip coating and rubber grips keep it secure even with wet hands.
