Freebird FlexSeries vs. HeadBlade Moto: Electric vs Manual Head Shaving

Everyone’s got their own opinion on the “right” way to shave your head.  Manual razor enthusiasts will swear that nothing beats that baby-soft finish. On the flip side, electric shaver fans won’t shut up about how fast they’re done and without any nicks!

Both sides have valid points.

I’ve spent more than a decade shaving my head, and I’ve tried both manual and electric shaving methods. I also read multiple conversations and articles on the electric vs manual debate, and I’ve realized that arguing doesn’t make one method better than the other. It’s about figuring out what fits you. One guy's perfect shave may be another’s 20-minute nightmare.

In this guide, we’re comparing Freebird’s FlexSeries vs HeadBlade’s Moto Razor. Two popular head shavers that are best sellers in their respective categories (electric and manual). We’ll compare performance in various shaving categories, and once we’re done, you’ll know exactly which shaver matches your needs.

Quick Comparison Table: FlexSeries vs HeadBlade MOTO

About HeadBlade

Todd Greene designed the original HeadBlade out of pure frustration with regular stick razors. So, instead of a stick handle, you slip your finger into a ring and push it across your head (not pull like a regular razor), and the wheels or ball guide it smoothly.  It takes geting used to but after a few passes it starts to make sense.

TIME magazine even called it one of the "Best Inventions of the Year" in 2000. 

The two main models are the ATX (rigid body with wheels) and the MOTO (dual-active suspension with a rolling ball). Both use 4-blade or 6-blade HB cartridges and cost around $12.99 for the handle. We're focusing on the MOTO for this comparison, as it's their premium model with better contour-following capabilities.

About Freebird FlexSeries

The FlexSeries is a rotary electric shaver built specifically for heads. Five flexible rotary blades adapt to your scalp's curves, cutting hair at skin level without nicking you. 

It's cordless, waterproof (IPX6 rated), and works wet or dry. Want to shave dry before work? Done in 3 minutes. Prefer to use it in the shower with shaving cream? Works great. The battery lasts 90 minutes on a full charge, enough for about two weeks of daily shaves.

What makes it different from regular electric shavers is the design. Regular electric shavers are made for faces. The FlexSeries is made for the contours of a head. It's lighter, more maneuverable, and the blade arrangement actually follows how your head curves.

The Core Difference: Manual vs Electric

Manual and electric razors don’t just feel different; they cut hair differently.

Manual razors like the HeadBlade use sharp steel blades that slice hair directly at the skin's surface. This gives you that "baby-soft" feel, but it also means the blade is literally scraping your scalp.

Electric shavers like the FlexSeries use oscillating blades protected by a thin metal guard. Hair pokes through the little holes in the guard to get clipped, which means the sharp edge never actually touches you. You won't get that "mirror" finish, but you also won't get a face full of toilet paper bits from nicks and cuts.

The trade-off: Manual razors win on closeness. Electric shavers win on safety and speed.

A survey of 100+ bald men by BaldandHappy found that 69% prefer manual razors, mainly for that unbeatable closeness. But the 31% who chose electric? They're willing to trade a fraction of closeness for speed and lesser chance of nicks.

Want a deeper dive into this debate? Check out our full manual vs. electric shaving guide.

Speed and Convenience: Who Wins?

The FlexSeries is miles ahead of the HeadBlade MOTO in terms of speed. We're talking 2-5 minutes for a full head shave vs. 15-20 minutes minimum with the HeadBlade.

With the FlexSeries, you can finish your whole head in about three minutes, and you don't even need water or shaving cream. It’s the kind of thing you can do while you're waiting for your coffee to brew or sitting in your car before a meeting.

Shaving with a HeadBlade is a whole production. You have to get in the shower, put on shaving cream, and be really careful around your ears and the back of your neck. By the time you’ve cleaned up the sink and rinsed the blade, you could have finished three shaves with the FlexSeries.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Shave Closeness

HeadBlade wins on pure closeness every single time. A manual blade will always beat an electric one because there’s nothing between the steel and your skin. If you want your head to reflect light like a bowling ball, you want a manual razor.

The FlexSeries gets close enough that nobody will see any stubble. From a foot away, you look perfectly bald. You might feel a tiny bit of "sandpaper" texture if you rub your hand against the grain, but for most guys, that’s a fair trade for the speed you get.

Here's what makes this comparison tricky: closeness means different things to different guys.

If you shave every 2-3 days and want that glassy smooth finish where your head reflects light, the HeadBlade delivers. For men with a strong horseshoe pattern (hair around the sides), an ultra-close shave helps minimize the shadow line between hair and the bald scalp.

But if you're shaving daily or every other day to maintain a bald look, the FlexSeries shaves close enough. Daily maintenance doesn't require razor-blade closeness. You're just removing stubble before it becomes visible. 

If we're grading: HeadBlade gives you an A+ in closeness. FlexSeries gives you an A-. 

Winner: HeadBlade MOTO

The Real Cost (1st and 3rd Year)

Let’s find out how much you spend on the 1st and 3rd year for the HeadBlade MOTO and Freebird FlexSeries. We’ll focus on initial investment and blade replacements.

HeadBlade looks cheap at first. A MOTO razor is only $13 upfront, but the cost of blades adds up faster than you think.

Let’s say you shave twice a week, that’s 100 shaves a year. Each HeadBlade cartridge lasts 6 shaves, so you’re buying 5 packs a year at $15 per pack.

That’s $75 a year just for refills.

HeadBlade MOTO cost: 

Year 1: $13 + $75 = $88

Year 3: $88 + $150 = $238

The FlexSeries costs $39.95 upfront with blades lasting for 50 shaves. That’s 2 replacements a year. At $16.95 each, your annual refill cost is only $34.

FlexSeries cost 

Year 1: $39.95 + $33.90 = $73.85

Year 3: $73.85 + $68 = $141.65

The FlexSeries is cheaper in the short and long term despite the higher initial cost for the shaver. Things will change based on shave frequency.

For a more detailed cost per shave, click on the link to read our comprehensive guide.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Learning Curve and Ease of Use

The HeadBlade definitely takes some practice. You’re pushing the razor instead of pulling it, and that finger ring feels pretty weird the first time you put it on. Most guys struggle with the pressure at first. Press too hard and you’ll get a nick, but go too light and you’ll miss spots. It usually takes about five shaves before you stop thinking about it and start "feeling" the curves of your head.

One reviewer said it took several shaves to dial in the technique, with a few nicks during the learning process. 

Another mentioned struggling with the blade-changing mechanism (you have to press a specific spot to unclip the cartridge).

Most guys get comfortable with it after 3-5 shaves. Not a dealbreaker, just something to expect. If you're already good with manual razors, the adjustment is faster.

The FlexSeries is foolproof from the second you take it out of the box. You just turn it on and move it in small circles like you’re buffing a car. Since the blades are guarded, you don't have to worry about the angle or being "precise" to avoid a cut. You can pretty much get a perfect shave on your first try without even looking in the mirror.

First-time FlexSeries users report getting a good shave on their first try. No blood, no missed spots, no stress.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Safety and Skin Comfort

The HeadBlade has exposed blades. Sharp ones. This means nicks and cuts are possible, especially around tricky areas like the ears or the crown of your head.

User reviews mention occasional nicks for newbies. One person described having to be extra careful to avoid "gouges" in their scalp. Even experienced users report the occasional cut when they're rushing or not paying attention.

For guys with sensitive skin, the direct blade contact can cause irritation, razor burn, or ingrown hairs. The multi-blade cartridge design (4 or 6 blades per pass) means more friction across your skin. Each pass with an HB6 is technically six blades scraping your scalp.

The FlexSeries helps you bid goodbye to nicks and cuts. The protective guard keeps the blade from directly touching your skin. You'd have to try really hard to cut yourself with it.

For sensitive skin, it's gentler. The blades cut hair just above the surface without the scraping friction of manual razors. Less irritation, redness, and ingrown hairs. 

The worst thing that happens with the FlexSeries is minor irritation if you press too hard or shave over the same spot repeatedly. Way less severe than a nick or razor burn.

If you've got steady hands and good technique, the HeadBlade is reasonably safe. But if you're prone to nicking yourself with regular razors, that tendency will follow you here.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Portability and Travel

Both are portable, but in different ways.

The HeadBlade is smaller and lighter. It doesn't need charging. You can throw it in a gym bag or carry-on without worrying about TSA (though you'll need to pack cartridges carefully). Perfect for the minimalist traveler.

But here's the catch: you still need shaving cream and access to water. That means you're limited to locations with bathroom facilities. Can't really touch up your shave in your car or office unless you're willing to go full-on dry shave with a manual razor (which sounds painful and terrible).

The FlexSeries is battery-powered (90-minute runtime, charges via USB-C), fully waterproof, and works wet or dry. This makes it truly portable in a functional sense. Charge it before a trip, pack it in your bag, and shave anywhere. Hotel room, car, airplane bathroom (weird but possible), office, camping trip, anywhere.

The cordless design means no outlets are needed during the shave. Charge it once, get two weeks of shaves. For frequent travelers, this is huge. No hunting for outlets in foreign countries, no voltage converter needed, and no missing shaves because you forgot your charger (though you'll eventually need to charge it).

Both clear TSA easily. Both are compact enough for travel. The FlexSeries requires occasional charging but offers way more flexibility in where you can actually use it.

Winner: Tie (Depends on travel style)

Maintenance and Durability

HeadBlade maintenance is simple: Rinse the blade after each use. Let it dry. Replace the cartridge every 5-7 shaves or when it starts pulling. That's it.

The razor handle itself is durable plastic or stainless steel (if you get the S4 luxury model). It'll last for years. The ongoing maintenance is just buying replacement cartridges every few weeks.

Blade changing is slightly annoying. You have to press a specific spot on the side to unclip it, and first-timers often end up watching YouTube videos to figure it out. But once you know, it's fine.

FlexSeries requires slightly more maintenance, but it's still easy: Rinse the blade head under running water after each shave (takes 10 seconds). Pop the blade head off and clean it more thoroughly once a week. Replace the blade head every 50 shaves or 6-8 weeks.

The cleaning is dead simple. Pull off the blade head, rinse both parts, let dry. Snap it back on. The included cleaning brush helps clear any stubborn hair.

Blade replacement is easier than HeadBlade's cartridge system. Just pull off the old head and press on the new one until it clicks.

The main durability consideration is the battery. Like all rechargeable shavers, the battery capacity will gradually degrade over a few years. But most users report the FlexSeries lasting 2-3 years of daily use before any performance drop. Freebird offers a 3-year warranty for non-subscribers, or lifetime warranty if you're a blade subscriber.

Both are durable enough for regular use. The HeadBlade might outlast the FlexSeries simply because it's not electronic, but the FlexSeries should still give you years of reliable service.

Winner: HeadBlade MOTO

Who Should Choose HeadBlade MOTO

You’ll love the HeadBlade MOTO if you:

• Enjoy the wet shaving ritual. Some guys find the routine relaxing. The cream, the careful technique, the time in the shower. It's meditative. If that sounds appealing instead of tedious, manual shaving might be your thing.

• Have a tight budget (very short term). That $13 upfront cost is attractive if you need a head shaver right now and don't have $39.95 to spend. Just understand that the blade costs add up over time.

• Already comfortable with manual razors. If you've been shaving your face with cartridge razors for years, the HeadBlade is a natural extension of that. The technique transfers over pretty easily.

• Shave infrequently. If you're only shaving once or twice a week, the time investment is less of a hassle. And infrequent shaving means blade costs are lower since cartridges last longer when you're not using them daily.

• Want ultimate portability without electronics. No batteries, no charging, no worrying about power. For extreme minimalists or off-grid folks, this is a legit advantage.

• Prefer an ultra close shave. Manual shavers shave closer than electrics. That’s it.

Who Should Choose the Freebird FlexSeries

The FlexSeries makes more sense if you:

• Value speed and convenience. If shaving feels like a chore and you just want to maintain your bald look quickly, electric is the way. Those time savings really add up.

• Shave daily or every few days. Regular maintenance shaving is where electric shavers shine. You're just knocking down stubble, not removing significant length. The FlexSeries is perfect for this.

• Are prone to nicks, cuts, or razor burn. If you've battled skin irritation with manual razors, the FlexSeries is genuinely safer. That protective guard makes a real difference.

• Prefer dry shaving options. Maybe you don't like the mess of shaving cream. Maybe you want to shave before work without getting in the shower. Electric gives you that flexibility.

• Think long-term value matters. Yes, it costs more upfront. But over 2-3 years, you'll save more compared to buying HeadBlade cartridges. The math favors electric for regular shavers.

• Need genuine portability. If you travel constantly for work, if you're military, if you're doing van life. Anywhere traditional wet shaving is inconvenient, the FlexSeries adapts to your lifestyle.

• Have sensitive skin. The guarded blades and reduced friction make it gentler. For guys with eczema, psoriasis, or just easily irritated skin, going electric often solves the problem.

The Final Verdict

Here's our final verdict: The FlexSeries and HeadBlade are good at what they do.

The HeadBlade is one of the best manual head razors on the market. If you want that ritual of wet shaving and the closest possible shave, you'll be happy with it. Just understand you're committing to more time, more mess, and higher long-term costs.

The Freebird FlexSeries is the better choice for most modern bald guys. It's faster, safer, more convenient, and cheaper long-term. You sacrifice a tiny bit of closeness, but 95% of people won't notice the difference.

If you think of shaving like brushing your teeth (you want done quickly), go electric. If you enjoy the shower routine, manual might be your speed.

The HeadBlade will give you the smoothest head possible. The FlexSeries will give you a smooth head and get you out the door in 3 minutes.

FAQs

Is the HeadBlade Worth it if I'm Used to Regular Razors?

Yes, it's a great upgrade if you want a handle designed specifically for the shape of your head. It takes about five shaves to get the hang of the finger-ring grip, but most guys find it much faster than a standard stick razor once they learn the motion.

Can I Use the FlexSeries Wet like the HeadBlade?

Yes, the FlexSeries is fully waterproof (IPX6) and works well in the shower, even with shaving cream or gel. You get the convenience of an electric with the option for traditional wet shaving when you want it.

Which Gets a Closer Shave: HeadBlade or FlexSeries?

The HeadBlade gives a closer shave. Manual razor blades touching your skin directly will always beat guarded electric blades in terms of smoothness. The FlexSeries gets very close (no visible stubble for most guys), but you'll feel a slight texture if you run your hand against the grain.

Is the HeadBlade Hard to Learn?

It has a bit of a learning curve because the grip and motion are different from a standard razor. You can expect to spend about a week getting used to the "push" technique and figuring out how to navigate the back of your head. Most guys get it down after four or five shaves, but you might have a few nicks while you practice.

Can I use the FlexSeries Without Shaving Cream?

Absolutely. The FlexSeries is designed for wet and dry shaving, which is one of its biggest advantages. You can use it with shaving products if you prefer, but it works perfectly well dry, making quick touch-ups easy.

Which is Better for Sensitive Skin?

The FlexSeries is usually better because the blades never actually touch your skin. The protective mesh guard stops the blades from scraping your scalp, which lessens the risk of razor burn and nicks.

Can I Travel with the HeadBlade or FlexSeries?

The FlexSeries is the better travel companion because it doesn't require a sink or shaving cream. You can toss it in your bag and do a quick touch-up in a hotel room or a car without making a mess. While the HeadBlade is smaller, you still have to carry a bottle of cream and find a place to wash up, which is a pain when you're on the move.