Freebird FlexSeries vs. Remington Balder Pro Comparison

Stuck between choosing Freebird's FlexSeries and Remington's Balder Pro? You're looking at two popular head shavers that cost under $70, have five heads, and claim to give you a smooth dome without nicks. It can be challenging to pick the right one.

But here's the catch: one of these shavers will cost you more in the long run.

I compare both shavers in terms of design, performance, value, and customer feedback. When we're done, you'll have a clear picture of which shaver fits your needs and budget.

While Remington offers the Balder Pro and Balder Boss models, we're focusing on the Balder Pro for this comparison since it's Remington's most widely sold model and more closely matches Freebird's FlexSeries in price and features.

Comparing the premium models? Check out our FlexSeries Pro vs Remington Balder Boss comparison

 

 

A Quick Verdict

Both shavers work. Let's get that out of the way.

The FlexSeries and Balder Pro are solid rotary head shavers with powerful motors and five-blade systems. They're waterproof, they shave close, and they both offer 60-day trials. 

Esquire even tested the FlexSeries and called it the closest shave they found. Many grooming pros say that the FlexSeries is one of the best shavers out there.

But when you put them head-to-head, the FlexSeries wins in almost every category that matters:

• Almost 40% cheaper when you grab the subscription ($ vs $64.99)
• Lifetime warranty (for members)
• $60 worth of free attachments 
• Longer battery life (90 minutes vs 50 minutes)
• Shorter charging time (1 hr vs 4 hrs)
• Cheaper replacement blades  ($17.95 vs $29.99)

The Balder Pro's only real advantage? A quick charge feature that gives you enough juice for one shave after five minutes of charging. That's useful if you forget to charge overnight, but not exactly a game-changer.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

$39 at MyFreebird.com$59 at Amazon

Design and Build Quality

Design

Both shavers nail the basics. They're designed for baldies. The FlexSeries has an ergonomic design making it easy to hold and maneuver when shaving. The same can be said for the Balder Pro. It's comfortable to hold and fits well in your hand.

The Balder Pro's upside is its rubber grip on the sides of the motor, which gives you confidence you won't drop your shaver in the shower.

Winner: Balder Pro

Build Quality

The FlexSeries is a durable and lightweight shaver. You don't have to worry about minor-shaver-dropping mishaps.

Matt from Bald and Happy mentioned that the FlexSeries felt strong, stable, and long-lasting. Overall, he was impressed with its durability for a lightweight shaver.

The Balder Pro, like most Remington products, feels solid and durable. It's heavier than the FlexSeries, which some guys prefer.

Both shavers are durable enough to handle accidental slips here and there. Drop them once or twice? They'll probably be fine.

Winner: Tie

Performance and Features

Attachments

Who doesn't love freebies? Freebird has $60 worth of free attachments and wins this category, hands down. Here's what you get in the box:

• Precision Clipper

• 3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards

• Nose & Ear Trimmer

• Exfoliation Brush

• Silicon Scalp Scrubber

The Balder Pro is a "shaver only" deal. That's it. If you want accessories, you can buy them from the Remington website. It does have an integrated pop-up trimmer on the body, though.

A nose and ear hair trimmer from the Remington website sells for $9.99 each. Freebird includes one for free.

That $60 bundle isn't just about saving money. You're getting a complete grooming setup right out of the box. The nose trimmer alone pays for itself, and the clipper guards let you experiment with different lengths before committing to the full shave.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Waterproofing

If you prefer a wet shave or use shaving gel and cream while you shave, both shavers deliver. The FlexSeries (IPX6) and Balder Pro (WETech) are waterproof. Users can enjoy wet and dry shaving with no worries.

IPX6 waterproofing means the FlexSeries can withstand high-pressure water splashes from any angle, meaning you can shave in the shower without any issues.

The Balder Pro doesn't specify its IPX rating, only stating that it's waterproof using their WETech technology. "WETech" seems to be a Remington-specific thing, and isn't very clear about what that actually means and how it compares to the standard IPX ratings.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Blades

The FlexSeries has five ScalpSafe technology blades, making it safe for baldies with sensitive scalps. The Balder Pro also has five heads with hypoallergenic blades, which Remington claims are gentle on sensitive skin. Both blades are sharp enough to cut through coarse and thick hair.

Freebird says that its ScalpSafe blades generally last 50 shaves before needing to be replaced. Remington has no information on how long its blades last. Our article on how often you should replace blades discusses this in detail to give you an idea.

Now, let's compare the design of Balder Pro blades with the FlexSeries blades. The FlexSeries blades have a concave profile and flex, closely following the natural shape of your head, giving you a smoother and closer shave.

One gripe users have with the Balder Pro is the blade design. Its convex shape makes it harder to follow your head's shape. While the blades are spring-mounted and flexible, they don't shave as closely as concave blades.

Matt from Bald and Happy wasn't happy with the Balder Pro's blade design. He had to make numerous passes to ensure he got an even shave.

The Balder Pro's larger shaving heads may cover a larger area, but they make it harder to maneuver in tight spots like the back of the ear.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Battery Life & Indicators

The FlexSeries is powered by a 600 mAh battery that lasts 90 minutes between charges. Its power is good enough to keep you groomed while on the go.

The Balder Pro has less juice; it can only give you 50 minutes of cordless operation, but it does have a neat quick charge feature.

Battery indicators help monitor the remaining battery life to prevent your razor from dying in the middle of a shave.

Both shavers lack exact battery percentage indicators, a useful feature found in other shavers.

The FlexSeries and Balder Pro both have an LED light battery indicator. The FlexSeries indicator turns red when charging and green when fully charged. The Balder Pro has two LED indicators: low battery and fully charged, plus charging in progress.

Here's the kicker: The Balder Pro takes about 4 hours to fully charge (a common pain point of users). One tester clocked it at 3 hours and 21 minutes, which may be too long if you're in a hurry. The FlexSeries charges in about an hour.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Travel-Friendly Features

If you're someone who shaves on the go, these details matter.

Weight and Portability

The FlexSeries weighs in lighter than the Balder Pro, making it easier to toss in your gym bag or carry-on. The weight difference isn't huge, but when you're packing light for a weekend trip, every ounce counts.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Battery Life for Travel

Here's where the FlexSeries really shines. With 90 minutes of runtime, you can easily get through a week-long trip without hunting for an outlet. The Balder Pro's 50 minutes? You'll need to charge it mid-trip, which is annoying when you're staying in hotels with limited outlets.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Charging Options

Both shavers use USB charging, so you're not stuck with weird proprietary cables. But the FlexSeries charges in about an hour while the Balder Pro needs four hours. If you forget to charge your shaver the night before your flight, the FlexSeries can top up during breakfast. The Balder Pro? You're out of luck.

The Balder Pro does have that quick charge feature (5 minutes for one shave), which is a great feature if you're running late. But for longer trips, the FlexSeries is the smarter choice.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Travel Shaving Capability

Both shavers handle wet and dry shaving, so you can shave in a hotel shower or do a quick touch-up at the airport bathroom sink. The FlexSeries' IPX6 rating means it can handle whatever you throw at it. The Balder Pro's WETech should work fine too, but without a clear IPX rating, you're taking Remington's word for it.

If you travel frequently, the FlexSeries is the better pick. Longer battery life, faster charging, and lighter weight add up to less hassle on the road.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Price and Value

Subscription and Regular Prices

The Freebird FlexSeries costs $ with a blade subscription. If you don't want the subscription, the FlexSeries still only costs $59.95.

The Balder Pro is the brand's lowest-priced head shaver, costing $64.99. Remington has no subscription model. 

According to Freebird, you can change or cancel your Freebird subscription anytime, no questions asked.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Blade Replacement Cost

FlexSeries replacement blades start at $17.95 for members. 

Balder Pro replacement blades cost $29.99, and Remington does not offer a subscription or discount model.

Freebird offers replacement blades at any frequency you prefer. Their subscription provides a 20% discount for every blade replacement and a free Lifetime Warranty, added perks that make the deal even better when buying the FlexSeries.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Money Back Guarantee

Have you ever been stuck with a bad shaver? You spend some serious cash on it only to find out that it doesn't work for your hair or skin type.

What do you do with the shaver? Make it an expensive paperweight?

We have good news for FlexSeries and Balder Pro buyers. Both come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

If your shaver doesn't work, you can return it for a refund, no questions asked.

Winner: Tie

Customer Reviews

The Freebird FlexSeries and the Balder Pro have very high ratings on their official websites and above 4-star ratings on Amazon.

Winner: Tie

Warranty

While Remington's five-year limited warranty is longer than most other electric head shaver's one-year warranties, it doesn't quite match the FlexSeries' lifetime warranty (with a blade subscription). Freebird also provides a hefty 3-year warranty for non-subscribers.

Giving a lifetime warranty means you're confident about the overall quality of your shaver.

We're not saying that Remington shavers are inferior or that the company doesn't believe in its razors. Remington is a well-known and trusted brand.

Freebird wins this category since a lifetime warranty always trumps anything less.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

Long-Term Cost Analysis

Let's talk about what these shavers actually cost you over five years. Most guys don't think about this when they're shopping, but it's the real test of value.

FlexSeries (with subscription):

Initial cost: $39.95
Blade replacements: $17.95 every 2-3 months = ~5 replacements per year
5-year blade cost: $17.95 × 5 replacements × 5 years = $448.75
Total 5-year cost: $488.70

Balder Pro:

Initial cost: $64.99
Blade replacements: $29.99 every 3-6 months (let's say 4 months average) = ~3 replacements per year
5-year blade cost: $29.99 × 3 replacements × 5 years = $449.85
Total 5-year cost: $514.84

The FlexSeries saves you $26.14 over five years compared to the Balder Pro. That's not life-changing money, but it's enough for a nice meal or a few months of your streaming service.

But here's the real kicker: that calculation assumes you're getting the same lifespan from both shavers. With the FlexSeries' lifetime warranty (for subscribers), you're covered if anything breaks. The Balder Pro's five-year warranty? Once that's up, you're buying a whole new shaver.

If you keep your FlexSeries for 7+ years (which many users do), the savings get bigger. Plus, the subscription flexibility means you can adjust your blade delivery schedule if you're not shaving as often.

Winner: Freebird FlexSeries

The Final Verdict

Freebird's FlexSeries and Remington Balder Pro are two of the most popular and highly-rated electric head shavers on the market.

While the Balder Pro has a more established brand, the FlexSeries beats the Remington shaver in almost every other aspect in this showdown.

The FlexSeries is nearly half the price, has a much more affordable blade replacement subscription program, has ScalpSafe blades that adapt to the contours of your head, and is safe for baldies with sensitive scalps.

Add a lifelong warranty and a bundle of free attachments, the FlexSeries provides way more value than the Balder Pro.

FAQs

Which Head Shaver Gives the Closest Shave?

Based on several reviews, like Esquire's review, the Freebird FlexSeries provides the closest shave among shavers tested. Still wondering why it's one of the best head shavers around?

Does the Balder Pro Leave Stubble?

Rotary shavers, like the Balder Pro, usually shave close enough to not leave any stubble. If you prefer a buzz cut with some stubble left, a hair trimmer or clipper is the best tool to use instead of an electric rotary shaver.

Does the Freebird FlexSeries Leave Stubble?

No. Based on user comments and reviews, the FlexSeries gives one of the closest shaves for a rotary shaver. If you want a close shave with some stubble left on your head, there's a free hair clipper attachment included in the FlexSeries shaving kit you can use for a buzz cut.

How Long Do Balder Pro Blades Last?

Remington does not say how long its blades last, but they generally last 3 to 6 months, depending on hair type and how often you shave.

How Long Do Freebird FlexSeries Blades Last?

Freebird claims that their FlexSeries blades last 50 shaves. If you shave every 2-3 days, you're looking at about 3-4 months per blade set. Daily shavers will need replacements more often, maybe every 6-8 weeks.

Is the FlexSeries Waterproof Like the Remington?

Yes, both shavers are waterproof. The FlexSeries has an IPX6 rating, which means it can handle high-pressure water from any angle without issues. The Balder Pro uses Remington's WETech technology, though they don't specify an exact IPX rating. Both shavers work great in the shower with or without shaving gel.

Which Has Better Battery Life, FlexSeries or Balder Pro?

The FlexSeries wins with 90 minutes of runtime compared to the Balder Pro's 50 minutes. That's nearly double the shaving time per charge. The FlexSeries also charges faster (about 1 hour vs 4 hours for the Balder Pro), so you spend less time waiting and more time grooming.

Can I Use FlexSeries for Body Grooming?

Absolutely. The FlexSeries' ScalpSafe blades work great for body grooming, especially in sensitive areas where traditional razors cause irritation. The waterproof design means you can shave your chest, back, or legs right in the shower. Plus, you get the clipper guards for trimming instead of going completely smooth if that's your preference.

Which Shaver Is Better for Beginners?

The FlexSeries is better for first-time head shavers. The learning curve is gentler because the concave blades naturally follow your head's shape, so you're less likely to miss spots or make uneven passes. The $60 worth of included accessories also means you can experiment with different grooming styles without buying extra tools. The Balder Pro works fine for beginners, but you'll probably spend more time getting the technique right.