The result? Surprisingly, it's a tie. Let's look at each.
The Gillette Fusion Power uses a unique flat 5 blade shaving surface rather than the standard cartridge style head. The razor also features a trimmer blade on the back of the razor head for hard to reach spaces and a unique powered vibration that reduces friction and razor glide. The Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer razor features a more traditional wedge shaped cartridge. It also features a small, battery powered variable length trimmer on the handle of the razor. Both razors feature a rubberized grip, rubber strips in front of the blades to lift the beard, and a lubricating strip behind the blades. They each also have a single trimmer blade on the back of the razor head.
DESIGN:
Overall, the Gillette looks and feels like it is a little higher quality than the Schick. The power button on the Gillette feels superior to the Schick and it's a lot less bulky than the Schick as well. The razor cartridges on both razors were easy to change and both razors feature a "rotate to remove" cap over the battery -- although Gillette's was well-labeled, while I had to fiddle with the Schick to remove the battery cap. Of course, instructions were included, but I'm a guy. We don't read the instructions! The low battery indicator light on the Fusion is a nice touch, too. Both of the razors were easy to rinse during the shave and both feature a single trimmer blade on the back of the head for trimming in tight spaces. Advantage: Gillette Fusion Power
KEY FEATURES:
One of the Gillette Fusion's unique features is the "micropulse" vibration when the razor is turned on. This actually does help reduce razor drag. It's a nice touch which really does make a difference. That said, the vibration can mask the feel of the razor on your face causing you to put more pressure on the razor, which can result in razor burn. The Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer features a tiny trimmer on the handle which the company would lead you to believe is handy for trimming a beard or goatee. While it's actually too small to be useful for trimming a wet beard or goatee, I did find it extremely helpful for trimming ear and nose hairs (an area of grooming most guys miss). It would be great if Schick would replace that trimmer with a round style ear/nose hair trimmer. Advantage: Tie
COMFORT:
I've always thought the Gillette Fusion drags too much for my taste. For me, it's not overly comfortable shave (although the vibration mode helps reduce drag). The Schick, because it has fewer blades and has seven mico-thin vertical wires over the blades (which prevent the blades from getting too close to the skin), had far less drag than the Fusion. After the shave, I felt very little irritation from either razor, but the Schick left me slightly less irritated than the Gillette. Advantage: Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer
CLOSENESS:
This is the area that surprised me the most. I could not find any noticeable difference in the feel of either side of my face. I shaved each side with the grain. No difference. I then shaved against the grain. No difference. I expected the Fusion to give me a closer shave, but the Quattro performed quite well. I had a few other people feel each side of the face and they couldn't tell the difference either. Advantage: Tie
HANDLING:
Both razors were easy to control and hold on to, but I could do without the extra bulk and weight of the Schick. The unique flexible paintbrush style head of the Fusion seemed to follow the contours of my face better than the Quattro and the Fusion did a better job in the tight spaces under my nose, lip and corners of the mouth. Advantage: Gillette Fusion Power
PRICE:
During a quick walk down the aisle at my local drugstore, I found an 8 pack of Gillette Fusion Power Blades for $28.99 (or $3.37 each) and an 8 pack of Schick Quattro Titanium Blades blades for $18.63 (or $2.33 each). Another nearby store had similar prices, with the Fusion blades at about $1 per blade higher than the Quattro. The razor handle was about the same price for each. Advantage: Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer
So there it is. A surprising tie between the two razors. Of course, this is based on my own personal experience -- I'm an average guy with slightly sensitive skin and a normal beard. That said, I have found myself picking up the Quattro a bit more often because it gives me a more comfortable shave. The Quattro may be a bit more attractive for guys on a budget because of the lower price point, too. That said, whichever razor you choose, you'll get a great shave.
