SuperSpeed vs. Tech

[sumit]

How is the gillette superspeed vs the tech? Which one is better for a beginner? I've heard that the superspeed has too big of a head to get areas under your nose and stuff like that while the tech has a small head. I like the idea of silo doors though, seems pretty convenient to me compared to the tech. Can I trade my tech for a superspeed if they're good?

[doug1066]

The SuperSpeed I have is a bit more aggressive than my Tech. In reality, they shave about the same. I don't have a problem using the SuperSpeed under my nose.

[Chester]

I think the regular superspeed is a fine starter razor. I first picked up a 40's SS, then switched to a flare-tip ("Regular"). The flare-tip has a less "domed" head than the old 40s style, which makes it a little bit easier under the nose but it's not that much. (just do a W->E pass and an E->W pass under the nostrils and you're done, as with any other DE).

Honestly, though, I'd say start with the tech for 2-3 weeks. The tech forces you to pay attention to angle, and it's a little bit more forgiving of pressure mistakes. Also, as technique improves, the tech cane be paired up with a feather for a dynamite shave.

My $.02,
-- Chet

[deruitem]

I started with an EJ89 then added a slim adjustable. I do not yet own a SS however I do have a gold tech that I wanted to try partly because I wanted a gold razor. It is very mild and I have decided its time for it to go. I need to post it on the BST soon I think. I just dont seem to get a close shave with it

[Angry__Panda]

Just got a 49-50 SS today, haven't shaved with it yet, but it is heavier than my tech. So fr ll I know...I'll shave with it sometime this week and let you know about the shave difference.

[AlumroF]

I prefer the 40s SS over the Tech and I prefer the red tip over the 40s SS. The Tech is a bit small for my tastes. I also find that it's very picky when it comes to finding the right blade combo. With the red tip, I haven't found a blade that doesn't work. As Chet stated above, just do W-E and E-W passes and it's fine.

[sumit]

Besides the less domed head of the 40s style, what's better about the flare-tip? Why's it called the regular? What's a red tip?


I think the regular superspeed is a fine starter razor. I first picked up a 40's SS, then switched to a flare-tip ("Regular"). The flare-tip has a less "domed" head than the old 40s style, which makes it a little bit easier under the nose but it's not that much. (just do a W->E pass and an E->W pass under the nostrils and you're done, as with any other DE).

Honestly, though, I'd say start with the tech for 2-3 weeks. The tech forces you to pay attention to angle, and it's a little bit more forgiving of pressure mistakes. Also, as technique improves, the tech cane be paired up with a feather for a dynamite shave.

My $.02,
-- Chet

[Angry__Panda]

Finished my shave just now with the SS (don't ask). I find it to be a little more aggressive than the tech I guess? But definitely not by much. Good little razor, definitely super less aggressive than my Futur which I use more consistently lol. I would say go with either as your first razor. Then if you don't like how mild it is move up to something more aggressive (more noticeably aggressive). Whichever you can find in your price range though is good.

[sumit]

Which one do you like the best, the tech, SS or slim adjustable or EJ 89? Im thinking of maybe trading my tech for an SS.


I started with an EJ89 then added a slim adjustable. I do not yet own a SS however I do have a gold tech that I wanted to try partly because I wanted a gold razor. It is very mild and I have decided its time for it to go. I need to post it on the BST soon I think. I just dont seem to get a close shave with it

[sumit]

I hated the Futur. I thought it was way overpriced for what it is. It doesn't even seem to clamp down the blade tightly enough. No offense, but I always wonder what people see in the Futur (no pun intended), even though I know YMMV with these things.


Finished my shave just now with the SS (don't ask). I find it to be a little more aggressive than the tech I guess? But definitely not by much. Good little razor, definitely super less aggressive than my Futur which I use more consistently lol. I would say go with either as your first razor. Then if you don't like how mild it is move up to something more aggressive (more noticeably aggressive). Whichever you can find in your price range though is good.

[mdevine]

I have a dozen razors and have seven that get used regularly; a Fat-handled Tech, 40s Superspeed, Senator, New, Diplomat, Rocket HD, Tuckaway and New Standard. The Superspeed is my favorite but the more experienced I've become, the more often I find myself reaching for the Tech. When I switched to DE shaving, I made the mistake of thinking that a more aggressive razor meant a better or closer shave. I have found that to be clearly not the case. I can get a BBS shave with a Slim set on 9, but I can also get a BBS shave with the SS or Tech with less effort and no irritation. The easiest way to tell the difference is when I splash on aftershave; I get no burn at all when I used the SS or Tech. The main reasons that I cycle through the other razors is to keep things interesting and that using an open comb razor from time to time keeps my technique correct. The Tech and SS are so forgiving that you can get away with a sloppy approach (poor blade angle, too much pressure). The OC razors make it easy to tell when the angle is off as you get streaks from the comb.

[sumit]

Which is better the tech or superspeed? which one is easier to get BBS with?


I have a dozen razors and have seven that get used regularly; a Fat-handled Tech, 40s Superspeed, Senator, New, Diplomat, Rocket HD, Tuckaway and New Standard. The Superspeed is my favorite but the more experienced I've become, the more often I find myself reaching for the Tech. When I switched to DE shaving, I made the mistake of thinking that a more aggressive razor meant a better or closer shave. I have found that to be clearly not the case. I can get a BBS shave with a Slim set on 9, but I can also get a BBS shave with the SS or Tech with less effort and no irritation. The easiest way to tell the difference is when I splash on aftershave; I get no burn at all when I used the SS or Tech. The main reasons that I cycle through the other razors is to keep things interesting and that using an open comb razor from time to time keeps my technique correct. The Tech and SS are so forgiving that you can get away with a sloppy approach (poor blade angle, too much pressure). The OC razors make it easy to tell when the angle is off as you get streaks from the comb.

[AlanL]

I found the Tech too mild for my taste. It took at least an extra pass to get the same results as the SS. As for head size, the later Super Speeds have a slightly thinner head than the 40's style. I personally prefer the 40's style for smoothness, but if you have doubts about the head size and maneuverability, a Super Speed from the 60's will not disappoint.

[bnalley]

I have a '57 ss red tip and a '56 tech that I just used for the first time todaythe new tech did a great job. but I like my ss red tip better, maybe its because it was my grandpa's, but I love that razor. I don't know about the under the nose thing, the stache is king on my upper lip!

[sumit]

what do you mean smoothness?

I found the Tech too mild for my taste. It took at least an extra pass to get the same results as the SS. As for head size, the later Super Speeds have a slightly thinner head than the 40's style. I personally prefer the 40's style for smoothness, but if you have doubts about the head size and maneuverability, a Super Speed from the 60's will not disappoint.

[ahoiberg]

I like the idea of silo doors though, seems pretty convenient to me compared to the tech.

i don't really find my SS any more convenient than my tech as far as blade loading. i think, so far, i've enjoyed my tech more than my SS. really though, i don't get that different a shave from one to the other. i like my tech a lot and have come back to using it the most lately.

[sumit]

you mean your mustachio 'ed?

I have a '57 ss red tip and a '56 tech that I just used for the first time todaythe new tech did a great job. but I like my ss red tip better, maybe its because it was my grandpa's, but I love that razor. I don't know about the under the nose thing, the stache is king on my upper lip!

[sumit]

really? I mean you just pop the blade in and twist the doors shut so much easier in general than screwing all 3 pieces of the tech together and making sure the gaps are even.


i don't really find my SS any more convenient than my tech as far as blade loading. i think, so far, i've enjoyed my tech more than my SS. really though, i don't get that different a shave from one to the other. i like my tech a lot and have come back to using it the most lately.

[john parker]

I prefer my 40s Super Speed over the Tech that I had because I like the heavier head. Seems to be easier to shave with it. Which is why I truly love my DE89L! Heavier head still and longer handle!

[AlanL]

what do you mean smoothness?

I tried to explain it with this recent post in the thread Smoothest DE Razor? (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/221105-Smoothest-DE-Razor?p=3308462#post3308462) Smooth might be described as effortless and effective cutting, without the sensation of dangerous aggressiveness. The Tech and the SS are both smooth shavers, while many say the Tech is milder (less aggressive).

[bnalley]

I'm a firefighter/EMT, the stache comes with the job. People know when they see the mustached fireman that the job will get done! LOL!!

[Copierguy]

Any of the razors talked about in this thread, Techs and Super Speeds, will give the average Joe a reasonably good to fine shave. Even if you do not get the results you are looking for the first go around, don't be too quick to sell it off. As your technique matures the results you get from the same razor later may be very different. I have found my taste in razors has changed with improved technique.

[Sharp VRT]

It's Deja Vu!!!

I with a Tech!

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/242192-Next-aggressive-model-above-Gillette-Tech

[plpenn]

The SuperSpeed I have is a bit more aggressive than my Tech. In reality, they shave about the same. I don't have a problem using the SuperSpeed under my nose.

+1
I started with a tech then about 2 weeks later got a SS and it was my go to razor until my Fatboy came in. I think they were both great razors but I perfered the SS.

[Angry__Panda]

Any of the razors talked about in this thread, Techs and Super Speeds, will give the average Joe a reasonably good to fine shave. Even if you do not get the results you are looking for the first go around, don't be too quick to sell it off. As your technique matures the results you get from the same razor later may be very different. I have found my taste in razors has changed with improved technique.

Funny, I have to say this is true. So to be fair, I started my shave with a straight today, my chin got me frustrated so I said screw it and switched to a Personna red into my new Gillette Super Speed. I shaved, was disappointed because I couldn't finish with my striaght, and didn't think about it. Well I put myself in a better mood with some good food and wine and I was sitting at the table, leaning on my hands. I noticed, damn, that Super Speed just made a shave I thought was horrible...BBS. Now for those of you who have followed my random rantings over the course of the last month or two, you would know that I have not gotten to the BBS point on my whole face (parts here and there, but missed spots). So this week I am going to shave exclusively with my Super Speed and see if it was just the little extra I did with it, or if it was the razor being awesome :) .

[clew]

I have an English made aluminum Tech (sold as a Gillette 3 Piece in a blue pack) like this one (http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Tech/1979%20Tech%20Z4.jpg) and a 1972 Super Speed like this one (http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/One-Piece%20solid%20guard%20bar/1975%20(V3)%20black%20handle%20Super-Speed.jpg). I just started using a DE razor, and I prefer the Tech. It seems a bit more forgiving of my mistakes. I had one particularly nasty case of razor burn with the Super Speed, none so far with the Tech. Once again, this is coming from a DE newb.

[MajorTom]

100th post! (how, lol??)

As a relative newbie who owns 2 Tech's and 2 SS's, I'd say that you should just try em both for yourself. They're both very inexpensive vintage razors, no reason not to own each. Imo, I find the Techs to be more forgiving of my still developing technique. I get great shaves from the SS, but I have to be more careful (just a little more mind you). For me the Tech is almost effortless. Also while working through my blade sampler I've found the SS to be a bit finicky with some blades, whereas the Tech just likes em all for the most part. Not sure why this is, maybe it's just me. As I've said I'm still ratcheting down my technique. YMMV.

[wulfgar1976]

There were a number of different Techs produced with different heads and the same for Super Speeds so it's not a simple matter of comparison. IMO, Techs became less aggressive over time whereas Super Speeds tended to become more so.

[grimas42]

I prefer the tech, but I think for me it has more to do with the balance and feel of the razor than the shave itself. I have several techs and SS (still trying to find a red tip at a good price) and I have been happy with the shave from all of them. That being said, the tech (with the exception of the tech gold) feels better in my hand than the ss.

[mdevine]

I find the SS and Tech very similar. I do have the older style Tech with the triangular openings on the bottom. These are considered more aggressive than the newer Techs. I picked it up for $7.99 shipped off ebay. At the price of the Techs, they are easy enough to turn around and sell if they aren't for you.

[tchudson]

So how does the 40s SS compare with a 60s SS? I just bought a 60s SS and am curious as to the difference.

[wulfgar1976]

So how does the 40s SS compare with a 60s SS? I just bought a 60s SS and am curious as to the difference.

The early '40s Super Speed is very mild. The later version (the 'notched' version) is much better IMO. Many people find the late '40s Super Speed to be more aggressive than the '60s version but I don't find very much difference between my flare tip and the late '40s version. My late '60s black-handled Super Speed, on the other hand, is the most aggressive Super Speed in my collection.

[alex2363]

super speed is way better for me.

[tchudson]

The early '40s Super Speed is very mild. The later version (the 'notched' version) is much better IMO. Many people find the late '40s Super Speed to be more aggressive than the '60s version but I don't find very much difference between my flare tip and the late '40s version. My late '60s black-handled Super Speed, on the other hand, is the most aggressive Super Speed in my collection.

Good to know! I look forward to getting mine in the mail this week.

[Oscroft]

I've got 2 flare-tip Superspeeds ('58 and '60), and 3 Techs (Fat handle, ball handle, and alloy ball handle), and I agree with those who say the SS is a little more aggressive than the Tech. It's not a lot, but it's enough to make a SS a better all round razor for me - when I use a Tech it's usually only for my final pass.

<edit>Oh, and I don't have any problems getting close under my nose or other tricky places with a SS - the head is a bit bigger than a Tech, but it's still quite slim.