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? 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).