Headblade ATX

[Slyfive]

Let us know what you think!

[skram]

For what its worth, I posted my thoughts on the ATX in teh Product Review section the other day and have just added some followup notes after using it a few days on my face and after going back to the Sport after using the ATX for a while.

[Keith183]

My thoughts after two weeks:
The ATX with the new adapter and new blades suck. It seems the tension on the new adapter spring or the angle of the cartridge are not quite right. It never gets close. I could get close if I raised the wheels from my skull, but this like using a stick razor.
However, I have gotten better shaves since buying the ATX and new blades. Here's the catch. I use the new blades and adapter on the HB Sport and it bests the performance of the old blades. Next, I tried the old blades and adapters on the ATX, and that shave was awesome, too.
Has anyone else had better experiences switching the blades between handles/shavers?

[OMEGA1202]

I've tried it once but the blades aren't that great in my opinion. I would love it if they came out with an adapter for the Schick Hydro blade which seems to be the one that works best for me. That is the only thing holding me back from buying the Head Blade, but it does make it a lot easier to shave.

[Slyfive]

Using the sensor blades on the ATX works well for a more aggressive shave. But after a bit of practice the regular blades do just fine for me. I agree with you that the blade pressure is very finicky, but after a while I'm getting it.

[valldo]

I use the ATX with my Sensor and Sensor 3 blades and get excellent results. Haven't tried the old HB3 or new HB4 on the ATX yet.

[jarrod]

Right now I'm using the headblade triples on the ATX and I am getting the best shave ever when applying light pressure. when using the HB triples you have to use the yellow adapter and the pivot point is different than the hb4 and hb6 adapter...I haven't used the HB4 or HB6 yet but i really don't even think I'm going to...for those saying the angle isn't right or the shave is patchy are you applying any pressure? and if you have the routine down with the hb4 or hb6 how is the shave compared to the triples...any thoughts?

[garra]

I gave the ATX another go but again the results were poor and left me with some pretty bad shave rash.  I then put the adapter and 3 blade from my HB sport on the ATX and as others have stated this is awesome.  Works so well, much better than the 4 blade on the ATX. 

[headblade]

From watching/viewing the comments I see a common thread which is easily explained and makes a lot of sense. 

We all know the previous HeadBlades (Classic, Ghost, S4, Sport) had a learning curve.  No pressure on the blade and keep the wheels in contact with the scalp.  I would say that to any new HeadBlader....because not adhering to those two golden rules may produce less than desired results. 

In honesty some people, with an past HeadBlade, would use it a couple of times and, if they didn't pick up on the new method, would go back to a conventional blade.  Anyone that stuck with it, ended up being a dedicated HeadBlader.  Over ten years of selling have proven this point.  As do the threads in these forums.

The ATX is extremely EASY to master for anyone who never used a HeadBlade.  It really does follow the traditional blade of pulling and by introducing the suspension and finger ring there is virtually no learning curve.

So why are some current HeadBladers having a hard time getting a better shave with the ATX than the Sport?  Because, understandibly, they don't want to put any pressure on the blade.  Sounds kind of crazy, but true.  If you notice on this thread many of you are getting great shaves with the ATX and an OLD blade (the double, triple, or sensor).  Why is that?

It's because all those blades have center mounted pivots, not forward facing pivots like the HB4 and HB6.

That means, at rest, with the ATX, the blades are touching your scalp and so you are again, in true HeadBlade fashion, driving (gliding) the ATX and the blades are cutting nicely.  With the HB4 and HB6 you are not getting a great shave because, at rest, those blades are not resting on your scalp.  You need to engage the blade.

To test...put the ATX on your arm.  Notice that the blade is not touching the skin..you have to use some pressure.  Now put any old blade on the ATX and put it on your arm.  You'll notice, at rest, the blade is touching the skin.

Either way, I'm happy that you are on the HeadBlade Team and hope this helps.  Personally, about a year ago, it took me a good week to get used to the difference between the S4 and the ATX...but once I was over that hump...I've been an ATX guy.

Have a great week.

Todd

[mark]

Isn't there a discount code somewhere for those of us looking to give the new head blade a try?

I've been using disposables and my straight razor but I'm willing to give it a shot.

[Keith183]

@headblade / Todd
My leaning curve on my first face, with a stick razor, as a teenager, was half a shave.
My learning curve with the HB Sport was 1 shave, and that's being liberal.
My learning curve on the ATX has not yet been resolved after 10+ shaves. This doesn't seem right, to me.

Ideas for improvement:
Notice how premium stick razors, like the Gilette Fusion, don't lay flush with the skin. Same for the ATX & HB 4/6. However, the tension on spring in those stick razors are low, when compared to tight tension on the ATX adapters. That extra tension and the extreme natural angle of the cartridge  create the poor experience....for me and some others.

[skram]

Isn't there a discount code somewhere for those of us looking to give the new head blade a try?

I've been using disposables and my straight razor but I'm willing to give it a shot.

Mark, if you click one of their ads on this site, you will get the discount.

[skram]

Todd, that follows what I was thinking, that it all has to do with the pivots.

I have found that the centre pivots works much better for my head and its contours. I don't find that the edge pivot works for my head. Tried it for a week, but just couldn't get it to work as well and had too many missed spots to go over and over.  When I ended up slicing above my ear working on those misseed spots I decided the trial was over. I would like to see an HB4 or 6 blade with the centre pivot.
For now I'm going to stick with the Sport and the HB3, which I love.

I do like the ATX and the HB4 for my face. I've never used faceblade, but I'm wondering how the new blade would work with it.

[mark]

Placed my order. Thanks for the information. If I like this thing I have some bald clients I'll be buying these for.

[-Doug-]

I finally bought the ATX. My initial impression is mixed. It is a great shaver and I can see how it would be good for people that have trouble with the push method of the HB Sport. I tired it with the HB4 blades. It did a good job on the top of my head but I ran into diffuculty on the back of my head. I just could find the "sweet spot" of pressure that others have mention. So I popped of the HB4 and adapter and put on the Wilkinson Sword blade that I use with the Sport. That worked like a charm and I finshed off the rest of the shave with great results.

I meant to give the HB4 another go this morning, but I overslept so I didn't have the time to experiment. I did a full head shave with the Wilkinson Sword blade and had another great shave. I plan to give the HB4 blade a few more tires before deciding to stick with that or my usual blade.

All in all, I think it is a great product and a good upgrade to HB's product line.