My hair grows SO fast that I only get a smooth feeling for about an hour or so.
I don't want to irritate my skin by shaving with a blade more than once a day, but to this newbie, electric razors seem like they may "not count" as much towards skin irritation -- is this something I could do between daily shaves when things get really rough, or is an electric equivalent to the blade and just as irritating?
Liking the smooth feel, stubble driving me a little nutty cos when I go to rub my head it's

(okay being overly dramatic but thoughts?)
I hear you. My hair does too, I probably have a small bald spot on the crown but the rest of my hair thinks it's fine and healthy and should be grown so I can fling it around like Shakira.

I used to measure myself by other sly guys but very often that was unachieable as they have male pattern baldness and are totally smooth on the top. Although we might not be as smooth as them and may have some shadow, to everyone else we are bald and although I would love to be that smooth, I see it's not gonna happen and therefore I should be plesed with what I have.
To everyone else that sees me, they think I have a shiny smooth dome - it's just me that's critical
isitb has a point. We are often our worst critics. You ask other people and they think we have a shiny smooth dome but we can feel the sandpaper.
If you are feeling stubble that quickly I don't know if an electric would help. It has been my experience that electrics will not get as close as a blade. So if you are already dealing with stubble issues, an electric wouldn't help. I use a Schick Hydro 5 and go for hours before I start feel any stubble.
I'm with with doug, I have never used an electric razor on my head as I havent used one for years but when I used to shave my face and nexk I never felt as smooth as I do with a razor .
I'm also a Hydro 5 guy. smoothest I have found
Speed of hair growth notwithstanding, the Panasonic Linear used wet will give you the closest shave you will probably ever get with an electric.
Get in the shower, do all your usual pre-shave routine then shave. I use a low foam shave gel (King of Shaves Alpha Gel). I take no responsibility for anyone using this shaver dry. I would pretty much guarantee razor burn. Use it wet and you'll think it's a miracle.
Red
I think this issue is resolving itself as I get more experienced-- today is day 10 and it's been about 10 hrs and my head is still comfortably smooth. My hair's resistance is wearing down!
Another Hydro 5 user here.
And something else to try is going both wtg and atg when your scalp is used to being shaved.