When to replace a HeadBlade?

• When to replace a HeadBlade? by Frontier Guy on 29 May, 2012 19:57
• Granted, I've only used my HeadBlade two weeks and all's gone well. Put on new blades yesterday, which has always been my normal Monday "start of a new week" routine.
  
  But I am curious about this ... why would a HeadBlade device (the non-blade carrier part) require replacement? Does head shaving (with little or no pressure) cause that much "wear and tear"?
  
  This is from the HeadBlace.com FAQs:
  With regular use the HeadBlade should last a year. After eight to nine months you should consider shelling out for a new one.
  
  Obviously I am missing something obvious. Obviously!
• #1 by bsev08 on 29 May, 2012 21:41
• Good find!
  
  Considering the adapter can be changed and I dont see how the body could change or be affected in any way from normal use. I would assume the only weak link on it would be the axle/wheel assembly? Would be curious to hear a headblade employee's reasoning for why they have that statement there.
• #2 by waine on 30 May, 2012 02:29
• As a HeadBlade fan, I will be a bit disappointed if I had to replace it after a year.  I cannot see such a simple device wearing to the point where it must be replaced after even a few years.  If mine does wear too fast, I would probably replace it with another, that’s how much I enjoy this little contraption.
• #3 by Lynchy on 30 May, 2012 02:39
• I don't have one, does it have a spring or something to keep the blade on the skull?
  
  Other than that no idea what else?
• #4 by balddoc on 30 May, 2012 04:45
• Apart from the plastic spring on the adaptor breaking, I really can't see that the HB should ever need replacing with normal (daily) use.
• #5 by Frontier Guy on 30 May, 2012 05:04
• I don't see anything in the assembly which will become fatigued and fail.
  
  Funny, I have this mental image of the HeadBlade being parked on the side of my scalp with one of the wheels off waiting for a tow truck.
• #6 by mrzed on 30 May, 2012 05:11
• Quote from: waine on 30 May, 2012 02:29

  As a HeadBlade fan, I will be a bit disappointed if I had to replace it after a year.  I cannot see such a simple device wearing to the point where it must be replaced after even a few years.  If mine does wear too fast, I would probably replace it with another, that’s how much I enjoy this little contraption.
  

  I like it too.  I agree, don't know why they provide TWO new adapters for every 4 blades. They don't explain the need. I've not found a reason to replace the adapter, although I could imagine it snapping if I was too rough in attaching a new blade.  I'd like to hear from the company on that.
  
  By the way, nice tie, and sharp looking sly head, Waine.
• #7 by Mikekoz13 on 30 May, 2012 07:09
• I replaced my FIRST HeadBlade at about the three year mark...... because I left it in a hotel room shower. Change your adapter every 3-6 months and you'll be good to go.
  
  What you saw is called "marketing".
• #8 by Frontier Guy on 30 May, 2012 07:51
• Quote from: Mikekoz13 on 30 May, 2012 07:09

  I replaced my FIRST HeadBlade at about the three year mark...... because I left it in a hotel room shower. Change your adapter every 3-6 months and you'll be good to go.
  

  
  Thanks Mike.  That "real world experience" is what I was looking for.
• #9 by -Doug- on 30 May, 2012 09:02
• Changing the adapter every 3-6 months, like Mike said, does help. It's plastic that is being used in a spring-like fashion so it will wear out. As for the HB itself, I can't see that wearing out under normal usage.
• #10 by RoWilJr on 30 May, 2012 09:18
• Never really gave it any thought...but yeah, the plastic adapter is flimsy from jump (broke a few just changing blades) so that would be the only thing you would have to replace.
• #11 by Mikekoz13 on 30 May, 2012 15:14
• Quote from: RoWilJr on 30 May, 2012 09:18

  Never really gave it any thought...but yeah, the plastic adapter is flimsy from jump (broke a few just changing blades) so that would be the only thing you would have to replace.
  

  
  If you're breaking adapters changing blades.... you might be a little too aggressive..... I've never broken an adapter (the adaptr for the HB triples.... other adapters may break easier).
• #12 by RoWilJr on 30 May, 2012 15:40
• Snapped a few of the yellow adapters used with the Atra blades.
• #13 by greatnessinc on 30 May, 2012 20:57
• I've only broken the adaptors a handful of times and those were because I dropped my Headblade accidentally.
  I don't see a mechanical reason to replace it unless the new model is an upgrade. My first HB was the sport with the solid ring then a few months later they improved it with a rubber ring that conforms to your finger.