Able to run through a lower leg in only ten minutes on its highest setting, this IPL hair removal device offers some satisfying ergonomics coupled with high performance.
It’s lightweight enough to control with ease, and perhaps more importantly, will automatically adjust to your skin tone.
Compared to the Gillette IPL 5001
You may notice that this device is very similar to the Gillette 5001.
Why is that? The 5001 from the same manufacturer is simply the newer version. The improvements are only incremental, though: whereas this one is designed to last for 250,000 flashes, the 5001 can run for 300,000.
The 5001 also pulses more rapidly, meaning that it takes less time to actually complete a pass over whatever area of your body you’re treating. For example, this model (the 3001) takes about 10 minutes to treat a lower leg. The 5001 can do the same job in 8.
So, that’s basically a 20% improvement in both cases, while the two basically cost the same. This isn’t always the case, though: the slightly less capable 3001 is quite often on sale for about $50 less than the 5001.
Looking for something lightweight?
This one is actually your better bet, which brings us to the main difference between the 3001 and 5001.
The newer model is eight tenths of a pound heavier than this 3001. This makes a significant difference in your comfort level over the course of a treatment session, so if you have bad wrists or difficulty gripping things, this one is better for you. Surely, if you’re a fan of these Gillettes in general, losing out on 50,000 flashes isn’t that big of a deal compared to the improvements in accuracy and fatigue.
Like the 5001, this IPL machine has Senso Adapt technology. Special sensors actually detect your skin tone and adjust the settings to the perfect level for that area
A lot of women choose an intensity level based on how their skin looks in one area of the body. This isn’t ideal, though: your complexion changes from one spot to another. Whether this is from scarring, stretch marks, birthmarks, or simply because different parts of the body receive different amounts of sunlight, it’s nice to know that this laser device will change levels so you don’t accidentally burn yourself.
Compares Well to Many Others
It doesn’t have a fancy LCD display like a couple of the others on our review page for the best hair removal machine.
But you have to ask yourself, is that really necessary? In the bigger scheme of things, what is most important when it comes to a permanent hair removal solution?
We would certainly list safety, the ability to change the intensity, an appropriately sized head, and the overall comfort level. A text display is actually pretty near the bottom of that list.
So, how does this one stack up against other IPL machines on what matters?
Pretty well, actually.
It is FDA approved and its Senso Adapt ability makes it one of the safest options we have here.
Its 4-square-centimeter flash window treats a large area at once, allowing you to quickly cover an entire leg or back. Unfortunately, you can’t change it to a smaller head, like you can with the Remington, so we don’t recommend it for women who need to use it for precise depilation.
- Its advanced Senso Adapt feature automatically adjusts settings as you move from one skin zone to another.
- At only 1.38 pounds, it is the second-lightest on our page and should be great for women who value ease of use.
- Comes with a free razor, in case you somehow don't own one already.
- It doesn't have an interchangeable head that you can swap out for one with a smaller flash area.
- It doesn't work as quickly as the 5008.
- It only offers 3 different level settings.
