REVIEW: Kibiy Head Shaver

Key Information:

Pros	✅ Close shaving performance comparable to higher-priced models. ✅ Excellent value for money. ✅ User-friendly with easy setup and maintenance. ✅ Good battery life and quick charging. ✅ Versatile with multiple attachments.
Cons	❌ Potential durability concerns over time. ❌ Lacks a travel case and could be more travel-friendly. ❌ Limited to one length setting for beard trimming. ❌ Material feels somewhat cheap, raising longevity concerns. ❌ Slightly louder than some models.
Who Should Buy	✅ Budget-conscious consumers looking for a high-performing, versatile grooming tool. ✅ Anyone who is new to head shaving and seeking an affordable (yet effective) option. ✅ Users who prioritize features like battery life and ease of cleaning.
Who Should Avoid	❌ Anyone who needs peace of mind over premium build quality and durability. ❌ Frequent travelers who require robust portability features, such as a travel case. ❌ Users looking for a shaver with adjustable length settings for beard trimming.

• Shaving Performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
• Comfort: 🌟🌟🌟
• Ease of Use: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
• Battery Life: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
• Durability and Build Quality: 🌟🌟🌟
• Versatility and Features: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
• Maintenance and Cleaning: 🌟🌟🌟
• Design and Ergonomics: 🌟🌟🌟

Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

If you’re worried about buying a budget alternative to some of the more expensive head shavers, this review is for you. I had similar concerns, having used (and broken) some cheap Amazon-only tools in the past.

In my 20 years of scalp maintenance, I’ve used a variety of tools for head shaving. The Kibiy Upgrade has become a reliable part of my grooming arsenal and performs incredibly well.

If you’re on a budget (and let’s face it, who isn’t these days), or just don’t want to stretch to the eye-watering prices of some of the top shavers, this is a worthwhile investment.

I’m happy to say the Kibiy Upgrade is one of the better budget models and overall one of the best head shavers on the market. It’s not without its weaknesses, but the pros outweigh the cons.

Let’s examine its performance in detail:

Shaving Performance

The Kibiy, in terms of sheer cutting prowess, stands shoulder to shoulder with giants like the Skull Shaver Pitbull Platinum.

Performance comparison: Kibiy vs. the market leaders

I put this to the test in a head-to-head battle – literally. Half my head with the Kibiy, the other with the Pitbull. Both shavers produced exactly the same level of closeness.

It lacks the luxurious, spring-mounted blades of the Pitbull, feeling a tad more scratchy – noticeable, but not to the point where any actual damage was done. For those with sensitive skin, this might be a consideration, but most won’t mind.

When tested, the wet shaving experience was excellent but in all honesty, the finish was no closer than the dry shave. The fact is, if you’re looking for a closer shave, there’s no substitute for a razor.

Cutting power and efficiency

When it comes to mowing down the thickets at the back and sides of my head, the Kibiy doesn’t flinch. Its cutting power is impressive, keeping up with market leaders like the Skull Shaver.

The only thing to be aware of is that the Kibiy (like any rotary head shaver) performs best with shorter hair. Anything longer than a buzz-cut and the hair will get caught in the blades and pull, which can be painful.

So, before you bring in the Kibiy, give your hair a quick buzz if you need anything more than a quick maintenance shave. This ensures a smoother, more comfortable shave without any hair-pulling drama.

Design and Build Quality 

The worry when you buy a cheaper alternative to any product is the quality of the build. The Kibiy isn’t one of those cheap alternatives that will fall apart in your hands, but you’re not quite getting the premium build and durability of the Skull Shaver. Here’s the lowdown:

Ergonomics

The Kibiy Upgrade 5-in-1 was designed for a number of comfortable grip options. Its shape allows you to either hold the motor section while the cutting head works its magic, or slide your fingers either side of the connecting piece and pass your palm over your scalp just like the famous Skull Shaver design.

The knurling on the back edge of the motor provides some grip, but mainly the shaver is a little slippery due to its smooth plastic casing. A rubber grip, like the one sported by the Remington Balder Pro, would be a welcome addition for better handling.

Weighing a comfortable 170g (6 oz), it strikes a balance in weight, being lighter than the Skull Shaver Pitbull Platinum but heavier than the leading foil shaver, the Andis Profoil 17200. Despite its lightness, the shaver is precise and stable over the contours of the skull, which is where it wins out over the Profoil, which struggles to shave efficiently over irregular shapes.

Material quality

The plastic casing of the Kibiy, while making it light, does raise concerns about its durability. It feels somewhat cheap, and I worry it might not survive a drop or rough handling during transit.

However, I haven’t thrown it around to test this just yet. I like the shaver and I’m hoping it lasts a while yet – although some of the reviews online suggest this might be wishful thinking. However, the shaver comes with a one-year warranty to cover any issues with ongoing performance or structural stability.

Functional design: a versatile shaving experience

This shaver is suitable for both wet and dry shaving, as most rotary shavers tend to be.

The heads offer some flexibility, though not as much as the Skull Shaver with its double spring-mounted blades. The result is a shave that’s slightly less comfortable than the Pitbull, but still gentle enough to avoid scratching the scalp.

The placement of the on/off button, right on top in the middle, makes it easy to locate and use. But it’s the 5-in-1 element that gives the Kibiy a sense of added value:

• Head shaver: As standard, an excellent rotary head shaver.
• Hair trimmer: Surprisingly good at fine details and edging. I’ve used it to shape the edges of my beard with good results.
• Ear hair trimmer: Works really well for clearing the ears of unwanted hairs, with no pulling or any other painful incidents.
• Nose hair trimmer: As with the ear trimmer, a really effective and comfortable experience.
• Facial scrubber/massager: This accessory is a bit of a mystery to me – I don’t know what this adds, but it’s an extra feature for those who want it.

Ease of Use

Using the Kibiy Upgrade is all about convenience and user-friendliness, from initial setup to regular maintenance. Let’s delve into the details:

Changing attachments

The Kibiy shaver is a dream when it comes to setup and maintenance. The cutting head easily clicks into the motor and disassembles just as effortlessly for cleaning, which is crucial to prevent clogging and maintain peak performance.

Using the additional attachments like the nose trimmer is just as easy – they just push into the connector socket with ease.

Note that the blades aren’t designed to be accessible, so if they become blunt over time you’ll need to replace rather than repair. However, the cost of a replacement blade section isn’t much cheaper than buying a whole new shaver, so my advice would be to replace the whole thing at that point.

Disassembly: Effortless and Intuitive

The shaver’s design makes it easy to take apart for cleaning. Its mechanism is similar to the Freebird FlexSeries but improves upon it with an easy twist motion for removing the center blade, ensuring hassle-free maintenance.

Regular cleaning is essential, and thankfully, the Kibiy makes this task simple. Each blade cover of the Kibiy shaver is designed for easy access and secure closure, snapping shut reassuringly. The central blade cover, with its unique pentagonal shape, twists open effortlessly, a clear advantage over some competing models. 

Noise level

The Kibiy is on the louder side, especially when using the ear trimmer.

With a dB reading higher than some models like the Andis Profoil 17200, it’s not the quietest shaver, but the noise difference among models is actually minimal:

Battery Life and Charging

You’d expect a cheaper head shaver to have a weaker battery than some of the premium models, but the opposite is true with the Kibiy Upgrade:

Exceptional Battery Life

The Kibiy Upgrade 5-in-1 is industry-leading in battery life. Offering 90 minutes of cordless use, it matches the Skull Shaver Pitbull Platinum and is easily ahead of more expensive models like the Remington Balder Pro.

This endurance means you can get about 25 head shaves on a single charge, assuming each shave takes around 3-4 minutes. If you’re shaving your head every 2 days, that means not having to charge it for around 7 weeks!

The display alerts you well before the battery is drained, and it even displays the remaining battery life in minutes, so you’re never caught off guard.

Charging Efficiency

Fully charging the battery from zero takes just 1.5 hours, which is convenient for overnight charging. But if you’re in a rush and the shaver is dead, a quick 5-10 minute charge is all it takes to get enough juice for a speedy head shave. This is a lifesaver for any last-minute scalp grooming.

Additional Features

The Kibiy Upgrade offers a remarkably close head shave at an unbelievable price, but it’s worth knowing about the additional features, too:

Portability: Not The Best For Travel

While the Kibiy Upgrade 5-in-1 offers excellent value for money, its portability features fall a bit short. Unlike the Freebird FlexSeries or the Pitbull Platinum, it doesn’t come with a travel case.

However, holding the on/off button for 4 seconds activates the travel lock, meaning you can prevent it from accidentally turning on during transit. So at least you know your case won’t start mysteriously buzzing at the airport!

Precision Trimming: A Surprise Performer

The hair trimmer accessory of the Kibiy was a pleasant surprise. Most head shavers that feature this attachment seem to throw it in as an after-thought and they’re usually useful, but the Kibiy’s attachment gives precision in detailing and edging.

This means it’s surprisingly effective for beard maintenance, offering reliable and accurate shaping, although it’s limited to one length setting.

It’s no replacement for an adjustable beard trimmer, but it’s a handy addition for quick touch-ups.

Versatility: The 5-in-1 Advantage

The Kibiy’s 5-in-1 functionality rivals that of the Freebird FlexSeries. The nose and ear trimmer attachment is especially effective, while the hair trimmer does a decent job with fine details and edging.

However, the massage head left me puzzled. I’m never sure exactly what the purpose of those attachments are, but it’s an additional feature for anyone who’s into that sort of thing.

Value for Money

When it comes to quality, my early impressions of the Kibiy Upgrade are pretty solid. It’s right up there with the more expensive tools I’ve used, and for its price, I can’t grumble.

That said, there’s always that nagging worry with cheaper alternatives – will they last? Admittedly I’ve seen a few online reviews where users ended up using the warranty for replacements.

But mine hasn’t let me down and performance-wise, it shaves as close as the top dog, the Skull Shaver Pitbull Platinum. If you’re eyeing a budget-friendly Skull Shaver alternative, the Kibiy is my go-to recommendation.

FAQs

Summary: A Budget-Friendly Beast

Here’s the deal with the Kibiy: it’s a steal for what it offers.

Sure, there’s the usual catch with budget buys – longevity and durability might not be top-notch. But feature-wise, it’s knocking some of its pricier rivals out of the park. The display is super handy, and cleaning the cutting head is a breeze.

If your wallet’s feeling the pinch and you’re not keen on forking out big bucks for similar features, the Kibiy is a fantastic option.