If you are serious about your grooming game, or if you just spend way too much time watching satisfying barber videos on Instagram, you have definitely seen this tool. It’s the shiny, metallic, gold brick that seems to be the crown jewel of every top-tier barber’s station.
I’m talking, of course, about the BaBylissPRO MetalFX Double Foil Shaver (specifically the FoilFX02 Gold Model).
It looks incredible, sure. But does it actually work? Is it just a pretty paperweight, or is it a legitimate tool that can replace your razor? I recently picked one up to find out. I’ve been testing it on fades, face stubble, and neck cleanups to give you the real scoop.
Whether you are a professional stylist or just someone who wants a barber-quality shave at home, this BaBylissPRO MetalFX review covers everything you need to know.
So, grab a drink, settle in, and let’s break down the good, the bad, and the shiny.
Table of Contents
Technical Specifications (BaBylissPRO FXFS2-Gold)
For the gear-heads who love the raw data, here is the full spec sheet I put together:
Feature | Specification |
Model | BaBylissPRO FXFS2 (Gold) |
Housing | Full Metal Housing |
Motor Type | Rotary Motor (DC) |
Speed | ~11,000 RPM |
Battery Type | NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) |
Runtime | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
Charge Time | 3 Hours |
Foil System | Offset Double Foil System |
Foil Material | Hypoallergenic Gold |
Voltage | Dual Voltage (110V – 240V) |
Cord Length | 3 Meters (approx. 10 ft) |
Weight | ~0.75 lbs (heavy-duty feel) |
Use Case | Finishing Fades, Stubble Removal |
Price |
Travel Tip: The Dual Voltage feature is a massive plus. You don’t need a voltage converter if you take this to Europe or Asia; just a simple plug adapter will work.
What Exactly is the BaBylissPRO MetalFX?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what this tool is designed to do. This is a double foil shaver. It is a finishing tool.
It is not a beard trimmer. It is not a rotary shaver (like those Norelco ones with the three circles). It is designed to take very short stubble—we’re talking 1/32 of an inch or less—and cut it down to the skin. It’s the tool your barber uses at the very end of a haircut to make the back of your neck feel as smooth as glass.
If you are trying to mow down a 3-day beard with this, you are going to have a bad time. But if you use it for its intended purpose—cleaning up stubble and bald fades—it promises to be the best in the business.
Unboxing & First Impressions: The “Wow” Factor
I have to admit, unboxing this thing feels special. Most shavers today, even the $100+ ones, are made of plastic. They feel light and somewhat disposable.
When you lift the MetalFX out of the box, the first thing you notice is the cold metal housing. It has a serious heft to it. It weighs about 335g, which is roughly double the weight of a standard plastic shaver. For me, this weight screams quality. It feels industrial, durable, and expensive.
The package is simple but effective. You get:
- The MetalFX Shaver (I got the Gold, but it comes in Silver, Rose Gold, and Gunmetal).
- A canvas storage pouch (stamped with the BaBylissPRO logo).
- A cleaning brush.
- The charging adapter.
Key Features of BaBylissPRO MetalFX That Matter
Let’s dive into the features that justify the price tag. In my opinion, there are three main things that separate this from the competition.
1. The Hypoallergenic Gold Foils
If you have sensitive skin, especially on your neck, you know the pain of razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae). The foils on this unit are coated in gold, which is naturally hypoallergenic.
The “double foil” system is offset, meaning the two cutting bars are at slightly different heights. This allows the shaver to hug the contours of your jaw and head much better than a flat shaver.
2. The Powerhouse Motor
Inside that metal shell is a powerful rotary motor running at roughly 11,000 RPM. Why does this matter? Cheap shavers often have weak motors that “drag” or slow down when they hit dense hair.
The MetalFX hums with a consistent, aggressive power. It crunches through coarse hair without hesitation.
3. Ridiculous Battery Life
This is the game-changer. The BaBylissPRO MetalFX offers 3 hours of cordless runtime.
Most competitors (like the Andis ProFoil) offer about 80 minutes. The Wahl Finale offers about 90. The BaByliss effectively doubles that. For a home user, this means you can charge it once and potentially not charge it again for two months. It’s incredibly liberating not to worry about your battery dying mid-shave.
Performance Test: Does It Deliver the “Baby Smooth”?
I put this shaver through three distinct tests for this BaBylissPRO MetalFX review.
Test 1: The Neck Cleanup
This is the most common use. I used it to clean up my neckline between haircuts.
Result: Flawless. It cleared the stubble in one pass. No redness, no itching. The wide head makes it easy to create a straight line.
Test 2: The Face Shave
I have coarse facial hair, and my neck is prone to irritation. I used the MetalFX on 24-hour stubble.
Result: It got extremely close. Is it as close as a Mach 3 razor? Maybe 98% there. It’s definitely “visually bald.” If you rub your hand against the grain, you feel smoothness, not sandpaper.
The best part? Zero razor burn. The weight of the shaver allowed me to just glide it over my skin without pressing down.
Test 3: The Head Shave (Bald Fade)
I tried this on a friend who shaves his head.
Result: This is where the powerful motor shines. Cleaning an entire head takes a lot of power. The MetalFX didn’t bog down once. It left the scalp shiny and smooth.
It’s much faster than using a manual razor, and much safer (no risk of slicing your scalp).
BaBylissPRO vs. Andis vs. Wahl
This is the question everyone asks. “Should I get the BaByliss, or save money and get the Andis?”
Here is my honest comparison:
Feature | |||
Build Quality | Premium Metal (High Durability) | Plastic (Fragile) | Plastic (Fragile) |
Battery Life | 3 Hours | 80 Minutes | 90 Minutes |
Close Shave | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 (Closest) |
Skin Comfort | High (Great for sensitive skin) | Good | Moderate (Can be harsh) |
Durability | Tank-like | Prone to breaking if dropped | Foils tear easily |
Price |
My Take:
- Wahl Finale: Cuts the closest, but the foils are paper-thin and break if you look at them wrong.
- Andis ProFoil: The budget king. Great value, cuts well, but feels cheap and the battery is just okay.
- BaBylissPRO MetalFX: The best all-rounder. It cuts almost as close as the Wahl, but it lasts ten times longer because of the metal build and superior battery.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Maintenance Tips
To get the most out of your investment, follow these rules:
- Don’t Tap It: Never tap the foil head on the sink to clear hair. You will dent the foil, and a dented foil will cut your face.
- Brush Daily: Pop the head off and brush the cutters after every use.
- Spray It: Use a disinfectant/lubricant spray like Cool Care or BaByliss spray. It keeps the blades cool and sanitary.
- Replace Heads: Expect to replace the foil head and cutters every 6-9 months for optimal sharpness.
FAQ
No. It is not waterproof. Do not use it in the shower and do not rinse it under the tap. Use the included brush or a cleaning spray to clean it.
No. This shaver is only for stubble (1/32″ or shorter). If you try to shave long hair, it will pull and cause pain. You must trim your beard down with a clipper first.
Standard packages usually do not include a charging stand; they include a cord. However, weighted metal charging bases are sold separately.
There is an LED indicator light. It is usually red while charging and turns off (or solid green depending on the specific model year) when fully charged.
If you value build quality and battery life, yes. If you drop the Andis once, it often breaks. The BaByliss is built to last. Over 5 years, the durability of the BaByliss pays for itself.
Final Word
To wrap up this BaBylissPRO MetalFX review, I have to say I am impressed.
It is easy to dismiss this shaver as just “hype” because of the gold color and the high price tag. But once you hold it in your hand and hear that motor run, you realize it is a serious piece of engineering. It provides a barbershop-quality smooth finish without the irritation of a manual razor.
The 3-hour battery life alone makes it a winner for me. I hate constantly charging tools, and with this, I almost never have to.
If you are a professional, this is a statement piece that will serve you well for years. If you are a home user who takes pride in their grooming, it’s a luxury that actually delivers on its promise.
Ready to upgrade your morning routine?
Check the latest price for the BaBylissPRO MetalFX on Amazon here!
