In an italian forum, where i first read the shocking news, few have tried the new blade (since everyone seems to be stocked up with the old version), but the change in appearance can influence the perception. There is a guy who says that the blade now seems like Elios to him and he is abbandoning Astra for good. Another says they don't cut, they skip and last max 2 shaves. Another says it seems much like the old one and another that it's identical. I believe it's identical, but the uglyness of the blade is psychologically conditioning some shavers into believing it has changed. I am happy i don't have to try this on myself!
Besides, i like numbers! Helps with blade flipping! (i know numbers are there for quality control, but i like flipping). I have also 500 Dorco Platinum and 300 Dorco ST301, that don't have numbers, BUT, at least they are pretty. Ugly AND without numbers? I could never stand this.
It's not just a blade. It's my *main* blade and the no1 blade used in Italy. It's the first blade i got complete BBS with. It's like your first love. You always remember it!