I can't give this razor and blade combo an accurate review yet because I just had my first shave with it. So this is preliminary. But I know more about "wet shaving" than I care to admit. I've been using DE razors for over two decades. I occasionally use a straight or a shavette with an Artist Club or Kai blade. I also use single edge razors ranging from vintage Schicks to the Blackland Vector and the RazorRock Hawk 2.0.
My first shave with the Element was pretty great. I was getting used to the razor, the pivot, the angle. It was very forgiving and, in two passes, one with the grain, one against, I got a BBS shave. (I rarely go XTG as I find it unnecessary.) I'm eager to keep learning how to use it.
My first real razor was a Gillette Atra. The pivoting head is a callback to that. I like it. The build quality is excellent. I do with the head were other than zinc alloy but we'll see if it lasts.
The reason I waited years to buy one of these is the Feather blades you had to use. I disliked that on principle and economically--they are said to dull after two shaves. I'm eager to see how long the carbon steel blade lasts.
My one complaint is that it's not that easy to remove the blade. I lift it but it doesn't come out so easily. And getting it locked in is easier but not effortless. Removing the blade, though, is the challenge.