by Alex Bobotek

Created on: December 26, 2008

My experience with the Colgate 360 has been decidedly negative. It's been my most disappointing toothbrush of the century. Its qualities rank it among the "free" toothbrushes that I have received from airlines and hotels.

My chief complaint is that the Colgate 360 is not a durable toothbrush. I usually get 6 months to a year out of an average toothbrush. The 360s last me 1-3 weeks, when the bristles bend and begin to fall out.

The cosmetic and ergonomic design are IMHO very good. The package of eight I bought at Costco offer a wide selection of colors. The mix of material (gel-like) rubbery plastics and harder plastics is satisfactory. The choice of colors is appealing to many. The texture is similarly appealing to many. The arrangement of the bristles (in rings, in circles, etc) adds complexity and interest to the visual design.

So there seems to be an emphasis on visual design, and an absence of a most important quality: usefullness. What value is there in a pack of mid-priced toothbrushes that will quickly fall apart and cease to function? Who needs an accumulation of plastic bristles in their plumbing?

I would recommend this toothbrush only for limited-use applications, such as for hotels that have frequent customers who will be getting another toothbrush within a few days.

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Pros: Interesting visual design

Varied choice of materials

Readily available from retailers such as Costco

Cons: Bristles fall off of the head of the brush.

Bristles become bent quickly, even if not exposed to hot water.

More expensive than similar-quality toothbrushes (such as the "free" ones from hotels and airlines).

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Once again, my experience with the Colgate 360 has been decidedly negative. It's been the most disappoing toothbrush of the century. Its qualities rank it among the "free" toothbrushes that I have received from airlines and hotels.

My chief complaint is that the Colgate 360 is not a durable toothbrush. I usually get 6 months to a year out of an average toothbrush. The 360s last me 1-3 weeks, when the bristles bend and begin to fall out.

The cosmetic and ergonomic design are IMHO very good.

So there seems to be an emphasis on visual design, and an absence of a most important quality: usefullness. What value is there in a pack of mid-priced toothbrushes that will quickly fall apart and cease to function? Who needs an accumulation of plastic bristles in their plumbing?

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