As I'm most familiar with a Fatboy that's the adjustable reference. All numbers are approximate based on my personal impression, YMMV, etc.: 50's flare tip = 4 40's SS, late 60's/70's flare tip = 5 Red Tip SS = 6 If the adjustable is a slim or super, lower all numbers by 1 and it's close. Even though the aggressiveness can be made about the same, I still find the shave significantly different, so don't take the comparison too far.
I was going to say you really can't compare because the weight differance and handle size, makes the aggessive factor and shave feel so different...Before I got my SS I used to hate it when people said exactly what I'm saying now, but it really is true...There is no setting on my Slim that feels like my '52 Super Speed, with the black tip & steel handle...The Slim is heavy enough that its more like a Cadillac and straightens out all the curves and absorbs all the dips...on the other hand, my Black Tip is more like Sports Car that flies all over my face with a minimum of effort and maximum maneuverability, and lots of fun... But if I had to compare, and you held a gun to my head: The below would be using my Slim for reference... 40's Style=#4 or #5 - My '52 Black Tip is a 40's Style with black plastic tto knob and steel handle = between a #5 or #6 50's Flair-Tip: Blue-Tip=#2 Normal=#3 Red-Tip=#5 1/2...I quess the Red-Tip and my Black Tip shave similar except because of the weight difference and handle size, I have to down and pay more attention to detail, to avoid irritation with the Red Tip...Just a bit. 60's & 70's =#3
