Polo Black vs. Acqua di Gio

For this entry into the men’s fragrance comparisons, I want to take a look at two fragrances from Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren, respectively. The two colognes in question, have been very popular for a long time now, Polo Black vs. Acqua di Gio.

Which of them is the better smelling scent? Which has better longevity?

I am going to break down my experiences with each in a variety of categories, before declaring a winner. Also, my original review of each, is linked below for further reading.

---

Tale of the Tape

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

---

Polo Black Tale of the Tape

Notes include:  mango, sandalwood, tonka bean, tangerine, sage, lemon, patchouli

Click here to try: Polo Black by Ralph Lauren for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray

My review: Polo Black Review

---

Opening

Polo Black opens up with a very nice mango note that is flanked by spicier notes of sage and patchouli. There are further citrus notes of tangerine and lemon, which aren’t as strong but do have a presence in the composition.

Acqua di Gio also has citrus notes of bergamot and tangerine, but is instead joined by the marine note accord, making it an aquatic fragrance. It’s slightly salty and has a great chilled freshness.

It also features jasmine and neroli, among other floral notes, sitting underneath of that. I get a lot of jasmine coming through the last few times, that I’ve tried Acqua di Gio. That, with the citrus is still awesome.

Which is better? I like Acqua di Gio, but I really enjoy how Polo Black starts off. Coming back to AdG after a long time away, I was tempted to give it the edge. But, Polo Black takes it still.

It is a great blend of fruits and spice, but uses mango, which is a rather unique note versus what you’d find in other men’s fragrances. It’s quite well put together and very enjoyable.

Edge: Polo Black

---

Projection

The projection of either of these fragrances is pretty moderate. Neither produces an extreme sillage, but you will indeed, notice that they are there. So, will those around you. However, there’s no real advantage here.

Lighter on the moderate scale for either. Mostly going to sit in that 3-4 foot range, as a radius, around where you sprayed the fragrance.

Edge: Push

---

Longevity

Again, the performance of these two colognes, track extremely close to one another. With either of them, I get 6-7 hours of wear, on my skin. No more than that and it’s a consistent result.

The older bottles of AdG could go a bit longer, but that hasn’t been the case in a long time. Some of the latest times that I’ve tested it, it might go 5-6 hours. But, these two are still basically equal.

Edge: Push

---

Versatiltity

Both of these scents can be worn for nearly any occasion and can go year round pretty much. However, the Armani holds up better in the summer, than does Polo Black.

I’m talking about the really hot days, more moderate temperatures, and Black is fine. Doesn’t do as well in high heat and humidity.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

---

Overall Scent

These fragrances are very close in terms of their uses and performances. I honestly enjoy wearing both of them, but, I do need to make a choice of which one I would reach for most of the time.

Acqua di Gio is an absolute classic, that has been imitated countless times, and is still a best-seller. It smells good, has solid sillage and longevity, and it is a great starter cologne for guys. It’s just one that does everything well.

In fact, there are times where I do actually prefer to wear Acqua di Gio. Yet, I don’t think it’s enough to top Black.

Polo Black is the better smelling of the two fragrances, for me. The mango and citrus top notes are paired fantastically with the spicier notes, at the start.

Then, the dry down period reveals a more woodsy and tonka bean-laden heart. It’s just got a more unique profile and has a very enjoyable wear. It’s not miles ahead of AdG, but I think that this Polo scent, tops its competitor.

Winner: Polo Black