I seem to have better shaves with less growth. When I let my face get long, the initial pass has a but more tug but that seems to make sense to me since I am cutting more hair. When shaving daily and removing stubble only, the passes seem to not have as much tug.

Either way, I am able to get a very smooth, close shave after 2 passes on my face.

I guess it really all comes down to your type of facial hair (some have tougher beards) and your technique.