Philips Norelco G370: a good tradition continues.
Decided to look for a new beard and mustache trimmer when my trusty old Norelco Maverick TX-450 finally gave up the ghost and just quit running. If this sounds like I'm slamming the product I'm not as I had owned this basic battery-operated trimmer for over sixteen years - far longer than I ever expected it to last when I first got it. I could have probably fixed it (again) if I disassembled and cleaned it out but decided to see what might be new on the market. This was primarily used as a mustache trimmer but after using it for a few years with a handheld comb was able to do a fair job with my beard.
Was amazed to see how many models were now available and how many companies were making them. After doing some research (and asking my barber) ended up getting the Philips Norelco G370 All-in-1 Grooming System and must say that so far this seems to have been a good choice. My barber had suggested that I stay with the more basic (and more economical) trimmers as most from a particular manufacturer have the same heads as their higher-priced models and it was the cutting head itself that made a trimmer good or bad. He had suggested that I consider some of the Wahl and Panasonic models but also had a personal preference for the Philips Norelco products as they seemed to last... which I had also experienced.
This trimmer has a great array of attachments and each of them is quite useful performing exactly as expected. It has an excellent beard and moustache comb/guide with nine locking length settings as does the hair clipper comb. The little mini-shaver attachment is good for cleanup and acts like a miniature micro-screen electric razor. Was cautious about the nose and ear trimmer but after reading the instruction sheet found that it was easy to master.
The online comparison chart between the various Philips Norelco trimmers is wrong here as this one does come with a nylon travel pouch. This model features:
* Six attachments that can be rinsed making it easy to clean
* Nine length settings with the key trimming attachments
* Self-sharpening blades no oil needed
* Charging stand with storage slots
* Travel pouch (the listed specs are wrong)
* Two-year factory warranty
Took the time to read the instruction sheet that came with this trimmer which was detailed but easy to understand. The instructions had indicated that the trimmer shouldn't be left with the unit shouldn't be left charging full-time which I found to be a nuisance at first. When setting up the plastic charging and attachment stand found that if it was rested gently above the charging plug the green charging light was off so that eliminated that problem. Charged it for the ten hours suggested before using it and it has worked fine and a charge last for weeks. The stand itself looked to be a bit flimsy at first glance but while handling it when I was setting it up found that it was sturdier than I had first thought. All of the attachments fit easily in the proper slots.
Must note that this unit came in one of those irritating clamshell packages. This one was more of a nuisance to open than most because it was difficult to see if the contents were going to be damaged when cutting through the plastic with a combination of scissors and a sharp knife.
Pros:
- Excellent selection of attachments
- A single charge lasts for weeks
- Charging stand holds everything quite well
- Good ergonomics nice feel to it
- Solid; seems to be built well
- Detailed instruction sheet
- 60-day money-back guarantee 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Horrible clamshell package difficult to open
Since we all have different things that we look for in trimmers like this thought that I might share some of my findings with others here.
Also considered the Philips Norelco G380 All-in-1 Grooming System but the only difference between this and the Philips Norelco G370 Trimmer was that the G380 came in a gray color and had a travel pouch... which also came with the black G370 trimmer.
Looked at the Philips Norelco T980 Turbo Vacuum Trimmer which was considered for its hair deflector and vacuum but the price difference was enough to make me go for the more basic G370 trimmer.
The Wahl 9918-617 Groomsman Beard and Mustache Trimmer seemed to be a good one and its ability to operate cordless via battery or plugged into charger sounded good and it had good reviews. This was a very close second choice.
The Wahl 9877-500 "The Goatee" Advanced Dual Blade Rechargeable/Cordless Beard Goatee & Mustache Trimmer had some interesting dual blades but the Philips Norelco G370 had more attachments and the model that I looked at made me shy away from this one.
Had also considered the stylish Panasonic ER2403K 5 Position Beard/Moustache Trimmer. This one features wet or dry trimming five length adjustments and an excellent price but since it uses two AAA batteries decided to rule it out.
In the end it was my past experience with the Philips Norelco products that helped make my choice and I don't regret it. If I can get half the life of the sixteen years of service that I got from my original Maverick TX-450 then I'll be happy.
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