Cordless
     Rechargeable Shaver
Philips Norelco 7310 and 7340 Men's Shavers
Philips Norelco 8240XL Men's Shaving System
Philips Norelco 9160XL Men's Shaver
Philips Norelco Arcitec Men's Shavers
Philips Norelco BG2020 Men's Bodygroom
Philips Norelco Facial Trimming Systems
Philips Norelco Hair Grooming Systems
Philips Norelco Moisturizing Shaving Systems
Philips Norelco NT9110 Nose and Ear Trimmer
Philips Norelco Speed-XL 8140XL Men's
     Shaver
Remington Men's Shavers
Wahl Beard and Mustache Trimmers
Wahl Hair Kits and Trimmers

Reviews

Wahl Beard and Mustache Trimmers
Wahl makes quite an extensive range of beard and mustache trimmers. These include:

* 9918-617 Groomsman Beard and Mustache Trimmer (pictured)

* 9877-500 The Goatee Advanced Dual Blade Beard, Goatee & Mustache Trimmer

* Trim N Vac Vacuuming Beard and Mustache Trimmer

* 5537-1801 Cordless Battery Operated Beard Trimmer

* 9876-536 Rechargeable/Cordless Beard Trimmer

* 9906-2001 The Mustache Cordless/Battery Operated Beard and Mustache Trimmer

* 9916-817 Groomsman Beard and Mustache Trimmer

* 5537-500 Performer Battery Operated Beard and Mustache Trimmer

* 9878-531 Wahl BEARD Rechargeable Beard & Mustache Trimmer

Of these, the 9918-617 Groomsman is one of the most popular. Here is a product description:

For daily beard maintenance or for making a big change to facial hair, Wahl’s Groomsman trimmer is the device you need. The Groomsman’s high-carbon steel blades are precision-ground to provide a close cut and stay sharp longer. A six-position beard regulator easily attaches to the trimmer’s head to provide consistent and safe tapering and trimming of beards and mustaches.

The six positions range from a height that tackles longer hairs, (for example, if you are shaving off your beard) all the way down to a short height for trimming daily stubble. For convenience, the beard regulator remembers the last set length height until you change it.

For additional comfort during shaving, the Groomsman has a contoured ergonomic handle with soft gripping pads for a secure grasp. The Groomsman operates either plugged in via its electric charger, or runs on its long-lasting nickel-cadmium battery which is estimated to last three to five years before needing replacement. The trimmer and charger are small enough to stash in the included pouch for travel along with the accessories--the beard regulator, the jaw line blender, two close-trim attachments, a mustache comb, cleaning oil, and a cleaning brush.

A storage stand holds the trimmer and all accompanying accoutrements in your regular trimming location. Wahl’s Groomsman trimmer is covered by a two-year limited warranty.

I have not been able to find online any independent, objective reviews of the trimmers. However, sales sites like Amazon.com carry very useful consumer reviews. These often provide extremely practical guidance.

Amazon.com actually carries more than 100 reviews for the Groomsman, most of them favorable. Here is an excerpt from one:

Pros: Price. Charges quickly, and stays charged afterward for some time. Gives a great trim, nice and neat and no pulling. Has all the attachments you'll ever need. Easy to maintain and clean up.

Cons: Attachment system could be a little better, a little tough to get on and off without some practice. They do work great and are easy to use once on, however.

And another:

I tried Remington brand, and they just did not work for me. I have very thick, stubborn hair and the Remington's blades did not get close enough to my skin to get the hairs I wanted. So I went back to what I knew worked, and re-ordered a new Wahl Beard Trimmer. This one is very similar to my old one, except a few new things. There are more blade guards than before, and the clipper setting now has 6 stages instead of 5. Otherwise, the trimmer is the same.

And that is a good thing. Immediately, the new Wahl made a difference and I am very happy with the results. The reason why Wahl is so much better than anything else (including the Remington) is that the blades that move back and forth as so much closer the to the guard teeth that you can see the difference. Go to a store and look...you can see the difference between this trimmer and other brands. The Wahl will always cut closer and better.

And a less favorable review:

Had this about 2 months now. Great shaver. Works well. Easy to use, but it's so loud that I have trouble using for any length of time near my ears. I thought about using earplugs or purchasing a different shaver. So there's a notable downside.

* Get the latest prices on Wahl Beard and Mustache Trimmers.

September 29th, 2008