Monthly Archives: September 2014

The Best Beard Trimmers Available Under $50

It isn’t always easy finding the right beard trimmer for you, especially if you are on a budget, but if you’re looking to spend up to $50 then fortunately you can get quite a few features, and on top of this a good build quality, which means that your product will last longer and provide much better value for your money. There is no point in buying a cheap trimmer if you have to replace it constantly. Luckily, you’re in the right place for beard trimmer reviews and info, so without further ado, here are the best quality trimmers you can pick up for under 50 bucks.

Philips Norelco QT4050

Although this is not the only Norelco you can pick up for $50, it is the only one with a vacuum. Vacuum beard trimmers are a huge development that we have seen in recent years. It is designed to make your cleanup easier, as the vacuum catches hairs as they fall having been trimmed. On top of this the Norelco QT4050 has loads of length settings to allow you to experiment, and offering the ultimate versatility and styling options. The blades don’t require any maintenance and are ‘self sharpening’ which is one less thing to worry about.

What else do we like about the Norelco? Besides its build quality, it has a clever wheel which is in place to make your life easier when choosing the length, it locks in place so you don’t have to worry about it switching during your shave. A ‘contour follow’ system makes this great for sensitive skin and an easy shave. A 4 star rating on Amazon given by paying customers speaks volumes, and proves that this truly is a top option on the cheap.

Panasonic ER-GB40-S

A second option for you, this time made by another electronics powerhouse (no pun intended), the Panasonic ER-GB40-S makes the list even though its retail price exceeds $50. You can get it for under this price point as it has been out for a while and the price has dropped. At time of writing this almost has 1/3rd of its retail price taken off. Can’t argue with that.

We like the fact that this is a wet/dry trimmer, not only can it be washed but it can be used in the shower, so you can save on time and also, and perhaps more importantly, mess! Like the Norelco mentioned above, this has a lot of length settings, 19 to be precise, so a length for everyone. This is a cordless trimmer with hypo allergenic blades to avoid any discomfort, and is an excellent model for beginners and expert trimmers alike! 50 minute cordless battery life from a 15 hour charge is sufficient for most of our needs. This also has a detail attachment so you can shave styles such as goatees with no major problems.

Other Models

There are manufacturers who make a load of trimmers at this end of the market, Wahl being one that stick out for great budget options, some of which are even cheaper than $20. Wahl trimmers do have some good options, and come with a lot of attachments, in many cases coming more as beard trimmer kits. The TRYM range of trimmers is another good option, of which there is a full review on the site.

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Wahl 9916-817 Beard Trimmer Review

We all have different needs, desires and of course budgets when it comes to our beard trimmers, and Wahl, better than most, know this fact. The Wahl 9916-817 trimmer is one of an absolutely huge range of grooming and facial hair related products brought to you by this manufacturer, who have been creating these kinds of products for verging on a century, and electric razors and shavers have been a part of their range since the 80s. They know what they’re doing, so does the 9916-817 Groomsman model live up to their high standard?

The first thing to mention is the price. Available for around the $20 mark, this truly is towards the cheaper end of the market, which you may know often sees trimmers that reach three figures in price. This is around half of the price of many of its competitors, which is great, but not if its features are half as good. Fortunately, that isn’t something the Groomsman struggles with.

Features of the Wahl 9916-817 Groomsman

The excellent features of the Groomsman are surprising considering its price. Firstly, it comes with a handy stand, which is great for storage but is in place to let you charge the trimmer, which is cordless. Corded use can be a real pain, so this is a great feature. The battery life is good, but not at the very top of the range, so I would say that this is perfect for home use, especially considering the fact that it has multiple attachments.

Included in the box is everything from beard oil, to a comb, guide combs and more. Wahl are great for including little extras and even on products that are so affordable, it really is commendable. Also in the box is the instructions and styling guide. You get an amazing three year manufacturer warranty with this, they clearly shows the faith they have in their products.

The handling of the trimmer is nice, an ergonomic design makes it not uncomfortable to hold and not uncomfortable on your skin. Perhaps not the very best if you have sensitive skin, as it is not specifically designed for these purposes. There are 7 length settings which are really easy to swap between. This is as many as most of us will ever need, but if you do want a complex style or are extremely extremely specific about your length then it may also be worth looking elsewhere.

What Others Have Said

Customer reviews on Amazon

The general consensus of online reviews is that it is a good trimmer for its price point. Rated 4/5 on Amazon, it has a very respectable list of reviews from both professionals and home users, Wahl are a name you can trust and while this trimmer isn’t necessarily flashy and doesn’t have all of the most amazing features in the world of trimmers, it has the basics that most of us will use in abundance. Many of the reviews have praised the battery life, while others talk about the ease of use.

Conclusion

Is this the very best beard trimmer on the market? Possibly not, but for $20 you can’t go wrong if your trimming needs are relatively basic. Great for keeping your facial hair, mustache, beard or otherwise, in check, and can be used as a clipper for your head as well. One reviewer has said that they have had their trimmer for 10 years (averaging the price out to two bucks a year) and experienced no problems at all, so that three year guarantee is justified!

In summary, it comes with our recommendation, as long as you don’t need to do complex detailing or other styles. Just looking to trim and keep in check or do something simple like a goatee? This is an excellent option on a budget.

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Chop! The Best Beard and Mustache Scissors in Review

As you know, our site is all about trimming beards, and usually we focus on the products that are created to help you do that, but electric beard trimmers aren’t for everyone, and don’t always suit longer beards and certain styles, so we recommend having a good pair of scissors available to you in your facial hair maintenance kit!

How to Trim Your Beard With Scissors

First thing’s first, we need to look at the process of trimming your beard with scissors, and it does take some getting used to.

Make sure you have the right equipment, namely some good beard scissors and a beard comb (yes, that really is necessary!)
Thoroughly wash and even condition your beard first, this makes sure it is even and in the best possible shape to be trimmed.
Comb throughout.
With your comb, brush upwards through the beard to make sure that it is fluffy and sticking out as far as it can.
Still brushing upwards, with a slight slant so that the desired amount of hair to chop off is sticking through the spokes of the comb, and begin to cut these hairs off with your scissors.
Do this throughout at an even length, or to the style you desire!

What to Look For? So what do you need from your scissors? Well, there is a criteria for making the right choice. Firstly, choose a high quality metal that will avoid rust or other problems. A sharp trim is also a must (of course) and a carry pouch is a huge plus point for not losing it and keeping it safe!

Suvorna Ador Mustache & Beard Trimming Scissors Review

We will mention some other alternatives below, but in general, you won’t go far wrong with the Suvorna Ador scissors. They’re everything you will need! Recommended by professional barbers and great for use on the beard and mustache as well as other areas of unwanted hair, these will also be of great help if you use a trimmer that struggles with your neck too (this is not an uncommon problem).

These are made of a high standard of stainless steel, come with a carry pouch and are a professional grade of scissor, used in salons as well as in the home. They’re affordable and won’t let you down, plus the reviews on Amazon and other online retailers truly are fantastic, with the vast majority of people scoring this a 5/5. Can’t get better than that.

A Cheaper Alternative

Of course, there is always a cheaper option and though you may compromise in some areas, it may not be bad. That option in this case is the Sally Hansen beauty tools mustache and beard scissors. Available for under the $10 mark, it does offer good value for money, and even comes with a comb.

Conclusion

So there we have it, everything you need from a pair of beard scissors in review, and a couple of models right there for your perusal. Both meet with our recommendation, depending on your budget. Make the right choice and happy trimming!

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Gillette Fusion Proglide Styler 3-In-1 Review – Body Groomer and Beard Trimmer

Today we’re looking at one of the best selling products at the moment in the market of beard trimmers, shaving and other grooming products. Gillette aren’t the best known brand in America when it comes to this type of product, but around the world their sales are huge, and for those looking for a beard trimmer under $20 (yes, incredibly priced!) this could well be the one for you.

This really is an all in one solution on a budget. The three different products you get for your price allow you to shave both face and body, trim and style your facial hair and keep your favorite styles in check. This product is dermatologically tested, designed to be kind to your skin and avoid any irritation. Gillette are famous for their proglide blades which do an incredible job of getting those irritating hairs first time with no discomfort, and leave you feeling smooth.

Full List of Gillette Fusion Proglide Styler Features:

Waterproof. Completely waterproof so you can use it in the shower if you prefer to or simply safely be able to rinse it after use to keep it clean.
Fusion proglide blades, world famous blades for comfort and efficiency
Three exchangeable combs to choose between different lengths
The “number one product for men with sensitive skin” – designed especially with those whose skin is prone to irritation in mind.
Convenient holder for easy storage

How does it stack up?

Well, how does the Gillette 3-in-1 fare in comparison with the rest of the trimmers out there? Lets start by looking at the price, and being realistic, $20 is not going to buy you the best beard trimmer in the world and if you go in with the expectation that this will offer you the same as a $100 trimmer then you’re going to be disappointed, however, if you are looking for a good quality everyday trimmer without it costing the earth then this could well be your choice. It comes with a few cons of course, it only has a few lengths to choose from so the perfectionists among us may be forced to compromise a little. It also isn’t the most powerful electric trimmer out there and could do with a little more ‘oomph’ in this regard.

Conclusion

As a step up from wet shaving or a simple product to get the job done then look no further. If your needs are more complex, it might be worth looking to a Norelco or something similar, but for many people this is more than adequate. An excellent 4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon speaks for itself, and most people agree that this is a top quality product.

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Goatee Saver Review – The Goatee Shaving Template!

One of the big developments in recent years has been the re-emergence of the goatee as a mainstream (and really cool) facial hair style. This is in no small part down to the goatee saver, who have made things easy for those of us looking to shave a goatee style! Oh, and Heisenberg, Heisenberg probably has a lot to do with it too…

Shaving a goatee can be a real pain, it is tough to get things right, and an even trim all around, so it is in some ways a surprise that this product took so long to hit the market, the goatee saver is in place to give a guideline and take all that hassle out of things. Even the best detailing trimmer will be difficult in ordinary circumstances, but with the goatee shaving template here, even the most basic beard trimmer on the market can give you a perfect Walter White-Esque look.

Don’t worry, it’s adjustable. Different face sizes and shapes were always going to be an issue with a product such as this one, so the manufacturers have made it adjustable, so you can make it the perfect template for your own face.

How to TRIM your goatee

So, naturally, being a site about trimming, we want to look at how we can keep the actual goatee under control, not just the areas around it. The best tip we can give you is to trim the whole beard with a beard trimmer (we recommend something from the Norelco range for this) and once it is at the desired length, either wet shave or completely shave the area surrounding with your goatee shaper template in place. Job done!

What Others Have Said

The reviews of this product really do speak for themselves, with a 4/5 rating on Amazon from hundreds of reviews, most are very happy with their purchase, and rightly so. As with any new invention, people are often skeptical, and the fact that this one is held between teeth can put people off initially, but there is really no discomfort and people always seem to come around to the idea.

Conclusion

What I love about this product is its versatility, it can be used with our without a trimmer, or just with a wet shaver, take it travelling and you can still have a great styling accessory without even needing a power supply to shape your facial hair. If you are a goatee lover the investment is well worth it, it makes your life a lot easier.

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Philips Norelco BT5275 5100 Beard Trimmer Review

Regular visitors to the site will know the name Norelco well, but Norelco BT5275 or the Norelco 5100 may be new to you. This trimmer is part of a large range brought to you by Philips, who are a top manufacturer of grooming products including beard trimmers such as this one. This sleek looking blue and silver trimmer may be the answer for you if you’re looking for a versatile yet simple to use trimmer, available under the $100 mark. In fact, this can be picked up for around $60 now which is a very fair price.

Dual Sided Technology

This is probably the main selling point, and the most unique part of the Norelco 5100, the shape of the head is such that there is one larger side which is in place for trimming or shaving larger areas, and a smaller ‘detailer’ which is in place to shave the more intricate areas, great for those with styles such as goatees or other fashionable beards. (Robert Downey, Jr. would be a fan, I’m sure).

Other Features

Along with the dual sides, this has a huge amount of excellent features being offered at this pricing point. We’ve summarized and listed them all below:

17 (yes, a massive seventeen) shaving lengths, all easily controllable with a wheel attached to the trimmer, no awkwardness and messing around trying to fit attachments.
High performance, self-sharpening blades. Don’t ask me how it works, but some clever clogs has worked out how to get a blade to sharpen itself, which means a long lasting trimmer that keeps doing a good job, and minimal maintenance, just plug it in and use it!
One hour on charge gives you one hour of usage, a mind blowing ratio for this quality battery.
Comes with a beard comb and power adapter. Everything you need!

What doesn’t it have?

Well, the 5100 has a big brother, the 9100, and the main difference between the two is the vacuum. Vacuum beard trimmers are something of a trend, designed to suck up the hair as it falls and minimize the mess, which is great, but you will pay a premium if this is a feature you feel you need. The 9100 also has a laser guide, which gives it something of a sci-fi feel, but in some places you will pay double the price for it. Trust me, it’s made for hardcore trimmers who need a lot from their grooming products!

What Others Have Said

This is extremely well reviewed on Amazon and elsewhere, with a massive amount of 4 and 5 star reviews. Many have called it the best in the Norelco range, which is quite a claim among these excellent products. Others have commented on the massive range of lengths, and how simple they are to select, this is a big plus point of the 5100.

Conclusion

This trimmer comes with my recommendation. You’ll be hard pressed to find another trimmer under $100 which is so well reviewed and has such great features, and the added detail blade means that it is excellent for styling, allowing you to do so much with your facial hair that might not be possible with a cheaper trimmer. It’s fully washable, which makes it simple to clean up and in many ways reduces the need for the vacuum that we have discussed comes with other products in the range. It comes with everything most of us will need, and it is tough to find negative reviews, meaning your experience is more than likely to be extremely positive.

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