Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

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. 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 * Small travel pouch * 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 charging full-time, which I found to be a nuisance at first. Charged it for the ten hours suggested before using it, and it worked fine, and a charge lasts for weeks. The charging/attachment 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. Please Note: According to the latest info, this small charging stand no longer comes with the G370 as it did when I first reviewed it in 2009. It no longer appears on the Philips Norelco site as an option, either. Mine was made in China, which made me skeptical at first, but my initial doubts were eased over time, as it has proven to be an excellent trimmer over the long run. I do not know where the current versions are made, but go by the product description if it matters to you. This unit, as so many products today, came in one of those irritating theft-deterrent clamshell packages designed for retail stores. 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. Just be careful when opening it. Pros: - Excellent selection of attachments - Green light on power unit indicates charging - A single charge lasts for weeks - 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 even a fourth of the life of the sixteen years of service that I got from my original Maverick TX-450, then I'll be happy. Updated January 10, 2012: Have been using this Philips Norelco G370 trimmer for almost three years since this review was posted on January 24, 2009. Actually wondered how long it would really last when I originally posted it, with most of the concerns being (1) the life of the rechargeable battery, and (2) the sharpness of the blades on the attachments. Had shaved my beard off in 2010, so it became a daily moustache trimmer. Then I grew the beard again a little over a year ago, and it has seen daily use once again. Happy to report that the trimming attachments are still sharp, and the rechargeable battery is still going strong. This has turned out to be one of the best bargains that I've bought here... period. Updated May 2, 2012: One reader commented that the Philips Norelco G370 All-in-1 Grooming System no longer comes with a charging stand with storage slots, as my review had originally noted. The online comparison chart between the various Philips Norelco trimmers doesn't seem to exist here on Amazon... at least I cannot locate the one that had this model. Please understand that my review was originally written and posted on January 24th, 2009, and reflected my opinion of the product when I purchased it at that time. Manufacturers do change options from time to time, and as a reviewer it irritates me, but it does happen. Some time ago I quit using the stand and opted instead for using the travel pouch as my lifestyle has become more mobile over the last two years. In any case, the charge was running low yesterday, I plugged it in and this morning was able to use this morning. I brushed out the trimmer heads, rinsed them under running water, shook them dry and trim my beard as I've been doing all along. Updated 3/1/2013: Earlier this year I pocked up the Philips Norelco QT4014/42 Beard and Stubble Trimmer, more of an evolutionary upgrade than anything. Experience with a particular brand can be the best teacher when looking at a product, and my good results with the more basic Philips Norelco G370 here that I had purchased it in 2008 made it a good choice. My G370 is still functional and operating quite well, though it's battery life is on a slight decline after five years of use, so I have no complaints. The newer Philips Norelco QT4014/42 trimmer offers a number of convenience features, such as 20 length settings, one-hour charge time, the ability to use cordless or while charging, and more. Though more costly, it's an excellent alternative for those who want more in a beard trimmer, and highly recommended. Note: I'll still stand behind my 5-star recommendation, especially considering the price on the G370. And I'll continue to reply to comments left here, as I've done along.