194 of 206 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
[Updated] Philips Norelco G370: a good tradition continues., January 24, 2009
This review is from: Philips Norelco G370 All-in-1 Grooming System (Health and Beauty)
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 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.
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61 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Looks cheap... and is in fact, cheap, February 19, 2007
This review is from: Philips Norelco G370 All-in-1 Grooming System (Health and Beauty)
I bought this a while back and began finding problems with it right away.
1) The trimmer cannot operate on A/C power alone. This means you can't plug it into the wall and use it. Instead, you have to charge the battery, then unplug it to use it.
2) About 2 weeks after I bought it, the beard trimmer attachment broke. The little tabs that hold it at different lengths snapped off so you can only use it on the shortest setting, and you have to hold the attachment on with your hand so it won't slide off. Clearly, I'm not the only one who this has happened to.
3) The nose trimmer has very dull blades. I don't normally use a nose trimmer nor do I really need one, but I have a cheap one that I got in my Christmas stocking that I've used a few times. Out of curiosity, I tried the attachment that came with this trimmer and was introduced to a new kind of pain. It was pulling at the hairs but not cutting them.
I contacted the a representative at Norelco to see if I they would send me a replacement beard attachment or if I could purchase just that attachment. They directed me to their service centers who wanted $10 for just that attachment. Including shipping, it would have cost me almost what I payed for the whole set.
My advice: pay a little more for something sturdier. That's what I plan on doing.
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