Customer Reviews

Philips Norelco G370 All-in-1 Grooming System

5 star:		(143)
4 star:		(70)
3 star:		(21)
2 star:		(26)
1 star:		(31)

 

 

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. See my updates below.

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.

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.

I was happy with this product for the first few weeks - it was cheap and small and light and did an adequate job. However, when I left it unplugged for about a week or so, it completely lost its charge and won't recharge. Note that the instructions explicitly say to NOT leave it plugged in all the time, so that's why it was unplugged. I'm not having much luck getting a refund fom Norelco, so it seems like I'm out of luck. Feeling lucky?

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.

I had for five years nolerco clipper 20xl (similar price 5 years ago). Someone in store told me that g series replaced xl series.I am not sure if this is true, but G370 dissapoints me. Plastic looks cheap, joints are not solid, power cord is short, but even if it would be longer it wouldn't help. Attaching the cord wil not run this trimmer/clipper, battery has to be charged before doing anything (in 20xl in situation when battery is gone I could always attach the power cord and continue). I am happy with tis clipper right now, but I don't expact to have it too long. It looks too cheap for that.

I bought this set, and the accessory pieces broke within weeks. I returned the broken set, and got a new set in exchange, and the second set did exactly the same.

Buy something with better quality, and avoid dealing with the hassles of this inferior set.

I wasn't looking for a life-changing personal care appliance; I just wanted a new rechargeable trimmer to replace my dying old one. I stumbled across this gizmo in a store (I won't say where) and saw all the attachments and and the pricepoint and figured I'd give the Norelco name the benefit of the doubt and take a chance on it. I have been quite pleasantly surprised.

Not only do all of the attachments work well, it's more powerful than I expected. My previous trimmer had a wide, blunt tip, and it was hard to see what I was doing in a mirror because the shaver blocked my view. This trimmer's tip is tapered so it's easy to see the point of contact. And the nose hair trimmer is more powerful than my old AA-battery-powered model, so I trashed that one as well, which has simplified my morning routine. Cleanup is also easier, since the attachments can be detached and flushed in the sink.

As for battery life, I followed the directions when doing the initial charge, and I've used the trimmer quite a few times over the past four weeks without having had to recharge yet.

So in conclusion, I recommend this product without reservation! I wouldn't say it's changed my life, but it has simplified my mornings at least.

I was expecting an excellent product from Norelco when I purchased this to replace my worn out Conair trimmer. It turns out that the quality is just fair. It works Ok for trimming facial hair though not perfectly. I strongly suggest NOT using this for trimming body hair because it is very easy to clip your skin. No matter how careful I am I can't avoid drawing blood. I will defiantly be replacing this set with something better very soon.

I purchased this kit several months ago, and have been very satisfied. Multiple attachments make it easy for trimming sideburns, nose hairs, and the back of the neck. I dont have a beard, but the unit does come with a couple beard trimming attachments as well.

Bought this at WalMart about 3 months ago. Recharged it twice. Performed well enough for the price(I forget exactly how much but it was less than the others on display). Without knowing anything about the competitors' similar products, I bought this based on the price and the BRAND NAME. But the third time must have been the charm because it will no longer recharge. As a result, I no longer associate quality with the name Norelco nor will I buy anything with the Norelco name. Why do companies like Norelco insist on shooting themselves in the foot by including poor products like this in their lineup?

I just bought this trimmer this afternoon and while I was trying to attach the beard trimmer, the flat retaining clip and adjustment tab fell out of the attachment. Obviously these attachments are of very poor quality and design but this seems normal nowadays. What a shame that in the year 2007, manufactures cannot do any better than this. I would be ashamed if I designed this peice of garbage.

I am taking this already broke piece of junk back for a refund and will no longer buy their products.