Customer Reviews

Wahl Lithium Ion All In One Trimmer

5 star:		(110)
4 star:		(78)
3 star:		(21)
2 star:		(34)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

(3.5 stars) The Wahl Lithium Ion All-In-One Trimmer definitely delivers on its promise of power. You feel it the instant you turn it on - that is one powerful motor inside its small, lightweight case. This provides a lot of cutting torque for comfortable, clean trimming of beards, mustaches and body hair. However, the power comes with downsides in terms of vibration and noise as well. And while the set is packaged with numerous attachments, not all of them are very useful. Finally, the included organizer tray is a cheap-looking and doesn't hold all of these attachments very well.

If you plan on using it purely for beard/mustache, body hair, and the occasional touch-up of sideburns and neckline between trips to the barber, then this trimmer is probably a 4.5 star performer. It's powerful enough to handle the thickest beard and won't get clogged up by any amount of body hair (a blade comb and small bottle of oil are included for ongoing maintenance). This power comes at a cost in vibration and noise, and some may find it uncomfortable to use for long periods of time.

The attachment for eyebrows, nose and ear hair is useless for different reasons. For eyebrows, it has no comb attachment and its built-in guide is much too short unless you simply want to totally eradicate your eyebrows from your face. I found a suitable workaround for eyebrows by using the main blade with the shortest guide attachment and then carefully (CAREFULLY) gliding over my brows. The results ended up being very nice, but you're just one sleepy morning away from a disaster. For nose and ears, the vibration is simply too much to bear. Plus, the attachment isn't shaped at all for this function - it's simply a narrower version of the main blade. This means that (1) there's no easy way to work around the curves of your nostrils or ears and (2) the cutting surface is still the tip of the blade instead of the sides, so you'll be working the trimmer at all sorts of odd angles to get any results at all. I recommend a good nose/ear trimmer that's designed exclusively for that purpose instead.

The surprise was the dual foil shaver head. I expected this to be a total throw-away, but it delivered a very close and surprisingly comfortable shave. It suffers in the ergonomics because its handle is shaped like a trimmer instead of an electric shaver (it feels like you're shaving with a small flashlight), but that's a small downside. Will I throw away my electric shaver now? No, but I would give some thought to throwing this in my overnight bag for travel due to its small size and additional versatility.

Switching blade heads between the main, the wider, the ear/nose/eyebrow, and the shaver feels clunky. The instructions are vague on this point (as they are with almost all aspects of using the trimmer) and I eventually figured it out by trial and error. Still, it often feels like I'm forcing the parts whenever switching blades, which is disappointing given the otherwise sold build of the trimmer.

Battery life is excellent and you can even run it on a quick charge after only a few minutes of being plugged in. The included power adapter is nicely compact, which is becoming rarer for many countertop electronics. The trimmer unfortunately doesn't have any sort of battery gauge, but the quick-charge feature minimizes that limitation.

The included tray seems to be too small to neatly hold all of the attachments that come with the set. Plus, it's very cheap-looking. I ended up storing everything in a carrying pouch that I had from an old electric shaver. All told, the entire kit could fit in anything roughly the size of a sandwich bag.

PROS
* Powerful motor for clean, effortless maintenance of bears, mustaches and body hair
* Long battery life
* A surprisingly good foil shaver attachment that could get some use while traveling

CONS
* Vibration and noise from the motor makes prolonged use uncomfortable
* Not as useful as a nose, ear or eyebrow trimmer
* Accessory quality isn't always up to par with the trimmer itself

CONCLUSION
While the Wahl Lithium Ion All-In-One Trimmer is a magnificent trimmer - small and lightweight but massively powerful. However, its "all-in-one" claim is made based on attachments that often fall short of the mark. Honestly, there probably is no true "all-in-one" solution, so fault them with overreaching marketing instead of bad design. Grab one of these for the big jobs and a good dedicated ear/nose/brow trimmer for the small ones and you'll be all set.

Pros
Powerful motor
Keeps its charge
Feels solid
Standard Wahl narrow blade head good for precise trims

Cons
Too many accessories! A better design could keep it more simple
Standard Wahl narrow blade head not as good for faster trims

I've owned a half a dozen rechargeable trimmers, most of them for beards, and I have to say that I've never been that impressed regardless of the brand name. I can't seem to find one that's both simple and powerful.

The Wahl Lithium Ion All In One is probably the most powerful rechargeables I've ever used. I tried a number of current Norelco models and they're frequently on the wimpy side. One was so weak that it would pull hair right out of my face instead of cutting it. This Wahl model is on the other extreme. Just trimmed my heard and cut my lip a little bit on the blades. Probably only the second time that's ever happened with a trimmer. Will need to be careful in the future, but thankful because the obvious power means a faster trim and no fear of pulled hair.

My two gripes about the Wahl are the same I've had about the previous Wahl trimmers I've used.

One, unlike Norelco which frequently designs built in adjustable heads that go up and down, they offer a ton of accessories. This kit has something like 17. I don't need 17! I'm betting most men don't either. Some of these are going to get lost or inconveniently separated from the trimmer. Just give me a removable adjustable height head and that's all I need. That function itself can equal half a dozen or more attachments.

My second complaint is also the same I've had about all Wahl trimmers - the head width. It's about 1/4" or so more narrow than Norelco models. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Wahl trimmers are best for getting around the edges where accuracy is needed. The wide head Norelcos are for when you want to trim your beard as fast as possible with a wider blade - IF they offered a model with as strong a motor as the Wahl that is.

I'm no fan of Norelco - have sworn them off after experiencing too many wimpy motors. I really like the power of this Wahl. I just wish they'd borrow a little bit from Norelco. The narrow head has its use, but enough with the dozen+ accessories.

For this price range this probably one of the best trimmers I've used even with my complaints. And if you happen to like having all sorts of accessories then this might be perfect for you.

First off... People, be aware of "Vine Program" reviewers. Keep in mind that these people did not pay for the item and did not actively go out and search for the product they now own. I, on the other hand, was actually looking for this here electric "clipper".

One PRO:
1- At first I was glad to see that WAHL had finally designed a shaver with a lithium battery because the nickel-cadium battiers in their other units die out way too fast. As it turns out, the battery was the only positive thing about this trimmer. I only needed to charge it fully once and it would last for approx 6 shaves.

Many CONS:
1- Rubber material covering body of unit grips TOO much. Little pieces of cut hairs will stick to it like glue! Within a week it mine was covered in little hairs. Messy.
2- The metal blades rust easily even though they were never exposed to water, only to sweat. I have never had this problem with other Wahl trimmers before.
3- This thing is loud when it's new and getts louder as it ages. After 7 months mine stopped cutting well and sounded like a mini chain saw.
4- Short life span - 7 months. Only used it 3 times a week, face only, and oiled it once a week.

Thank you for your time.

The standard against which a multiple use product like this is to be measured is NOT whether it is the best performing product at each task, but rather whether it performs well enough to replace two or more items in your bathroom or more importantly in your carry on luggage. As a habitually clean-shaven man, I might seem a poor choice to review such a product, but a fortuitously timed job layoff has allowed me to grow a beard in order to fully test the device.

BATTERY: This is the major selling point; I fully charged it when I received it and have been using it off and on over the last two months ON THE VERY FIRST CHARGE, and it is still going strong! There is no other rechargeable battery technology I'm aware of that could even approach, much less match that performance.

SHAVER HEAD: As a blade shaver whose weapon of choice is the Gillette Fusion Power Phenom Razor, I have always believed that electric razors are for men who don't really insist on a close shave (or less facetiously for men whose lifestyle requires shaving on-the-go). Nothing about the performance of this trimmer's shaver head has changed my mind, and for shaving the entire face it is clearly inferior to the Braun Series 1 1-150 Men's Shaver I have also been testing. However, in fairness, it was never really intended for this purpose. No man in his right mind would choose such a product unless he was planning to at least experiment with facial hair, and for the purpose of shaving those parts of your face not covered by your beard or mustache, it is quite adequate.

DETAIL HEAD: For delicate work, like separating that unibrow into two separate eyebrows, the detail head works fine, though perhaps because of the small size of its face plate, it becomes uncomfortably warm during sustained use. However, as a nose hair or ear hair trimmer, it is clearly inferior to any with rotary heads.

TRIMMER HEAD: The main trimmer head comes with far too many attachments IMHO, and I don't say that just because in mine all of the plastic attachments displayed in the box window were duplicated inside. Unless you are planning a career as a traveling beard stylist, a six-position trimmer guide and 3 fixed-length attachment combs is probably going to be more than you will ever need. However, experimentation will be required in order to narrow down your choices. The adjustable trimmer guide provides more choices without switching attachments, but it is susceptible to slipping under pressure, resulting in a closer trim than you intended. For body hair trimming, this device is clearly inferior to the Philips Norelco BG2020 Bodygroom Shaver, Philips Norelco Body Groomer Limited Edition BG2022, and probably to the Philips Norelco BG2030 Professional BodyGrooming System as well, in everything except battery, but unless you are a performer in the adult film industry, it will probably do an adequate job, especially if you have someone who can assist you with the underbrush thinning.

Note: Unless you plan on regularly maintaining yourself in that condition, it is not advisable to shave yourself too closely between the waist and the knees. Two words -- "razor stubble" -- in close contact with your most tender areas should be explanation enough.

T-BLADE HEAD: Unless you develop the habit of using it to trim your beard or are still maintaining that boot camp 'doo, this will probably be the least useful blade unless you have a partner with some haircutting skills because while any idiot can eventually learn to trim his own beard, cutting your own hair in a manner you'd be willing to display in public is probably going to be beyond your abilities. However, Wahl made its name in hair clippers and could hardly be expected to leave one out of an all-in-one trimmer.

Defects? The lack of a carrying case is particularly felt with such a large number of attachments, and a vacuum feature to capture hair clippings would be a nice-to-have. In addition the handle has the ergonomics of a flashlight, but these are minor points.

In summation for a bearded or mustachioed man on the go this device CAN adequately replace everything it claims to replace with the exception of a nose hair trimmer.

I use this primarily to trim my goatee and it works fine as far as the end results go. However, it happens to be pretty painful because it seems to pull a hair out here and there instead of actually cutting it, so I usually dread using this thing. I am guessing it is because the blade is not sharp enough. The battery life and strength seem to be quite good though.

I read a lot of the reviews and that helped me make my decision. I've had this trimmer a couple of months now, and really love it. I'll start with the points I did NOT find easily in other reviews

Yes, it does a great job trimming the edges of your mustache above the lip, etc. I've had all-in-one beard groomers where the trimming attachment did not cut well. Not so with this one. The first time I used it I was instantly showing a lot more lip than I had planned on. In other words, it trims mustaches better than anything I have used before.

The other point I was unclear about in other reviews was the usefulness of the nose/ear trimmer attachment. I have owned 2 or 3 of those battery powered rotating types before, and always found them so-so. This trimmer attachment does a much better job than those, and is faster. Just stick it in your ear or nose and you're done in 2 seconds, whereas the rotary types make you keep doing it for a while before it seems like you're done. The noise level is not a problem at all for me - it's noisy but not objectionable in your ear, about the same or less noise level as my rotary trimmer.

For beard trimming (I have a goatee that I keep fairly short), it works well but is slightly less convenient than the all-in-one beard groomers I have owned. You have to switch attachments, which is frankly very easy, though not as easy as just dialing in a 3 or 4 on one of those beard groomers. And the attachments are a bit of a pain because you have to either pick, for instance, a 2 or 3 beard trimmer, or else use the 6-position trimmer attachment. That 6-position trimmer attachment is what I use, and it's fine, though adjusting it's height requires a little more effort than it should.

Battery life is outstanding, and what puts it above everything else. It lasted 2 months of frequent use on its first charge, and I expect it to last for years. Other beard groomers I have owned (both Panasonic) died after a couple of years and had to be plugged in.

The attachments in general are a bit of a pain, as everyone else mentions. However, putting them on and off is really easy - not as complicated (at least to me) as others have mentioned. I keep them all in the tray on my countertop and it works fairly well. The tray gets really crowded, so I've take some of the attachments I'm never going to use and put them in a drawer. It is nice to have your oil and brush right there whenever you need them - otherwise I would not clean and oil it as often as I should:)

For haircutting, I agree with everyone else. This thing is really narrow, even with the wider cutting head attached. It's about half the width of my corded Wahl trimmer, which is what I've been using to cut my hair (and does a great job). Also, the attachments are not long enough for my hair, which normally takes a 4 and a 5 attachment. Not sure if you can buy longer attachments for it or not. I think the best solution is just to spend another 30 bucks on the corded Wahl unit like I did. It's a beast, seems to actually dim the lights when you turn it on (semi-kidding here but you get the idea).

For all around trimming, meaning sideburns and hairline at back of neck, it's super. The normal attachment does a great job of shaping your hair and cuts super sharp.

In sum - it's outstanding for moustache/ear/nose trimming as well as shaping your beard or hair at the edges. Don't bother thinking it's going to be very good for actually cutting your hair.

I have had this incredible trimmer for over two weeks. Charged for just over an hour when I received it, it has been running full strength ever since. The claims for the lithium battery are not hype. Wahl has scored big with this model. Its design and execution are superb.

I just wish I hadn't bought all those separate pieces in the past (trimmer, nose clippers, T-blade, etc.). For much less money, I could have bought this unit and had them all. The pieces are easily interchanged, once used to the process, and the components are beautiful designed and engineered to fit perfectly. The blades are highest quality, easily maintained, and the high torque of the motor make them great trimmers.

Wahl could have written a better manual, better describing how to change blades. But with little touble, and a modicum of common sense, the skill is acquired easily. The people who say the blades broke just made a mess of it themselves by forcing. Never a good idea with any piece of equipment. Though well within reason, the unit is not as quiet as a good Andis trimmer, but you get many more options for less money. A fair trade-off in my book. And nobody else has the battery and power of this Wahl.

The shaving attachment is rather amazing, and useful, but don't expect the kind of close shave that a dedicated Norelco will give. It is just for convenience and, considering the cost of this set, a rather nice throw-in -- especially for traveling when you don't want a bunch of extra things to pack and carry.

The comb attachments fit securely and, when used with the trimming blade, do a beautiful, easy job. Again, common sense required.

You may need, or want, a larger clipper for big hair cutting jobs but, for any kind of trim, this is your tool.

PRODUCT UPDATE: One full month after that same one-hour charge mentioned above, this amazing unit is still going strong. No diminishing of power at all. Bought a second unit when price dropped radically one day.

Easily the best and most powerful I've used.. And I've used more than a few.

I actually bought this one to replace the wife's trimmer. After examining it, I confiscated it and gave her my Remington which is weak and a poor cutter by comparison. LOL

I agree, like most trimmers of this sort it's not a hair cutter. It's a hair trimmer. Meaning it's just not designed to give full service haircuts. But will do in a pinch.

For trimming between haircuts, body hair management, beards, etc.. it's hard to beat. Lithium ion is definitely the way to go.

The blades are incredibly precise and are reminiscent of a bygone era. They are carbon steel, so they aren't rinsable and must be oiled occasionally. But the extra performance and longevity of the ground carbon blades are a big plus, especially for a tool of this type.

The attachments and stand work very well and are well designed. There is a slight learning curve if you've never used a Wahl before. And no travel case or blade protector is included. The nose/ear/eyebrow attachment works very well and like the other blades is a very precise cutter. Especially compared to other rotary versions on the market, like the Remington. It's made for outlining the brow and removing stray hairs, not trimming the entire eyebrow. If you wish to do this, just use the #00 or the #000 beard attachment guide and the regular blade.

This product has a fatal flaw; the trimmer's internals can't handle the torque of the motor and fail within days. Basically the springs that return the blades to their original position during trimming snap off and render the unit useless. It buzzes erratically and that's that.

I purchased my first unit in september and it last for 3 days before the springs snap. My second unit was shipped to me, which then lasted me 2 weeks before the same failure occurred. THe problem is NOT user induced, the trimmer could be left on on a table for 10 minutes a day and the same would occur within a few days.

On a positive note, it trimmed really well while it worked. Battery lasted far longer than anything I've used and it had plenty of power. It's a real shame because i was staring to love this thing.

Dont buy it, try something else or suffer the same result in a few days.

First point, I'm currently using a Remington Titanium so that is my comparison. The Whal come with many more guides and a tray for them. But the tray does not seem designed well and it is difficult, if not impossible to store the guides, trim heads, etc. It does not have a charging light so you don't know when you are done, a nice feature that should be there. Since most of the people using it for their beards will be men, I assume, it seems small compared to the Remington, harder to hold and handle.

To adjust your guide length is much harder than a rotary knob which I am used to. You must push on the guide itself and slide it. The rotary knob on the Remington has me spoiled. Finally I just can't see myself changing from the large to small trimming head or removing and installing one of the six guides. To repeat yet again, a rotary knob to adjust one head just seems so much easier. Removing the cutting heads is also a little tough, they have to lined up just right to re-install.

Again, finally, the cut is about average, I was hoping for a great cut given all the info but . . .

The Wahl does it all but it makes it too hard to do it all.