Beard trimmers
All gone a bit ‘Santa sleeping in a hedge’ since lockdown? We try out the finest trimmers for taming your facial topiary…
As used by the chap on page 20
What’s the story?
Wahl might not be a big name like Philips or Panasonic, but chances are you’ve seen its kit being used in your local barbershop. If it’s good enough for a professional to give you your monthly skin fade, then it’s got to be good enough for tidying up your face, right? Especially with a lifetime blade guarantee…
Is it any good?
The Wahl looks far cheaper than its price suggests. While it feels weighty enough in the hand, the plastics used for its waterproof chassis just feel a bit crappy. Rubberised bits down the side do make it easier to hold, but you’d expect something a bit less basic for £90.
Obviously performance is the most important thing, however, and the Aqua Blade gives a decent enough trim, even if things can be a little rough around the jawline. You’re supposed to get 16 comb attachments in the box (although ours only came with 12), but each one is a fixed length: 1.5mm at the shortest and 25mm at the longest. These are also a bit plasticky, and the lack of adjustment means if your ideal size isn’t included you just have to make do with the next one up or down.
With nothing attached, the Aqua Blade’s wide cutting head makes it easy to keep the edges neat, with nice sharp blades and good visibility. There’s also a narrower, foil-style blade attachment that’s great for cutting extra-close.
Price £90 / stuff.tv/wahlab ● Max cutting length 25mm ● 17 attachments ● 180min battery ● Waterproof
Stuff says ★★★II
Does a job but the build doesn’t match the price tag