Review (1/5): Doesn't Make the Cut: A Philips Norelco QC5055 Power Hair Clipper Review
When it comes to cutting hair, I learned to cut simple men's styles with a pair of [[ASIN:B00008BNZ4 Wahls]] by a pro. On occasion, I will cut someone else's hair, but typically I cut my own. My goatee consists of course hair, while everywhere else tends to be fine and straight. Even though I have cut the hair on top of my head in the past, I primarily use my clippers to maintain my goatee and for manscaping.
The Philips Norelco QC5055 Power Hair Clippers are designed to clean easily, requires no maintenance and, as Norelco claims, can cut any hair type into many lengths with a limited number of pieces. Three combs are included, a stubble comb for a neat unshaven look, a small comb to cut between .12 and .83 inches, and a large comb to cut between .91 and 1.61 inches.
The Norelco clippers weigh about 9 ounces and can be used cordless. Compared to my [[ASIN:B000I1S18Y Wahls]] which weigh about a pound and is corded, the Norelco clippers are lighter and permit cutting away from an outlet. Both clippers feel good in the hand, even though they have different shapes.
However, the real test of the clippers is how they cut. The Norelco clippers had trouble evenly cutting my goatee. The turbo power really didn't do much when it came to my course hair. I went over the area repeatedly, and while most of the hair was trimmed I had to grab my [[ASIN:B00006IVEN Wahls]] to catch all the clearly visible longer stragglers. The next day I decided to try some manscaping. They did much better on my chest hair, however holding the clippers to one's own chest means holding them in an awkward manner or in a way which causes the comb length to constantly reset. The experience was so annoying; I put down the Norelco clippers and finished with my Wahls.
While the Norelco clippers are easy to clean and maintenance free, they failed to work for me. For about the same price, one can buy a set of Wahls and get much better results. Sure there may be more combs, but with all the ones I have I typically only use two. As for maintaining the Wahls, brushing off the hair and occasionally placing a drop of oil on the blades when needed is about all that's required. The convenience of the Norelco clippers really isn't that much better, although it makes a nice sales pitch. It certainly isn't enough for me to recommend these clippers. Instead, buy what the pros use, you won't regret it.
PROS:
Cordless
Lightweight
Feels good in the hand
CONS:
Guards slip
Uneven cutting of course hair