Review (5/5): The Best I've Owned
I have been using the Philips Norelco T980 Turbo Vacuum Trimmer for a couple of months. It is the best trimmer I have used. It trims fast and evenly. There has been zero pulling or pinching. The vacuum is helpful, retaining up to 90% of the trimmed hair. It works better than I anticipated. I have not tried the Turbo mode since the regular setting works perfectly so far.
I have not experienced any issues with the beard length setting changing while in use that others have remarked on. Time will tell if parts fatigue plus pressing hard against the face will cause this in the coming months.
I do agree with others about the initial awkwardness of trimming with the comb-like top guide part off. There is a retractable shield in front of the blade that is designed to facillitate trimmed hair going down into the curved waste basket of the vacuum instead of falling in the sink. It would be nice if you could manually lock this shield down when doing fine edge trim. You will get used to it quickly, but the design makes fine trimming more of a blind operation, i.e. you do it by feel more than sight since the shield blocks my view. I use a little more care when fine trimming than with my older model, but the extra seconds aren't too much hassle and the results are fantastic.
The trimmer is of good size but handles easily and with better precision than I initially thought. I'm still on my first charge with about 10 trims and still running strong - no recharge indicator light yet. There is a little brush for cleaning the trimmer that works OK. Philips Norelco recommends cleaning after every trim. Cleaning is a drag but should keep the unit working better longer.
Only thing missing is a recharger/storage stand. You get a travel bag instead.
Bottom line, excellent trimmer. Would recommend to all.