9886-300

In this review, I'm comparing 3 different clippers. I purchased 3 to choose from;1. This One (which I KEPT): Model 9886-300. $59.992. Braun, Series 5, 5471. 8-in-1 Trimmer = $44.943. IMMEDIATE RETURN: Wahl 9854-600BSo this review compares the 3 of them (to the extent possible; I didn’t use all 3 since I knew I would only be keeping one). So this review is based upon my perception of quality as well as the look, feel, perceived quality of the device, packaging, accessories.WAHL 9886-300: KEPT & PRIMARY FOCUS OF BELOW REVIEW:My old clippers I’ve had for prob about 15 years finally died. I hate our disposable culture, so I was very sad that there didn’t seem to be a way to repair it. For the price of this beautiful Wahl (around $80); it also sadly isn't really worth my time & hassle.😞 It's cheaper to just buy a new one, dammit.... :-(I ordered 3 different clipper / grooming kits; this Wahl, a cheaper Wahl (Model 9854-600B) and a Braun, Series 5, 5471. So this review compares the 3 of them (to the extent possible; again I didn’t use all 3 since I knew I would only keep one).When I say “this Wahl” in this review, I’m referring to the listing for this product I’m reviewing, which I kept; the Wahl Model 9886-300.I ended up keeping this one; the Wahl 9886-300 (v.2.0? Product Listing Title says that...?).I was really struggling to decide between this 9886-300 and the Braun Series 5, Mod. 5471.The cheaper Wahl 9854-600B was an immediate no; based just off of look, feel, and cheap-looking and feeling accessories, well… it definitely looked & felt like a $25 clipper set…. Let’s just say that. It seems to have good reviews, so I hope it works & lasts better than it feels, for those who bought that. It wasn't for me.This Wahl 9886-300 is beautiful; feels solid, nice all-metal head; I esp. Like the T-bar-style (Hammerhead?) head style. Makes it really easy to trim around your ears. My only hesitation was that I really wanted this clipper set to have a nose hair trimmer too, and the one included with this Wahl seemed a little cheap; of questionable quality & durability. The Braun was an absolute beauty; esp. The nose hair trimmer & related accessories; it really is a beautiful set.I loved that this Wahl came with a quality bag / pouch for the trimmer + all accessories; the cheaper Wahl came with a bag that literally felt just a couple steps above a plastic grocery store bag. The Braun came only with a very nice case for the trimmer itself; no pouch for accessories.The pouch + accessories for this Wahl (9886-300), while not exactly Prada or something, seem nice enough, quality & like they will last a good while.I don't take clippers like this with me on any trips, ever, so I was more concerned with having a pouch to keep me from losing the accessories like the Wahl came with (both Wahls came with a pouch like that; Braun ONLY had a very nice case for the clipper itself; no room for even one accessory / attachment. Kinda a bummer.)PS: Maintenance is critical with everything in life, so do yourself a favor & buy some Wahl-specific clipper oil like I did along with this clipper.I was using (admittedly prob not often enough) a superior gun oil / CLP for my other Norelco that I had for 15+ years & died, but I figured it would be good to give the factory oil a try. So far, it seems excellent. Though I do miss the smell of my CLP on my face..... 🤷🏻‍♂️🤪🤣Few more thoughts;-the Braun was noticeably quieter than the Wahl. Point for the Braun.-The Braun was absolutely a beautiful tool, and it comes with a built-in, adjustable and removable comb. My last clipper that died on me had the same; built-in / adjustable / removable comb. I feel like all these do is immediately clog with hair, clog up, requiring me to frequently remove it & clear hair, thus adding time & hassle to the grooming process.That's even with only ~1-2 weeks of facial hair / beard, and not the hair on my head. Meaning I'm trimming down stubble; not shaving 3" long hair or something. Another point for the Wahl.In using the Wahl now for a few weeks, I'm definitely glad with my decision. No comb is the way for me!I've been using the Wahl without a comb at all & trimming is a lot faster, easier, slightly more fun than before.For me at least, the built-in comb on the Bruan would end up being just one more thing to keep around; to worry about losing, breaking, etc. I prefer the Wahl & its more traditional combs which I can keep in the nice pouch it came with. I rarely use them.-Wahl of course came with a variety of accessories, including detachable combs which are really slick & beautiful; they are metal-reinforced; hybrids of plastic & metal. Super slick & nice. Point for the Wahl.-Braun again just oozed quality, slightly more so than the Wahl I ended up keeping, but the Wahl 9886-300 feels more compact, slim, and even more solid / dense. (In a good way that high quality gear feels solid, sturdy & dense.)-Braun had a plastic + metal combo main head. I just prefer the all-metal Wahl head ++Definitely prefer the T-Bar / Hammerhead style of this 9886-300. As I mentioned; this makes it a LOT easier to trim around your ears and was a big selling point for me-Braun's power button is on front, Wahl on back. (Oddly). Both are very firm, and almost feel like a haptic button more than an actual, physical switch, though of course they are actual buttons & NOT haptic. IDK how I feel about this. On the one hand, it contributes to their solid, high-quality feel. On the other hand, they are a touch more difficult to feel & actuate without looking. A TOUCH. This really is a big nitpick & tiny detail, but just thought I'd point it out. It doesn't bother me; just .....interesting.... if I develop strong feelings either way (LOL) I will update the review.All in all, both the Wahl Model 9886-300, which I ended up keeping, and the Braun, Series 5, 5471, which I returned, are very nice & high quality clippers, esp. At what I believe is their reasonable price point. Actually; the Braun (as of this writing; Aug. 2024) I paid $45.00 for and the Wahl was $59.99. As I'm writing this, I'm surprised to see the Wahl jumped to $77.00, and the Braun to $59.94. Gotta love inflation!

Batter life is great, the blades have help up well. Gives a nice trim, and the guards are quality with their metal clips. Easy to clean and the storage bag is great! Makes trimming easy and quick and never really pulls on the hair.

Great for trimming mustache and beard

Good product and very useful.

I don’t usually write reviews, but I was extremely disappointed in these clippers. I missed my return window, but would have returned them otherwise. These do not seem sharp enough to cut my beard, every few seconds they tug on my beard hair. Very uncomfortable. Would not recommend, especially for the cost

Holds a charge for a long time and trims well.

Very nice product works well

There are several separate number of razors and one adjustable razor.The adjustable one is not so good.But if one is OK ti switch the razors - it works fine, as expected from Wahl.Changing the razors is slightly uneasy, but so far nothing is broken.Using it for almost a year, twice in a month for the beard and is not fantastic but just OK.