It’s always difficult to bridge the gap between price and performance when it comes to purchasing beard trimmers, but I might have found a loophole here!
Wahl Edge Pro is a robust trimming device with super-sharp blades and a powerful motor, but it’s not going to cost you a lot of money!
Then what’s the catch here? The Edge Pro will always be connected to a power cord, restricting your maneuverability to a slight extent.
Other than that, you’ll realize in this Wahl Edge Pro review that it’s actually a killer device – sort of line up master and crafter of versatile beard styles!
“Wahl Edge Pro is a remarkable solution for those in a tight budget – it can trim up close, generate crispy results and the motor chops through every beard type – seems too good to be true even for a corded trimmer!”
Unboxing Wahl Edge Pro
Wahl Edge Pro is settled inside a fine-looking package that’s transparent yet contains sufficient information for the consumers.
Once you slide out the inner plastic holder from the top, the transparent cover comes off and you’ll uncover a durable, fine-looking travel pouch.
At the opposite side of the holder, the guide combs are stashes with additional accessories for your convenience.
The box is reusable and can be a viable storage solution. The carry pouch does not have its own shape and will not offer cushion from external damage.
What’s Inside the Box: Wahl Edge Pro, 8 Guards, 1 Carry Pouch, 1 Cleaning Brush, 1 Lubricant, User Manual.
Specifications: Wahl Edge Pro, 9686-300
This section specifies the technical details for the Wahl Edge Pro in one place so that you can conveniently learn the basic aspects of this beard trimmer.
- Dimensions:
- Weight: 9.6 Ounces (with cord)
- Colors: 1 (Black & Red)
- Accessories: 11
- Blade Type: Precision Ground T-Blade
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Cutting Length: 0.2 mm
- Motor Power: Undisclosed
- Waterproof: No
- Cord Length: 9 feet/ 2.4 meters
Wahl Edge Pro: Standout Features
There are certain features for Wahl Edge Pro that are worth discussing at greater depths and the following section is going to do just that!
Chessboard Aesthetics
Wahl Edge Pro aesthetics are quite unique in my opinion, not only in case of Wahl beard trimmers, rather with consideration of broader grooming tools that are available on the market.
The face of the trimmer has chessboard boxes in colors of black and semi-reflective, semi-textured dark gray.
Two lines of dark red gradients climb down from the top. The rest of the handle is made with plastic, although each portion contains different and unique textures.
Quality Grip
As Edge Pro is a compact tool, it’s quite easy to grab and maneuver. The textured design along with the ergonomic back set you up for a firm degree of grip.
Also, this beard trimmer has the functionality of a pen-grip for precision trimming or crafting out neat designs on a beard or a trimmed hair body.
Its power button is placed toward the lower side of the handle, well-cleared from regular grip positions. Overall, I’m highly satisfied with the ergonomic prowess of the handle.
Lasting Build Quality
I wasn’t expecting such a budget-grade beard trimmer to be of such robust quality! Wahl wasn’t frugal when they used durable plastic behind its construction.
Also, different parts of the handle contain unique material – to enhance the design, to protect the inner components and of course, to create sufficient grip spots.
By my estimation, Edge Pro will last you over 3 years without running into the most basic issues. Only the blade will require replacement based on the frequency of your usage.
Very Light in Weight
Despite such a durable housing design, Wahl Edge Pro is actually quite light in weight! It weighs 9.6 ounces with the cord and .. ounces for just the handle.
This weight class ensures longer, more delicate and precise grooming activities won’t exhaust your fingers, wrist or arm.
Also, this is great news for traveling groomers as this compact and lightweight device won’t add much to your backpack, rendering your moving around a convenient one!
Sharp, Zero-Gap T-Blades
I have my doubts about the blade material for the Wahl Edge Pro. According to their website and my time spent with it, this T-Blade is made with stainless steel.
However, some sources claim that there’s a mixture of high carbon, which I don’t believe to be accurate information.
This T-Blade is extruded out of the handle in the shape of a ‘V’ and that’s the perfect alignment for those who prioritize precision trimming.
Since the blade gap is zero, neat and crispy results are definitely possible. Other than beard grooming, Edge Pro to me has been a regular for maintaining my mustache!
Strong Motor
Wahl has not informed their users about the motor power for the Edge Pro. While it remains undisclosed, the performance it generates seems to be around 5,000 RPM.
The reason behind my claim is that the Edge Pro, despite being affordable, can trim through the coarsest and most textured beards!
Black men can definitely utilize this trimmer for shaping up their beard, lining up the hair fringes and even tapering the hair sides down to a very short trim!
8 Guide Combs Included
As you already know, you’re going to receive 8 fixed guide combs inside the package of the Wahl Edge Pro trimmer.
These are all draped in red and made with average plastic. I’m not very thrilled about these guards due to their quality, but what more can I expect for the price Edge Pro comes at.
The combs range between the lengths of: short (1/16”) to long (1/2”); the tips are rounded off and ensure comfort on skin. Also, the lengths remain quite accurate if you work on short to medium beards.
Corded Operations
One of the aspects that allure a lot of groomers and unnerve others is the fact that the Edge Pro is a corded beard trimmer.
There’s no way for cordless use since the power cord is permanently connected. The cord extends up to 9 feet or 2.4 meters.
Such a length in my opinion offers sufficient clearance to maneuver it around any way you want. This is the standard range for barbers, so there shouldn’t be any issue regarding it.
The best part about this tool being corded is that it’ll always develop the maximum power without ever running out of performance – a quality often required by professional groomers!
What I Like
- Ergonomic and durable handle with unique design
- Zero-Gap T-Blade is very sharp and ultra close
- Motor is powerful enough for almost every type of facial hair
What Could be Better
- Quality of guards could be a little better
My Experience with Wahl Edge Pro
Now comes the practical part – how the Edge Pro feels in reality across different beard types and trimming activities against the promised features!
Trimming Closeness
Since there’s literally no gap between the two stainless steel blade teeth, you can expect a trimming length of around 0.2 mm without any guards.
This up-close trim is sufficient enough to expose your skin and generate that zero look many groomers desire these days.
Also, the angled design paired with it allows you to create neat and tidy lines, marking the Edge Pro as a highly alluring precision trimming tool!
Comfort on Skin
You can understand from the blade gap that it’s not going to be highly comfortable on the skin should you go in for a direct trim.
Pressuring too hard can cause redness and burning sensation, therefore I’d urge you to be delicate with your strokes.
However, if you apply controlled pressure with delicate strokes, you will be able to get away without arousing any discomfort on the skin.
Although, it’s worth noting that ones with sensitive skin should maintain precaution if you’re contemplating a direct skin to blade activity.
Cutting Efficiency
Wahl claims that they’ve installed the most powerful motor from the brand inside the Edge Pro. I don’t think it’s factually accurate but conveys the message regarding the raw performance.
This high-torque motor along with the super-sharp T-Blade do ensure higher efficiency of trimming, letting you complete an entire grooming session within mere minutes!
It’s also applicable for textured, curly beards or dense facial hair. Only issue I faced is with bulk trimming long beards, but that’s actually not what Edge Pro is generally utilized for.
Types of Potential Grooming
Wahl Edge Pro is capable of versatile grooming on your face and certain degree of hair body due to the blade type, sharpness and motor performance.
I find it to be highly effective for stubble maintenance – from even trims to final fine tuning. For longer beards, edge up and detailing are the usual applications.
Since the T-Blade is extruded from the handle, it makes mustache trimming with utmost precision a very convenient matter.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Since the Edge Pro is not a waterproof trimmer, your cleaning methods are strictly limited to dry brushing.
That’s why you’ll receive a cleaning brush to get those stray hair out of the blade crevices and the handle.
You can use a cloth rag to mop the blades for an extra-degree of cleanliness. Apply a couple drops of lubricant on the blade after each grooming session for enhanced efficiency.
It’s worth mentioning that you’ll require such maintenance after every time you use the device. Otherwise it can cause build ups, compromise efficiency and cause general discomfort.
How I Tested the Wahl Edge Pro?
I was the primary test subject for the Edge Pro and I applied it on different lengths of my beard – from stubble to longer ones, along with my mustache.
The grip level and durability verdicts are mostly made from my personal experience and the comfort as well as efficiency remarks are based off of my coarse beard.
Additionally, I took in feedback and opinions from first hand groomers – both home-based and professionals to cover a broader ground and consumer preference.
What I Like
- Trims are ultra-close and crispy
- Higher efficiency of grooming, takes only minutes to complete
- Easy to use and maintain
What Could be Better
- Can be uncomfortable to the skin if pressed too hard
Who is Wahl Edge Pro For?
Wahl Edge Pro is a beard trimmer for everyone – professionals in particular find it very convenient because of the durability, grooming quality and relentless performance.
Also, it’s not unfathomable that the affordable price point is going to attract the entry level groomers or ones who are looking for a permanent home-grooming solution.
The learning curve isn’t steep if you’re considering basic styling. But precision trimming or crafting delicate designs will take some time to master.
Those on a budget, have coarse hair and want a long-term investment without spending a lot, Wahl Edge Pro stands as the ideal solution for all.
Wahl Edge Pro vs PowerPro: The Zero-Gap Wahl Trimmer Battle!
In the budget department of Wahl beard trimmers, Edge Pro has competition, and it’s from the same brand! The contest comes in the name of Wahl PowerPro.
I must commence the duel of Wahl Edge Pro vs Power Pro for the convenience of potential consumers and help them settle their minds on who the victor is!
[table id=189 responsive=scroll]Similarities
In terms of similarities, I can say only two things – Edge Pro and Power Pro are based off of similar design principles but draped in different colors – former accented with red and the latter with silver.
Added to that, these are both corded beard trimmers, ergonomically almost identical and the cord length is a standard 9 feet (2.4 meters).
Differences
But the differences are, however, many. Edge Pro blade is a zero-gapped T-Blade that creates the crispiest results. Power Pro T-Blade is not so close and the results leave more to expect.
Edge Pro blade is not detachable, thus deep cleaning is often tricky, as opposed to the detachable blade for Power Pro – much easier cleaning.
However, Edge Pro has the upperhand in motor power with its rotary motor unit against Power Pro’s average-powered electromagnetic motor.
Despite being so powerful, Edge Pro motor produces less heat and noise, thus outclassing Power Pro from a convenience standpoint.
Edge Pro’s accessories are directed more toward stubble grooming – the types of beard guards certainly suggest that. Power Pro accessories are more versatile.
It comes with two additional blades – one trimmer and one detail trimmer. The first of the two can bulk trim beards more effortlessly and be even applied for hair trimming to some extent.
Some might argue that the Power Pro trimmer blade is capable of body grooming, I’d say that’s not true due to the lack of skin comfort and blade material.
Also, Power Pro guards are different to Edge Pro – an adjustable guide with beard and hair combs – although the build quality remains pretty much the same.
Verdict: If you’re focusing on your beard and mustache maintenance along with precision trimming, Wahl Edge Pro is the clear winner with its T-Blade and crisp results.
However, those preferring a more generic trimmer that can perform basic detailing, bulk trim better and take care of basic hair grooming from time to time, Power Pro is definitely a more valid candidate for that.
FAQ
I’ll answer some FAQs in this part of Wahl Edge Pro review so that you can achieve a broader understanding of this beard trimmer.
Q: Does Wahl Edge Pro come with any warranty?
Ans: Yes! Generally Wahl offers a 5-year warranty for the Wahl Edge Pro. However, it also depends on the vendor you’re purchasing from. So it’s better to check before buying it so that you have the ability to claim this warranty should it be necessary.
Q: Will the Edge Pro motor heat up the housing after long usage?
Ans: All hair or beard trimmers heat up if the usage duration is over a few minutes at a stretch. That said, Wahl has managed to keep the heat levels to a surprisingly minimal level compared to other beard trimmers – approximately 30% less.
Q: Can I sharpen or replace blades of the Edge Pro?
Ans: There are a few ways to sharpen your Edge Pro trimmer blades. If you want a replacement, there are options to avail Wahl’s mail-in service, visiting a vendor or applying the blade online, preferably from an official vendor.
Verdict
This Wahl Edge Pro review is not a marketing gimmick – what I’ve said so far are from my own experience.
I don’t think any other beard trimmer is going to give you this solid of a performance and durability at this price range.
Even the Edge Pro has the capacity to outperform some pricier tools from renowned brands, establishing itself as a solid device that’s future-proof as well.
If you believe Edge Pro meets all of the requirements you have out of your next beard trimmer, I’ll say don’t waste a second thinking of choosing any other trimmer!
| Score | |
| Beard Trimming | 4.8 |
| Hair Outlining | 4.8 |
| Accessories | 4.6 |
| Motor Power | 4.8 |
| Maneuverability | 4.7 |
| Overall Comfort | 4.7 |
| Overall | 4.73 |
| Verdict
Wahl Edge Pro comes with a stainless steel T-Blade, Wahl’s one of the fastest trimmer motors, 9 feet cord and an overall durable design, catering to the needs of both home and professional groomers. |
|