Groom Mate Platinum XL Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer

I love this thing. Just what the doctor ordered. This marvelous little doo-dad, no bigger than a pencil stub, absolutely works wonders! When I couldn't keep ahead of my nose and ear hair proliferation, and trimming with the round-tip scissors sometimes caused painful ingrown nose hairs, I realized that an instrument especially designed to cut the hairs well enough above the skin line to avoid the ingrown hair problem (which is very annoying, and also very painful) was definitely in order. Except when I looked in the medicine cabinet, there sat my battery-driven nose-hair trimmer, encrusted with a beautiful blue-green patina of battery corrosion. So I threw it in the trash, and immediately ordered this. I really looked forward to using this, because it was touted as not needing batteries of any kind, and was strictly mechanical. My experience with a cordless shaver caused me to order new cutting blades, when the real problem was just weak batteries. I had become convinced that the stubble on my neck and under my chin was too tough for a mere cordless shaver, when it finally dawned on me that the batteries just weren't getting the job done. But you don't realize it with a battery-powered shaver, because they are being perpetually recharged. You think the blades are dull, but the motor is actually just not turning fast enough. This is your first clue that the batteries won't last forever. But it doesn't become immediately apparent that this is the problem: You end up having to buy new blades before you figure it out. So I ordered a new corded electric shaver, and zipped right through my daily shave in virtually no time at all, and got a perfectly smooth, close shave, almost in an instant. Suddenly, the stubborn hairs on my neck and under my jaw were no longer any problem whatsoever. And, by the way: The new electric shaver cost less than batteries alone would have cost for the cordless shaver. On top of which, on that particular shaver, the batteries weren't simply plug-in replacement batteries; you actually had to have new batteries soldered in place - which meant that you had to find a dealer that would/could do it, and pay his price, whatever that might be. I hate batteries, anyway. They're a curse, and a source of endless frustration - not to mention being increasingly more expensive. Of course, we don't really have much choice, do we? If you've got a tool that uses batteries, no matter how much they cost, what are you going to do, not buy more batteries? I've gone through batteries on hedge trimmers, edgers, drills, lawnmowers, shavers, self-propelled golf carts, and now nose-hair trimmers, and I'm THROUGH WITH BATTERIES! Guess what? You can have a whole platoon of battery-powered tools, but without batteries, THEY ARE WORTHLESS! And there is no such thing as a universal battery, which will fit everything you've got that needs batteries. They are all different voltage, and all designed to fit only the specific tool they were made for, but not anything else. Every tool has it's own battery, designed to fit that particular tool. And of course, they all need the one, specifically designed battery for that particular application, and usually available only from the manufacturer of that particular product. Which means that whatever price they decide to charge you is the price you pay. But you do have an alternative. Your alternative is to do without. Or, very often, they discontinue that model, which means that you may or may not be able to get batteries for it. Of course, they usually come up with a "new and improved" model, which uses completely different batteries. And by a strange coincidence, the new model is always more expensive. The question arises: If you can no longer get batteries to fit your old tool - no matter if the tool is still in excellent condition, what good is it? Oddly enough, you may still be able to find batteries for it, but you discover that they cost more than you originally paid for the tool! Being faced with this situation a few times, I have decided to exercise my alternative: NO MORE BATTERIES! But with this little jewel, you won't ever need any kind of battery, and you'll get quick and easy nose and ear grooming, which leaves you feeling clean and neat, and with virtually no effort. How great is that? PS: From some of the reviews I've read, I suspect that one problem may be that people are twisting the handle, rather than just turning or twirling it back and forth, as recommended in the instructions. Just holding the top part steady, and twisting the bottom part back and forth with the other hand, does the job beautifully. About a quarter-turn to the right and back to the left is all it takes. I was a little concerned with possibly having hairs pulled or yanked from my nose - which is so painful it brings tears to your eyes. But not to worry: It's even easier to work the handle back and forth than it is to twist it, and that works to perfection. I have gotten fantastic results - right from the get-go, and I do love it.

I was intrigued to try a non-battery operated nose/ear trimmer, and after speaking with the company, I decided to try the Platinum XL (U.S made two-handed model) and the TrimIt (Japanese made one-handed model)both sold by Groom Mate. Let me say that this company is very open to questions and really tried to make me happy with my purchase. I like that, and it is so rare in today's marketplace. Both of the nose/ear trimmers arrived sealed and brand new. Both were better made than I expected, much better made; the Platinum XL was notably hefty and durable. Another rare find in today's world of cheap throw-away consumables. I was fully expecting the Japanese made one-handed TrimIt model to wipe the floor with the two-handed XL, but I was wrong. Using two hands to twist and guide the XL made for a faster and closer nose trimming experience. Also, the tactile feel of using two hands made me feel more in control. When I went to my ears, I feared that having to use two hands to use the XL trimmer would lead to a clumsy experience: That fear was unfounded. The Platinum XL works great on the ears, and I had no fear of nicking either. The TrimIt works nice, but I often feel that I am just clacking along with no sense of how the job is going. To its credit, it is super comfortable to use on the ears. It is true that the XL (and the TrimIt) require a little more time than the battery operated ones that I have used (those that actually cut hair), but the extra time spent was negligible. More important, I know I am using a quality machine when I am using either the Platinum XL or the TrimIt. For the record, I have plenty of experience with battery operated nose/ear trimmers. I have used the Sharper Image battery trimmers and after the 2.0 they literally did not cut worth a darn. The 5.0 twirls the blade so fast that my eyes watered, and that's no joke...and no fun either. Besides, they break far too fast for a product as expensive as they are. The Remington model is decently made but is worthless for cutting nose hair (the side burn attachment is ok but it's not why I bought it!). The two Panasonic models I had recently bought were slower and cut good, but both broke within months of use...I was afraid to buy another! That's what brought me to these non-battery operated nose/ear trimmers. As I stated earlier, both the XL and the TrimIt are amazingly well made; I fully expect them to last for years of use. I never expected to be so into a nose/ear trimmer, and 20 years ago I would have laughed at the prospect of even needing one. Now, at 42, it's a weekly reality that I don't need to worry about--will my nose trimmer break, will the new model even cut, etc. Thanks to the Platinum XL, I know I now have a tool that I can rely on to do the job, so I don't have to worry about entering the world with any hints of embarrassment holding me back. The Platinum XL is easily the best Nose/Ear trimmer I have ever used, and the TrimIt is worth your consideration if it suits your style. I hope my review has helped you to make a decision on whether to buy a Groom Mate trimmer and the pros and cons of these two top of the line trimmer models. All the Best, MLC

I've just received this product and have used it for 2 days, after ordering it with high hopes, and perhaps that's why I was a tad disappointed. After my 2nd Panasonic just died, I was intrigued when I found this battery-free, sturdy mechanical device, and the possible prospect of this being the last ear & nose hair trimmer I'd ever need to buy. Here are the positives: It's probably true that it's the last trimmer of this sort I will ever *need* to buy. Need being the operative word here. Not only does it carry a lifetime warranty, but it's so sturdy and well-constructed that I can easily envision it lasting a lifetime. And there is the convenience of being able to do your major trimming without a battery operated device. For sure, it will *painlessly* remove your longest and most intrusive, unruly hairs in your ears & nose. It definitely does the job and works effectively. Negative: It's not the last trimmer I will ever *want* to buy, because while it does the job in terms of removing the major hairs, it simply does not cut close enough, and not as close as the Panasonic battery trimmers I've used. That's actually the only negative. The positives far outweigh the single negative (lack of closeness), but for me, that's a big negative--I need closeness since I am not that hairy. I will happily keep this product forever, but I think I will also have to use a Panasonic battery device for those times when I really want to get a close cut. A note about the company that makes/sells them. THEY SHIP FAST! I sent a follow up inquiry 36 hours after ordering, asking them to expedite the order since I was traveling overseas. Just a few hours later, I received a pleasant personal response telling me it was shipped the day before! Nice. That means they shipped less than 12 hours after I placed my order! He even wished me a pleasant trip. I really like buying from good companies with good people like this. Their customer service solidified 4 stars for my rating.

An absolutely superb product. I've had my eye on this for years, and finally decided to get one. The product is perfectly sized and has a solid heft to it. There's nothing cheap about its construction. Nothing. It also trims very closely, and quickly when used correctly. It only took a few minutes to figure out how to use it best: Hold stationary the half of the device that is furthest from the blades, then quickly rotate in one direction the half closest the blades. If you rotate slowly, it can pull hairs. But if you rotate it even somewhat quickly, it won't cause any pulling. None. Keep in mind that only the last quarter inch is where the cutting occurs, and off you go. Moreover, I wasn't afraid to apply firm pressure of the bladed region to the inside of my nose. It won't cut you, unless you jam it into soft tissue. And, as a man would use an electric razor on his face, he must move it around, back and forth, to get truly close. One straight pass won't do it. Nothing complicated; it's just common sense. Also, with the release of a single set screw, you can pull it apart to clean and oil it, as you wish. The price seems to vary, but Honey will help tell you when to buy. I got mine for under $16 through Amazon. DEC 2019 UPDATE: I dropped one of my trimmers onto ceramic flooring and bent one of the tines slightly, but enough to keep it from rotating freely. I contacted Groom Mate customer service and they immediately lived up to their word on lifetime guarantee. They sent me a new one promptly, only asking I provide some form of a receipt for buying it. (That was easy, since all I had to do was search on the word "groom" in my Amazon Orders.) They accepted my previous Amazon Order Number as a valid receipt. The replacement seems to be made even better and to tighter tolerances. Did its job quickly, comfortably, closely, and thoroughly. I love when products operate as advertised, and this one most certainly does.

I used the Panasonic ER411 for several years before the blades started hitting the top blade enclosure causing a loud clanky noise, so I had to find a new trimmer. I searched amazon.com for reviews of nose hair trimmers, and this product had by far the best and most reviews. I was suspicious that this was not a battery-powered trimmer like the Panasonic one that I loved (but that model was no longer made). But, since I live 55 miles (one way) from the nearest store that sells trimmers, bec. I didn't want to make a special trip JUST for a nose hair trimmer, bec. I REALLY needed to trim my nose hairs, and because this product had a lifetime guarantee, so if I didn't like it, I could send it back and get a full refund, and bec. with 491 reviews at the time of my purchase, with a breakdown as follows: 491 Reviews 5 star: (331) 4 star: (61) 3 star: (29) 2 star: (31) 1 star: (39) I decided to buy the Groom Mate Platinum XL and try it out for myself. To its credit, it arrived within 3 days of my ordering. I was very excited to test it. The compact and durable/solid/sturdy design is impressive and ingenious. BUT, I didn't like the Platinum XL nose hair trimmer and am returning it. 1. When I used it, I had painful tugs and yanks of my nose hair, something I didn't have when I used the battery-powered Panasonic ER411. Not all the hairs had painful tugs and yanks, but many more than the Panasonic. My guess is that the speed at which a battery-powered trimmer's blades spin and cut is MUCH FASTER than the speed at which a human using two hands can twist the Platinum XL. The slower speed makes the device tug and yank, causing pain. It's analogous to taking a Band-Aid off your skin: if you pull it off fast/quickly, the pain is over quickly; however, it you pull it off slowly, the pain is more severe. It was very rare for me to have any pain, tugs, or yanks with my Panasonic ER411. I do note that several commenters said their battery-operated trimmer tugged and yanked, but their XL did not. I envy their experience with the XL; it just isn't my experience. I'm wondering if the fact that I always used brand new, fully juiced (not old) batteries when I use my Panasonic trimmer helped me have pain-free and tug/yank-free trimming. 2. The XL does NOT cut the very base of the hair's shaft; it leaves several millimeters of nose hair there, hair that my Panasonic trimmed, almost right down to the skin. When I trim my nose hair, I want it done right and completely. I don't want semi-long hair left in my nose, which makes me have to trim yet again in a week or 2. With my Panasonic, I was able to trim once every 4 weeks, about as often as I cut my head hair. 3. It's slow and time-consuming. With the battery-powered trimmer, trimming my nose hairs took 3 minutes max, and I really pushed it deep into my nostrils to get the hairs hiding in the back. With the XL, it is SO SLOW. It takes forever to just do one nostril, and it does that with more painful tugs and yanks than the Panasonic did. 4. You have to use 2 hands to operate the XL. With my Panasonic, I liked the freedom of one-handed use, so I could use my other hand/fingers to bend or lift my nose in a way to allow the trimmer to better reach and trim areas it couldn't without the bending/lifting. I'm not a complainer or a perfectionist, and I feel badly writing this review (especially since I'm so outnumbered by folks who wrote positive reviews), but it is the truth as I experienced it. I don't have an alternate/substitute trimmer yet, as again, it's a long drive to the store for me, but I'm gonna have to get a battery-powered one, possibly another Panasonic. 2/20/10 update: Groom Mate has promptly and without hassle refunded my purchase. 4/10/10 update: I have purchased and am VERY HAPPY with the WAHL Ear, Nose, and Brow Wet/Dry Battery Trimmer, Model 41559-300N that I purchased at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for $19.99. I have used it once, and although it took a little more time to cut the nose hairs than my trusty Panasonic ER411 did, it cut down to the base of the hair like I wanted/left just a tiny stub behind and did not painfully tug or yank any of my hairs. I have used it only once, but I am very happy with it and highly recommend it. The packaging indicates the product has a generous 30-day money back guarantee and a 3-year limited warranty.

My first Groom Mate trimmer was great. It cut cleanly and easily. I would turn the trimmer slowly and could feel it precisely grab and cut hairs efficiently. No problems whatsoever. It was an actual pleasure to use this trimmer. I thought, this is going to last a lifetime like a great safety razor or a classic watch. Then I LOST this great trimmer in a move! No problem, I thought. I'll order another. But this 2nd one did not perform like the first. It didn't cut hairs cleanly. It cut some but unlike the first, it was hit or miss. And I always made sure that I turned enough revolutions, but when I backed the trimmer away from my nose, it was holding on to the hair instead of cutting it, OUCH!! I returned that one and got a replacement, but same problem, still not cutting cleanly. So, I replaced that one with a 3rd Groom Mate trimmer. Painfully disappointing. Again. I'm going to exchange it for a 4th trimmer. I wouldn't bother except the first trimmer was that good. I like the idea of supporting an American made product. And I know that the design tolerances must be very precise and hard to maintain - it is cutting tiny hairs after all. As an engineer, I understand trial and error can be made or broken in production. And the folks at Groom Mate need the feedback to keep their production on point. I would like to be a very satisfied customer who will recommend their product to others and change my 3-stars rating to 5-stars - where it should be!

Update: June 2020 Over a decade with this tool. Still hasn't pulled a hair unless I've stopped spinning the bottom before pulling it out of my nose. But that's just user error, really. I put a drop of 3-in-1 oil on it every few years and it continues to be sharp and smooth. I bought this well-engineered piece of stainless steel in Oct. 2009; it is the best trimmer I've ever encountered. It's intuitive to use, doesn't require batteries, is easily portable, easy to clean, and most importantly, DOESN'T PULL HAIRS! I never had a single problem with it, until about a week ago--I'd recently moved, and the moving help I had apparently wasn't the most careful. I went to use it, and it wouldn't turn freely anymore. I'm assuming it must have fallen out of the box and landed on the cutting end. I emailed the company with my Amazon invoice, and they immediately shipped a new one to me, no questions asked! They even told me to keep the old one, in case I needed a spare set screw for the new one. It arrived today, and the quality and ease of use is identical. A great product, and responsive, responsible, and friendly customer service that stands by their product even 3 years later. They've got a loyal customer and an evangelist for life. Update: June 2016 Now, over 6 years later, this thing is still working perfectly. I rinse it out under hot tap water every time I use it, and blow out the extra water before putting it back in the cabinet. I have NEVER had it pull a hair *unless* I moved the trimmer without twisting. In other words, if it's in my nose, I'm twisting it until after it out of my nose. Again, I have never had it pull a hair otherwise. Just don't stop turning it while you move it around, and you'll be fine.

My long journey with trimming nose and ear hair is like most people. It seemed like a fruitless quest - until now! Tried the Panasonic electric trimmer years ago. Liked it for the most part, and it seemed to do a decent job. There were a couple of major caveats though. 1. The tiny buzzing motor sounds like a revving V8 engine when the thing is in my ear. Definitely not a pleasant experience. 2. It ate batteries like a hungry bear at a fish stand. 3. Worse, when the battery ran low, it would yank on the nose hairs like an angry torturer. Have also done the trimming with a small set of scissors. Paranoia kept me from cutting myself. But, I never felt safe with a sharp implement probing around inside of nose and ears. Got this just a few days ago and am blown away by the simple genius of this trimmer. As long as I am continuously turning the thing back and forth, it cuts cleanly without a threat of bleeding me. And that is a peace of mind worth the less than $20 I paid for this tool. The fit and finish are very precise. No matter where they made this thing, the quality control is top notch. The way it feels in the hand - which is substantial and solid - I foresee this being a lifelong tool with some basic care. There is a screw that can be loosened so that one can disassemble the thing for a thorough cleaning and lubrication. I happen to have a bottle of Andis blade oil for my hair trimmer handy, and it seems to work well on this tool. The genius of this trimmer is its very simplicity. Only one moving part and no motors, switches or terminals that can corrode.