This was borne out by the proof when testing every trimmer on a horsehair broom, to approximate how every Peanut would fare with the thickest of beards. The old-school corded Peanut can clog a bit should you attempt to run it by way of a horsehair broom, or the human equal. However as for the brand new Li? It is somewhat plugger. The motor’s increased rpm stepped up, and I by no means fairly received the factor to lavatory down fully.
However to protect battery life, Wahl engineers confirmed, the Li does not rev at full steam the entire time. While you flip the 2 Peanuts facet by facet, it is clear from pitch and vibration that the brand new Peanut Li revs decrease than the corded by default, when it isn’t working too arduous. The corded Peanut gave a peppier shave, with fewer hair pulls, when utilizing each trimmers to shave and element my neck.
Stepping up the juice solely throughout powerful jobs is, on the one hand, wonderful engineering. On the opposite, this appears to result in a slight tradeoff when merely mowing down gentle stubble.
Comme Ci, Comme Ça
The Peanut Li is clearly a extra refined system. It includes electronics and sensors and a number of technique of charging. It debulks thick beards higher than the outdated corded. It appears to be like somewhat aerodynamic, one way or the other. It is a fashionable-seeming colour of blue. A bit of gentle show on the entrance of the system signifies battery ranges, so you will know upfront earlier than a cost is required. The Li can be somewhat quieter than the cordless, by a number of decibels.
However the enchantment of the outdated corded Peanut, the factor that made it a basic, is exactly its lack of sophistication. This simplicity means the system has only a few failure factors. That is why it lasts. Positive, you have to oil your blades constantly and substitute them once they go uninteresting. However in any other case, the Peanut will go on seemingly perpetually. Anecdotally, outdated corded Peanuts have lasted for a decade or extra, even amongst barbers who use them loads. The rotary motor appears to be constructed just like the engine on an outdated Honda.
And so whereas the blade is similar and the motor is comparable—a mild little buzzer that will not nick your neck—the brand new Peanut Li asks to be thought of amongst a unique era of contemporary beard trimmer.
{Photograph}: Matthew Korfhage
After which you end up asking questions like, Why is it good to have solely 4 guards, as soon as we have deserted the outright simplicity of the basic Peanut? Why cannot we’ve got edgers, additional guard lengths, microgradations of guard that permit for an professional fade? The one actual reply appears to be: as a result of it is a Peanut. And Peanuts are easy.
This looks like a missed alternative. Generally, extra is extra. Wahl appears to be betting, as an alternative, on its legacy branding. Perhaps the corporate can be betting that the outdated Peanut lovers wish to maintain this outward simplicity whereas accepting the issues of sensors and electronics below the hood.
Child steps, I assume. In contrast to the earlier cordless Peanut, this new cordless Peanut Li is an precise improve to the uncooked capabilities of its forebear, and time will inform whether or not it is as sturdy as its predecessor. However within the meantime, if I am heading for a resort and I attain for a Peanut to take with me? It will be the Li.