Does the Brio Beardscape live up to the hype?
There’s been a lot of buzz lately around the Brio Beardscape beard trimmer. But, if it hasn’t reached your ears yet, let me fill you in. The Brio Beardscape is being touted as the ultimate tool to manage your beard from 5 o’clock shadow to 5-month masterpiece. A slogan drawing interest from a broad spectrum of men working everyday to manage their facial hair.
But beyond this, one of the biggest claims being trumpeted by Brio is that the Brio Beardscape is one of the quietest and sharpest trimmers available on the market today. Featuring super sharp ceramic blades paired with a titanium rake ground to precision, this perfect cutting combination is said to make the difference.
While the marketing sounds good, there’s only one real way to know what this beard trimmer can do. I just received my Brio Beardscape in the mail and we’re diving in for my full, honest review.
What’s inside?
The Brio Beardscape is impressive upon arrival from Amazon. It comes in a fashionable box, accompanied by a stylish travel case.
Along with the unit itself are four reversible clipper heads, paired together by lengths 1mm and 2mm, 3mm and 6mm, 9mm and 12mm and 15mm and 18mm. You will also find a USB plug and cord, charging base, cleaning brush and lubricating oil.
On-unit Features
The Brio Beardscape has an abundance of features that come directly on the trimmer.
Right from the top, we’re introduced to ceramic blades paired with a gold finish titanium rake, precision ground to match perfectly. According to Brio, these ceramic blades are 4 times harder than stainless steel, creating less friction and heat, and being quieter than metal.
Moving down the unit, the Brio Beardscape comes with an integrated 1mm to 1.9mm blade height adjustment with 0.3mm height transitions in-between. These are controlled with a lever lock button and micro adjust lever. This is followed by a plus/minus speed control button which allows you to increase or decrease the RPM speed of the blade from 5000 RPM to 7000 RPM. An On/OFF Button and convenient LCD Display sit just below.
Taking a look at the LCD, you will first notice 5 circles at the top of the display(3 white and 2 red). These show the load on the clipping head, as the clipper may become clogged with hair or need oil. The first 3 circles display a load state under normal use, while if the 4th and 5th circles light up, the clipping head must be cleaned and oiled.
This indicator is followed by an RPM speed and remaining charge time display.
Battery Life
Based on the speed setting of the trimmer, this will show differing amounts of battery time remaining. A fully charged battery will last as follows: 5000 RPM – 240min, 5500 RPM – 225min, 6000 RPM – 210min, 6500 RPM – 195min, 7000 RPM – 180min
The Brio Beardscape comes with an extra large capacity Lithium Ion Battery and will last up to 4 hours based on a full 3 hour charge. It can be charged on the base or plugged in while in use, even if the battery is empty.
What’s the price?
Currently, the Brio Beardscape sells on Amazon for $64.95, including the travel case. It holds a 4.2 out of 5.0 star review rating and sits at #15 under the category of Men’s electric shavers. Similarly, this beard trimmer sits in the same price category as a Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 or a Wahl Lithium Ion Plus, which are both around $60.
Issues with the Brio Beardscape
At the end of the day, my biggest point of contention with the Brio Beardscape is that it’s being touted as one of the quietest beard trimmers available. While this may be true at 50 RPM (lowest setting), most users of this device will be using it at its maximum cutting potential of 70 RPM’s. That said, crank the trimmer to this level and your ears will be buzzing.
Furthermore, for those of you that have thicker or longer beards, this trimmer has the size and power to get the job done. But for those with shorter beards, such as mine, who will be working tight to the face, the precision trimming of the device was not quite there. With a lack of attachments to detail your beard and confusion with sizing across the board, the Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 and Wahl Lithium Ion Plus are still the trimmers to beat.
Additionally, one may run into issues with the beard guard attachments, which are difficult to align and clip to the device. The flawed nub and slot feature of these attachments allows you to clip into alternate locations. Only upon tugging at the attachment and testing its security will you know if you’ve hit your mark.
Brio Beardscape’s Advantage
On the flip side, where the Brio Beardscape has an advantage is its extra capacity lithium ion battery, which requires 3 hours of charge time for 4 hours of use. The trimmer can be used cordless or plugged in and will run plugged in even if the battery is empty.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Brio Beardscape is great for someone maintaining a longer beard or haircut. The power of the device will drive through thicker hair and beard trimming with ease without missing a beat.
For shorter beards looking for precision, the Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 and Wahl Lithium Ion Plus are still the way to go.
The Brio Beardscape on Amazon includes the following:
– A trimmer handle
– Ceramic blade / Titanium Rake Combo
– On trimmer adjustment (1.0mm to 1.9mm)
– RPM Speed adjustment
– Power Button
– 4 beard / hair guards (double sided – 8 total)
(1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm,18mm)
– LCD Screen
– Maintenance Indicator
– RPM speed Indicator
– Charge Time Indicator
– Charging Stand
– USB Cord and Plug
– Beard Brush / Hair Brush
– Travel Case
Good Luck!