BodyGroomer Review

Philips Norelco Bodygroom 5000 Series Review

Another review, ‘The Philips Norelco Bodygroom 5000 Series’, is for the manscaping gents of today in need of a body grooming tool to mow down or trim unwanted bodily hair as quickly and easily as possible.

The last body groomer I tested and reviewed from Philips (Norelco for the US market) was the first of the three similar body grooming shavers and trimmers, the Philips Norelco 3000 Series. The 5000 Series reviewed here is the next series up from the 3000 Series.

In this manscaping product review, we will take a look at the all-important features of the 5000 Series, how it performs in terms of trimming and shaving, highlight the pros and cons, and in the final thoughts –suggest who the body groomer is best suited for. 

Video

The YouTube video I created for the Bodygroom might provide some additional information, and/or the visuals might help you out.

Description & Features

So, the Bodygroom 5000 Series aims to trim and shave anywhere below the neck and even the back, and Philips states comfortably. 

We will get into how well and if it does any of that comfortably, shortly!

Unboxed, we get the body groomer, three groomer combs, a power lead with plug, and an interesting back reacher accessory. A small pictured instruction booklet is also included. 

• Waterproof: The 5000 series is fully waterproof, and according to Philips, the groomer can be used in the shower.
• Two Directional: The design, double trimmer blades, and double-sided comb attachments enable the groomer to be used with forward and backward strokes.
• Shaver & Trimmer: The shaver head ‘cassette’ has a large foil section for shaving and two trimmer blades at the top and bottom for trimming.
• Trimmer Combs: The 5000 Series kit includes three body trimming combs – 3-5-7 mm.
• Cordless: The body groomer is rechargeable and can only be used when unattached from a power source. The Li-ion battery takes 1 hour to charge fully and provides 60 minutes of trimming and shaving time.
• LED Indicators: The indicator lights indicate when it is charging and when the charge is very low.
• Warranty: The standard warranty is for 2 years.

 More About The Features — Pros and Cons

Let’s take a closer look at the important features, point out the pros and cons, and highlight the usefulness of the design and features.

Build Quality & Ergonomics

The design is the same as the 3000 Series I used recently, and while it is quite plasticky, it seems solid enough. However, I hope never to drop it on a hard floor (that could be an interesting part of testing).

The device is well-shaped, fitting comfortably in the hand, and the slimmer top head section is cleverly designed to eliminate any potential bulkiness. I’ve observed that the gray rubberized section proves useful when shaving in certain ways, allowing for precise pressure control (although it’s challenging to describe accurately).

Although the rear section showcases an intricately designed patterned matte plastic grip, I would favor a rubberized texture like the smaller top inner section on the front. It’s not a deal breaker, but it would be an improvement.

Cutting Elements (Cassette)

The cassette comprises a sizable foil surface and two trimming blades on either side of the foil. The foil component is wider than that of an electric shaver used for facial shaving, which is understandable considering the larger surface area of the body it needs to cover.

One advantage of using the double trimmer cutters with a comb attachment is that it facilitates smooth hair removal when shaving back and forth on the chest area, particularly when it resembles a dense jungle. However, these trimmers feel a bit harsh on my skin when using the shaver foil without an attachment. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the trimmer effectively catches longer hairs before the foil makes contact with the skin, which is a beneficial feature.

I would like it if these trimmers could be pushed inside when they are not required and only the shaver needs use. 

Charging & Battery

The Bodygroom 5000 Li-ion battery charging time of one hour and providing an hour of body grooming time is very good and standard for any decent shaving and grooming device. 

Attachments – Accessories 

The three trimmer combs included provides options for various hair length needs. I like the fact that they are double-sided, so the body groomer can be used shaving back and forth, making the trim quicker.

The back reacher is a very useful tool to attach for those with unwanted back hair. It opens and folds out, and then the body groomer is placed inside, which is easy enough to operate.

Cleaning & Maintenance

To clean the body groomer a user only has to run warm tap water over the head after using it. In addition, it is easy to take off the cassette for cleaning.

According to Philips, the body groomer does not need any oiling or maintenance, and its pre-trimmer blades are designed to self-sharpen. However, I observed on Amazon that Philips recommends using the cleaning spray HQ110 once a week (this is optional and would cost extra money).

I like to use a small amount of antibacterial hand soap on shaver cassettes and a small amount of oil after every 2nd or 3rd use, which I believe keeps foils and blades in optimal condition. 

The replacement cassette should be changed roughly every 12 months –depending on how frequently a person uses the groomer.

Grooming Experiences

I tested out and used the Bodygroom 5000 Series when I had a good bit of growth going on, which I grew after the 3000 Series experience and review. 

After already using the 3000 Series, I knew what to expect from this device, but I hoped for higher performance because it is the next series up.

I trimmed and shaved from my neck down to the genitals and groin area despite my fears of ending up in A&E with blood spurting out my sack. The stuff I do for Shaving Advisor, right!

Starting with an area of the body I can approach with less fear –the chest!

Chest Trimming & Shaving

Trimming did take a lot longer than I would prefer, despite the double-sided trimmer blades and combs being able to go back and forth. The double-sided trimmers and combs make it quicker than if they were one-sided. 

My impatience led me to remove the body comb attachment and use the trimmer blades and foil. However, I soon got a few hairs yanked on and decided to behave myself and put the comb back on until I had removed most of the longer hairs.

Once the trimming was done, the shaving did not take too long. It did not shave as close as a razor and left a stubble which was expected and experienced with the 3000 Series.

Armpits

The Bodygroom 5000 works great when trimming and shaving the armpits, making the task very easy. Strangely, I get a very close shave that feels closer than other body areas.

Pubic Area & Family Jewels 

Despite my continuing apprehension when trimming or shaving around the family jewels area, especially with a new product, I tried trimming and then shaving.

Trimming is very good and easy around the pubic and groin area, and the body groomer’s head design and slimness work well. However, shaving without a body comb got me a few hair tugs, which put me off trying to get the smooth ball sack feel I would like. 

Another aspect of the shave that causes concern is when I shave the upper pubic area. I am left with uneven hair length, which can cause ingrown hairs –and for a better result, I am best to either razor shave or trim to the same length with a comb attachment. 

I would say the 5000 Series is best at trimming rather than shaving these lower bodily areas. 

Maybe more practice could get me better results!

Back Reacher

Although I don’t have a hairy back, I tested out its reach, and it reaches very well. My only concern would be if I needed to shave close and not just trim because of the pressure that would be required (I have yet to see any complaint about this concern). 

I think it’s a great tool that will at least help some guys trim down their unwanted back hair! 

Value for Money?

Strangely, the US 5000 Series is currently cheaper than the 3000 Series, so it would be a no-brainer to buy the 5000 Series. However, keep an eye on those prices and pick up a bargain before it’s gone!

Cost: $37.99 US, UK – £49.00, and EU – €49.49

I would say its price point is fair when comparing other body groomers.

The replacement foils, numbers — TT2000 (US + EU) or BG2000 (US) should be changed roughly every 12 months. The cost of these foils is approximately $15 (£15 – €15), which amounts to a reasonable expense on an annual basis.

Final Thoughts – Who Is It Best Suited For?

I could be overly needy of being wowed by these body groomers, including the 5000 Series. I’m not sure, and I will use this model more and report back with any changes!

At present, it serves as an effective tool for trimming purposes. However, when it comes to chest trimming, it takes some time as it reduces the hair to a stubble length. On the other hand, it performs admirably in trimming and shaving the armpits. It also excels at trimming down below, but I personally prefer not to use it for shaving the pubic and scrotal regions, either for now or perhaps indefinitely (I promise to give it another go, though).

A lot of good reports from other guys on this body groomer, and it is priced well. So, anyone requiring manscaping without a perfect close finish could give it a shot!