No matter what they say, Wahl makes a great case for itself in being the best possible solution for any issue related to male grooming.
From offering hair clippers that tackle bulk on coarse hair with ease to detailers that incorporate designs on an existing haircut in a jiffy, it’s safe to say that Wahl has sealed its legacy in the hairdressing industry.
On the other hand, to have a crack at beard trimming, Wahl offers the all-in-one Wahl 9818 Lithium Ion+ Trimmer; the main agenda of this solo review.
From unveiling its sources of success to pitting it against the Wahl 9864 for a memorable showdown, my guide has everything associated with the Wahl 9818. Stick around to find the answers to all your questions!
Unboxing Wahl 9818 Trimmer
Wahl 9818 is considered to be right in the middle of the food-chain amongst beard trimmers, working either as a finisher for professional barbers, or a personal when it comes to maintaining certain looks.
However, packed full of surprises is the packaging of this t-blade trimmer, with accessories that make this Wahl trimmer a one-man army!
Inside its heavily padded travel pouch is a series of comb guards for ironing out questionable looks. The device also carries a foil shaver for mirroring gadgets good for sensitive skin, a nose trimmer, as well as a detailer for a full body-grooming experience.
Alongside the former are necessities such as a charging adapter, cleaning brush, and blade oil.
What’s inside the box: Wahl 9818 beard trimmer, 10 comb attachments (3mm – 20 mm), nose trimmer, foil shaver, detailer, blade guard, charging adapter, cleaning brush, blade oil.
Specifications: Wahl 9818 Beard Trimmer
Before moving on to the heroes and characteristics that make Wahl 9818 beard trimmer so capable and an unfazed specialist in its field, here are some product specifications that will give away some of the crucial details on the trimmer’s fundamentals.
- Weight: 7.3 ounces
- Color: Silver
- Blade Type: Stainless steel T-blade
- Runtime: 4 hours
- Cordless Operation: Available
- Accessories: 17 (nose trimmer, foil shaver, detailer, comb guards, blade guards, cleaning and maintenance accessories)
- Washable: No
Prominent Attributes: Wahl 9818 Beard Trimmer
Now that you’ve learned some of the fundamentals of the Wahl 9818 Lithium Ion+ trimmer, let’s take a look at all the top-grade selling points that contribute to Wahl 9818 and its never-ending greatness!
Minimal Design
Despite belonging to the same family as the Balding clipper and Magic, Wahl 9818 takes a frugal approach from a visual standpoint.
I really admire it, however, since the gleaming shade of silver aligns rather well with the craftsmanship of Wahl 9818, which carries only a duo-system power button.
Slender Handle
Having a manageable handle not only frees users from wrist-fatigue, but also allows them to have more control over their shaving results.
Wahl 9818 understands the former narrative perfectly, carrying a cylinder-shaped handle to further enhance its cordless trimming abilities and avoid unintentional fall damage.
Damage-Proof Material
Lacking a textured or rubberized grip is what many consider to be a flaw of the Wahl 9818, but I support their decision of leaving it out on the beard trimmer.
This is because, with the absence of the grip, it is easier to understand just how robust the material of Wahl 9818 truly is.
From afar, the slender handle seems extremely light. However, the feel of it is extremely similar to the barbell coated handle of BabylissPRO GoldFX+, another beast of a hair trimmer that endures fall damage with ease.
Narrow Steel-infused T-Blade
Wahl 9818 beard trimmer aims to provide a full head to toe grooming experience. And if you ask me, its T-blade helps tremendously to enable the device in imitating body groomers!
Like every zero-gapping trimmer, Wahl 9818;s blade is, by default, closed at the bottom, making it a recipe for success at generating hairless results, as well as maintaining skin-close looks
The motor is a bit average to say the least, but that setback doesn’t get in the way of Wahl 9818 when catering to any kind of beard type, from coarse to thin.
Lightweight Build
From what I know, Wahl and their grooming tools are always on the heavier side of the spectrum on the weight scale.
However, in comparison, it seems as though the Wahl 9818 is a flyweight, weighing in at 7.3 ounces overall.
This not only makes this Wahl beard trimmer a great pick for elders, but it also gives it a significant lead amongst its peers and even members from the franchise when it comes to navigational scope!
A Variety Of Additional Shaving Elements
Perhaps the biggest selling point of the Wahl 9818 Lithium Ion+ trimmer is its knack for being in multiple places at once; a trait that it inherits with the help of the additional shaving elements attached in the packaging.
From a nose trimmer, to a full-sized foil shaver, to a detailer, Wahl 9818 comprises them all to retain its title in being one of the most reliable all-in-one body groomers.
While this portion contains just a mention of its shaving assistants, wait for my test review to find out how well the blade systems adjust in practice!
Plentiful Comb Attachments
For thorough beard trimming on long beards as well as mustaches, the Wahl 9818 carries a series of comb guards, ranging between 3 mm to 20 mm overall.
In addition to offering solo guards that abide by one specific size, this Wahl trimmer further enhances the user experience with 2 adjustable comb attachments; one of which offers six lengths, another that offers 10.
Such useful additives just shows how much Wahl cares about their users, as the attachments not only ensure accurate results, but also play a double role as mentors for teenagers and beginners with a mission to learn.
Heavy-duty Cordless Operation
Though this gadget misses out on being a corded beard trimmer like Wahl trimmers the Wahl Edge-Pro and Groomsman, I do admit that it has all the facilities to make up for it.
Perhaps the leading contributor that fills the void created by the former element is its Li-Ion battery, which carries the Wahl 9818 during overtime, and for 4 whole hours!
According to my expertise, 4 hours is the equivalent of at least 15 beard trimming sessions, 3 full grooming sessions, and 9 body grooming sessions!
Travel lock feature
Although this feature does get overlooked, having a travel lock feature is definitely a positive when travelling is compulsory in your routine.
That being said, to preserve its stamina and avoid accidental powerups, the Wahl 9818 finds help in its travel-lock feature, which can be availed by holding onto the power button for just a 5 seconds!
What I like
- Slender all-metal handle ensures a snug fit T-blade is an all-rounder in grooming
- Offers various attachments to tackle every issue
- Carries a travel lock feature to preserve energy overseas
What I dislike
- The handle would have benefitted from having a textured grip
My Experience with Wahl 9818 Beard Trimmer: Unveiling The Test Results
Wahl 9818 has everything that a beard trimmer needs to succeed on the surface. How well does each feature hold up in real life, you ask? Figure it out with my performance review on the Wahl 9818!
Shaving Performance
When push comes to shove, I’d be lying if I said that the Wahl 9818 didn’t blow me away with its abilities as a grooming tool, because it really was that extraordinary.
Not only did it pass with flying colors as a beard trimmer, but it also seemed draped in green when used elsewhere.
Nonetheless, for a thorough breakdown, move onto the following categories!
Beard Trimming
With a narrow T-blade and moderately speedy motor, the Wahl 9818 wiped my stubble away from existence with ease, which was a big surprise to me.
What’s even more surprising is that it offers the same results on coarse hair, that too without any hiccups, nicks or tugging during operation.
That being said, the blade is also pretty gentle on my skin. The reason behind the soothing nature of the blade is its slightly rounded edges, which promotes an injury free shave, even on stubbles.
Overall, beard trimming was a breeze for me, since I didn’t have to put in the extra effort of using any attachments, or lather up for a wet-shaving session. Besides, wet shaving should not be carried out with the Wahl 9818, since it doesn’t have water-resistant properties.
Body Grooming
The T-blade alone makes the Wahl 9818 a great companion for body grooming, as the structure can already wipe away bulks of hair with ease.
However, the stainless steel system enables the device to carry a balanced temperature when tackling an area, eliminating injuries sustained by heat exposure like a walk in the park.
In addition to being great at generating hairless results on the upper body and lower body, I believe that the Wahl 9818 can be a great replacement for your groin trimmer. With its skin-friendly blade it can even reshape your pubes and remove unwanted strands from your butt!
Additional Trimming Facilitators
The standout performer in my eyes is the foil system of the Wahl 9818, which captures remaining pieces of shortened facial hair with ease. In terms of comfort, it is also a masterclass performer, constantly maintaining a distance to avoid leaving marks on my sensitive skin.
Apart from mirroring some of the greatest electric shavers for susceptible skin, additives like the nose trimmer and detailer are excellent too.
In my opinion, the detailer is the underdog amongst the three, as it can also trim out flyaways on the eyebrow in addition to incorporating shape-ups on a polished beard and a line-up on any kind of buzz cut!
Versatility
Another claim that I found questionable initially was that the Wahl 9818 is an all-round trimming specialist. However, if you’ve gone through the former segments, you know just how wrong I was to doubt this cordless trimmer!
If you don’t know already, Wahl 9818 is one of the best examples of what a trimmer is capable of when you put in the work and add all the necessities.
From acting as a beard trimmer to working simultaneously as a body groomer to ironing out even the smallest flaw with its detailer, Wahl 9818 is indeed a lone wolf that can solve any hairy issue from the get-go!
Navigational Perks
As stated earlier, the Wahl 9818 is relatively light, especially for a beard trimmer.
Its weightless feature not only is a specialist in avoiding fatigue, but is also a marksman when it comes to offering creative freedom.
I can move in an upwards and downwards motion whenever I want to using the Wahl 9818, while trying out awkward forms for hard-to-reach areas.
The mini-grip attached above the power button is also pretty reliable, offering an incredible amount of friction to hold onto. The cylindrical handle makes a great recipe for success too, sticking to my palms at all times.
All in all, the Wahl 9818 has my seal of approval when it comes to being a free-flowing beard trimmer!
Quality Of Comb Guards
While the additional shaving elements are above-mediocre in terms of quality and performance, the comb attachments are inconsistent in that regard.
The larger comb guards for beard trimming tend to chop more size than required, and can also mislead a user if they’re just learning about comb guard sizes.
However, the smaller ones not only fit better, but are very precise, I must say. I’ve used the 3mm guard once, and it didn’t even shave even an extra millimetre in contrast to what it promised.
That being said, the adjustable guards are somewhat average on a good day, but very underwhelming for beard trimming. If you’re seeking to maintain your long beard, I’d suggest you explore other options!
Endurance
When I first took notice of its 4 hour battery life, I thought it was just a PR stunt, truth be told.
However, using it instantly humbled me and made me question my knowledge on grooming tools, as the Wahl 9818 is true to its words.
On a full battery, the Wahl 9818 truly lasts for 4 whole hours and more, making room for any kind of grooming session with ease.
I have only charged the device once, and it still hasn’t drained out!
Cleaning & Upkeep
While you can rinse the blade to save time from your cleaning routine, I’d recommend you do the opposite, opting for a dry cleaning method instead.
This is because, Wahl 9818 isn’t a waterproof trimmer, so isn’t the blade system. Splashing it in the shower might reduce the longevity of the blade, requiring a faster replacement.
That being said, the correct and the only way to clean Wahl 9818 is to remove the T-blade before brushing the residue away. To retain blade health, be sure to oil the device properly, even more so if you use it on a weekly basis!
What I like
- The T-blade trimmer tackles any kind of beard density with ease
- The added shaving elements are of top-notch quality
- Weightless ergonomics ensures seamless handling
- Comb guards can maintain stubbles
- The 4 hour battery life offers weeks-worth of sessions
What I dislike
- The Wahl 9818 isn’t waterproof
- The larger comb attachments are inaccurate and inefficient
Why Trust My Verdict?
As someone with years of experience when it comes to using grooming tools, I always make it a priority to curate the most transparent materials for each review of mine, with an insightful coverage of each element.
Moving on, after using the Wahl 9818 Lithium Ion+ Beard trimmer for over 20 days, I can proudly say that this beard trimmer is truly a bang for its buck, as well as a must-have investment for those that believe in taking care of their physical appearance.
Who Is The Wahl 9818 Beard Trimmer For?
Due to all the impressive attributes Wahl 9818 beard trimmer carries and offers to users, the device caters to various demographics when push comes to shove.
However, if I were to narrow it down, I’d suggest the Wahl 9818 for those seeking a full head-to-toe trimming experience, mainly due to the series of attachments it carries.
Furthermore, because of all the comb attachments, the Wahl 9818 can also be a great learning curve for beginners to take up.
That being said, it can even cater to elders with wrist-pain, thanks to its lightweight ergonomics and cylindrical silhouette.
Lastly, if you tend to travel a lot, and are in dire need of a beard trimmer, allow the Wahl 9818 to handle the former, alongside offering every single facility that some of the best travel trimmers provide!
Wahl 9818 vs. Wahl 9864: An Even Bout From All Ends
Truth be told, the battle between Wahl 9818 and 9864 is one that feels redundant in most cases, especially due to all the similarities that the pair share amongst each other.
Both look the same way, offering the same navigational perks. The attachments offered by the 9818 are also mirrored by the Wahl 9864.
And though both are carried by a T-blade to perform well, the Wahl 9864 does offer one with more width, capable of covering more ground and shaving more facial hair as a result.
Another element in which the Wahl 9864 has the edge over Wahl 9818 comes from an endurance standpoint, with the Wahl 9864 Beard Trimmer offering 6 hours of wireless operation as opposed to Wahl 9818’s 4-hour stamina!
Nonetheless, due to offering the same experience in terms of performance and navigation, I’d say that the Wahl 9818 is just as good as the Wahl 9864.
While both can cater to any demographic seeking a shaving solution for their grooming needs, the Wahl 9864 feels like the better fit for professional barbers in dire need of a styling companion!
Frequently Asked Question
Before moving onto the final minutes of this guide on Wahl 9818 Lithium Ion+ Beard Trimmer, be sure to skim through the following questionnaire for a clearer understanding!
Q: Can Wahl 9818 trimmer be used on the face and the body?
Ans: Though originally made for beard trimming, Wahl 9818 can also cater to the body with its comb attachments, as well as its T-blade system.
For sensitive skin, Wahl 9818 trimmer offers a foil shaver as well, which I hope serves well enough to console those suffering from severe skin diseases.
Q: Is Wahl 9818 trimmer waterproof?
Ans: While you can rinse the blades of the device in water after detaching them from the system, Wahl 9818 trimmer is not fused with water-resistant properties.
Therefore, when cleaning the device, be sure to partake in a dry-cleaning technique, before sealing the deal with some blade oil.
Q: How long should I wait before replacing the blade of my Wahl 9818 trimmer?
Ans: Despite being stainless steel, the blade of Wahl 9818, when taken care of, lasts for over a year.
That still doesn’t mean you should take my word for it, however, since you should also monitor the Wahl 9818 trimmer for signs of dullness and tugging; two clear giveaways of a failing blade system.
Final Takeaway
In conclusion, I’d just like to give Wahl 9818 Lithium Ion+ beard trimmer its flowers.
Although it isn’t the fastest or the closest shaving beard trimmer in the grooming world right now, I must say that I appreciate the way in which it goes above and beyond for any buyer, offering almost any kind of trimming assistant to ensure success.
The battery life is enough for over a week’s worth of grooming activities, while its design is as beautiful as it is comfortable.
It does trail by a fraction from the Wahl 9864, but I’d pick the Wahl 9818 over the former any day because of its travel lock feature.
