Reboot and Rally is jumping back into the Petri dish this week to conduct a head-to-head body shaver smackdown. This comparison test pits the Philips Norelco Bodygroom+ against the Braun bodycruZer. For the uninitiated, these two shavers are both designed to trim all the hair below your neck. In other words, these trimmers are made for the delicate art of "manscaping."
The Bodygroom+ ($50) does not look too different from a regular foil razor, although it has two additional blades above and below the foil. The handle of the Bodygroom is angled and meaty to make hard-to-reach places easier to tackle. In addition to the main shaving head, the Bodygroom+ also includes a small trimmer head along with two adjustable combs that fit over it. Perhaps the single most impressive feature of the Bodygroom+ is its charging cradle, which has built-in storage compartments for all the accessories, included with the shaver itself.
At first glance, the bodycruZer ($60) has a much more ungainly appearance. This personal shaver looks like a generic trimmer with a Gillette Fusion riding on its back, and in actuality, that is not too far from the truth. The Fusion humping against the back of the bodycruZer's trimmer can be slid down when not in use or slid up to be used on its own. Although, I cannot see much use for that, since the fully extended Fusion makes the whole device clumsy.
Both of these shavers are rechargeable and come with a variety of accessories and guides to maximize and safeguard your personal grooming experience. On top of this, both shavers are also waterproof, so they can be used in and out of the shower. This really is the next generation in manscaping. With tools this elaborate, what excuse could you possibly have for not taming your man mat?
Despite the funny look of the bodycruZer, I could not laugh at its results. It did an admirable job of shaving off body hair wherever it may be found: legs, armpits, chest and any place in between. Part of the reason for the stellar results was the Gillette Fusion slapped on the back of the shaver. However, for particularly sensitive areas, I would advise forgoing the Fusion, for fear of heavy blood loss. The included "sensitive comb" is a great addition to the electric shaver that lessens the many dangers associated with manscaping.
In comparison to the bodycruZer, the Bodygroom+ is a more brutal device. It is the proverbial bazooka at a gunfight it may get the job done, but it is also overkill.
The Bodygroom+ is much louder than its Braun counterpart, and the main trimming head is quite large, making it difficult to maneuver in tight areas.
Perhaps that is why Norelco included the smaller trimmer head, which can also accommodate combs like the bodycruZer. I do wish Norelco had included similar combs for the larger head too, because I did manage to nick myself more than once while testing the Bodygroom+.
Frankly, from my time spent reviewing both of these personal groomers, I would not recommend the Bodygroom+. Instead, gentlemen who want to enter the ranks of the well-groomed on a budget should consider the original older Philips Norelco Bodygroom ($35). For that price, you can tape a Gillette Fusion to the back of it and still come out on top.
However, for those who do not want to make any sacrifices for such an important ritual as manscaping, the only option is the Braun bodycruZer.
With its quiet operation, impressive performance and numerous extras, the bodycruZer is the Bentley of body shavers.
