Flowbee or robocut?

[Steve Knight]

I don't buy stuff on tv but I do cut my own hair (just have a crewcut) and it
is hard to get every strand. and it takes a long time and direction changes and
using my left hand to get it all. the idea of these would be good for what I do
but I am not sure if then will hold up well with a monthly use. Supposedly the
robocut is better then the flowbee. think they are worth the 50.00 I can get one
for?

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[brett_...@agilent.com]

Steve Knight <ste...@knight-toolworks.com> wrote:
> think they are worth the 50.00 I can get one for?

Without question.

I own both. I started with a Flowbee and got a Robocut while I was
waiting for a replacement part on the Flowbee. I have four boys so
that's five haircuts every month+ or so. They're paid for after the
first couple cuts and the rest is pure savings.

So, which is better? That's a hard question as they each have good
points. The Robocut (spinning cutter) isn't as loud as the Flowbee
reciprocating (sp?) cutter) but they're both drowned out by the noise of
the vacuum. The Robocut is a bit better designed mechanically (solid,
simple), but the Flowbee has a better power supply chain (doesn't get
tangled, less likely to damage the power cord).

The Flowbee has a rectangular opening which means a wider cutting path.
The Robocut has a round opening which makes it easier for the hair to be
pulled up to the blades. The Flowbee uses fixed spacers. Some have
cautioned that they aren't very sturdy and could break as you take 'em
on and off, although I've never had a problem. The Robocut uses a
sliding spacer. I've wondered if it would get loose and not hold it's
position, but so far it hasn't (still tight).

The Robocut takes a bit less room to store. They both come with a
similar collection of stuff.

I've had to service each of them. The Flowbee had a plastic part break
that makes the blades go back and forth (a weak point in the design). I
replaced it myself, but I can't say it was easy to take the head apart
and get it back together again. I had my Robocut blades go dull (I
think it was my fault putting them away damp one time). Replacement was
easy (good design).

Bottom line: for me, I'd probably vote 60/40 for the Robocut. But
they're similar enough, and cheap enough (compared to paying regular
price for a cut) I'd consider getting each (say 6-12 months apart) and
try them out.

I hope that helps.

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Brett K. Carver
(707) 577-4344
brett_...@agilent.com