BaBylissPRO FX870NG FX+ Clippers: Unleash Pro-Level Power and Precision

The Frustration is Real – and the Solution is Here.

We’ve all been there. That sinking feeling when your hair clippers start to whine, snag, or simply give up halfway through a haircut. Whether you’re a professional barber or someone who prefers the convenience of a home haircut, a reliable, powerful clipper is essential. Weak motors, dull blades, and short battery life are more than just inconveniences; they can ruin a good haircut and leave you feeling, well, less than sharp. But what if there was a clipper that combined the power of a professional tool with the ease of use needed for home styling? Enter the BaBylissPRO FX870NG FX+ Professional Cord/Cordless Hair Clippers.

A Cut Above: A Brief History of Clipper Motors

To truly appreciate the innovation behind the FX870NG, it helps to understand a bit about the evolution of hair clipper motors. For generations, clippers relied on brushed DC motors. These motors, while functional, have inherent limitations. They use physical brushes to deliver electricity to the rotating coil, creating friction and, inevitably, wear and tear. This friction leads to several drawbacks: reduced efficiency (meaning less power gets converted into cutting action), increased heat buildup, more noise, and a shorter overall lifespan. Think of it like the difference between an old, clunky record player and a modern, digital music streaming service – both play music, but one does it far more efficiently and reliably.

The next step up, was a stepping stone, then entered the brushless motor, a game-changer in the world of power tools, and now, hair clippers.

Unlocking Power: The N1 Brushless Motor Explained

The BaBylissPRO FX870NG isn’t just using any brushless motor; it features the specially designed N1 brushless motor. This isn’t just marketing jargon; it represents a significant leap forward. Instead of brushes, a brushless motor uses sophisticated electronic controllers and sensors. These act like a tiny, incredibly fast computer, constantly monitoring and adjusting the flow of electricity to the motor’s coils.

Imagine a maglev train – instead of relying on wheels and tracks (with all their friction), it floats on a magnetic field, allowing for incredibly smooth, high-speed travel. A brushless motor operates on a similar principle. By using precisely controlled electromagnetic fields, it creates a rotating force that spins the rotor (the moving part of the motor) with remarkable efficiency and power.

But BaBylissPRO didn’t stop there. The N1 motor incorporates dual ball bearings. These tiny, perfectly spherical balls further reduce friction within the motor, allowing it to spin even more smoothly and quietly. This translates to less vibration, less wear and tear, and a significantly longer lifespan. One user did report an issue with a lever breaking, highlighting the importance of quality control across all components, even with advanced motor technology. However, this appears to be an isolated incident compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The benefits of this brushless, dual ball-bearing design are numerous:

• Higher Efficiency: More of the electrical energy is converted into cutting power, meaning the clipper can handle even thick or coarse hair with ease.
• Longer Lifespan: Reduced friction means less wear and tear, resulting in a motor that lasts significantly longer than traditional brushed motors.
• Quieter Operation: The absence of brushes and the presence of ball bearings dramatically reduce noise.
• Consistent Power: The electronic control system ensures consistent power output, even as the battery discharges.

Staying Sharp: The Science of the Stainless Steel Blade

A powerful motor is only half the equation. The blade itself is crucial for a clean, precise cut. The FX870NG utilizes a stainless steel taper blade, and the choice of material is no accident. Stainless steel is an alloy – a mixture of metals – specifically designed to resist corrosion (rust) and maintain a sharp edge.

The “stainless” part comes from the addition of chromium to the steel. Chromium reacts with oxygen in the air to form a thin, protective layer of chromium oxide. This layer prevents the iron in the steel from rusting. The ability of stainless steel to hold a sharp edge is due to its hardness and its ability to be ground to a very fine point. The taper blade design, with its angled shape, allows for precise fading and blending, a crucial technique for many modern hairstyles.

Power Unleashed, Cord Optional: The Lithium-Ion Advantage

The freedom to move around without being tethered to a wall outlet is a significant advantage for any hair clipper. The FX870NG achieves this with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. This is the same battery technology that powers our smartphones, laptops, and even electric cars, and for good reason.

Lithium-ion batteries store energy through the movement of lithium ions between two electrodes – an anode and a cathode – within a liquid electrolyte. This process is highly efficient, allowing for a large amount of energy to be stored in a relatively small and lightweight package. Compared to older battery technologies, like nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, lithium-ion batteries offer several key advantages:

• Higher Energy Density: They can store more energy per unit of weight and volume.
• No “Memory Effect”: Unlike NiCd batteries, lithium-ion batteries don’t need to be fully discharged before recharging to maintain their capacity.
• Lower Self-Discharge Rate: They hold their charge for much longer when not in use.
• Long Run time: They up to 3 hours on a single charge.

This all translates to a clipper that can run for up to three hours on a single charge, giving you plenty of time to complete even the most complex haircuts without worrying about running out of power. And if you do happen to run low, the FX870NG can also be used while plugged in, providing the ultimate in flexibility.

Designed for Control: Grip, Balance, and the Taper Lever

Beyond the core technology, the FX870NG is designed with ergonomics and control in mind. The knurled barbell grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, even during extended use. Knurling is a texturing process that creates a pattern of small ridges or diamonds on the surface of the handle, enhancing grip and preventing slippage. The weight(2.03 Pounds) and balance(Dimensions:3.5 x 5.5 x 9.75 inches) of the clipper are also carefully considered, making it feel substantial yet maneuverable in the hand.

The taper lever, located on the side of the clipper, allows for on-the-fly adjustment of the cutting length. This is essential for creating fades, blends, and other textured hairstyles. By moving the lever, you can change the distance between the moving blade and the stationary blade, subtly altering the length of the hair being cut.

Maintaining Your Edge: Clipper Care and Longevity

Like any precision tool, the BaBylissPRO FX870NG will benefit from proper care and maintenance. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to keep it running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

• Cleaning: After each use, remove any hair clippings from the blade using the included brush.
• Oiling: Apply a few drops of clipper oil to the blade, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This lubricates the moving parts and prevents rust.
• Blade Alignment: Ensure the blades are properly aligned for optimal cutting performance. Instructions for adjusting the blade (zero-gapping) can typically be found in the product manual or online.
• Storage: Store the clipper in a dry place, preferably in its original case or a protective pouch.

The Professional’s Choice, The Home User’s Advantage
The BaBylissPRO FX870NG with a stainless steel taper blade, is designed for creating a range of hairstyles, from classic cuts to modern fades. It suitable for All hair types, particularly well-suited for:

• Fades and Blends: The taper blade and powerful motor make it easy to create seamless fades and blends.
• Textured Cuts: The precision of the blade allows for creating textured styles with ease.
• Bulk Hair Removal: The powerful motor can quickly remove bulk hair, even on thick or coarse hair types.
• Beard Trimming: The clipper can also be used for beard trimming and shaping.

While it’s a professional-grade tool, its ease of use and cordless convenience also make it an excellent choice for home users who want to achieve salon-quality results. The long battery life, powerful motor, and sharp blade simplify the haircutting process, even for those with limited experience.

Conclusion: The Cutting Edge of Clipper Technology

The BaBylissPRO FX870NG FX+ Professional Cord/Cordless Hair Clippers represents a significant advancement in hair-cutting technology. It’s a testament to how far clipper design has come, moving beyond the limitations of traditional brushed motors to embrace the power, efficiency, and longevity of brushless technology. By combining this innovative motor with a high-quality stainless steel blade, a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, and a thoughtfully designed ergonomic grip, BaBylissPRO has created a clipper that delivers exceptional performance and versatility. It’s a tool that empowers both professionals and home users to achieve their desired hairstyles with confidence and precision.