You’ve probably seen them. Those shiny, gold-plated tools sitting on a barber’s station like trophies. They look expensive, almost a little too flashy, right? Honestly, when I first saw the BaByliss PRO clipper and trimmer set, I thought it was mostly about the "clout." I figured it was just another brand leaning into the "Ferrari-designed" marketing hype to justify a premium price tag.
But then I actually used them.
The weight hits you first. These aren't your typical plastic-housed clippers that rattle in your hand. They feel like industrial tools. If you’re serious about fading, lining, or even just keeping your beard from looking like a neglected hedge, there’s a nuance to these machines that most cheap sets just can’t replicate.
The Reality of the All-Metal Hype
Most people think "all-metal" is just a durability thing. Sure, you can drop these (don't, but you could) and they won't shatter into six pieces of cheap polycarbonate. But the real benefit is the balance. A heavier tool, like the FX870 clipper, actually helps stabilize your hand during a fade. It’s physics.
When you’re moving through a bulk of hair, that weight creates a momentum that plastic clippers lack. You aren't fighting the hair; you're gliding through it.
What’s actually under the hood?
The "Ferrari-designed" thing isn't just a sticker. It refers to the brushless motor technology. High torque. High speed. Specifically, you’re looking at around 6,800 RPM on the clippers and a punchy 7,200 RPM on the Skeleton trimmers.
Why does that matter?
- No Snagging: It doesn't matter if the hair is "fine-European" or "coarse-Type 4C"—these don't bog down.
- Cooler Running: Brushless motors generate less internal friction.
- Longevity: Fewer moving parts mean they don't burn out after six months of heavy use.
I’ve seen guys try to save $100 by getting a mid-tier consumer set. Six months later, the motor is whining like a tired lawnmower and they’re buying the BaByliss anyway. You basically end up paying the "cheap tax."
The Skeleton Trimmer: A Game Changer or Just Edgy?
The FX787, better known as the "Skeleton," is probably the most famous part of the BaByliss PRO clipper and trimmer set. It’s the one with the exposed T-blade.
Honestly, it looks a bit intimidating.
The design isn't just to look "cool" (though it definitely does). By removing the top housing, you get a 360-degree view of the blade. If you’re trying to create a crisp line behind the ear or a sharp lineup on a forehead, you need to see exactly where the metal meets the skin. With traditional trimmers, the plastic "nose" of the machine often blocks your line of sight.
The Heat Issue
Here is a bit of a secret: the exposed blade also stays cooler. Since there’s no housing trapping the heat generated by the friction of the blades, they stay at a lower temperature for longer. This is a huge deal for the person in the chair. Nobody wants a hot piece of metal pressed against their neck for five minutes.
FXONE: The 2026 Update You Should Know About
If you’re shopping for a BaByliss PRO clipper and trimmer set right now, you’re going to see something called "FXONE." This is the newest iteration, and it fixes the one major gripe people had with the older GoldFX line: the non-removable battery.
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In the old days, if your clipper died mid-cut, you had to plug it in and deal with the cord. It was annoying. The FXONE system uses a universal, interchangeable battery.
- One battery fits the clipper.
- The same battery fits the trimmer.
- It even fits the shaver.
You just pop it out, click a fresh one in, and keep moving. It’s sort of like the power tools you see at Home Depot where one battery runs the drill and the saw. It’s about time grooming caught up.
Is it Overkill for Home Use?
This is where things get tricky. If you just buzz your head once a month with a #2 guard and don't care about the details, yeah, this is overkill. You're buying a Porsche to drive to the mailbox.
But if you’re doing your own fades, or if you’re a professional who's on your feet for eight hours a day, the ergonomics matter. The knurled barbell grip isn't just for show; it prevents the tool from slipping when your hands get a little sweaty or covered in hair product.
I’ve talked to barbers like "Tank Be Choppin" and others in the community who swear by the SilverFX+ or the GoldFX+ because of the "zero-gap" capability. You can adjust these blades so they are almost perfectly flush. This allows for a "skin-close" cut without using a razor.
Warning though: If you zero-gap them too aggressively and you don't have a steady hand, you will nick someone. These are sharp. They are professional-grade for a reason.
Maintenance: The Part Everyone Ignores
People buy these sets, spend $300+, and then never oil them. It drives me crazy.
The blades on the BaByliss PRO clipper and trimmer set are often Titanium or DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon). They are incredibly hard and stay sharp forever, but they still need friction reduction. If you hear your clippers getting louder, it’s not the motor—it’s the blades screaming for oil.
A quick spray of CoolCare or a few drops of clipper oil after every few uses will make these last a decade. I’m not exaggerating. I know guys still using their original GoldFX from five years ago because they actually took care of them.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Spend?
Look, it’s a lot of money for hair tools. But you have to look at the "cost per cut."
If a haircut costs $40 plus tip, and you use this set to do your own touch-ups or full cuts twice a month, the set pays for itself in less than four months. Plus, you’re getting the satisfaction of using the best gear in the game.
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Actionable Next Steps
If you’re ready to pull the trigger, don’t just buy the first one you see. Here is how to actually choose:
- Check the Motor Version: Make sure you’re getting the "N1 Brushless Motor" or the newer "FXONE" versions. Some older stock might still be floating around with the first-gen motors.
- Pick Your Blade: The "Fade Blade" (flat) is better for blending. The "Taper Blade" (curved) is better for bulk removal. Most sets come with a standard taper blade, which is the most versatile for beginners.
- Zero-Gap Tool: Check if the set includes the little plastic zero-gap tool. It makes adjusting the trimmer blades 10x easier and safer than doing it by eye.
- Verify the Warranty: Genuine BaByliss tools come with a 2-year warranty. If you’re buying from a random third-party seller on a marketplace for a "too good to be true" price, it’s probably a knockoff. And trust me, the knockoffs are terrible.
Keep the blades clean, keep the battery charged, and stop buying those $30 plastic clippers that pull your hair. Your scalp will thank you.