Oster Fast Feed Clipper or the Wahl Senior?  Picking the right clippers for your barbershop or workstation is vital. It is a task that should not be taken lightly, and having the most information possible will help in making the right decision. Although there are some fantastic clippers on the market, today we will be looking at two that we feel are both excellent choices depending on your needs.

 

VS.

 

The Oster Brand

 

In 1924 the Oster brand began reinventing the tools and barber industry and continues to bring better products time after time. The Wahl brand is known in the barber and haircutting industry as having an excellent reputation for the quality and variety of their products.

 

It has stated that many barbers and hair professionals prefer the Oster brand over other high-profile brands like Wahl and Andis.

 

What makes Oster so unique? One way that they are set aside from the competition is their invention of the Whisper Quiet pivot motor. When compared to the magnetic motors of regular clippers, the pivot motor is 2x more powerful. For long hours of haircutting and years of use, the products from Oster will not leave you disappointed.

 

The Wahl Brand

 

In 1919 the Wahl company invented the first electric hair clipper. Since that time, they have continued to be a leader in professional grooming products, and are known around the world. Boasting a heritage and legacy of excellence, the Wahl brand is also a sound choice when buying clippers to outfit your barbershop.

 

Oster Fast Feed Clippers Overview

 

What’s In The Oster Fast Feed Box

 

Included in the box of the clippers is a manual, a tube of blade oil, three attachment combs, a cleaning brush, and a blade guard. Having these included is a definite perk when purchasing the unit. You will not need to worry about getting these essential items to keep the unit in the best shape possible.

 

Pros:

• These clippers are great for fading!
• Includes the Oster Whisper-Quiet motor.
• The housing for the clippers is very durable.
• It runs extremely quiet and is lightweight.

 

Cons:

• These clippers aren’t the best for long or thick hair, and may not cut smoothly.
• Adjusting the Oster Fast Feeds can be very tedious, and may overwhelm new users. (There are helpful How-To videos online to help!).
• Poor ergonomics.
• The cutting blades have been known to get dull quickly.

 

To summarize, the Oster Fast Feed clippers are an excellent choice to add to your barbershop or workstation. When it comes to their quality, the durability and reliability is a step above other clippers. It is no wonder that they are considered a robust set of clippers and have a steady following from barbers and hair professionals.

 

 

Wahl Senior Clippers Overview

 

Now we will take a look at the Professional 8500 Senior Clippers by Wahl. These clippers are a new and updated version of the Professional Senior clipper line. The updated design includes a very powerful v9000 motor and takes these clippers to a new level compared to the previous versions.

 

With the v9000 motor that was upgraded from a v5000 model, these clippers are 50% more powerful than the previous model. For barbers and hair professionals that will be using these clippers on a daily basis, this update is extremely beneficial and has received rave reviews from users.

 

What’s in the Wahl Professional 8500 Box

 

Included in the box is 3 cutting guides (from 1/16” to 3/16”), a blade guard that assists in protecting the user, oil for maintenance, a durable cleaning brush, and the user manual. These accessories will help keep the clippers working like new and at their optimal level.

 

Pros:

• Includes the updated v9000 motor, increasing power by 50%.
• Gives accurate and close haircuts with many types of hair.
• Has extra sharp blades compared to most other models.
• Includes the “Wahl Shunt” motor.
• Is cordless.

 

Cons:

• Has some “extra” vibration when clipping.
• Being cordless, overheating could be an issue with continual extended use.

 

 

The Wahl brand and the Senior clipper line has a devout following. These clippers are an excellent choice if you are looking for a cordless option. The durability and quality are easy to see after the first use.

 

Clipper Maintenance Should Be a Regular Habit

 

No matter how often you use a pair of your clippers, maintenance is vital for keeping all aspects of the unit working optimally, and increasing how long they will last. Many people, including professional barbers and hair professionals, are guilty of procrastinating when it comes to these small tasks that can not only save time but money as well.

 

Check out how to properly maintain a pair of clippers! These tips and tricks will keep any clipper you have working for many, many years to come.

 

Although there are detailed guides on giving your clippers proper maintenance, here is a brief overview of some of the most vital steps to begin taking to ensure your clippers are in tip-top shape.

 

Keep Blades Clean

 

It is indispensable before cutting a clients hair to ensure the blades, and the area surrounding them, are clean and have no debris or hair left. Since most clippers come with a brush for cleaning, a quick sweep can get the clippers ready for the next use.

 

 

Ensure Correct Blade Alignment

 

To do this, hold the clippers sideways and look down its “length.” All the blades should be straight, and none should be sticking out or off center. If there is a stray or crooked blade, this could easily cause the clippers to cut or nic your customer. By checking the blade alignment regularly, this can be avoided.

 

Oil, Oil, and More Oil!

 

This part of clipper maintenance is crucial for keeping the clippers ready to be used for many years. It is commonly suggested that you should oil the clippers after every cut. By applying oil, it helps ensure that the motor and all working parts are sleek and ready for heavy use.

 

Barber professionals will tell you time and time again that one of the most common reasons that clippers “give out” or stop working is because they were not correctly oiled. It is a step that can be easily skipped, but it could be the most detrimental to the unit you are using!

 

Oster Fast Feed or Wahl Professional 8500 Senior Clippers: Which to choose?

 

Both clippers are an excellent choice for barbers and hair professionals. It will come down to what setting you are using them in, your client’s preferences in their hair styling, and quality and durability you believe in.

 

Either choice you make, remember that it is vital to keep the clippers maintained adequately. Either selection you make, with the right care, you will have a pair of clippers that will last you for years to come!