Common Misconceptions About Clippers and Blades: Part 1
06/14/2011
1. The faster my clippers are, the better...
Bigger, stronger, and faster clippers might seem more appealing (especially to a beginning groomer), but all that power can be counterproductive.
High speed clippers are designed to cut through coats very quickly. This is great if you're trying to power through a tough shavedown, but the high speed can also make precision grooming a lot more difficult.
The faster cutting speed means you're going to remove more hair with each stroke. If you make a misstep, it's a lot harder to correct it when you're working at high speed.
More powerful clippers require more maintenance, too. Our staff grooming experts like to compare the difference to driving a race car vs. the family sedan. The race car is capable of operating at a much higher level, but delivering all that power puts a lot of wear and tear on the parts.
A high speed clipper like the Wahl Storm II may be a better fit for an experienced groomer
With a high speed clipper, you will have to do more work to maintain the motor, the blade drive, the gear, and the blade link. Specific parts will depend on which clipper you're using.
Plus the faster that a clipper runs, the hotter the blades get during use. Blades that frequently heat up and cool down tend to dull faster. Since you can only have them sharpened so many times, you won't get as much use out of them as you would if they run at a cooler, slower speed.
So if you're an experienced groomer who is comfortable working with a fast blade speed and performing regular maintenance, a high speed clipper can be a great tool.
But if you're a beginning groomer, or someone who prefers to leave maintenance to the experts, a slower speed clipper might be right for you.
The Andis AGC Two-Speed Clipper is a good model for beginning groomers
Questions?
If you have questions about any of the pet grooming clippers that we offer, please call our product support specialists at 800-PetEdge. Click here to shop for clippers and blades at PetEdge.com
