Dog Community

In the market for a pair of clippers

Posted : 5/25/2012 2:24:32 PM

My Osters are going into the trash. They are old (I bought them 13 or 14 years ago). They are clunky, loud, and heavy. They've had a long and productive life, but it's time for something newer and better.

My needs are for my dog (mostly just a sanitary cut, and neatening some areas), possibly Moki my long haired cat. My mom is starting the process of looking for a new dog and knowing her she'll pick something with serious grooming needs which means I do it lol. So, they don't need to be heavy duty, but I don't want anything cheap that won't last either.

This is what I would like in a clipper: Fairly light and runs quietly. My osters were LOUD and cumbersome. I'd rather buy a more expensive model that will last, than to pick up a cheap one.

What do you guys like to use for the groomers out there and those who groom your dogs yourself?

jennie_c_d

Posted : 5/25/2012 3:58:49 PM

I use Andis clippers, at work. If you're JUST doing sanitaries and cat shaves, I LOVE the cordless clippers available. Laube Speed Feed, or Wahl Arco clippers are so quiet. They adjust from #40-#9 in length, so they're not generally for a lot of body grooming, unless you like super short. They hold a charge for PLENTY of time to get a cat done.

the_gopher

Posted : 5/25/2012 4:27:06 PM

I was considering Andis myself, which model do you use? I used to use one waaay back in the day in the groom shop I worked in, but can't recall the model. I did like it a lot better than the oster (lighter and far quieter, I swear those osters sound like a train!) I was looking at the cordless and was curious to hear if the Wahl's were indeed quiet and held enough of a charge.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 5/25/2012 7:09:48 PM

They are! I have a BravMini for doing the Cresteds' ears and faces, and Bean's little body hairs. It's fabulous! I know LOTS of folks who use Arcos and Arco Mini clippers.

I think I'm using an ACG, currently. I also have a Super 2 Speed. They're comparable. I like the round housing better than the square. It's more comfortable in my hand.

Freedom

Posted : 5/25/2012 8:31:54 PM

Here is the Wahl Arco Cordless Clipper that was mentioned:

http://www.petedge.com/product/Grooming/Clippers-Blades/Clippers/Wahl-Arco-SE-Platinum-Cordless-Clipper-Kit/pc/190/c/330/sc/397/44357.uts

I have the Mini Arco, and love it for paw pads, face trims.

This is the clipper I have, and LOVE it:

http://www.petedge.com/product/Grooming/Clippers-Blades/Clippers/Andis-AGC-Super-2-Speed-Dog-Clipper/pc/190/c/330/sc/397/44077.uts

For this, I had to buy the #30 blade, and a set of combs (see here)

http://www.petedge.com/product/Wahl-Stainless-Steel-Attachment-Clipper-Comb-Sets/46343.uts

You may want to wait, see which breed your mom gets. You won't need all the stuff I have, for most breeds; but for a bichon, a poodle, and some others, you will be glad to have this.

the_gopher

Posted : 5/29/2012 1:07:58 PM

My mom is likely to adopt a mixed breed. Plus, she's in MA and I'm in NH so I wouldn't be her primary groomer :) I decided to go with the Andis ACG 2 speed. It looked like a good, long term purchase. I bought some comb sets separately since I will need them for what I want to do with Ari's coat. I did like that it's rounded. That should be more comfy than my old square Osters. I can't thank you all enough for the recommendations. The last time I bought clippers was back in 1998 or 99 lol. My clippers should be here on Friday or Saturday! Ari seriously needs a grooming. I'm looking forward to this actually. I really do miss grooming at times.

Now, I'm on the hunt for a pair of small shears to trim feet....recommendations always welcome! I had bought a cheapish pair, and needless to say they mostly bend hair without cutting it (and that was when they were new!).

Freedom

Posted : 5/29/2012 4:07:48 PM

I'm not sure what you mean by "trimming feet." If you mean the hair which comes in between the pads, I use the Wahl Mini Arco, with no comb on it for that. Used with no comb, it has a #50 urgical blade, so you need to be careful as it will knick the pad.

http://www.petedge.com/product/Wahl-Mini-Arco-CordCordless-Clipper-Kit/44231.uts

If you mean shaping the hair around the foot when the dog is standing on it, I use my round tipped scissors for that. Yes, I bought them for the eyes / face work, but they do well on the feet too. I recently (2 weeks ago!) bought my first pair of curved shears, and have used them for shaping the feet as well.

http://www.petedge.com/product/Top-Performance-4quot-Ball-Nose-Straight-Shears/51352.uts

http://www.petedge.com/product/Master-Grooming-Tools-5200-Rainbow-Series-Curved-Shears/56648.uts

Aw geez, now those are on SALE! LOL

the_gopher

Posted : 5/29/2012 8:10:21 PM

I prefer scissoring feet. Just a personal preference. I used to have a nice pair of shears, but somewhere along the way and a few moves they're now gone. Still kicking myself on that one. I gave my other scissors to someone else (my second best pair) once I stopped grooming in a shop.

I like sales lol! Worse case I can do some feet cleanup with the clippers until I settle on a new pair of shears.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 5/29/2012 9:40:36 PM

I have some Razer curved shears that came with my EZ Groom dryer, that I really, really like for trimming feet. The roundness of them is perfect for making fluffy little feets. They're reasonable, at $85. I can't say enough good things about the newer force dryers. EZ Groom's smaller one, and Christensen's smaller one are under $300, and the variable speed is incredibly nice to have.

the_gopher

Posted : 5/30/2012 2:28:34 PM

$85 is totally reasonable. I'll look into those. I don't need to make fluffy feet, just get the hair out between the toes and pads. Ari has some STINKY feet, so hopefully that will help.

I don't think I need a force dryer. I have always just let Ari air dry. But, if that changes I'll look into those!

the_gopher

Posted : 6/1/2012 10:45:19 AM

My clippers arrived!!!! I accidentally bought the wrong clip on combs though like the goof I am. The clippers are so quiet compared to my old osters. They are also lighter and much more comfortable in my hand (given they are rounded). Ari eyed them suspiciously and gave me some stink eye lol. I've never used clippers on her, so this should be interesting *insert evil laughter here*