Wahl Senior and Andis Master have for a long time being the best and top hair clippers in the market. Most professional barbers and salons use either of these brands or even both of them. There are also millions of people across the globe who use these clippers at home too. Their long-lasting quality, power, and performance are qualities that most sub-standard brands lack. However, if it comes to comparing the two brands, which one is a greater and better choice? The Seniors or the Master?
Wahl Senior vs Andis Master: Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Wahl Senior Clipper for Heavy-Duty Cutting, Tapering, Fading, & Blending- The Electromagnetic Clipper with Ultra Powerful V9000 Model 8500 vs Andis Master 01557 Professional Adjustable Blade Hair Clipper
Ideally, these two brands have glaring differences between them. As such, the user experience of using these two brands is quite different. Here are some of the differences worth noting between these two brands:
Body and design
Andis Master 01557 features a long 6-inch body that weighs approximately 1.25lbs. The body of the razor is made using an extra tough and hard aluminum and hence has an unbreakable and durable construction. The body of this hair clipper sports a chrome-colored elegance. The design of the razor is a favorite option for barbers across the globe. Due to the metal casing in this 01557-model clipper by Andis Master, the clipper is long-lasting.
- USED BY PROFESSIONALS: Andis Trimmers are used by professionals in the salon and barber professions. They have clippers and trimmers with sharpening blades and excellent construction.
- HIGH-TORQUE: A powerful rotary motor delivers 14,000 cutting spm with excellent machine drive components to enable professional-grade shaving at home or in the salon while producing minimal noise and preserving long-term availability.
- ADJUSTABLE BLADES: From fine to coarse size 000 – 1 with upper blade features fast feed action and are more durable and stay sharper longer than other blades, providing smooth hair/beard trimming with entire body grooming.
- CONVENIENT: The thumb-controlled button for one-hand off/on mode, is simple to use while cutting hair.
- PRODUCT DETAILS: This professional beard and hair trimmer is 2 x 1.75 x 6 inches, weighs 1.25 pounds, and works on 120V / 60 Hz voltage, the trimmer is appropriate for the entire family's home use and outdoor travel.
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wahl Senior 8500-model on the other hand features a more mundane look. With a length of 6.5” and a weight of 1.3lbs, this razor is considerably bulkier compared to the Andis Master razor. The Wahl Senior hair clipper boasts of an appealing metal construction that is durable and reliable. The construction is sturdy and solid. Therefore, it is also long-lasting and durable. Just like the Andis Master hair clipper, the Wahl Senior has a stylish and functional design.
- PROFESSIONAL PRECISION: Wahl's Professional Senior Clipper is engineered to deliver the sharp performance that experts demand; featuring a (1005) blade specifically designed for smooth, quick, precise hair clipping and trimming performance; intended for professional use only
- STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL: The Senior Clipper features an appealing metal aesthetic in addition to top notch precision and function; it is excellent for lining, fading, tapering, blending, and artwork as well as cutting through the thickest of hair with ease
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: The American-made clipper includes all accessories required for professional barber use; the clipper, 3 attachment comb cutting guides (1/16, 1/8 and 3/16), cleaning brush, clipper blade oil, red blade guard and operating instructions
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: The Senior Clipper measures 6.5 inches long, weighs just 1 pound 3 ounces, includes an 8 foot professional grade, chemical resistant power cord, and a convenient variable thumb taper lever for adjusting the taper and texture without changing the blade. Power Frequency: 120 Volt - 60 Hertz. Made in U.S.A.
- PLEASE NOTE: Due to continuous improvement, the product appearance may slightly vary from the product images on this listing
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The main difference between these two models is in their design lies in their appearance. People who prefer owning hair clippers that are elegant and stylish should be opt for the Andis Master razor. On the other hand, the Wahl Senior is a perfect choice looking for a slightly industrial and practical appearance.
The Master razor is slimmer but the grip on the Wahl Senior razor is more comfortable and ergonomic. However, both razors offer the ultimate barber experience for trimming, shaving, tapering and fading your hair depending on the hair style of preference.
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Blades and motor
The Andis Master 01557 hair clipper boasts of having a high-quality electromagnetic motor. The motor allows for excellent performance and consequently makes the razor incredibly heavy-duty ready. This Master razor comes with carbon-coated steel blades which perform exceptionally flawlessly regardless of the type and density of hair you want to shave. This makes the hair clipper a perfect choice for coarse, thick and ethnic hair.
Since this clipper is adjustable, you can raise/lower the blade depending on the length of hair you want to shave. What is more about the clipper is that the blade can be zero-gapped for shorter haircuts without irritating the skin.
The Wahl Senior 8500-model hair clipper on the other hand features the famous and popular V9000 electromagnetic motor. This motor has considerably more power than the motor in the 01557-model by Andis Master. You can also use the razor for shaving long haircuts without any hassles or stress whatsoever. The blade in the Wahl Senior razor is made from premium quality stainless steel. The blade is popular for its smooth cuts, accuracy, and precision.
Just like the Master clipper, this Senior razor also features an adjustable clipper. The only difference between these two clipper types as far as the adjustable blade function is concerned is the type of lever in each model. The Master features a comfortable, step-wise lever while the Wahl Senior on the other hand features a more unintuitive lever. Zero-gapping the blade in the Wahl Senior clipper is easier than the Andis Master shaver.
Noise and Heating
Both brands fare considerably the same when it comes to heating. Both clippers tend to overheat when used continuously for a long time. However, this should not be a major concern as most heavy-duty hair clippers and cutters heat a lot.
The full metal construction in these shavers makes overheating in the razors to become a great concern. This is why beginners are likely to find the razors uncomfortable to use the clippers for long durations. However, these razors, tend to cool down fast within a few minutes.
When it comes to noise, the Andis Master offers a quieter operation than the Wahl Senior razor. This is because the blades in the Master clipper are properly aligned while those in the V9000 motor in the Wahl Senior razor “roar” when shaving.
Both clippers are considerably noisier; which is a common similarity in powerful and heavy-duty razors. The noise is bearable and as such, is not likely to cause you any discomfort or nuisance when shaving.
Secure corded designs
Both these models come with fixed corded power connection system. Both the Wahl Senior and Andis Master come equipped with an 8 feet power cord. These cords are industrial grade and have a chemical resistant property that enhances the durability and reliability of the razor. The cords give you freedom of movement and flexibility when shaving.
Fading potential and capabilities
It goes without saying that the Andis Master outperforms the Wahl Senior clipper. The blade in the 01557-model by Andis Master is high-quality and is complemented by a convenient adjustable lever. Therefore, this Andis clipper fades hair in a better and more convenient way compared to the Wahl Senior razor. In addition to this the 8500-model by Wahl Senior does not feature a fade blade. Therefore, fading with the clipper is complex and not as straightforward as it is in the Master model.
Price & Accessories
The Andis Master 01557 Professional is pricier compared to the Wahl Senior 8500 model. However, the price difference between the two models is just a few dollars. The Senior 8500 hair clipper features 3 attachment combs (1 1/6”- 3/16”) while the Master 01557 Professional clipper does not come with any attachments. As such, if you want to use clipper guards with this razor, you will need to buy them separately.
Similarities between the two products
There are as many similarities between these two models as there are differences. Some of these similarities are such as:
- They both feature steel blades that provide quick, comfortable, and close cutting experience.
- The blades in these razors are self-sharpening and hence the maintenance of the two products is quite easy.
- The two clipper models come with a zero-gapping feature that eliminates hair pulling when shaving. Also, both models are able to cut through dense and thick hair easily.
- They both come with a fixed 8 feet cord powering system that does not limit mobility
- The housing in both models is strong and sturdy. As such, the razors are resistant to breaking and shattering.
Final verdict
Wahl Senior 8500 vs Andis Master 01557 is arguably a tough and complex choice. On one hand, these hair clippers are high quality and feature excellent craftsmanship in their design and construction. Both models are used widely and extensively by amateurs and professionals alike. However, the focus on these brands is quite different. It is worth noting that when it comes to motor power, durable operation, and blade quality are some of the best in the industry.
The best approach when choosing between these two models would be:
- Are you shopping for a clipper that is stylish and more presentable? If yes, then Andis Master model is your best choice.
- Do you prefer a bulky model that has a slightly better grip? Then Wahl Senior is the right model for you.
- Are you looking for a cheaper option? The Wahl Senior should be your ultimate choice
Conclusion
While both these hair clipper brands have a several differences, it is crucial to note that you can never go wrong with either choice. This is because there is a lot of work, creativity, enthusiasm and uniqueness that goes into the design of these brands. Therefore, the choice of the most ideal shaver to settle for will mostly depend on personal preference and taste.
As a Product Designer, I have worked with companies like Gillette or Grooming Lounge, counting over 6 years of professional experience in the cosmetics field.
In this blog, I will review various personal care products such as razors, hair, beards, hair loss, grooming, style products. My goal is to build a rigorous evaluation of various personal care products so that you and I can better understand the differences in the products and their relative benefits. Read more …