Comparison Andis AAC-1 Pro Alloy Tondeuse vs Andis US-1 Fade

Clippers and trimmers are often equipped with fixed-height removable combs. The more combs in the kit, the smoother transitions the device can make. The standard set usually includes 3-5 combs, more advanced models may have 7-10 combs of a fixed height in a set.

The performance of the tool, the maximum rotation speed of the motor and how well the device handles with thick and coarse hair depends on the power of the electric motor. So, for cutting thick head hair, you need a clipper with a power of at least 15 W, the performance of such a device is usually enough to ensure a motor rotation speed of 10,000 rpm. But there are also more powerful clippers(from 20 W). Trimmers for beards and mustaches usually need 5 W of power. Such models most often have a performance of 3,000 – 5,000 rpm.

The speed of rotation of the motor of the clipper. The speed of movement of the blades directly depends on this parameter, and the quality of the haircut, in turn, depends on it: the faster the blades move, the faster and more accurately the clipper cuts.

— Mains. The clipper is powered by a 230 V electrical network. The benefit of this power source is the unrestricted operational duration (no need for periodic battery recharging). However, drawbacks include the necessity of an available electrical outlet and the limitation imposed by a power cord, which can impede movement and cause operational inconvenience.

— Battery. The clipper is powered by its own built-in battery. On the one hand, this gives maximum freedom of movement (since there is no power cord) and battery life — such devices can be used even where there is no electrical network. On the other hand, the battery life is limited, it must be constantly recharged — otherwise there is a risk that the charge is exhausted at the most inopportune moment (for example, during the haircut).

— Batteries. The clipper is powered by interchangeable batteries. In terms of its primary pros and cons, this power source resembles battery power (as mentioned earlier). However, in contrast to built-in batteries, replaceable batteries offer less capacity, making them suitable for low-power devices like nose trimmers (see Type) that don't demand prolonged usage. On the positive side, replaceable batteries allow for swift replacement when depleted, whereas a built-in battery would necessitate a lengthier recharging process in such instances.

— Metal. High-end clippers/trimmers use a metal body. Typically found in professional models, and occasionally in semi-professional ones, a metal casing ensures remarkable durability and resistance to heavy use. However, this design substantially elevates the device's weight and cost.

— Plastic. Mostly low-cost clippers/trimmers are equipped with a plastic case. The plastic case is lightweight and easy to care for. Among the shortcomings of plastic, only low strength can be noted. If you intensively use a trimmer/clipper with a plastic case, then the working surface of the device will quickly become covered with scratches and scuffs.

— Metal/plastic. Semi-professional clippers/trimmers commonly feature a combination of metal and plastic casing. These models incorporate metal with plastic inserts. This approach maintains a high level of reliability while using plastic inserts to lower device costs and enhance user-friendliness. Clippers with combined casings are versatile for both home and salon use.

The length of the cable determines how far the user can move with the device from the outlet. On average, the length of the current-carrying wiring of the clipper / trimmer is about 2 metres. This parameter is relevant only for networked (230 V) and hybrid (network + battery) models.

The weight of the clipper/trimmer is especially important when the device is planned to be used often and for a long time. The less the clipper/trimmer weighs, the less the user's hand will get tired. Of course, there is a direct relationship between the mass of the device and its performance. Powerful clippers/trimmers use a larger and heavier motor. Additionally, the weight of the device increases due to the presence of a battery pack.