Clipper selection: Cordless or not?

[Shanen Sadowski]

Hi, all.  I'm ready to buy my 1st electric clippers for our pup. She has soft wavy hair --not overly thick or curly.  Does anyone have strong feelings about getting cordless vs. not? I love the shaggy look so don't intend to clip her OFTEN, but don't want to buy junk either.  I've heard the Andis pro clip ultra edge 2 speed (with cord) is good, as well as the Wahl Bravura series (cordless). Any thoughts? I'm looking to spend $130-150.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

The cordless can end up being more money by the time you consider you need more than one battery and a charger.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Personally, on just about anything electronic, I would never go cordless.  Any appliance I have purchased over the years has always ended up disappointing me and then I end up spending more money replacing the item.  Dremel tools for doing the toe nails end up slowing down right in the middle of a doggie pedicure!!  There is nothing worse than having them slow down because then it becomes painful for the animal and you also don't accomplish what you set out to do. I have nail trimmers that are corded now!   I would hate to have my clippers start slowing down during a groom.  First, as they slow down you can start grabbing the hair and it can be painful for the Doodle and second, you have a half groomed Doodle!!!  I always use full power with cords and never have any thought that I might not get the job finished.  I have the Andis Ultra Edge 2 speed and love them.  Had the Oster A-5 and hated them.  Very noisy, heavy and awkward to hold if you have little hands.  The Andis are the best!!!  Be sure to order a set of the attachment combs as well.  This gives you options for hair length!!  

[Marie Dennen]

I groom for a living. I can tell you bought the Oster volt cordless in the past year. The volt is lighter than the Andis version of the cordless. I can tell you I really enjoy the freedom of the cordless. I do find it loud and occasionally I don't like it on certain coats and I switch back to my Andis 5 speed which I like very much. The Bravura is wonderful but know that it is a clipper with 5 in 1 blades. 5 in 1's are adjustable blade settings in 40, 30, 15, 10, and 9. 40  is one step longer than what a vet would use to shave a spot for an incision or IV and a 9  is military buzz cut short short short. You  will need to buy attachment combs to keep length on the coat. They are different than the attachment combs that go over the blades on an interchangeable clipper blades like a 30, 15, or 10. They are specially made to go over the 5 in 1's. I use a lot of attachment combs when I groom. I only use my bravura for pads, armpits, sani area and one last sweep  all over after I use the interchangeable clipper. It  gives it a fine polished more detailed look.

[Shanen Sadowski]

Great!  Thank you both.  This helps a lot.  :) I've been putting it off for a while now, dreading the decision. The And is ultra 2 edge is actually one I was considering, so I'm going to go with that after all.