Oster Power Max 2-Speed Pet Clippers with CryogenX Antimicrobial Blade

Oster Power Max 2-Speed Pet Clippers

 

Why is the product here?

The Oster Power Max 2-Speed is a lighter and quieter version of the chunky (but reliable) Oster A5, a product of a well-known brand with a lengthy and positive reputation. They are the perfect point between price and performance, having a price lower than that of the Oster A6 or the Pro 3000i.

These clippers are sharp, fast, and efficient. They will get the job done whether it is a regular grooming session or for cutting stiff, matted fur. It comes with the original Oster Cryogenx antimicrobial blades allowing for an easy upkeep and provides a nice, clean trim to any pet.

Specifications

Motor: Universal two speed, top speed of 4,200 SPM; low- 2,700 SPM

Blades: Detachable, size 10 (2.4mm) Cryogenx Antimicrobial blade included

Weight and Ergonomics: Moderate weight and slightly bulky, 1.04 pounds

Cord/Cordless Charge: 12-foot cord

Maintenance: Is it easy to clean/Oil/Sharpen? Yes, but has little instruction

Heat and Noise: Slightly noisy; blades get heated

Check Carefully because…

These clippers are quieter than the older models of the Oster A5 and of cheaper unprofessional clippers. The motor is still loud and can possibly spook any anxious pets. Be cautious using these clippers your pet for the first time or around a pet who is not fond of being groomed.

If you would like to try these Oster Power Max clippers instead of dropping money on quieter ones you can try  gradually introducing them to your pet by turning the clippers on around them. Start by doing it in the same room, to moving closer to where they are staying until they seem to be okay with the noise.

The good thing is these clippers work quickly and smoothly, so even if your pet is anxious, the process will move quickly and easily so they will be free to continue with their day in no time.

Hopefully, these clippers will allow your already anxious pet to become accustomed to frequent groomings without anxiety. The vibration of the clippers is not too loud and can introduce a less stressful environment than what your previous groomer or previous set of clippers may have created.

The MUST Know, True Facts about

These clippers don’t stop. They can keep going through long sessions without slowing down and don’t stall when you overfeed them. They are quieter, lighter, and easier to handle than previous and similar models. Perfect for pets that need clipping regularly.

If you do happen to have any mechanical issues or if something breaks off or falls apart, Oster offers a 1-year warranty on their clippers. While this might not be very useful if you do not use them frequently like once a month and only use them once-twice per year, if something does go wrong you can ship it to the manufacturer and only have to pay for shipping to get it fixed.

This is a corded model, but it does not prevent any mobility. The 12ft cord in addition to the slimmer, lighter design makes it easy to maneuver around the trickier parts of your pet.

The shape of the clippers provide an easy grip to most, with exception to those with smaller hands. The weight can still become tiresome to those who are not used to grooming their own pet and can lead to cramps in the hands or wrist after a long session. Building those memory muscles and getting used to frequently trimming goes a long way for comfort.

What to watch out for with this product?

Crucial Tips

USE THE RIGHT BLADE FOR YOUR DOG. Using the blade provided is perfectly fine, but to use these clippers to their potential you need to understand what is best for your pets’ coat These clippers only come with a size 10 blade, which is perfect for a close cut on most breeds. They do a good job, but they may not be the type of cut you’re looking for, especially if you have a thicker haired dog or a dog with a double coat.

Do some research and find the right blade for your pet’s coat. Take into consideration if they have thicker or thinner, curly or straight, and even how many coats they have. I purchased two sets of size 7F blades for my lab/collie mix to trim her thicker hair down her back and use the size 10 blade for her legs and underneath her belly.

Beware,  there is very little maintenance information provided with the manual and online. Understanding how to take care of your clippers is very important in making them last. Google the different product types and uses and do some basic general research on the maintenance of clippers. I provided a few tips, but if you need something more detailed you can also ask your groomer.

For clipper maintenance, remove all hair from any place visible or where hair can become trapped. Double check the ventilators because if they become clogged it can ruin your day (and your clippers) in a heartbeat.

To clean the blades, remove from clipper and clean with a bristle brush, then let soak in a bowl of blade was solution. Let dry and replace. Spray with disinfecting spray and place a few drops of clipper oil between the blades while the motor is running, turn off and clean excess with paper towel.

Luckily, all of Oster clippers come with the Cryogenx Antimicrobial blades. These are meant to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew which makes it easier to switch pets without having to stop in between to do a deep cleaning. This also tends to increase the longevity of the blades themselves. The blades are easy to replace and are provided on the Oster website for around $20.

Benefits and Features

Oster Power Max 2-Speed Pet Clippers are a great beginners at-home professional set that stand out from other affordable clippers on the market and fill that special place in your heart reserved solely for the things that save you time and money

• Provide a clean, professional cut
• Clipper does not overheat
• Compatible with other blades from this brand
• Cuts efficiently through mats
• Does not get jammed
• Corded, with 12ft of mobility

These are perfect clippers for any beginner looking to save on trimming their pet. It has an easy to maneuver body with a long cord without having to splurge on a really expensive set.

Each situation varies as a set of clippers can be a dud just like anything else. Experience does come into play as well, understanding your clippers and how to properly trim your pet can make the world of a difference in the experience for both you and your pet. Groomers are well practiced in trimming and clipping your pet, it will take time for you to become as quick and efficient at the process as they are.

Problems

While the clippers are a great improvement from the original Oster A5’s, it still has some drawbacks that can lead to a difficult grooming session with your pet

• Blades can become heated during long sessions
• Changing blades can be difficult at first
• Uncomfortable after some time
• Quieter than A5, but are still slightly noisy
• Manual provides very little maintenance information

These are middle grade professional clippers through Oster. Their more expensive sets are quieter and just as light, but the difference in price is substantial. These Oster clippers may not be perfect, yet still give you the right bang for your buck.

The Oster Power Max clippers are not for everyone and every pet. There are quieter clippers out there for anxious pets and cooler ones for those who are more sensitive to heat. Finding the right set of clippers for you and your pet is not always going to be solved by the first pair. They may even just not fit right in your hands while clipping, causing cramps. Find the brand or the shape that works for you.

Conclusion – Are Oster Power Max 2-Speed Pet Clippers a Good Investment?

The Oster Power Max 2-Speed Pet Clipper is a reliable professional option for groomers for at-home use. It is easy to handle and has a great customer service for anything that goes wrong with the parts or product. The only thing that you may need to worry about is the shipping costs.

I recommend them for anyone to use on their pup! It is perfect for all breeds, including those that require frequent trimmings. For experienced groomers this will make the process a breeze and for those just getting started, it is a great set to start with! Just make sure you are familiar with your dogs breed.

Trading off price for quality does not always pay off, but for these it works out. The Oster Power Max clippers will last forever (if you take care of it) and provides plenty of ways to replace parts without having to replace the entire clipper, which can be a big money and time saver. Replacement blades and combs make breaking a piece less of a fear and gives some reassurance to those just getting started.

What about…

Oster Golden A5 Two-Speed Animal Grooming Clippers: An older model of the Oster Power Max, with both sporting two-speed capability, Cryogenx blades, and lengthy power cords. This model is known to be quieter than the Power Max but at the cost of heat. The body and blades tend to become overheated during cutting sessions to the point where some have recommended purchasing two sets of the clippers to switch mid-trim. These clippers also have slower SPM, making a harder trim of thicker or matted areas. Not ideal for small dogs or  pets whose fur tend to get matted frequently. A great choice if you only need to trim small areas during each sessions as it does cut through an average coat very well.

• Motor: Universal two speeds, High- 2,700 SPM; Low- 2,100 SPM
• Blades: Detachable, Size 10 Cryogenx Antimicrobial blade included
• Weight and Ergonomics: Heavier and bulkier, 1.97 pounds
• Cord/Cordless Charge: 12-Foot cord
• Maintenance: Easy clean
• Heat and Noise: Quiet and the body heats up quickly

Oster Golden A5 Animal Grooming Clippers: Another older model of the Oster Power Max and Oster Golden A5 Two-Speed, this clipper is considered to be more heavy duty than the other two. It is meant for cutting through thicker coats and matted furs on all animals ranging from dogs to horses. The trade-off is unfortunately a loud motor and quick heat. These clippers tend to heat up quickly, even after only 2-3 minutes of use with the heat becoming unbearable around 15 minutes. Taking breaks frequently can combat it as well as give your pet a break from the loud vibrations. Otherwise, they work very well and cut through coats like a knife through butter.

• Motor: Universal single Speed, 2,100 SPM
• Blades: Detachable, Size 10 Cryogenx Antimicrobial blade included
• Weight and Ergonomics: Heavier and bulkier 1.97 Pounds
• Cord/Cordless Charge: 12-Foot cord
• Maintenance: Easy clean and replacement
• Heat and Noise: Fast heat and loud noise

Oster A6 Cool Comfort Heavy Duty Clipper: The lightest of the Oster clippers, it is not meant for super thick coats. It does surpass all the others in its ability to remain cool during clipping sessions and its easy to hold soft-grip material with vibration isolators to prevent tiring while clipping. These are also the much quieter version of Oster clippers, making them the best choice out of the bunch for anxious animals that don’t do well with the loud sounds noises frequently caused by clippers. The downside is that these clippers also cost an extra $30-$50 in comparison to the others.

• Motor: Rotary three speed, High- 4,400 SPM; Medium- 3,600 SPM; Low- 3,100 SPM
• Blades: Detachable, Size 10 Cryogenx Antimicrobial blade included
• Weight and Ergonomics: Lightweight and slim 0.81 pounds
• Cord/Cordless Charge: 13-Foot cord
• Maintenance: Easy clean and replacement
• Heat and Noise: Quiet and cool

Oster Pro 3000i Cordless Pet Clippers: The second priciest and one of the only cordless clippers mentioned, the Oster Pro 3000i can run up to two hours on a single battery charge. This is the best option for animals who do not tend to stay still while grooming. The cordless capabilities suffer from one thing, battery deterioration. The lifetime on the batteries tend to decrease over the course of 1-2 years, something that would be covered under warranty if it happens during the first year of ownership. This clipper is still lightweight and manageable for beginners and pros and tends to not suffer from loud vibrations and overheating body or blades.

• Motor: Rotary single speed, 3000 SPM
• Blades: Detachable, Size 10 Cryogenx Antimicrobial blade included
• Weight and Ergonomics: Lightweight and slim, 0.94 pounds
• Cord/Cordless: Cordless lithium ion battery
• Maintenance: Easy clean and replacement
• Heat and Noise: Quiet and cool

Oster Volt Cordless Pet Clippers with Detachable Lithium-Ion Battery: The priciest and another cordless clipper mentioned, the Oster Volt Cordless is the same weight as the Oster Pro 3000i. This clipper does have the lowest available speed out of all at 2,400 SPM, but is also the only one that has replaceable batteries. The others tend to overheat either through the blades, body, or both. These do not and allow you to trim even longer by providing a way to replace the rechargeable batteries so that your session can last as long as needed, especially if you are having to groom multiple pets.

• Motor: Rotary single speed, 2,400 SPM
• Blades: Detachable, Size 10 Cryogenx Antimicrobial blade included
• Weight and Ergonomics: Lightweight and slim, 0.94 pounds
• Cord/Cordless: Cordless detachable lithium ion battery
• Maintenance: Easy clean and replacement
• Heat and Noise: Quiet and cool

Oster Power Pro Ultra Cordless Professional Animal Clippers: The oldest of the cordless versions of the Oster clippers, these clippers run off of two rechargeable NiMH batteries. While the quality of the cut did not suffer, the build of the clippers did. Lots of issues with the batteries not retaining their charge and the clippers lasting less than a year. They are heavy and dense due to the use of the NiMH batteries which makes it harder to maneuver and trim the harder to reach areas. It is also a louder model, creating a more difficult situation when attempting to trim near the ears. An interesting option for when it was created, but the newer models definitely stepped up their game.

• Motor: Universal single speed, 3,300 SPM
• Blades: Detachable, Size 10 Cryogenx Antimicrobial blade included
• Weight and Ergonomics: Heavy and bulky, 1.94 pounds
• Cord/Cordless: Cordless, 2 NiMH batteries
• Maintenance: Mild soap and water
• Heat and Noise: Loud and cool

Q & A

Question: Are there multiple speeds on this?

Answer: Yes, 2,700 strokes per minute on the low setting and 4,200 strokes per minute on the high

Question: Does the battery suffer from memory effect?

Answer: There is no battery

Question: Does this clipper have a battery?

Answer: No, it is corded

Question: Does this clipper work with detachable blades?

Answer: Yes, it works on the Oster A5 detachable blade system

Question: Can you use different brand blades on this clipper?

Answer: Yes,

Question: Can I use the Oster blades?

Answer: The previous model Oster clipper blades do work on this model, it uses the Oster A5 detachable blade system

Question: Is there an adjustable blade that comes in course instead of fine?

Answer: There are replacement blades that can be purchased from Oster

Question: Does this clipper come with a blade?

Answer: Yes, a size 10

Question: Can I use this clipper to trim my rabbit?

Answer: Depends on the breed. Some rabbits are more sensitive to clippers as their hair can be super fine, the clippers can get stuck and pull the hair

Question: Do these work with 240-volt power?

Answer: No, it maxes at 120-volts. It does work with most converters, which is the best solution if attempting to use most places outside of the US

Question: What comes with these clippers?

Answer: They come with a basic case, comb, oil and one guard

Question: Do these new Oster clippers use snap on or screw on blades?

Answer: The main blade screws on with two small screws but the shaping blades are snap on

Question: Are there clippers with adjustable height or only comb set to switch?

Answer: The combs are sold in a separate kit and are replaceable to get desired length

Question: Can this clipper does a full body clipping for a dog or is it just for trimming?

Answer: It is meant for full body clipping and for matted/thick fur

Question: Can this clipper work when my pet’s hair is wet?

Answer: Yes,  but it is not recommended as the hair can get stuck in the clippers

Question: Can these clippers be used with a clipper vac attachment?

Answer: Yes, ones that are meant for this specific Oster model

Question: Will these work on a poodle?

Answer: Yes, they work very well for the frequent cutting of a poodle

Question: Is this clipper good for my Shih Tzu?

Answer: Absolutely, they are perfect if you switch out the size 10 blade and switch with a size 4F (what is recommended for the breed)

Question: Can you use this clipper on more than just pets?

Answer: Yes, they can be used on humans and other animals

Question: How long does this type of clipper last?

Answer: With proper maintenance and care, it can last 5-10 years

Question: Do these clippers get too hot to handle?

Answer: No, only the clipper blades tend to get warm during long sessions with thicker hair

Question: Does this clipper come with a carry case?

Answer: No, it does not

Question: Are these clippers good for dogs with thicker hair?

Answer: Yes, they work really well and don’t slow down even when cutting through a double coat or matted hair

Question: Can these clippers be used around for the fur between pads?

Answer:  Yes, only if you are familiar with it. Otherwise purchase a smaller clipper to do the more delicate areas of your pets just to be safe

Question: Can I get replacement parts if any of mine are faulty?

Answer: Yes, just contact the manufacturer and normally pay only shipping costs if still under warranty

Question: What are the Cryogenx blades?

Answer: An AgION antimicrobial coating covering the blade helping to reduce a buildup of bacteria

Question: Does the Oster Power Max come with a warranty?

Answer: All Oster clippers come with a 1-year manufacturers warranty, an additional warranty can be purchased through some of the seller platforms

Question: Are these professional grade clippers?

Answer: Yes, they are professional grade clippers

Question: Are these clippers good for beginners?

Answer: Yes, these are a good starter set for beginners. They are perfect for learning how to trim your pet by cutting efficiently without having to drop $200-$300 on a cordless set

Question: Are these clippers “cheap”?

Answer: They are not the cheapest set out there, maybe the most affordable set of professional clippers. They sell cheaper ones in store or online for $30-$50 but they are not necessarily profession grade

Question: Are these clippers frequently delivered defective?

Answer: No, but there are sometimes duds. Always check you order as soon as it comes in so that if any issues arise you can let the seller, or manufacturer, know immediately to get you a replacement

Question: Does trimming your own pet’s hair really save money?

Answer: With a good set of clippers and depending on the breed, which determines how frequently they require trimming and how detailed that trimming is, yes it can save hundreds of dollars

Question: Is this the best Oster clipper?

Answer: Not necessarily, it is the best for its buck. Other Oster clippers that work better, or are cordless, are around the $250-$300 mark