Andi

I'm not sure which clipper I should get, and would appreciate some advice.

My puppy is 15 weeks old and I want to regularly get her used to the clipper, as well as clip her hair. I've been looking at clippers and have heard the Wahl Arco SE is good, and I can get it for around $200 with postage and was thinking I could use that to get her used to it, and clip her body hair while it is still soft and puppyish, and perhaps buy a larger one later on when her adult coat comes through.

Yet I have read around that you can't really use the Arco for the body, and the blades get blunt easily, often and are expensive ($50+). I've also heard that the combs can fall off easily which would not be so good for me as I want to keep her longish, although I noticed you can get stainless steel combs for the Arco, does anyone know if these are better? How often do you need to replace the blades, I would only be clipping one dog? I like the idea of the Arco because its small and cordless and I would feel more confident with it.

Otherwise I could get a Wahl KM2 (around $200 as well) or an Andis AG2 (around $300), but I wouldn't be able to afford to get a smaller one for face etc for a while, and I don't feel quite so confident with the cord around a little puppy. Can I use these larger ones for the face and sanitary areas?

What do you think is the best choice?

Pudel-Fan

For your first clipper with a puppy I recommend the Wahl Bravura, it is similar to the Arco but can be both corded and cordless which might be nice if you only have one clipper. (you can check the petedge website for information and comparison of the two) They have improved the new Bravura and they are more powerful than before. The stainless steel combs are better as they go through a Clean Mat Free coat better than the plastic ones so are less likely to pull off.

The Bravura is great for face, feet and tail and while your pup is so young could easily be used on the body too. Later as the puppy grows up and gets adult coat you will want a full sized clipper. But you will always have a use for the cordless Bravura and will be glad you have it.

I see you are in Australia so I don't know what your buying options are there. You could check the internet for best prices and you (well I mean those of us in the US) can get the 5 in 1 blades for less that $50 . Only use the blades on a clean coat, oil after every use, and clean per instructions from a website I can give you if you want, and your blades should stay sharp for many uses. FWIW, I perfer and use the ultimate competition blades and they last a long time if properly cared for.

I know it's hard to decide when spending that amount of money and wanting to be sure you get the most bang for the buck. But if you think the Wahl Arco would fit your needs then I think you will be even happier with the Wahl Bravura.

dawns

I have the andis single speed (regular size clipper), and the andis power trim for tight areas and i only spent about 150.00 total for both.

tortoise

I have the Andis 2-speed, it's been great for me and running 8 years strong.

I have tried quite a few trimmers and have not liked any. I have no problem turning out tpoo feet with a regular clipper, and I don't use a toe blade either.

Andi

Thank you for your advice. Unfortunately, here in Australia, we have a much more limited, and expensive, range than in the US. Even if I can find it cheaper on a US website that posts internationally, the postage costs usually make it the same price, and I've heard that when you buy such an item from another country, it can void the warranty. Same goes with the blades, I've seen them cheaper, and can even buy them from Ebay, but with an extra $20 postage its hardly worth it.

I actually have not found anywhere in Australia that sells the Bravura. I'd be interested in those cleaning instructions though, if I do get one with those blades.