The Oster Fast Feed hair clippers have earned a loyal following since their release, and for good reason. This in-depth review explores why these clippers remain a popular choice for home barbers, even after years of use. We'll delve into their build quality, performance, ease of use, and limitations, ultimately assessing whether they truly live up to the hype as a top-tier home barber kit. From their powerful motor and quiet operation to the versatility of their blade adjustment, we’ll cover all the key features.This review is based on years of personal experience using the Oster Fast Feed, offering a real-world perspective on their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll examine the included guards, discuss potential upgrades like Andis double magnet guards, and address considerations for international travel. Whether you're a seasoned home barber or a complete novice, this review will provide valuable insights into whether the Oster Fast Feed clippers are the right tool for your needs.
Pros And Cons
- Long-lasting (still functioning after 14 years of use)
- Quiet operation
- Doesn't overheat with extended use
- Pivot motor allows for cutting both wet and dry hair
- Good grip due to grooves on the casing
- Comes with four cutting guards
- Compatible with Andis double magnet guards
- Does not zero gap on its own, requiring adjustment for bald fades
- Some users may find the included guards flimsy
- Corded, requiring a 120-volt, 60-hertz outlet; not suitable for all international travel
Read more: Top 9 Best Manual Hair Clippers
Long-Term Durability and Value
I've been using the Oster Fast Feed hair clippers since 2009, and they're still going strong. This speaks volumes about their build quality and longevity. Initially purchased for around $80, the price-to-performance ratio seems to remain excellent even now, considering its continued functionality.
Using these clippers for my own haircuts at home, I find them incredibly reliable and robust. The powerful, heavy-duty cord is a significant advantage for consistent use. This is a testament to Oster's commitment to providing professional-grade tools for home use.
Performance and Features
One of the surprising features is how quiet these clippers are, a big plus for home use. They don't create excessive noise, making them significantly more pleasant to operate compared to some louder models.
Another key advantage is the absence of overheating. The clippers warm up to a comfortable temperature and stay there, allowing for extended use without interruption. Many other clippers tend to overheat quickly, limiting their continuous use.
Motor and Blade System
The Oster Fast Feed features a pivot motor and a plastic casing, contributing to its minimal heat generation. The pivot motor allows for versatility, enabling cutting of both dry and wet hair effectively.
The side lever adjusts the blade closeness, but it doesn’t achieve a true zero-gap. While suitable for general haircuts and short trims, it's not ideal for intricate fades or bald fades which require extremely close cutting.
Guards and Accessories
The clippers come with four standard guards (1/16, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch), and I've also added 1/8 and 1-inch guards separately. While some criticize the standard guards as flimsy, they work adequately for home use.
The Andis double magnet guards are a great alternative, offering a more secure and durable fit. They are compatible with the Oster Fast Feed, greatly enhancing versatility and functionality.
Power and Travel Considerations
The Oster Fast Feed operates on 120V and 60Hz, making it crucial to check outlet compatibility, especially when traveling internationally. The magnetic pivot motor requires 60Hz for optimal performance; using it in a 50Hz region can lead to malfunctions.
For frequent travelers, a cordless clipper may be more convenient. While cordless clippers often cost more and have potential battery life concerns, their portability outweighs the drawbacks for those on the go.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Oster Fast Feed is a great value clipper with excellent durability and a quiet operation. It's easy to use, making it ideal for home barbers, especially beginners. While not perfect for intricate fades, its forgiving nature is an advantage for those new to hair cutting.
For those needing ultimate precision or frequent zero-gap work, more specialized clippers might be preferred. However, as a primary clipper for general haircuts and blending, the Oster Fast Feed's reliable performance and long-lasting durability make it a strong contender.