Andis Fade Master lies deep within the barber heritage as the brand has existed in the grooming industry for over a century.
This hair clipper in particular brings forth one mission that it aims to succeed – drawing the finest fade cuts possible of different heights, types or patterns.
The device is robust in its making and comes with numerous benefits, especially for ones who are more experienced with handling such a tool.
My Andis Fade Master review today will uncover all the secrets, the hidden tricks you could try, the positive results as well as the limitations I believe Andis should address in one article!
“In the world of fade cuts, Andis Fade Master is probably the most reiterated name due to its blade unit dedicated to the cause, the adjustment lever radiating precision or the powerful motor that knows no limit – truly a solid hair clipper for men of all ages.”
Contents
- 1 Unboxing Andis Fade Master
Unboxing Andis Fade Master
Like the Andis Master, the unit of Andis Fade Master will reach your doorstep in a similarly packaged box made of paper.
While the box can endure harsh shipping conditions, it’s not going to last you a long time if you keep using the package as the primary storage unit.
Inside the box, a black plastic case lets the Fade Master rest along with all of the user manuals, lubricant and blade guard. Everything else needs to be separately purchased.
What’s Inside the Box: Andis Fade Master, Lubricant, Blade Guard, User Manual.
Specifications: Andis Fade Master
Let’s learn about the technical aspects of the Andis Fade Master that includes the product’s weight, dimensions and every other piece of precise information.
- Dimensions: 15 x 5.5 x 3.8 cm
- Weight: 22.9 ounces (with cord)
- Color: Shiny Silver
- Accessories: Lubricant, Blade Guard
- Cord Length: 2.4 meter
- Adjustment Lever: Yes
- Blade: 00000-000 Master Fade Blade
- Motor Type: Magnetic
- Clipper Blade Speed: 7,200 – 14,000 SPM
- Voltage: 115V/60Hz
Andis Fade Master: Standout Features
The features that standout for me when it comes to Andis Fade Master are its design, durability, blade unit, motor power and so on. Time for us to discuss these here in detail!
Typical Design
Fade Master is almost identical to Andis Master in terms of design but much different than the Envy Li. Let’s see how the device looks and dissect the outer shell to begin with.
Shiny Metal Aesthetics
The aluminum, shiny handle is back with Andis Fade Master and to tell apart from the Master, you’ll have to closely inspect the text written upon its chest.
On one hand, it’s a great design if you consider all of the reflective surfaces to cater to your taste. It’s certainly captivating for a barber’s shop since it’s going to draw the attention of the customer.
Apart from the frontal portion, the rest of the handle is covered in rugged textured metal. The bottom portion and right beneath the blade segment show a darker shade of gray in contrast.
Firm Grip
Despite such metallic outburst, the grip levels in Fade Master never seizes to amaze me! It’s quite shocking how Andis manages to pull such a degree of grip off without any rubber pads.
The one-hand design makes the lives of barbers quite easy as they can switch the device on or off without having to use the other hand.
But for consumers like myself, I think this design principle isn’t always the most practical one since I often accidentally hit the power knob in the middle of a clipping session.
While the shape of the Fade Master grants a firm grip, the weight of it can be a concern for some consumers, more on that later.
Strong Build Quality
One of the reasons I believe Fade Master to be among the top devices in the grooming industry is the rigidity of the housing and the overall inner-parts durability.
This tool is definitely meant to last a long time and bring you better value out of the money you’re going to spend on this.
Due to this robustness, among other features, Andis Fade Master can easily withstand the vigorous usage and handling inside a barbershop any day!
What I Like
- Shiny design makes the housing captivating
- Grip levels are ensured by the design
- Lasting build quality makes a better value for money
What Could be Better
- Power knob placement could be altered
Andis Fade Master: Additional Features
Other than the design aspects of the Fade Master, this section will inform you about the weight class, blades, corded performance and so on about this hair clipper.
Heavy Weight
Andis Fade Master definitely ranks itself alongside the heaviest hair clippers in the industry and that definitely poses a concern to consumers who opt for longer grooming sessions.
Yes, the hair clipper tends to fatigue your arms or fingers during prolonged use. So the rule of thumb is to let it rest every now and then.
On the bright side, since the device is meant for fading, this procedure takes much less time than other intricate detailing, therefore it’s widely welcomed by the fade enthusiasts!
Sharp Blades for Professionals
The most alluring factor about Fade Master is probably the blade unit it comes with. This 00000-000 Master Fade Blade is dedicated to serving one purpose – drawing different fade cuts.
As you can make out by the gap between the minimum and maximum cutting lengths, it’s going to offer you the range between 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm without any guards.
Also, the blade material is carbon-steel, making it last longer and chop through a higher type or density of hair at ease, particularly black men with coarse hair will find it highly effective for them.
Robust & Durable Motor
I believe the motor unit for Andis Fade Master is the same one you’ll find in Andis Master. Since it’s connected to a cord, the motor power doesn’t falter at any given moment.
But there’s a difference in performance of this magnetic motor unit as the Fade Master motor clocks up to deliver 14,000 strokes per minute but it may be reduced to a maximum of 7,200 SPM.
Don’t get me wrong, Fade Master is still a one-speed hair clipper but the fluctuation of power may arise depending on how much you tighten the blades.
Also, one major drawback is the heating up of the housing. After using 30 minutes or so, Fade Master heats up to a degree where you must shut it down for a while, so it’s a legit concern you should be aware of.
Corded Use
A lot of the consumers out there believe that cordless hair clippers are the only way to go forward since there’s no cord attached to limit your movement.
That may have some merit, but it doesn’t mean corded hair clippers like Andis Fade Master cannot go the distance with the 2.4 meter cord.
This cord is long enough to freely move around and you’re getting the liberty of relentless power, that’s something crucial for a barber-shop environment.
One thing I must note is that my variant of Fade Master is purchased from the US market, therefore the wall socket has to provide 115 volts and 60 Hz of power (yours may vary based on your location).
All-Important Adjustment Lever
Lastly, the adjustment lever is probably the most important factor when it comes to Andis hair clippers in general, and definitely for Fade Master due to its functionality.
Due to the specific 5-length setting marked in the adjustment lever, you’re going to get the precise cutting length – you only have to remember which setting you’ve used before.
This makes clipping at a particular length or precision in fading much more effective, therefore professionals will be able to mimic their grooming outcome perfectly every time.
One thing to add here is that the lever is made with metal as well, so no risk of breaking or damaging it and it can be operated in one-hand mode as well!
What I Like
- Unique blade makes fading effortless and premium
- Powerful motor chops through every hair texture
- Long cord and precise adjustment lever makes it professional-grade
What Could be Better
- Weight could be reduced
- Heating is an issue
My Experience with Andis Fade Master
Let’s now discuss the more practical bits about Andis Fade Master, how it feels to use first hand and what little things the advertisements might have forgotten to tell you.
Grooming Closeness
In terms of closeness, Fade Master definitely is one of the closest bulk hair removal clippers ever to exist in the market.
It’s not going to outclass dedicated zero-gapped clippers because of the blade type, still it’s good enough for a neat zeroed cut.
As I mentioned, the shortest cutting length you may utilize with this clipper is 0.2 mm and it can easily fade out the lines you drew beforehand with a quality outliner.
Other than that, zero fades are definitely an option using the narrow gap between the blade teeth, thus it’s deemed as the all-round fading tool.
Comfort on Scalp
This is an area you must understand that the raw blades of Fade Master won’t be highly comfortable on your scalp, especially if you’re not familiar with hair grooming.
The blades are so sharp that you might even accidentally cut yourself, therefore it’s definitely meant for professionals or experts in this regard.
Fade Master doesn’t come with any guide combs, so magnetic attachments can reduce this risk of cuts but that must be separately purchased.
Other than these factors, I experienced no sort of tugs or pulls while clipping hair, and that’s applicable for all hair types and densities.
Clipping Efficiency
You’re definitely not going to be using Fade Master as a bulk removal tool, although it can get the job done quite easily on balding hair.
Otherwise styling is the major priority for this hair clipper due to the thinner blade compared to its older sibling Andis Master.
The blades are agile and it doesn’t really take much time for you to erase the lines and convert it into a smooth blend.
So that’s another plus for using it inside a barbershop, to efficiently complete a hairdo so that you can swiftly move on to your next client.
Types of Haircuts
A wide number of haircuts can be performed using the Fade Master. As you know, high fades, low fades, smooth blends, tapers etc. are among the top list for the device to pull off.
Other than these cuts, you can also apply buzz cuts effortlessly, the only thing you need to know is about the length distribution of each cut.
Drawing intricate designs is not really the forte for Fade Master, but you can definitely line out your hair if you crank the lever down to the shortest length.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining Fade Master isn’t the easiest of tasks, that much I can tell you to be very frank.
Because this hair clipper will demand you to lubricate the blades after every two grooming sessions, otherwise the motor will fail to perform at its fullest capacity.
Also, for a thorough cleansing, you’ll have to remove the blades, brush off the dirt and put things back again with the same amount of tightness.
Otherwise, the motor will seem to drag a little and the tighter blades tend to be deadly in the hands of an amateur because of the increased sharpness, so that’s something you should be aware of.
How I Tested the Andis Fade Master?
From unboxing to writing this Andis Fade Master review, I personally checked everything about this hair clipper since I own one at my home.
The assessment took into consideration the clipper’s performance on different hair types, textures and hairstyles to realize its full extent.
Also, the stress tests figured out that Fade Master is quite loud and gets heated up quickly. On the other hand, it’s very durable from the tip of the blade till the tail of the robust power cord.
However, I would’ve been much happier if the socket was stronger. Although the entire device is made in the USA, only the power sockets are made in China and therefore lacks quality.
What I Like
- Diversity of hairstyles like fade or buzz
- Efficient over different hair textures or densities
- Close enough for skin fade, zero fade and tapers
What Could be Better
- Can be risky on skin if not used correctly
- Quite loud
Who is Andis Fade Master For?
Andis Fade Master is meant to be used by one group of consumers only and that is the professional barbers who know how to utilize the tool properly.
From fades to numbered haircuts, a wide potential would be available in one device, not to mention the flexibility of installing other Andis blades on this clipper.
Yes, you’ve read it right – Andis Fade Master can install the four basic Andis blades, one of which is the ‘000-1’ with Master, therefore buying Fade Master would be like buying a complete set.
Home groomers may find Fade Master useful only if they have sufficient skills. It’s not a budget hair clipper, so you can understand the depth of its performance and the expertise it requires.
Fade Master vs Wahl Senior: A Battle Between Two Giant Brands
| Feature/Quality | Andis Fade Master | Wahl Senior |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 22.9 oz | 13 oz |
| Blades | 00000-000 Master Fade Blade | (#2191) Adjustable 0000 Blade |
| Blade Material | Carbon-Steel | Carbon-Steel |
| Motor | Magnetic | v9000 |
| SPM/RPM | 7,200 – 14,000 SPM | 6,500 RPM |
| Battery Life | Corded (2.4 m) | 70 Minutes |
| Cutting Lengths | 0.2 mm – 0.5 mm | 0.63 mm – 0.89 mm |
| Price | See On Amazon | See On Amazon |
There’s a popular debate on different online platforms like Reddit or Quora asking if Andis Fade Master is the better choice over Wahl Senior.
I’d say there’s no easy answer to this riddle since both of these come with their own merits and demerits. But here we’re getting a chance to put these two devices side by side in the form of a Fade Master vs Wahl Senior contest!
Maneuverability
Let me start off with maneuverability and portability between the two classic hair clippers. Wahl Senior is definitely the easier one to move around as it weighs almost half as Fade Master.
Also, the cordless design also helps out in maneuvering since you won’t have to be cautious about a cord dangling at its tail.
Senior has a battery life of 70 minutes, which is very decent in my opinion. It can be used while charging and the cord length is 2.4 meters, the same as Fade Master.
But on the other hand, you have to consider the potential of Fade Master with its corded design. No risk of battery running out, motor performing relentlessly and definitely equals the discussion despite the higher weight.
Ergonomics
In my opinion, Wahl Senior is ergonomically the more sound one since the crevices, the premium plastic material and the weight makes gripping it much easier than Fade Master.
Also, another upside to using Senior is the fact that it doesn’t heat up as much as the Andis tool, making it easier to hold on for longer operations.
As opposed to Wahl Senior, Fade Master excels at durability and the aluminum handle will definitely outlast the Wahl device any day of the week.
Still, I feel more comfortable using Wahl Senior and the black tone definitely comes off as an added benefit.
Clipping Outcome
The outcomes in the two devices are quite different and we must discuss the blade units for these hair clippers.
While Fade Master has a 00000 blade, Senior’s blade is a 0000, therefore the general trims are going to be slightly longer.
However, Wahl Senior’s blade has a zero-overlap, meaning it can cater to balding looks and perform outlining better than Fade Master.
But Fade Master outclasses Senior when it comes to crafting different fades. The outcomes definitely show a difference in class, although that’s very negligible.
Skin Comfort
It’s a clear difference when you compare skin comfort in the Wahl Senior vs Andis Fade Master debate, because the former is one of the most soothing hair clippers ever to exist.
Senior is so comfortable and safe that I was able to use it for my beard maintenance, sadly I can’t do the same using Fade Master due to safety concerns.
But if you’re an expert and careful enough, the comfort levels can be matched to a certain degree, but I’d still pick Senior as the winner for this category.
Motor Power
In terms of motor power, Andis Fade Master has the more powerful motor of the two, edging out Wahl Senior by a very little margin.
Wahl Senior features one of the most powerful motors ever to exist in a cordless clipper, and definitely the fastest one in the Wahl line – the v9000 motor torquing at 6,500 RPM.
If you’re familiar with cordless clipper motors, you should know that the numbers are quite high for a clipper device that runs on battery.
However, if the corded or cordless concerns are not considered, Fade Master is the more powerful one among the two highly revered hair clippers.
Verdict
Both of these hair clippers can be used in barbershops, but Senior is also a great choice for home grooming, despite its higher price range.
Andis Fade Master is the winner of fade cuts that are mostly closer to skin, whereas Wahl Senior performs better if you’re considering longer blends because of the adjustable gap.
Additionally, Senior is also able to perform neat lines or balding cuts due to the zero overlap in the blade.
Considering all the advantages and disadvantages, my personal preference will go to Wahl Senior because it’s more versatile, safe and feels amazing to use!
FAQ
This FAQ section is full of information! Some information on Andis Fade Master you already know, and some that are new – all are answered under one banner here!
Q: Is the Andis Fade Master suitable for beginners?
Ans: I would say, no, Fade Master is not suitable for beginners. Since the blade is quite agile, the motor is power-hungry and the prowess you require to operate this thing, some degree of expertise is a must for using it correctly and safely.
Q: Can I zero-gap the Andis Fade Master?
Ans: Yes, you can manually zero-gap the Fade Master but that does increase the risk of accidental cuts. My opinion is not to manually reduce the gap between its blade teeth and rather settle for something that’s zero-gapped by industry standard.
Q: Is the Andis Fade Master loud?
Ans: Andis Fade Master isn’t the loudest hair clipper to ever exist as that spot belongs to Oster Classic 76. But still the device makes quite some noise which can be disorienting to some sensitive consumers.
Q: Is the Andis Fade Master suitable for all hair types?
Ans: Definitely! Andis Fade Master can trim through every hair type and density, all thanks to the sharpness of the blades and the high-torque motor that supports such operation.
Q: Does the Andis Fade Master overheat?
Ans: Yes, Fade Master heats up from time to time based on the trimming performance it has to go through and the duration it’s been running. You can try pausing every now and then to keep it cool but that doesn’t work highly effectively at all times.
Final Thoughts
Andis Fade Master is certainly a one-of-a-kind hair clipper in the grooming industry because of the performance the device is able to deliver.
It has versatility as well as flexibility of going out of its comfort zone to perform the duties other hair clippers can do as well.
Cuts like fade, buzz, taper are quite straightforward affairs for Fade Master, although you’d have to have some degree of expertise of using professional-grade hair clippers.
Therefore, I’ll recommend the use of Fade Master to be restricted to experienced groomers only, most of whom are barbers working clippers on a daily basis.
| Score | |
| Performance | 4.8 |
| Zero Gap Adjustment | 4.7 |
| Blade Sharpness | 4.7 |
| Ergonomics | 4.6 |
| Ease of Cleaning | 4.6 |
| Versatility | 4.6 |
| Overall | 4.67 |
| Verdict
Andis Fade Master comes with a very close cutting blade, fast motor, a metal housing that’s almost invulnerable but heats up as well, with an adjustment lever making different fade cuts possible and overall, caters to professionals because of the relentless and quality performance. |
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