Wahl Chrome Pro is one of the budget-end Wahl clippers that performs better than the price tag and can certainly become your sole instrument for regular hair grooming!
There are multiple variants of this hair clipper and honestly, the variant I’m currently reviewing is the best one on the market right now.
It comes as a complete set which renders aftermarket accessories purchase redundant. Getting everything needed as a groomer at this price certainly feels like a big win!
So, is the Chrome Pro actually as good as everyone else claims it to be? Let’s find out that answer in my in-depth Wahl Chrome Pro review today!
“Wahl Chrome Pro is a balanced out hair clipper with the capabilities of crafting out diverse haircuts, arrives at your doorstep with a complete set and offers great price to performance ratio for consumers who are looking for a budget option.”
Contents
Unboxing Wahl Chrome Pro
Once you receive the Wahl Chrome Pro package, you’ll notice it looks like a briefcase covered by Wahl featured paper skin.
Upon opening the box, the Wahl Chrome Pro clipper unit sits there with tons of accessories that should come in handy in different grooming scenarios.
There are 13 guide combs (1/16″ 1/8″ 1/4″ 3/8″ 1/2″ 5/8″ 3/4″ 7/8″ 1″, left & right ear taper guards, eyebrow cutting guard, ear trimming guard) inside the box.
On top of that, hair fastening clips, barber cape, two combs, cleaning brush and lubricating agent are part of the deal for your convenience!
What’s Inside the Box: Wahl Chrome Pro Corded Clipper, 13 Guide Combs, Two Barber Combs, Two Hair Fastening Clips, One Barber Cape, One Cleaning Brush, One Blade Oil, Storage Case.
Specifications: Wahl Chrome Pro
Technical specifications of Wahl Chrome Pro are briefly run down in this section for the general convenience of the potential consumers of this device.
- Dimensions: 19.6 x 6.1 x 4.5 cm
- Weight: 15.5 Ounces
- Color: Black & Mirror
- Cutting Guides: 13
- Blade Type: Precision Blades
- Motor Type: Electromagnetic Vibrating Motor
- Adjustable Lever: Yes (1-3 mm)
- Cord Length: 3.09 m
- Haircut Types: Fades, Tapers and Blends
Wahl Chrome Pro: Standout Features
For Wahl Chrome Pro, its design and ergonomics are definitely the standout features that need primary discussion before heading toward the more advanced ones.
Ecstatic Design
I’m absolutely in love with the design Wahl has brought on for the Chrome Pro despite it being a budget hair clipper. A merger of style and ergonomics certainly brings the best out of Wahl’s design team!
Modish Aesthetics
The aesthetics of Wahl Chrome Pro are truly remarkable! It’s not like any other Wahl clipper or even a clipper from a different brand.
What I find unique in the design is the combination of black and silver colors. The black part encompasses most of the chest and back region of the device.
Silver or shiny mirror resides on the outskirts of each side as well as the top part. This shiny design was featured in the more expensive Wahl devices like the Legend.
The blades also follow the silver accent, making it one of the finest looking duotone electric clippers you may ever come across!
Tactile Grip
The grip levels in the Chrome Pro are supreme! All credit is due to the tactile and ergonomic texture on the top black part in this tool.
This portion is crafted with rubber and it never feels like slipping out of hand. Also, the wider shape can attract a lot of consumers since it offers firmer grip than narrower handle designs.
Consumers with smaller fingers may find the shape not to their liking, so it’s quite subjective when it comes down to a full grip.
Additionally, the plastic sides as well as the back work in line with the rubber up front and the dedicated thumb rest spot simply seals the deal for me!
What I Like
- Alluring color scheme
- Superior ergonomics ensured by rubber padding
- Unique design as opposed to other clippers at this price
What Could be Better
- Large handle can be troublesome for certain consumers
Well-Made Build Quality
In hindsight, Wahl Chrome Pro may look like a metallic electric clipper but in actuality, the entirety of the housing is made with durable plastic.
I wouldn’t call this material to be the most premium ones that are seen in the finest hair clippers, but for the price, it’s still good enough!
Dropping on the counter from a short height shouldn’t do it any harm, but landing it on edges or on top of the blade will definitely leave some dent or fractures.
However, the rubber padding on the top part is quite well-made and I’ve seen no tearing off even after prolonged use or holding it with sweaty fingers for months.
What I Like
- Above average plastic build worth the price
- Can absorb some degree of damage
- Sweat won’t ruin the rubber ergonomics
What Could be Better
- Not a premium quality handle
Wahl Chrome Pro: Additional Features
This time round, I’ll be discussing the additional features of Wahl Chrome Pro that focuses more on the technical aspects of this device.
Hefty Weight
As you could see, Wahl Chrome Pro weighs 15.5 ounces without its cord. That’s quite heavy in my opinion even for a budget-end clipper.
But this weight tells you that Wahl isn’t messing around with cheaper parts and the weight mostly comprises the cord, motor and blade unit.
The heaviest clippers I’ve used often belong to Andis or Oster. Their average weight is around 18-20 ounces, so Chrome Pro falls slightly below that threshold.
In terms of maneuvering, Chrome Pro makes up for the weight with its tactile design and wider handle as it distributes the weight evenly.
Sharp Precision Blades
Wahl Chrome Pro is blessed with a set of Precision Blade made out of stainless steel. These blades are self-sharpening, so it minimizes the need for heavy-duty maintenance afterward.
Mind you, the blade is not zero gapped and crafting something like a zero buzz cut may not turn out the way other specialized clippers should deliver.
But in terms of sharpness, Chrome Pro carries one of the sharpest sets of blades from the brand! It doesn’t care whether your hair is fine or coily – chops through them all effortlessly at all times.
It means there’s no tug or pull through the densest of hair and professionals might find it a lucrative deal if they’re looking for a cheaper tool for regular use!
35% More Powerful Motor
You might know that Wahl’s generic motors aren’t as powerful as the Wahl Senior. But with a corded design, Chrome Pro seems to have walked past this particular issue.
In contrast to Wahl’s generic motor power, Chrome Pro claims to be 35% more powerful in delivering raw performance with a blade that’s able to keep up.
The motor is an Electromagnetic Vibrating Motor which Wahl brands as ‘POWERDRIVE heavy-duty motor’.
A little note is that this motor is going to be quite loud as opposed to the other cordless Wahl clippers due to the enigmatic motor power.
This unit is indeed meant to last a long time and doesn’t heat up as much as you’d experience with other corded hair clipper designs – so that’s a win!
Adjustment Lever
I’m not entirely impressed with the adjustment lever on the Wahl Chrome Pro. It’s made with plastic and feels like an addition which is less integrated with the handle.
I’ve never had any issue with plastic-made adjustment levers since some of the Wahl’s top-tier clippers like the Magic Clip went the same way.
But in the case of Chrome Pro, the lever feels a little cheap and vigorous usage may even cause damage in the long run.
In terms of cutting length, this lever can alter the range between 1 mm and 3 mm instantaneously. So the options of fading are endless with this tool!
Numerous Accessories
If I discuss accessories, it’s a dream for both home groomers and professionals who are looking for their first and complete set to jump right into business.
With a total of 20 accessories included inside the package (and the box itself being the 21st accessory), you won’t be needing anything extra for every possible haircut out there.
For those who are not familiar with clipper guard sizes, some learning could tell you precisely what to make of the 13 guide combs for Chrome Pro.
While the build quality of the Secure-Fit Clip guides isn’t something I’m satisfied with, the easy-to-read numbers for new consumers and the price for the set is still worth considering.
Corded Operation
You won’t find the liberty of a cordless hair clipper with the Chrome Pro since it’s connected to the power outlet with its 3.09 meter cable.
This is the longest power cord in the Wahl line and it certainly grants you some room to move around without sensing any limitation.
The cord is robust and the bit connected to the clipper is thick enough for safekeeping. You can safely keep the clipper running for prolonged duration without any risk in this case.
Also, the upside to being a corded clipper is the fact that there’s no concern for charging or battery life. You can keep it connected and running for as long as you’d like to!
What I Like
- Even weight distribution
- Sharp blades meant for every hair type
- Powerful, relentless motor with tons of accessories
What Could be Better
- Not zero gapped
- Slightly heavy
My Experience with Wahl Chrome Pro
After deciphering the technical parts of Wahl Chrome Pro, let me tell you how I felt after using this enigmatic yet affordable hair clipper from Wahl!
Clipping Efficiency
Clipping efficiency is often measured with three things – how sharp the blade unit is, the power of the installed motor and the width of the blade.
As you already know, the Precision Blades are sharp enough for any hair type and the motor prevents tugs or pulls with its raw power.
Pairing these up with the 45 mm blade width, I was able to enjoy a highly efficient clipping experience when it came to bulk removal.
However, specialized haircuts can require some extra time and care. If you’re maintaining balding hair with the Chrome Pro, you may want to settle for something leaning more toward a zero-gapped blade design.
Scalp Comfort
I’m not always a fan of those corded clippers when it comes down to scalp comfort. But to my surprise, this perfectly balanced Chrome Pro clipper does feel good on the scalp indeed!
The sharpness of the blade still ensures skin safety and with some controlled maneuvering, you may even complete a haircut without causing any sort of discomfort!
Only discomfort I sensed was when I clipped with a guard on and my hair was quite short, revealing my scalp to direct contact.
You can understand being an affordable hair clipper and bringing in basic plastic guards, these won’t be the most comfortable ones if you compare it to the more expensive alternatives.
Ergonomic Sensation
You’ve learned a great deal about Chrome Pro’s ergonomic prowess from the weight and design section, let me add slightly more to that.
The unique materials on the handle and the wider size reduces stress on the fingers and your need for a stronger grip, despite its weight class.
On top of that, the rubber and plastic material don’t heat up as much as the metal clippers do, so that’s another bonus point for longer grooming.
Yes, it’s not meant for lining up your hair – be that because of the blade gap or the lack of refined grip on the large handle – but you have other options for this refinement job!
Professional Experience
Is Wahl Chrome Pro just as good as a professional hair clipper? I wouldn’t say it’s good enough for a deluxe barber shop where the competitions are something like Oster Classic 76 or Wahl 5-Star products.
But it’s definitely worthy of being introduced to a local barbershop as a single purchase gives you a good clipper along with everything else you need with it.
You’re able to remove hair in bulks, blend in the hair with the adjustment lever, craft different types of fades and longer tapered looks.
Also, some of the lengthier buzz cuts can be drawn out using Chrome Pro. With its ability to trim every hair type, I’d say it’s one of the finest budget alternatives for professionals!
Cleaning & Maintenance
It’s an easy to maintain hair clipper and that’s one of the selling points brought forth by Wahl. With the cleaning brush, you’ll easily be able to dust off any stray hair after a grooming session.
Chrome Pro is not waterproof, although it’s remarkably capable of removing damp hair. That said, it doesn’t allow for washing so be wary of that.
You can use a rag to mop up the blades. Once things are cleaned up nicely, apply a couple drops of lubricating agent on the blade to keep things sharp.
The blades don’t come off the way it does with Oster Classic 76. You’ll have to unscrew to remove the blade and I won’t recommend that if you’re unfamiliar with blade alignment.
How I Tested Wahl Chrome Pro?
My testing process for Wahl Chrome Pro was done in two phases. For phase one, I tried personal maintenance and haircuts to see if I could recommend it for home use.
The second phase included grooming my brother’s hair for a month straight, once per week. As he has short hair, it was quite tricky to craft out refined styles since the blade is not zero gapped.
Additionally, I lent my Chrome Pro to my barber friend to receive insight from a professional’s point of view. While he never used it before, he did indeed love the fact that Wahl is delivering something so good at such an affordable price!
Finally, I read through the feedback from first-hand consumers of different age gaps, races and hair types. Most of them found this hair clipper to be a worthy-of-purchasing one!
What I Like
- Efficient clipping saves time
- Feels comfortable on the scalp without guards
- Easy to clean, able to serve professional duties
What Could be Better
- Guards can cause discomfort if pressed vigorously
Who is Wahl Chrome Pro For?
Wahl Chrome Pro is both for home groomers and professional users, but let me be a little bit more precise to help you out.
Home groomers who prefer to craft out different types of haircuts, have children who require regular grooming and who like experimenting with new cuts, this one’s for you!
Also, new professionals who are seeking a budget-end hair clipper that comes with a complete set to get things started, there’s nothing better than Chrome Pro at this price.
Since this clipper can cut diverse hair types – be that black men’s hair or fine hair – professionals will find it enjoyable to groom with!
Wahl Chrome Pro vs Elite Pro: Which One Should You Buy?
| Feature/Quality | Wahl Chrome Pro | Wahl Elite Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 15.5 oz | 17.6 oz |
| Blades | Precision Blades | Precision Blades |
| Motor | Electromagnetic Vibrating Motor | Electromagnetic Vibrating Motor |
| Cutting Length | 1 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Cutting Guides | 13 | 10 |
| Cutting Types | Fades, tapers and blends | Fades, tapers and blends |
| Battery Life | Corded (3.09 m) | Corded (3.09 m) |
| Price | See On Amazon | See On Amazon |
Many consumers wonder whether Wahl Chrome Pro is good enough for its price or should they pay almost double to grab the Elite Pro as the better alternative?
Well, there are a few factors that need to be addressed before answering this question – so let’s find out!
Common Features
A lot of the things in these two clippers are common with one another. For instance, both come bearing a full set of accessories, the blade as well as motor units are based off of the same technology, cord lengths are identical, so is the blade width and comfort level.
Then where are the differences?
Cutting Length
Despite carrying a Precision Blade in both of these units, the shortest cutting length in the Chrome Pro is 1 mm.
But on the other hand, Elite Pro can crank down this size using the lever at 0.8 mm, beating Chrome Pro in the race of fades, tapers or balding looks.
Motor Power
As I’ve discussed, Wahl Chrome Pro contains an Electromagnetic Vibrating Motor under the POWERDRIVE banner.
While the Elite Pro contains one with the same electromagnetic technology, it’s 15% faster than the older Chrome Pro.
Therefore, your haircuts are going to be slightly more efficient, blade units will be utilized at a higher degree and overall cater toward professional hair grooming in the bigger picture.
Ergonomics
Although Elite Pro is slightly heavier than Chrome Pro with its 17.6 ounces of weight, the overall maneuvering feels a little better in this clipper!
It has to do with the narrower handle design, premium build materials and the ergonomic textures that ensure maximum grip at all times.
One downside in the Elite Pro is that it lacks a dedicated thumb rest spot. Also, due to the plastic material, sweaty consumers might find it slipping once or twice whereas it’s never a problem with the Chrome Pro!
Accessories
Elite Pro comes packed inside a more robust and fine-looking storage case than Chrome Pro. Even though Elite Pro only brings 10 cutting guides as opposed to Chrome Pro’s 13, the guides are built with better materials.
I’d compare Elite Pro guides to the ones that come with Wahl Senior or Magic Clip. These guide combs are highly comfortable on the scalp, metal clip means increased durability and the lengths generate accurate cuts.
Therefore, you won’t ever feel the need to upgrade from these accessories in the future and thus the extra cost over Chrome Pro is justified.
Verdict: Chrome Pro is indeed a budget option for home groomers as well as professionals not willing to spend extra on their instrument.
I wouldn’t recommend Elite Pro to home groomers because that would simply be overkill for your necessities.
However, I’ll certainly encourage professional groomers to extend your budget if possible to reach out for the Elite Pro since it’s indeed the better and more durable clipper out of the two!
FAQ
I’ll answer some of the frequently asked questions online regarding the Wahl Chrome Pro hair clipper to grant you a better understanding of this unique device!
Q: Can the Wahl Chrome Pro be used for both hair and beard trimming?
Ans: The short answer is, yes, Chrome Pro can be used for both hair and beard trimming. However, holding such a powerful tool across your face requires some degree of skill and precision to avoid accidental cuts. So unless you’re absolutely sure, refrain from trimming your beard with it. If you must, at least attach a guide comb for safety.
Q: Is the Wahl Chrome Pro cordless?
Ans: No. There is no cordless edition of the Wahl Chrome Pro hair clipper. If you’re referring to the miniature Chrome Pro trimmer that looks a lot like the corded clipper itself, let me describe it. This mini trimmer comes as a part of the package if you were to buy the Wahl Chrome Deluxe Pro set which costs a little extra for this benefit.
Q: Can the Wahl Chrome Pro be used internationally?
Ans: Wahl Chrome Pro being a corded clipper, the voltage levels of the device must be met while plugging it into the power outlet. It depends on the region you’re purchasing it from. Since mine is bought from Amazon USA, it demands 110v to 120v and 60Hz.
Final Thoughts
This is where I conclude my Wahl Chrome Pro review article. There are many different hair clippers at the price of Chrome Pro, but all the features it contains outweigh the rest by a landslide.
The strongest suit for the Chrome Pro is its ergonomic properties. The ever slip-proof handle marks it easy for home groomers to learn their way into the world of hair grooming.
Also, the blades are sharp enough to classify it for professional grooming. Such a price to performance ratio is rare to find these days, especially if you’re keen on buying something from a revered brand like Wahl.
I believe your experience with the Wahl Chrome Pro is going to be a convenient and interesting one, opening doors for endless styling possibilities with all of the accessories it comes with!
| Score | |
| Clipping Quality | 4.6 |
| Length Adjustment | 4.5 |
| Blade Sharpness | 4.6 |
| Maneuverability | 4.6 |
| Versatility | 4.6 |
| Ergonomics | 4.9 |
| Overall | 4.63 |
| Verdict
Wahl Chrome Pro is a full-set electric hair clipper equipped with a powerful motor, sharp blades, robust cable, superior ergonomics and caters to both the needs of home groomers and professionals, delivering diverse haircut outcomes. |
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