Andis Fade Master Review: Head-to-Head with Wahl Senior

For the sharpest hair clipper that’s able to deliver ultra-tight fades along with close-cut hairdos, none can outperform the ever classy Andis Fade Master!

This one is a barber-level clipper which is designed to perform detailed work rather than bulk grooming or generic hair removal.

The way this device is created is intended for crisp lines, skin blends and fades of different sorts. It’s a corded device for relentless power, and the metal housing maintains the structural integrity.

So the question is: can barbers truly capitalize the performance of the Fade master, and is it worth buying for home use?

Andis Fade Master: Specs

Let me briefly discuss the technical specifications of the Andis Fade Master and assess the quantitative components.

• Dimensions: 15 x 5.5 x 3.8 cm
• Weight: 22.9 ounces
• Colors: 1 (Reflective Silver)
• Housing Material: Aluminum
• Blade Type: 00000-000 Master Fade Blade
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Accessories: 2
• Motor Power: 7,200 – 14,400 SPM
• Motor Type: Magnetic
• Cord Length: 2.4 meters
• Voltage: 115V/60Hz

Pros & Cons

I’ll give you a list of pros and cons about the Fade Master so that you can learn about its strengths and areas it comes shy at delivering!

What I Like

• Perfect for fading down to skin level
• Balding hair and precision grooming are among its strong suits
• High performing motor makes blending or fading a swift affair
• Robust housing protects the device in rough conditions
• One-handed design will let you alter blade gap within seconds
• Dedicated for professional work, ensuring top-class quality

Areas for Improvement

• Quite heavy due to metalling construction
• Not meant for bulk grooming or longer hair maintenance
• Can get hot and loud

Verdict: Andis Fade Master is built like an indestructible object and meant to be used inside a barber-shop to harness its prowess of blending and fading. For the price, no other hair clipper can perform such close and refined operations that ensure perfection at each go!

Unboxing the Andis Fade Master

Much like most other Andis devices, the Fade Master too comes home inside a slide out box in which a plastic holder hosts the hair clipper.

Andis tools as such are meant for professional environments, therefore they only include things like clipper oil or a blade guard.

If you feel obligated to buy yourself additional accessories like guide combs, there are aftermarket options to choose from.

But the Fade Master works better independently without any guards, making use of its blade, lever and motor power to craft its target hairdos. 

What’s Inside the Box: Andis Fade Master, 1 Blade Oil, 1 Blade Guard, User Manual.

Andis Fade Master: Which Features Stand Out?

Here you’ll find a discussion about the standout features in the Andis Fade Master, preceded by a highlight section for your convenience.

Feature Highlights

• 00000-000 Master Fade Blade goes super close to skin
• The cutting lengths range down to 0.2 mm with zero-gap blade
• Magnetic motor produces between 7,200 to 14,400 SPM
• Aluminum housing is compact, meant for one-handed operation
• Taper lever has 5-notches for precise length selection

Aluminum Aesthetics

Andis Fade Master is like an uncanny replication of Andis Master when it comes to housing design. From looks to feeling, there’s almost nothing to distinguish between the two.

It feels premium from both the design and feel of it, and the major credit for this is due to the aluminum construction.

With the rugged feel and shiny, reflective metal aesthetics, you should be able to discern the ‘Fade Master’ text upon its chest to confirm the device identity.

One-Handed Grip Design

Despite the higher weight, Fade Master is created following the vision of a one-handed design. It's surprisingly compact and you can firmly wrap all of your fingers fully around its handle.

There’s no gripping textures or enhanced points of contact, you’ll solely need to rely on the shape and size to keep it stuck to your fingers.

However, it does respond to minute touches and delivers precise strokes - a design masterpiece that can only be achieved by brands like Andis.

Superior Build Quality

One of the major reasons, other than the quality of haircuts, that consumers lean toward Andis Fade Master is its build quality.

Constructed like an everlasting machine draped in robust aluminum, the Fade Master resists fall damage and statistically, it survives the perils of time better than other professional hair clippers.

Barbers tend to take advantage of this fact as a lot of them proudly claim that their Fade Master has lasted for almost a decade and is still going strong!

23 Ounces - Quite High in Weight

22.9 ounces for a hair clipper is something you should take into consideration. Over prolonged use, it’s going to fatigue your fingers and wrist.

Also, you can’t really call it lightweight or travel-friendly. But a positive interpretation of this higher weight is its stability - your strokes are going to be measured as your movements are counterbalanced by its weight.

This weight class is among the few considerations that classify Fade Master as a tool for experts. Beginners will certainly have to go through a learning curve to harness its full potential!

00000-000 Master Fade Blade is Sharp!

The blade unit says it all! A 00000 to 000 blade unit trims between the lengths of 0.2 to 0.5 mm. This range itself is the testament of how close your blends and fades are going to perform.

With a stainless steel construction, Fade Master’s blade is zero-overlapped and zero looks are part of its specialty. That’s why a lot of balding men these days are considering Fade Master as their go to clipper.

But you should note that Fade Master is not meant for bulk hair removal, nor does it cater to longer hair grooming.

Taper Lever with 5-Notches for Blends

A tiny taper lever is placed on the left hand side of the Fade Master housing. You can engage this lever with the same hand you’re gripping the tool.

There are 5 increment points where the lever locks on between the 00000 and 000 length. This gives you a measured way of performing haircuts and mimicking the identical results across the board.

With the blade’s dynamic range, closeness and a precise lever as such, Fade Master lives up to its name by rendering versatile fade haircuts its speciality.

Magnetic Motor with Higher Torque

You might be wondering - will such fine blades be able to perform well over African or in general coarse hair?

The answer is - yes! Even though the blades are finer than other robust hair clippers, Fade Master does have a super sharp set which is backed up by an equally powerful motor.

Its magnetic motor can generate between 7,200 to 14,400 SPM which is more than sufficient to cover coarse, kinky or textured hair - but the length you’re dealing with must be short!

2.4 Meter Cord Delivers Power

A lot of the barber clippers in the world are connected to permanent power cords for constant performance, and Fade Master is no different.

It has a thick, 2.4 meter power cord which I believe gives you sufficient room to move around a consumer.

As per voltage goes, Fade Masters purchased from the USA come with 115V/60Hz requirement, so make sure your electric output matches with this.

Andis Fade Master: My First-Hand Experience

We’ve arrived at the segment where I discuss my hands-on experience of using the Andis Fade Master. My knowledge has blended in inputs from other long-term consumers for a more thorough insight!

Experience Highlights

• Closeness of the blades is unmatched, leaves behind a subtle stubble
• If you’re an amateur, it could nick the skin you’re operating on
• Crafting and finalizing haircuts are very swift, thanks to the motor unit
• Ideally meant to be used by barbers
• Challenges like heated housing, hefty weight, sweaty hand slippage persist

Zero-Gap Closeness

With the blade teeth gap fully closed, Andis Fade Master becomes a purely zero-overlapped hair clipper capable of precision grooming.

While fancy outline works are challenging due to its size and weight, creating even lines at the hair fringes are definitely part of its excellence.

0.2 mm being its closest cut settings, expect skin fades, tapers and bald looks to be more neat and premium. Fade Master can also function as a finisher due to this quality.

Stainless Steel Blade against Skin

Stainless steel blades are generally the sharpest and therefore, the riskiest to get tightly against scalps, especially if the closeness goes so deep as a Fade Master.

I’d recommend only experts to use it at such a closer range as they possess the expertise to maneuver around without causing nicks on the scalp.

Also, not all sensitive scalps are ready to be operated using a Fade Master. Detailing necklines or sideburns, thus, should be proceeded with caution.

Efficient for Shorter Hair

Andis Fade Master performs the finest with optimum delivery on shorter hair. The fine teeth work their magic as they comb through and trim shorter hair of all variants effortlessly.

Since you’ll either work on short hair or have applied a bulk trim with another device, Fade Master intervenes to refine and enhance that look.

Whether you’re fading, outlining, tapering or whatnot, the overall time spent with the Fade Master is no longer than 10 minutes, a few minutes less if you’re highly familiar with the tool.

Thrives inside Barbershops

Based on the construction, blade sharpness and dynamics, paired with the powerful motor - it’s easy to discern that the Fade Master belongs inside a barbershop.

The price point is not really that high, as there are tools like Oster or Wahl that are costlier than Fade Master even when the tools are dedicated to fades or blends.

Such a top performing and durable tool is what barbers expect to own and the promise of lasting for years is one that’s evident in many, many cases!

Challenges: Heat, Weight, Noise, Housing Texture

I should point out a few challenges you should anticipate with the Fade Master. If you let it run long enough, the metal housing can heat up and make you feel uncomfortable.

The solution is to let it breathe. That’s why Andis has made it into a one-handed design with easy access to the power slider - turn it off as soon as it’s away from the hair, and it’ll remain cool!

Also, there’s no workaround for the higher weight other than completing your job faster. If you have sweaty palms, keep a napkin to wipe frequently, otherwise you might lose traction on the smooth, metal handle.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning out the Fade Master is relatively straightforward. You can use a cleaning brush to remove the stray hair. 

Since the blade teeth are finer than most units, the stray hair comes off pretty easily without much resistance.

Oil frequently to keep the blades smooth and rust-free. Ensure safe storage in a dry, secure location to make it last longer!

How was the Andis Fade Master Tested?

I ran my usual tests with the Fade Master to begin with: inspecting the handle, testing grip, assessing durability and blade sharpness, and so on.

Additionally, it was put through extensive tests like skin fades and bald transitions for both self-trimming and in the hands of a barber, across versatile hair conditions.

For longer hair, it required extra passes and it’s something no one will recommend doing. Sessions that lasted between 15-20 minutes, we experienced a rise in temperature, vibration and higher noise levels.

Another underrated factor is blade alignment. If you don’t know how to do it, consult an expert, because a zero-gap device as such can be deadly with misaligned blades.

Who Should Consider Buying Andis Fade Master?

Hopefully you could come to the conclusion that the Fade Master is meant for barbers or professionals who perform tons of skin fades, bald lines, precision grooming and tapering.

 Home users with advanced level proficiency of handling such a specialized hair clipper can consider buying it - the average price point is certainly an attractive aspect.

Also, men who require very short hair outcomes and crisp transitions other than going fully zero cut - Fade Master can certainly add that variety of flavor for you.

Beginners, home groomers who want a lightweight cordless tool, or traveling groomers - you should keep away from the Fade Master.

Andis Fade Master vs Wahl Senior: A Zero-Gap Battle

Such a close-cutting operation has its counterpart, and Fade Master has found its worthy opponent in Wahl Senior from their 5-star series.

Here, I’ll be putting the Fade Master side by side with Wahl Senior to understand their similarities, differences until I reach a verdict you can either agree or disagree with. 

Similarities

• Both are made as professional hair clippers
• Excels at fading and tapering
• Equipped with powerful motor to trim any texture of hair
• Requires frequent maintenance like cleaning, oiling, blade adjustment

Wahl and Andis have created the two hair clippers in concern for barbershop use. They’re premium in each aspect, from blade design to housing materials.

Fade Master and Senior are experts of fading and tapering utilizing their adjustable stainless steel blade system and closer teeth gap. 

Their motors are similarly matching in power output, deriving the ability to universally operate on different hair scenarios including coarse, textured and more relaxed hairs.

As they’re very sharp and powerful, it’s advisable that an expert attempts to utilize these two tools - beginners should practice with less agile hair clippers beforehand. 

Differences

• Fade Master goes much closer to skin with its 00000 length
• Fade Master is more robust due to full aluminum build
• Fade Master lever locks in 5 positions, allowing greater control over blends
• Senior is lighter in weight, cordless and easy to maneuver
• Senior can perform more versatile jobs like bulk trimming and fading
• Senior makes less sound, heats up less and is deemed as an all-round device

You can see that the Fade Master blade is designed to reach very close to the skin with its blade gap closed - a proper zero-gap tool.

Wahl Senior, although seemingly zero-overlapped, fails to match the closeness offered by Fade Master as the former’s lowest setting is at 000 length. 

Fade Master feels more robust - aluminum all around. Senior has aluminum at the base but its frontal area is crafted with durable plastic.

Due to this, the Senior heats up less. Its unique ergonomic curves offer better grip and the lighter weight class of only 13.1 ounces make longer operations much more tolerable. 

While the motor powers look similar, Fade Master’s magnetic motor delivers more crisp results, whereas the Senior’s rotary motor is capable of pushing through thick, longer hair.

Senior is more maneuverable, self-cuts are more convenient and the noise levels are tolerable - aspects that are limited in the Fade Master.

Key Takeaway: Andis Fade Master is a specialist fade tool, a revered device for shorter, skin close cuts, fades and blends, and not easy to handle by beginners. Wahl Senior is to be considered for its all-round performance from bulk trimming to versatile fading. It’s cordless, lightweight and more balanced - thus the higher price than Fade Master.

FAQ

Let me address some frequently asked questions regarding Andis Fade Master to elucidate on this fine specimen that’s adored by barbers worldwide.

Q: How to keep Andis Fade Master cool for prolonged grooming?

Ans: Other than properly cleaning and maintaining the Fade Master, you can try some minor tricks to keep it cool. Obtain a cooling spray and apply it periodically when you’re operating. Let it rest between making passes on hair. Adjust blade tension to the proper limit and finally, open the blade gap instead of setting it up close to reduce friction between the teeth.

Q: Can you use the Fade Master for beard trimming?

Ans: Well, you can technically use the Fade Master for beard trimming, but it’s certainly something I won’t recommend. Fade Master is a very sharp and powerful tool - not meant to be used against your delicate facial skin. It’s better if you look into dedicated beard trimmers for better and safer operations.

Q: How often should the blade tension be adjusted?

Ans: If you’re a barber, you probably know the drill already. Still, let me reiterate - check for blade tension at the start of each grooming session and after lubricating the blades. Other than that, if the noise increases past the normal threshold or if it starts heating up sooner than usual, you should inspect the blade tension.

Concluding Remarks

My Andis Fade Master review has uncovered every bit of mystery surrounding this device - from the absolute best to the dark side that none would like to address.

Despite the drawbacks, barbers still swear by Fade Master because it delivers the cleanest possible skin to blade fade transition.

Additionally, the precision you get to experience and the superior control when you’ve mastered its techniques, you won’t find other hair clippers to satisfy your needs.

The so-called drawbacks are generally related to the technique and unrelated to performance - let that sink in, and you’ll realize its true potential!