If you are trying to decide which animal clippers to buy in the Oster A5 vs A6 comparison, you are in the right place. While these are two very similar machines, they are also quite different. Both of these machines are very good but understanding how the differences will affect performance may sway you in one direction or the other.
I wish that I knew about either clippers before my Mom recently made an animal clippers purchase. Those cheap units that you find at local department stores aren’t going to cut it, pun intended. Read through the information below to find out which of these Oster animal shavers is best for you.
Oster A5 vs A6: Which Animal Clipper Set Should You Buy…?
Appearance and Size
On the other hand, the A6 looks more modern. It is black with blue accents. The shape is designed with contours to help you hold the clippers more comfortably. Looks aren’t very important for machines like this, but when all else is equal it can be a deciding factor. These machines are about the same size. But the A6 is smaller and much lighter in weight. In fact, it weighs less than a pound. Oster states that this is their lightest clipper. This light weight is important to reducing hand fatigue.
Performance
After doing the research, I think that you will be satisfied with the performance of either machine. They both operate at high rpm’s. The A5 has two speeds. On low it will generate 3,000 rpm’s and on high you will get 4,000 rpm’s. The A6 has 3 speeds. On low you will get 3,100 rpms, medium gets you 3,600, and on high you get 4,400 rpm’s.
So, with the Oster A6 you will get about a 10% increase in output which could could make your tougher jobs a little easier. Overall, though, I don’t think that you will experience a particularly noticeable difference in performance.
Running Hot…
Both of these clippers will get hot. When a machine is running steadily at 4,000 rotations per minute, it will get hot. The A6 has a high-efficiency motor that will run more smoothly and stay cooler for longer. Even still, it will get hot. It might be wise to buy cooling gel that available for purchase.
Matted Fur…
You might be interested in these machines for clipping matted fur of your pet or farm animal. The best approach seems to be to gently pull the matted clump away from the skin, then cut the hair close to skin. If you must use clippers to tackle this job, then you must take particular care. I think that both of these machines will perform equally on matted fur.
Click here to get details on the Oster A5
Click here to get details on the Oster A6
Noise and Vibrations
Some people are more sensitive to noise and vibrations than others. Whenever I operate high rpm machines for a long period of time I end up with a numbing sensation in my hands. It happens when I use my weed whacker, snow blower, and even my lawn mower. The feeling eventually subsides but it can be annoying. The A6 comes equipped vibration isolators. This will make operation a lot more comfortable as it will reduce both the noise level and the vibrations.
Detachable Blade System
Power Cord
Both of these machines have a 12-foot power cord which is important depending on what kind of access you have to a power supply.
Durability
I believe in the Oster brand. I know that my uncles still have Oster clippers from decades ago that were passed down from my Grandfather. But, if you had to choose one for durability, you’d have to go with the A5 as it is more proven over time.
Warranty
Both of these clipper sets come with a 12-month warranty.
Summary
When considering the two clipper sets in the Oster A5 vs A6 comparison I’d go with the A6. It’s the upgrade, and I think that it is worthwhile. Sometimes upgrades don’t make any measureable difference in performance.
But that isn’t the case here. The A6 is more powerful, it is lighter in weight, has a more comfortable design and it is better looking. The A6 won’t get as hot as the A5 nor will it vibrate or make as much noise. I think that the A6 is the obvious choice here.
Oster A5 – Check Price
Oster A6 – Check Price
By the way, if you are looking for an automatic litterbox, check out this scoofree vs littermaid comparison.
Thank you for this article. It is well written, organized, and very educational. I appreciate your time in helping me to understand what others seem to already know.
Nice review. Thanks.