If you’ve ever wrestled with keeping your pet looking tidy, battling mats, or just trying to give them a simple trim at home, you know the frustration. I certainly did. My furry friend always seemed to get shaggy at the most inconvenient times, and trips to the professional groomer were adding up quickly. Finding a reliable way to manage their coat myself felt like a necessity, otherwise, those knots and overgrown fur could lead to discomfort and skin issues.
Considerations Before Investing in Pet Grooming Clippers
For anyone contemplating taking pet grooming into their own hands, especially with a detachable blade clipper, there are a few crucial factors to weigh. The primary motivation for most is saving money and the convenience of grooming on your schedule, plus it can be a bonding experience with your pet if done correctly. These tools are designed for pet owners tired of frequent professional grooming costs or those whose pets get stressed by the grooming salon environment.
An ideal candidate for home grooming with a clipper like this is someone patient, willing to learn proper technique, and whose pet tolerates being handled. If your pet is highly fearful, aggressive, or has extremely sensitive skin, professional grooming might still be the safer option unless you can slowly acclimatize them. Someone looking to do quick touch-ups or full body clips on various coat types could benefit greatly.
Before buying, think about:
* Corded vs. Cordless: Do you need maximum mobility, or is constant power more important? Cordless offers flexibility but requires charging.
* Battery Life: How long can you groom on a single charge? Is the battery replaceable?
* Speed Settings: Different speeds are better for different coat types and areas. More speeds offer greater versatility.
* Blade Type and System: Are the blades detachable? What material are they (steel, ceramic)? Do they stay cool? Is the system compatible with standard blades?
* Weight and Ergonomics: Will the clipper be comfortable to hold and maneuver for extended periods?
* Noise Level: Quieter clippers can be less stressful for sensitive pets.
Introducing the Andis Pulse Zr II Clipper
Stepping into the world of serious home grooming tools led me to explore options like the Andis 79170 Pulse Zr II 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper. This cordless animal/dog grooming clipper positions itself as a versatile, powerful tool capable of tackling virtually any hair type. It promises professional-grade performance and convenience for home use. When you purchase this specific model, you typically get the clipper itself, a Size No. 10 CeramicEdge blade, blade oil, a charging stand, and a hanger loop.
This particular clipper seems well-suited for dedicated pet owners or novice groomers who need a reliable, powerful tool for various breeds and coat conditions, from routine trims to tackling thicker or matted fur. It might be less ideal for someone just looking for a very basic, occasional touch-up tool, as its feature set and price point are aimed at more serious use.
Here’s a quick look at its key points:
Pros:
* Cordless operation offers excellent freedom of movement.
* Removable lithium-ion battery allows for quick swaps and extended runtime (with a second battery).
* Multiple speeds provide versatility for different coat types.
* Ceramic blade runs cooler and stays sharper longer than traditional steel.
* Compatible with a wide range of Andis detachable blades.
Cons:
* Higher price point compared to basic clippers.
* Some users report issues with battery charging or longevity over time.
* Might feel lighter or less robust in hand compared to older, corded professional models for some users.
* Can get clogged with hair, requiring frequent cleaning during use.
Diving Deep: Features and Benefits
Having used the Andis 79170 Pulse Zr II for a significant period, I can attest to how its features translate into real-world grooming benefits.
Cordless Convenience with Removable Battery Power
One of the absolute standout features of the Andis Pulse Zr II is its cordless nature. If you’ve ever tried grooming a wiggly pet while tethered to a wall outlet, you know the struggle. The cord gets tangled around legs (yours and theirs), limits your movement, and can be a tripping hazard. Going cordless gives you unparalleled freedom to maneuver around your pet, reach awkward angles, and groom wherever is most comfortable for both of you – no more searching for an outlet with enough space.
But the Pulse Zr II takes this a step further with a *removable* lithium-ion battery. This isn’t always standard on cordless clippers. The benefit here is huge: if you have a long grooming session ahead or are tackling a large or heavily coated dog, you’re not beholden to the 3-hour runtime of a single charge. With an extra battery on hand (sold separately), you can simply swap a depleted one for a fresh one and keep going with minimal downtime. This is a game-changer for anyone grooming multiple pets or breeds that require extensive clipping. The stated 3-hour run-time per charge is quite generous for most single grooming sessions on average-sized dogs, but the removable battery option future-proofs your grooming marathon capabilities. The convenience of a cordless animal/dog grooming clipper truly shines here.
Powerful Rotary Motor and Adaptable 5-Speed Control
At the heart of the Andis 79170 Pulse Zr II is a powerful rotary motor. Rotary motors are known for their balance of power, speed, and torque, making them suitable for handling various hair types, including thicker or matted coats that might bog down less powerful clippers. This is essential when dealing with different breeds or tackling areas prone to matting.
Adding to this power is the 5-speed adjustability, ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 strokes per minute (SPM). This feature is incredibly versatile. The lower speeds (like 2,500 SPM) are great for sensitive areas, detailed work, or pets who are nervous about the vibration and noise. They generate less heat, which is crucial for preventing skin irritation. The higher speeds (up to 4,500 SPM) provide the extra cutting power needed to glide through dense, thick, or even slightly matted coats more efficiently. Being able to adjust on the fly means you’re not stuck with a single speed that’s either too slow for heavy work or too fast and hot for delicate areas. This range of speeds significantly improves both the quality of the groom and the comfort level for the animal. Using a multi-speed detachable blade clipper like this allows you to tailor the performance to the specific task and coat condition.
The Detachable Blade System and CeramicEdge Technology
The Andis Pulse Zr II utilizes a popular and professional-grade detachable blade system. This means you can easily snap blades on and off without needing screws or tools. This system offers several key advantages. Firstly, it makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze; you can pop the blade off to brush away trapped hair and apply oil more effectively. Secondly, it allows you to quickly change blade sizes depending on the desired cut length and area of the body. The system is compatible with all Andis UltraEdge, CeramicEdge, and ShowEdge blades, giving you a vast range of options from close cuts (like a #40 blade) to longer finishes (with comb attachments over a #10 or #30 blade).
The clipper comes equipped with a Size No. 10 CeramicEdge blade. Ceramic blades are a step up from traditional steel in a significant way: heat. Friction between metal blades generates heat, which can quickly become uncomfortable or even burn a pet’s skin during prolonged use. Ceramic blades dissipate heat much more effectively and run cooler than steel equivalents. They also tend to stay sharper for longer periods. While any blade will heat up eventually, a ceramic blade provides a longer working time before you need to swap it out or cool it down using a blade coolant spray. This feature is a major plus for the comfort of your pet during grooming sessions.
Ergonomics and Build Feel
Holding and using a clipper for an hour or more requires comfortable ergonomics. The Pulse Zr II is designed to be relatively lightweight and easy to handle. Its dimensions (around 8x1x1 inches) contribute to a sleek profile that fits well in the hand. While some users might perceive its weight or material choice as less ‘heavy-duty’ than older professional corded models (like some Oster A5 variants), its construction feels sturdy enough for regular home use. The cordless design inherently makes it feel more balanced and less cumbersome than wrestling a cord. The rubberized grip areas help maintain control, even when dealing with slippery pet hair.
Practical Indicators and Included Accessories
The inclusion of an LED charge light is a simple but useful feature, letting you know the battery status so you’re not caught off guard mid-groom. It signals when charging is needed and when it’s complete. The kit also includes blade oil, which is absolutely essential for maintaining blade sharpness and reducing heat – never skip oiling your blades! The charging stand provides a convenient place to store and power up the clipper between uses, keeping it ready to go. The hanger loop is a thoughtful addition for storage, keeping your workspace tidy.
While the Andis Pulse Zr II 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper offers significant advantages with its cordless power, speed versatility, and cooler-running ceramic blade system, it’s worth noting that, like any tool, it requires proper care (cleaning, oiling) to perform optimally and last. Occasional issues like hair clogging the blade area (especially with guide combs) are common with most clippers and require pausing to clean.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking around online, the general sentiment towards the Andis Pulse Zr II appears mostly positive, reflecting its strong performance for home grooming. Many pet owners highlight how effectively it cuts through various coat types, drastically reducing grooming time compared to less powerful tools they’ve used before. They appreciate the convenience of the cordless design and the smooth clipping action. However, some reviews do echo concerns about the product’s long-term durability, with a few users reporting issues with the battery or charging function developing after some use, requiring support or repairs. A small number also felt the build quality wasn’t as robust as anticipated for the price, comparing it less favorably to older, heavier professional models. Despite these concerns, many find the clipping performance itself to be excellent and a significant improvement for managing their pet’s coat at home.
Final Considerations
Dealing with an overgrown or matted pet coat isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it can lead to discomfort, skin infections, and even mobility problems for your furry friend. Regular grooming is a vital part of pet care that needs to be addressed. The complications of not grooming can be painful for your pet and costly for you in veterinary bills.
The Andis 79170 Pulse Zr II 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper stands out as a great fit for solving this problem for several reasons. Its powerful motor combined with variable speeds makes it adaptable to many coat types. The cordless design offers unparalleled freedom, and the removable battery system minimizes downtime. Plus, the use of the CeramicEdge blade helps keep things cooler for your pet’s comfort. If you’re ready to invest in a capable tool to take charge of your pet’s grooming needs, click here to check it out.