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The Wahl 5-Star Magic Clip Cordless is simply an outstanding, professional use, cordless hair clipper.
This little power-house of a clipper is suited for barbershops as it is for home use.
It has been one of Wahl’s fastest-selling, men’s hair clippers since it was first introduced in 2016.
The Cordless Magic Clip features a unique stagger tooth blade – the ‘crunch blade’, allowing for a textured cut and precision fades.
It also has a powerful rotary motor, for bulk hair cutting, and a lightweight design for easier handling and less fatigue.
I’ve had my Magic Clip for a couple of years now and it’s never let me down.
For the average guy or gal who wants a full haircut, or to trim their hair in between barber visits, this machine is as good as it gets for a cordless clipper.
In a hurry?
Buy the Wahl 5 Star Magic Clip Cordless from Amazon.
- PROFESSIONAL PRECISION: 5-Star Magic Clip is a heavy duty, adjustable 5-Star corded, or cordless commercial grade hair clipper meant for cutting thick hair and is perfect for blending and fades
- STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL: The 5-Star Magic Clip features high precision, zero-overlap blades, a taper lever for easy fading and blending, and a lithium ion battery for a 90+ minute run time per charge
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: The clipper, 8 attachment guides (1/8”, ¼”, 3/8”, ½”, 5/8”, ¾”, 7/8”, & 1”), charging transformer, styling comb, brush, blade oil, red blade guard, and operating instructions
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This Magic Clip review covers the features, accessories, pros and cons, and like-for-like comparisons of similar cordless hair clippers.
In This Guide..
Features
Powerful Rotary Motor
The cord/cordless Magic Clip uses a rotary motor.
Despite a slower blade speed than the corded version – (which has a V9000 electromagnetic motor), rotary motors are recognized as a more powerful, stronger motor.
The rotary motor in the Magic Clip doesn’t get bogged down cutting thick or wet hair.
The rotary motor also runs cooler than a magnetic motor – keeping the clipper body and blade from getting too hot.
The strong motor makes it ideal for cutting all multi-cultural hair types.
Thick/coarse hair, Afro, and similar hairstyles are suitable for this clipper.
Stagger-Tooth ‘Crunch Blade’
The Stagger-Tooth Crunch Blade feeds the hair faster; improving blending and creating texture while cutting.
This blade is also designed to create seamless blends when hard or soft line fading.
It has a thin bottom blade 13˚ bevel with deeper teeth – This is simply the angle of the cutting blade.
A staggered top blade alternates with long and short blade teeth – which is ideal for creating texture and bulk hair removal.
The blade can be adjusted to a zero-gap, for super-close, skin-tight fades.
Ceramic Blade Alternative
The steel blades on the Magic Clip heat up quite a bit.
Any stainless steel blade will do the same and can potentially get too hot to use against the skin.
You have 2 choices:
- Use a cooling spray
- Replace the steel blades with ceramic ones
This ceramic blade is an ideal replacement for your cordless Magic Clip steel ones:
Ceramic blades are stronger and do not conduct heat as steel does.
Swapping your steel Magic Clip blades with ceramic ones is a good option if you use them professionally.
Guide Combs
You get a full range of guide combs (or guards) –
- No. 1 – 1/8″ (3 mm)
- No. 2 – ¼” (6 mm)
- No. 3 – 3/8″ (10 mm)
- No. 4 – ½” (13 mm)
- No. 5 – 5/8″ (16 mm)
- No. 6 – ¾” (19 mm)
- No. 7 – 7/8″ (22 mm)
- No. 8 – 1″ (25 mm)
These standard guards aren’t Wahl’s best guide combs by any stretch of the imagination, but they do a job.
If you intend to use these clippers professionally, I would certainly advise you to upgrade to Wahl’s premium guards.
For home use, they are fine, but the premium versions clip in much tighter and are more robust. (see accessories below).
Taper Lever
The Magic Clip has a standard taper lever giving you the ability to blend and create texture without changing guide combs.
The taper lever adjusts the cutting length with a guide comb in place, allowing for greater precision and variation in cutting lengths.
My Magic Clip has a black taper lever, but the newer ones are brown.
Battery
The new generation lithium-ion battery provides up to 90 minutes of run time with 120 minutes charging time.
That’s a lot of cuts before you even need to think about charging it up or connecting the power cord.
When I cut my own hair it often takes me 30 – 45 mins, so 90 minutes is perfect for a complete job.
Hard Plastic Casing
It’s worth mentioning the casing of the cordless Magic Clip.
The complete casing is made from durable, hardened plastic which doesn’t conduct the heat as much as metal clippers.
Ergonomic Design
Most modern clippers are well designed with user comfort in mind.
The Magic Clip is light and perfectly balanced to give you a lot of control.
There are ergonomic indents on the underside for your fingers to sit in.
This little feature makes the clipper much easier to use over long periods.
Cord Or Cordless Operation
Since Wahl produced the cord cordless Magic Clip, they have been a firm favorite with professionals and for home use.
The Wahl Magic Clip (original corded version) is still available and is still a great clipper for the price.
If you don’t mind the trailing power cord, then certainly consider this long-time favorite clipper.
Obviously, you’re here because you’re considering the cordless version.
Having the cordless model has obvious benefits to a trailing power cord.
It gives you much more freedom of movement and control.
However, there may be times when the power starts to drain and you need that extra boost without having to wait for the clipper to be recharged.
The cord/cordless Magic Clip allows you to attach the 8-foot long cord, plug it in, and carry on as a corded clipper – ensuring constant, 100% power.
A great feature for busy barbershops and salons.
A blue led light comes on when it’s charging.
How To Zero Gap Your Wahl Cordless Magic Clip
Zero gapping your clipper blades enables you to cut as close as possible to the skin, as the cutting blade moves almost level with the bottom blade.
It is a common practice to zero-gap the blades to achieve very sharp edging or for close blending or fading.
A lot of people zero gap for shaving the head, and the Magic Clip will give you a near bald look when the blades are zero gapped.
You need to be very careful not to have the cutting blade and bottom blade exactly flush together, or you may cut the skin.
Here’s a good video showing you how to zero gap the Wahl Magic Clip Cordless..
Specifications
Weight: 10.2 oz (289 grams)
Length: 6.25 inches
What Is Included In The Box
- Cordless Magic Clip hair clipper
- 8 attachment combs
- Blade guard
- Blade oil
- Cleaning brush
- Instruction booklet
- Charger
- 8ft charging cord
- 1 year Wahl warranty
Accessories For Wahl 5-Star Magic Clip
Replacement Blades
You can easily purchase a replacement blade for your Wahl Magic Clip.
In fact, it’s always a good idea to have a spare one, just in case you drop and damage your blade when you need it the most.
Guide Combs
Although the Magic Clip Cordless comes with standard guide combs, these Wahl Professional Premium Black combs with metal clips, are a must if you intend to use these clippers on a regular basis.
There are mixed reviews regarding the guide combs supplied, with some folk complaining they aren’t a tight enough fit.
A good quality set of guide combs are a worthwhile investment.
Wahl Clipper Oil
Maintenance of your hair clipper involves using oil.
You need to oil the blade before and after every cut.
The Magic Clip comes supplied with a small bottle, but you’ll soon need more.
The Wahl Hair Clipper Blade Oil is my top choice, every time.
Travel Case
If you want to store your Magic Clip or travel with it, This Aproca travel/storage case is perfect.
Replacement Housing / Clipper Cover
Want to upgrade your Wahl Magic Clipper casing?
You can choose from a number of funky colors, or even have clear plastic, to show off the inner working parts.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons of the Wahl 5-Star Cordless Magic Clip
Pros
- Strong, dependable rotary motor
- Unique cutting blade making fades easier and more precise.
- 90 minutes cord-free run time
- Can be used cordless or corded
- Quiet(ish)
- Light weight – Makes for better handling and less fatigue
- Ability to zero-gap blades
- 8 foot, commercial grade cord – if needed
Cons
- No stand or storage case
- Supplied guards not the best
Wahl 5-Star Cordless Magic Clip on Amazon
- PROFESSIONAL PRECISION: 5-Star Magic Clip is a heavy duty, adjustable 5-Star corded, or cordless commercial grade hair clipper meant for cutting thick hair and is perfect for blending and fades
- STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL: The 5-Star Magic Clip features high precision, zero-overlap blades, a taper lever for easy fading and blending, and a lithium ion battery for a 90+ minute run time per charge
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: The clipper, 8 attachment guides (1/8”, ¼”, 3/8”, ½”, 5/8”, ¾”, 7/8”, & 1”), charging transformer, styling comb, brush, blade oil, red blade guard, and operating instructions
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: The Cord/Cordless 5-Star Magic Clip is an electric hair cutting machine that measures 6.25” long and weighs only 10 ounces; power frequency: 120 Volt - 60 Hertz
- Made in the USA
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Limited Edition Cordless Magic Clip
Wahl Metal Edition Cordless Magic Clip
Want your Wahl Magic Clip in shimmering steel?
You got it!
Same machine, but with added bling.
Check out the Wahl Magic Clip Metal Addition.
- PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: Wahls Professional 5 Star Series Metal Edition Cordless Magic Clip is designed to create seamless blends when hard or soft line fading with its unique stagger-tooth blade that blends hair and creates texture while cutting
- STYLISH AND VERSATILE: Featuring high precision zero-overlap blades that offer superior speed and ease of use, a convenient taper lever for easy fading and blending, and a lithium ion battery for a 90+ minute run time per charge
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Package includes the clipper, 3 premium metal clip attachment comb cutting guides, 1/16, 1/8,3/16, recharging transformer, cleaning brush, polishing cloth, clipper blade oil, red blade guard and operating instructions
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: The 5 Star Series Metal Edition Cordless Magic Clip measures just 6.25” long and only weighs 13.9 ounces; featuring a stagger tooth top 2161 blade with crunch technology, an adjustable taper lever for easy blending and fading
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Wahl Professional 5-Star Limited Edition Black & Gold Cordless Magic Clip
This color combination is simply stunning!
I absolutely love this ‘old school’ style clipper which is loaded with modern features and looks a million dollars.
Not sure how long the limited edition Black & Gold Cordless Magic Clip will be around, so get it while you can.
- PROFESSIONAL PRECISION: From Wahl Professional’s commercial grade line of products, the 5-Star Limited Edition Black & Gold Cordless Magic Clip is intended for professional use and is designed to deliver the sharp performance that experts demand with the freedom of a cordless clipper.
- STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL: The Limited Edition Black & Gold Cordless Magic Clip is the ultimate cordless clipper. It features high precision zero-overlap 2161 blades that offer superior speed and ease of use, a convenient taper lever for easy fading and blending, and a lithium-ion battery for a 90+ minute run-time per charge. Cord/cordless cutting capability.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: For your convenience, the 5-Star Limited Edition Black & Gold Cordless Magic Clip comes with all accessories required for use. Package includes the clipper, (8) attachment combs, oil, cleaning brush, instructions, red blade guard, and recharging transformer.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: The 5-Star Limited Edition Black & Gold Cordless Magic Clip (#8148-100) measures 6.25” long and weighs 10 oz. Operates at 120 volts/60 hertz.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
UK Model of Wahl Magic Clip Cordless
Live in the UK?
Check out the Wahl Magic Clip on Amazon.co.uk
Final Thoughts
As with so many successful, corded hair clippers, a cordless version of Wahl’s excellent performing Magic Clip was inevitable.
I love this clipper!
With around 90 minutes of run time, it will keep working at optimal power for the duration of a complete haircut. Plus you can plug it into the mains if you need to.
However, even 90 minutes may not be long enough if in constant use, all day.
I do like the powerful rotary motor.
It powers the blades through the thickest of hairstyles and will keep buzzing along for many years – 2 years and going strong for me.
The weight is nice and light, giving better control and allows you to cut for long periods without fatigue.
The ‘crunch technology’ stagger-tooth blade, makes blending and near bald fades a breeze.
Overall a quality built, reliable, professional hair clipper that performs to a high standard.
Everything you need in a clipper, as a professional cordless clipper, or for home use.
Thanks for reading my review of the Wahl 5-Star Magic Clip Cordless Hair Clipper.
If you have any comments, please drop them below.
Peter