Wahl Magic Clip Cordless Review: Best Mid-Range Clipper

Rating: 9.5/10

Review Summary

The Wahl Magic Clip Cordless is simply an outstanding, cordless hair clipper, suited for use in barbershops and salons as it is for the home.

It is my ‘go-to’ hair clipper and has been one of Wahl’s fastest-selling, men’s hair clippers since it was first introduced in 2016.

And for good reason.

The Cordless Magic Clip features a unique stagger tooth blade – known as the ‘crunch blade’, allowing for a textured cut and precision fades.

It has a powerful rotary motor, for bulk hair cutting, and a lightweight design for easier handling and less fatigue.

For the average guy or gal who wants a haircut, or a quick trim between barber visits, this machine is as good as it gets for the price, for a cordless clipper.

>> View the Wahl Magic Clip Cordless on Amazon <<

This video by a professional barber demonstrates how easy it is to use the Magic Clip:

This Wahl Magic Clip review covers the features, accessories, pros and cons, and like-for-like comparisons of similar cordless hair clippers.

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.

It 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:

1. Use a cooling spray
2. 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 means, 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.

Wahl Magic Clip Run Time And Charge Time

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.

A blue led light comes on when it’s charging.

Hard Plastic Casing

It’s worth mentioning the casing of the cordless Magic Clip.

The complete casing is made from durable, hardened plastic that 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.

Specifications

Weight: 10.2 oz (289 grams)

Length: 6.25 inches

What Is Included In The Box?

Accessories

Replacement Blades

You can easily purchase a replacement blade for your 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 And Cons

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)
• Lightweight – 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

How To Zero Gap The 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..

Who Is It Suitable For?

• Professionals, beginners, and anyone in between can use this clipper
• Anyone who wants to learn how to cut their own hair at home with clippers
• Anyone looking to switch from a cord to a cordless clipper

Similar Cordless Clippers To Consider

As cordless hair clippers go, the Wahl Magic Clip is hard to beat (certainly for the money).

However, there are a couple of alternative clippers (albeit in a higher price bracket) that will also put a smile on your face:

1. Andis Master Cordless

If you want the best on the market, then you should opt for the very impressive Andis Master Cordless.

2. Wahl Senior Cordless

For a cordless clipper that delivers incredible power and torque, the Wahl Senior Cordless is a gorgeous machine that delivers on all accounts.

FAQs

Q. Can I use the Magic Clip to shave my bald head?

A. Sure you can. The blades can be zero-gapped for a super close shave. Just be careful when zero-gapping, you don’t want to cut your head.

Q. Can these clippers be used on 220v – outside the US and Canada?

A. If you purchase them from the US then you’ll need to buy a voltage converter to use on a 220v system. The US and Canada use a 110v system.

Q. How quiet are these clippers?

A. Although not ‘whisper quiet’ they are certainly one of the quietest hair clippers I’ve used. There’s also very little vibration, which makes controlling them much easier.

Q. Are the Magic Clippers better at fading than the Oster Fast Feed Clipper?

A. Through my own experience and listening to several other users, the Oster Fast Feed just has the edge when it comes to fading. The freedom of a cordless clipper may be more important though.

Q. Can I get a replacement charger for these clippers?

A. Yes you can get a replacement charger for the Magic Clip on Amazon.

Limited Editions

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.

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.

Wahl Magic Clip Cordless UK

Live in the UK?

Check out the Wahl Magic Clip on Amazon.co.uk

Final Thoughts

I love my Wahl Magic Clip!

As with so many successful, corded hair clippers, a cordless version of Wahl’s excellent performing Magic Clip was inevitable.

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 Magic Clip Cordless Hair Clipper.

If you have any comments, please drop them below.

Peter