A Detailed Andis T-Outliner Review

In this article, we are going to examine the Andis T-Outliner, an all-time classic clipper. We are going to explore all its features in detail and try to understand why barbers and professionals out there are so obsessed with this clipper. Is it worth it, or is Andis just good at marketing? Keep reading to find out!

Quick Overview of the Andis T-Outliner

The Andis T-Outliner trimmer is a professional-grade hair trimmer used by barbers and stylists all across the globe to give clean, close cuts. It has an incredibly powerful electromagnetic motor (7200 SPM), making it ideal for professional use. But what’s really exceptional about this clipper are its T-shaped blades. They not only cut very close but are also sensitive-skin friendly. Keep reading because, in this article, we will take a closer look at all the features of this trimmer and see whether it meets expectations. 

If you are in a hurry, here is a quick overview of the Pros and Cons of the Andis T-Outliner Trimmer. 

The In-Depth Andis T-Outliner Trimmer Review

For Professional Users

For barbers and stylists looking for a reliable tool that can handle long days full of customers, the Andis trimmer is an ideal choice. Its powerful motor and superior trimming blades make it easy to maintain sharp lines without fatigue or hand strain throughout the workday. Of course, you will have to give it a rest every now and then because it tends to overheat easily, but more on that later. 

For Home users

Because it is a great choice for professionals, it doesn’t mean home users can’t benefit from Andis T-Outliner Trimmer.

To be honest, it is not the most beginner-friendly clipper as it doesn’t come with basic beginner stuff like clipper guards, but its small size, along with the cord length (8 ft.), makes it easy to maneuver around as you trim, which is something beginners and home users will appreciate. And with a price point of around $60, it won’t break the bank either. 

What’s Included?

Within the box, apart from the trimmer, you’ll receive a small tube of clipper oil. More on how to use the clipper oil here.

Body

T-Outliner sports a plastic body with strategically-placed ergonomic grooves to ensure excellent grip and handling comfort. It has a light grey color with a burgundy switch on/off button, which honestly could be placed at a better spot (probably to the sides?). It’s a small to medium size trimmer measuring 1.75 x 1.5 x 5.25 inches coupled with a light 11.2-ounce weight. Finally, a hanger loop (something most barbers will appreciate) provides added convenience!

When it comes to the look of the T-Outliner, it is definitely not the prettiest clipper out there, but its size and weight, along with its durability, make up for that.

Blades

For those who are looking for a dry shave experience or a powerful detailer, the zero overlap Outliner’s T-blades will give you the crisp, clean lines and sharp edges you are looking for. But the Andis T-Outliner is not only good for detailing work and lineups; it is a multipurpose clipper that can be used in many circumstances, like shaping and trimming your beard.

Compared to the regular square blade, the T-blade cuts closer and removes more hair. Though less ideal on thicker hair due to the lack of seamless blending ability, any stylist will agree that this traditional choice brings reliability when creating straight lines and angles (thus the name Outliner).

Andis T-Outliner blades material is carbon stainless steel that boasts several benefits. Carbon steel blades are exceptionally durable, reducing the chances of rusting or breaking over time. They are also very sharp without irritating your skin, a rare combination as most of the time, you will either get a clipper with a very sharp blade that will irritate your skin or a not-so-sharp blade.

Motor

The blades would be useless if the clipper didn’t have a strong motor to move them properly, and Andis’ motor does a great job. With a torque of 7200 strokes per minute, this electromagnetic motor provides the blades with all the power and speed they need to slide through thick and dense hair like a hot knife through butter.

Of course, not everything is great about the motor; the fact that it uses electromagnetic technology along with its huge amount of power makes it overheat easily, which is one of the biggest cons of this clipper.

Cord

As you already know, Andis T-outliner is a corded clipper which is not something good or bad per se as it has both its pros and cons. The most obvious disadvantage of corded clippers is their lack of portability and movability, thanks to the cord. On the other hand, corded clippers are more powerful than their cordless counterparts as they are able to deliver more electricity to power-hungry motors and also last more, as batteries are the first thing that breaks down on clippers.

So it is up to you to consider your priorities and decide if a corded or a cordless clipper is what you need.

Drawbacks of the Andis T-Outliner

We have probably already mentioned the cons of this trimmer throughout the article but let’s sum them up to make your buying choice easier.

Overheating Issues

The first and by far the most significant disadvantage of this clipper is its overheating issues. If you are familiar with Andis and how clippers work, this probably won’t come as a surprise, but if you don’t, let us quickly explain. You see, in general, electromagnetic motors generate a lot of heat when in use, and if you consider how powerful this one is, then the overheating issues are something to be expected.

If you plan to use it for detailing, there will be no issue as detailing doesn’t last that long and Andis Outliner won’t get very hot until you reach about 10 to 15 minutes of usage. But if you plan on using them for bulk cutting and shaving heads, you will have to consider the overheating issues.

Button Positioning

The second thing we don’t like that much is the position of the switch button. It is not as important as the overheating issue, but to be honest, the spot they decided to place it is a bit annoying. In most hair clippers, the switch on/off button is placed at the side so you can easily turn it on and off with your finger without having to use 2 hands. In Andis T-Outliner, because the switch is placed in the front, you have to let your grip loose and use your second hand to turn it on or off. Again, not a huge deal but something worth noting.

The Design

Finally, the looks of this clipper are something that might turn some people off. It doesn’t look that good, especially when compared to the vintage burgundy Wahl clippers like the Wahl 5-star magic clip. But honestly, the looks are the last thing you want to consider when it comes to buying a hair trimmer; if you are happy with all the other features, you should go for it.

Andis T-Outliner alternatives 

1. Wahl 5-Star Magic Clip Clipper

If you want to go for a cordless clipper, then you should definitely consider the Wahl 5-star Magic clip cordless. It is an all-around clipper that can be used both for fades and bulk cutting. It doesn’t have a T-shaped blade but crunch blades that offer great blending results. It is more of a beginner-friendly clipper as it comes with attachment combs that will help beginners get the style they want. If you want to learn more about Wahl 5-star Magic clip, you can read our complete review here.

2. Oster’s Fast Feed Hair Clipper

Another great beginner-friendly clipper is the Oster fast feed. While it is also a corded clipper, it is very lightweight and doesn’t overheat easily. It has very sharp cryogenically treated blades (tested at very low temperatures) that will cut through any hair type. Finally, it has a taper lever for easy fades this is why we have included it in our best clippers for fades article you can read here.

Care Tips

Here are some tips for caring for your Andis T-Outliner Trimmer.

• To ensure optimal trimmer performance, blades should be oiled before and after each use.
• If your trimmer blades slow down or leave streaks, then it is a sign that they need to be lubricated with Clipper Oil or an alternative.
• Spray lubricants can also be used but are insufficient for good lubrication, but they act as excellent coolants.
• Blades must be replaced if broken or nicked to prevent injury.
• Hair and dirt build-up should be removed using a brush or a worn-out toothbrush while running the trimmer.

Conclusion

Whether you are a professional barber or stylist, the Andis T-Outliner Trimmer is the perfect tool for precise trimming and detailing. Its powerful motor, carbon steel blades, and lightweight design make it an essential tool for creating sharp lines every time. Remember to consider if this is the right tool for you by comparing your needs vs. the material and type of blade, corded vs. cordless, type of motor, etc.