Oster Classic 76

Bottom line

The Oster Classic 76 is built to stand up to the rigors of daily use in a salon or barbershop. Reviewers say its universal motor can even mow through thick hair, wet or dry. The Classic 76 comes with just two blades – No. 000 and No. 1 -- but more than a dozen other blades are available for purchase, ranging from 1/125 inch to ½ inch.

Performance

Built for power. There's no disputing the Oster Classic 76's power. "It is reliable and effective in wet or dry hair," writes Dave Alexander, About.com's guide to men's hair. His only criticism is that its air-cooled motor can sometimes blow hair in the stylist's face. Another professional stylist, posting to Amazon.com, warns that the Classic 76 can easily get away from beginners.

These clippers are also built to last. One reviewer on YouTube posts video of an Oster Classic 76 he's had for about 25 years that is "still working pretty good." The Classic 76 is louder than low-powered clippers, but most reviewers say they don't mind the noise too much.

Ease of use

A real handful. A few reviewers say the Oster's size and weight make it hard to maneuver around your own head. Still, hundreds of at-home users posting to Amazon.com say it works beautifully for haircuts at home. They like that the on/off switch is positioned on the back of the clipper, where you're unlikely to trip it by mistake.

The Classic 76 comes with just two detachable blades – No. 000 and No. 1, or 1/50 inch and 3/32 inch. You can purchase up to 13 additional blades starting at $20 apiece, although the longest only cuts 1/2 inch. The default kit also includes a blade guard, blade oil, clipper grease and a cleaning brush.