The Andis Excel 5-Speed+ is a corded, professional-style detachable-blade dog grooming clipper with five adjustable motor speeds. It is designed for full-body coat clipping and detailed grooming, particularly when one tool must handle different coat types and working areas.
Is the Andis Excel 5-Speed worth it? For frequent groomers who value speed control, a relatively light handpiece, and interchangeable blades, it is a compelling option; occasional owners may find a simpler two-speed clipper more economical.
Quick Verdict
REVIEWED PRODUCT
Andis Excel 5-Speed+ Detachable Blade Clipper, Burgundy
Five-speed corded grooming clipper for variable coat work and precise blade changes.
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0/5
Best For: Professional groomers and experienced home groomers managing varied coats.
Key Specs: Five speeds • 2,500–4,500 SPM • 12.8 oz • 14-foot cord
Key Advantage: Flexible cutting pace without changing clippers.
Main Trade-off: Corded operation and a premium feature set.
Bottom Line: Worth considering for repeated, varied grooming tasks. Choose a less complex clipper if two speeds cover your routine.
At a Glance
- Reviewed configuration: burgundy Excel 5-Speed+ with a corded rotary motor.
- Adjustable cutting frequency runs from 2,500 to 4,500 strokes per minute.
- Includes a CeramicEdge detachable blade, blade oil, and replacement blade drive.
- Uses a soft-grip body and a 14-foot power cord.
- Official specifications list 120-volt, 60-Hz operation and a two-year warranty.
- Other blade sizes and compatible attachment combs may require separate purchases.
Verified Specifications & Buyer Implications
The specifications below refer to the burgundy Andis model 68530, not a differently bundled Excel or an international electrical variant.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Rotary, five speeds; 2,500–4,500 SPM | More speed choices allow gradual adjustments between sensitive areas and larger coat sections. Stroke rate describes blade movement, not independently verified cutting force. |
| Blade system | Detachable; CeramicEdge blade included | Blade changes support different finishing lengths and make cleaning accessible. Confirm the exact blade and guide-comb pairing for the length you need. |
| Handpiece | 12.8 oz; 6.25 inches long | A relatively compact grip can help with positioning around legs and contours, although comfort depends on hand size and working technique. |
| Power and reach | Corded; 14-foot cable; 120 V, 60 Hz | No charging pause is needed, but outlets and cable management matter. Buyers outside compatible electrical regions must check the correct regional model. |
| Warranty | Two years, manufacturer-listed | A defined warranty offers a useful purchasing checkpoint. Check coverage conditions and seller eligibility instead of assuming every part or wear item is covered. |
Design & Build Quality
The Excel 5-Speed+ uses a soft-grip, anti-slip housing and a compact body intended to help users maintain control during extended grooming. Its manufacturer-listed weight is lighter than the Andis AGC Super 2-Speed alternative compared below.
That difference may matter during repetitive wrist movements, but it is not a guarantee against fatigue. The detachable blade connection also makes the cutting assembly serviceable without treating the entire clipper as disposable.
Setup & Ease of Use
There is no battery to charge, so initial setup centers on blade condition, correct power, and a safe grooming area.
- Confirm that the plug and voltage match your outlet before switching on.
- Inspect the included blade, fit it securely, and apply oil following Andis guidance.
- Brush and prepare the coat; remove loose knots before attempting a normal pass.
- Start with a controlled setting and adjust speed according to coat and location.
- Switch off and unplug before removing the blade for cleaning or changing.
Beginners should learn safe blade handling before clipping close to loose skin, ears, and sensitive areas. A higher speed is not a substitute for proper coat preparation.
How This Review Was Researched
This editorial review uses Andis’s model-specific specifications, its maintenance guidance, and manufacturer documentation for comparable clippers. No personal hands-on testing, measured sound levels, or laboratory performance claims are made.
Grooming Performance: What the Specifications Suggest
Speed Control Across Different Coats
The documented five-speed range is the main reason to consider the Excel over a basic clipper. Lower settings offer a more measured pace for close work, while faster settings suit broader clipping passes on prepared coats.
Andis describes this flexibility as useful across coat types, but the specifications alone cannot establish how quickly the clipper clears tightly packed undercoat or severe matting.
Blade Temperature and Cutting Comfort
Andis markets its CeramicEdge blade as a cooler-running option. That is a design advantage, not proof that the blade stays comfortable throughout a long grooming session.
Check blade temperature frequently against your own skin, pause when necessary, and use a cooled spare blade where appropriate. Speed choice cannot eliminate the need for those checks.
Handling and Grooming Reach
The 14-foot cord provides more working radius than a short-cable tool, which is helpful when moving around a grooming table. You still need a clear route for the cable to avoid tangles and accidental pulling.
Finishing Precision and Blade Choice
Detachable blades make it possible to match the cutting length more closely to the requested finish. The correct blade, coat preparation, and controlled technique matter at least as much as the motor’s top stroke rate.
Expert Insight: Five speeds mainly improve control over working pace; they do not automatically produce five different coat lengths. Length comes from the fitted blade or compatible attachment comb.
Key Features Explained
Five-Speed Rotary Motor
Five settings let a groomer fine-tune cutting pace without stopping to change tools. Users who repeatedly move from broad body clipping to more deliberate finishing have the clearest reason to pay for this extra control.
CeramicEdge Detachable Blade
The included blade can be removed for cleaning or exchanged for other compatible detachable blades. Blade compatibility improves versatility, but specialty lengths and combs can increase the total cost of a complete grooming kit.
Soft-Grip Housing and Long Cord
The anti-slip grip addresses control, while the long cable expands the usable work area around an outlet. Neither replaces stable dog positioning, safe cord routing, or breaks during demanding appointments.
Real-World Usability & Maintenance
Day-to-day ownership requires regular brushing out of loose hair, blade lubrication, and inspection of the blade-drive assembly. Andis notes that worn blade drives can affect cutting performance and provides guidance for replacement.
Keep the clipper dry, store the blade safely, and disconnect power before maintenance. For a household grooming only one small dog occasionally, the care routine may feel more involved than that of a basic all-in-one kit.
If you are building a broader setup, our Andis dog clipper comparison explains how different motor and blade systems serve different routines.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Five adjustable cutting speeds
- Compact, 12.8-ounce handpiece
- Replaceable detachable blade system
- Long cord for table-side movement
Cons
- No cordless operating mode
- Extra blade lengths cost more
- Five speeds may exceed casual needs
Common Issues & Fixes
Blade Pulling or Uneven Cutting
Cause: A dirty, poorly maintained, or worn blade assembly can interfere with cutting.
Fix: Stop clipping, clean and oil the blade, check seating, and inspect blade-drive wear before restarting.
Blade Becomes Uncomfortably Warm
Cause: Friction and prolonged cutting can warm a moving blade, including ceramic-equipped assemblies.
Fix: Check temperature often, pause, follow lubrication instructions, or change to a cool compatible blade.
What to Know Before You Buy
First, confirm that the listing is the burgundy five-speed detachable-blade configuration, not a Super Blocking bundle or a different regional model. In the United States, this model is rated for 120 V and 60 Hz; international customers should verify the appropriate electrical version.
Next, budget for the cutting lengths you actually need. A single included blade may not create every finish, and guide combs must match the selected blade system.
Finally, distinguish routine coat clipping from severe mat removal. Painful, skin-tight mats and animals that cannot tolerate handling are safer in qualified grooming or veterinary hands than with improvised high-speed passes.
Who Should Consider It / Who Should Look Elsewhere
Who Should Consider It
- Groomers handling several coat types
- Experienced owners doing regular full-body clips
- Users who already own compatible blades
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Buyers needing cordless freedom
- Occasional users seeking a simpler kit
- Owners wanting built-in length adjustment
Alternatives to Consider
These three verified Andis clippers address different priorities. Compare the workflow you need, rather than treating motor speeds alone as a quality ranking.
REVIEWED PRODUCT
Andis Excel 5-Speed+
Best For: Variable pace, frequent coat work
Key Specs: 2,500–4,500 SPM; five speeds; 12.8 oz
Advantage: More speed choices
Trade-off: Cord required
ALTERNATIVE A
Andis UltraEdge AGC Super 2-Speed
Best For: Simple, regular corded grooming
Key Specs: 3,400/4,400 SPM; 17.6 oz; detachable blade
Advantage: Simpler speed selection
Trade-off: Fewer speed settings
ALTERNATIVE B
Andis Pulse ZR II
Best For: Experienced groomers avoiding cables
Key Specs: Five speeds; 2,500–4,500 SPM; up to three hours runtime
Advantage: Cordless mobility
Trade-off: Charging and battery management
Is the Andis Excel 5-Speed Worth It?
Yes, when frequent grooming genuinely benefits from speed adjustments, a lighter grip, and multiple blade choices. Those benefits are particularly relevant to groomers working across dogs with different coats and finishing requirements.
The value is less persuasive for someone who makes occasional simple cuts at a single comfortable speed. A two-speed alternative may satisfy that need without paying for controls that rarely get used.
For dense, curly coats, our Andis clippers for doodles guide adds coat-specific comparison context, but safe prep and an appropriate blade remain essential.
Final Verdict
The burgundy Andis Excel 5-Speed+ is a well-specified corded clipper for methodical grooming across varied jobs. Its strongest buying argument is controllable cutting pace combined with a detachable blade platform and compact form.
Its biggest limitation is practical rather than mysterious: it needs a compatible outlet and attentive blade care. Frequent groomers should shortlist it; beginners, minimalists, and cordless-first buyers should compare the alternatives before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Andis Excel 5-Speed good for thick dog coats?
It is designed for a variety of coats, with selectable speeds up to 4,500 SPM. Coat preparation, blade selection, and mat severity still determine whether a particular clipping job is appropriate.
Is the Excel 5-Speed cordless?
No, the reviewed burgundy version is corded. Its 14-foot cable gives useful reach but cannot provide battery-powered freedom.
Can I use other Andis blades?
The clipper has a detachable-blade system, and compatible Andis blade families are available. Confirm fit and cutting length for the specific blade before buying accessories.
Does it include several grooming lengths?
The documented box contents include a CeramicEdge blade, oil, and spare blade drive, not a complete assortment of cutting lengths. Other blades and attachment combs may be needed.
How do I maintain the blade?
Brush away debris, use the recommended blade oil, and inspect the blade drive for wear. Turn off and unplug the clipper before removing the blade.
What warranty does the Andis Excel have?
Andis lists a two-year warranty for this model. Read the official terms and confirm seller and regional coverage before purchase.
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