Oster Fast Feed vs Speedline: Is Design The Only Difference?

For some reason, Oster Speedline seriously went off the radar for some time. Much to my satisfaction, I’m seeing a new wave of interest towards it over the past few months.

Let me tell: spoiling yourself with this deluxe machine is fully worth it. However, a few misconceptions float around when it comes to the difference between Oster Fast Feed vs Speedline clipper.

The two biggest discussion points are the models’ blades and motor power. Does the Speed Line cut closer? Is it more powerful, or, on the contrary, less powerful?

It’s very hard to get a definite answer. Mainly because Oster haven’t given that much info about the Speed Line cutter.

We’ve done some research, so bear with us for a quick Oster Speedline vs Fast Feed comparison.

If you want a summarized version: they’re practically the same clipper! Well, aside from the slick black body & golden blade of the Speedlines:

Alleged misconceptions about the Oster Speedline

Blades

Let’s start with the blade. Oster’s official website mentions that the Speedline adjusts from #0000 to #1 (1/100″ to 3/32″.) This is closer cutting compared to the Feeds #000 to #1 adjustment (1/50″ to 3/32″.)

As a few barbers have noted, though, that the blade actually corresponds to the #000 to #1 Fast Feed one. The only difference is its golden-colored coating. I agree.

Typos do happen. As it just might have happened when it comes to the Feeds and Speedlines’ motors.

It could also be that specs change over time. I have had both and definitely saw a shorter cut with the Speedline blade fully closed. That was quite a while ago, so it is entirely possible that they went with a new blade or even started using the same blade as the Fast Feed.

Both are high quality carbon steel that will stay sharp and last a long time.

Motor

There’s so much stuff going around the motor here. Some people say that the Speedline has a faster, more powerful motor. Oster themselves use the same “whisper-quiet pivot motor” trademark for both models.

Other people reported that some Fast Feeds have 12 watts slapped on their back sticker, while the Speed Line clippers got only 9 watts.

If it’s so, how can anyone say the latter is more powerful?

This barber says he actually called Oster and they said that the 12 watts was a typo and both models are 9 watts. Indeed, all Feeds I’ve seen are 9 watts. Here’s the video and a quick preview on how the Speedline looks:

In other words, the motor on both models performs exactly the same. You’ll love how silent and cool it runs compared to other barber grade clippers. Few models can take pride in such smooth operation, really.

This is good news as you wouldn’t want a different motor. The rotary motor is the way to go when it comes to clippers so switching one to the electromagnetic motor would be a big step down.

The rotary motor is more capable of bulk cutting and won’t slow down when faced with thick hair.

So which one should you get?

Though function should come before form, there is a place for style.

You want to convey a certain attitude when you are setting up your barber station. If you like utilitarian type of tools then you will appreciate the Fast Feed. There is really no flair with it. It shows that you aren’t looking to impress and would rather let your work do the talking.

The Speedline on the other hand has a slick retro vibe to it. If you work in a shop that serves a lot of hipsters or just has an old school cool atmosphere then you will want to show off with the Speedline.

But there really is no need for a standalone Oster Speedline review, this Oster Fast Feed vs Speedline is good enough. Its core features are exactly the same as this well-known burgundy fellow:

As we recommended with the stock Fast Feed clipper, you might consider doing a few customizations. First, the three plastic combs + blending guard that come in the Speedline package aren’t that great.

Consider upgrading with Andis’ double magnetic guards on Amazon.com for a better cutting experience. These clipper guards are not only more sturdy and longer lasting, but they fit on far more securely. They are held on by magnets which would seem to not be so secure, but instead they fit much tighter than with the traditional clips. You won’t have them coming off mid haircut or anything. Second, you might want to zero gap them and slap an Andis’ coarse ceramic cutter from Amazon.com on the way.

In fact, Speedline’s golden blade looks even more amazing with a ceramic upgrade.

One word of warning is that the ceramic teeth can be more fragile than their carbon steel counterpoints. Now, either type will break if they hit the floor the right way, but the ceramic are much less forgiving. I dropped clippers a few times with no ill effects, but it seems when I drop the ceramic blades they end up losing a tooth the first time.

Now, that does look a bit more advanced, so I only recommend it to barbers. If you’re a home user, don’t concern yourself with zero gaps and installing a ceramic blade.

The purple magnetic guards are a must, though! Even if you stick to easy haircuts you’ll feel the difference…and love it.

I’m an Oster clippers fan boy. I admit it. I literally have tried every model they offer and, though some are better than others, I have not been too disappointed. With either the Fast Feed or the Speedline, you’re getting a high quality clipper that will last you for years.