Pardon my enthusiasm. If you look at my other hair trimmer reviews, you’ll notice a hesitance. There’s no perfect trimmer and both you and me are aware of this.
But with Wahl’s Sterling Mag, my confidence gets all shaky. This cordless, lightweight and ultra quiet trimmer is as close to perfection as it gets.
It blows any other Wahl trimmer away and reaches out to beat Oster and Andis models too. And while it does have its drawbacks, they’re extremely situational.
Let’s uncover the magic side of this trimmer in this Wahl Sterling Mag review.
Overview of Wahl Sterling Mag
| You'll love it for these | But you won't like these |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wahl Sterling Mag 8779 trimmer: exquisite ellegance
What a body.
You wouldn’t usually hear such a statement when it’s about a hair trimmer. But with the Mag, it’s deserved.
Now, function should always come before form, but the look of this trimmer does make a statement. When somebody sits in your chair, they are likely to take you more seriously when they see this trimmer over a loud, clanky and beat up corded trimmer.
The elegant shape does serve a purpose besides just looking good. It is shaped in a very ergonomic way to help you keep a good grip. A grip that is comfortable and allows you more freedom of movement while you work. You can achieve a very nice flow while you navigate the clients head.
Its ethereal elegance comes in a record-lightweight body of 4 oz. Measuring 5.5″, the Mag trimmer is also among the more compact models on the market. Look at its brilliance:
Adhering to Wahl’s exquisite Sterling series, this trimmer features refined metallic looks. The black parts you see help you get a better grip and improve the groomer’s ergonomics tremendously.
In this case, the form is a big part of its function. It fits well in the hands and is very maneuverable because of that.
The king of barber trimmers comes with a healthy dose of additional accessories. You’ll fetch 4 trimming guides going from 1/8″ to 1/2″, a cleaning brush, clipper oil, instructions and a blade guard.
As this is a cordless Wahl trimmer, you’ll also receive the recharge stand and transformers. What’s unique here is the little “well” for storing accessories. Quite convenient and something many other trimmers lack. Space is always at a premium on any barber’s counter. That’s why I like how everything is neatly organized and within reach for this trimmer. Here’s how it looks:
Magical applications with the Mag
What art of trimming are you after? Beard or mustache? Bald fades? Neckline shaping, edgeups, detailed work around the ears, sideburn styling?
Welcome a true stylist-grade tool aboard.
You’ll be making some crips, clean lines with this trimmer that take no pressure. You won’t be giving your client any razor burn by feeling the need to press against the skin to get a close cut.
Then it works great at erasing the line when you’re doing bald fades. By flicking the stubble with the blade, you can blend that line into the fade and not have any shadow at all.
Versatile in its application, this Wahl Sterling Mag review recommends this trimmer can branch out to anything you want it to be. The #2111 snap-on blade is extremely precise, more than a Wahl Detailer or the Wahl Hero for example.
Scratch that – the accurate, fine operation of the Mag is unrivaled among other names like Andis or Oster too. To add to this, this model is extremely caring for even the most sensitive of skin. Ditch skin irritation worries and trim away.
Last but not least, the Lithium-Ion battery will last for up to 2 hours. This is unprecedented. No other barber trimmer, even the spectacular Andis Slimline Pro Li, will hold such a charge. The Wahl Mag groomer is an absolute record-holder.
So, what does that mean in real terms? If for some reason, you are not able to charge your trimmer in between haircuts, you could get almost the whole work day covered before it needs to charge again. You generally only use the trimmer for a few minutes at a time. Since this is so precise you can work very quickly. You don’t need to keep going over the same spot to get it clean. This means that you could probably do around 25 or so haircuts with it before the battery dies. You should just dock it in its charger between cuts, but sometimes things happen and you don’t. It’s nice to know you aren’t screwed if you can’t charge it for some reason.
I like to visit other barbershops and see how they are doing things and what tools they are using. I am seeing this trimmer in more and more barber’s hands lately as the word is getting around that they are top notch and are becoming a must have. Just like the Oster t Finisher was a few years ago.
Of course, you can also use it in its corded mode too. Here’s an introductory video to the Mag:
A Sterling trimmer for those who value peacefulness
In terms of its high quality performance, the Mag trimmers can be compared to the outstanding Andis GTX.
Yet here’s a very important difference: the lack of heating and the absolute trimming serenity when you cut with a Mag.
Without going overboard, I have to admit. This is the quietest professional trimmer you’ll ever see. The Sterling Mag trimmer’s presence is as elegant as are its looks. No roaring, no vibrations.
Which is, as you can guess, why it’s preferred by stylists who extensively deal with children’s haircuts. Even anxious, easily startled kids should have no issues with the Mag’s quiet operation.
Add in how gentle it is on the skin and you have a recipe that makes it one of the best trimmers for kids. If you have your own kids or your shop has a big clientele with kids, then you really need look no further for your ideal trimmer.
I even recommend this to people to use at home doing their own haircuts since it is such a pleasure to use. It doesn’t have some of those rough around the edges qualities of some other trimmers that barbers use. And it is not so expensive as to be out of reach for the DIY hair cutter.
Some slight drawbacks
I stand by my opinion: Wahl Sterling Mag trimmer is a cut above your usual professional hair trimmer suspects. Yet there’s a few things you have to take into account.
Of course, the most notable drawback here is the price. While not unbearably expensive, the Mag is still higher priced than any GTX, T-Outliner, Wahl Detailer or Oster T-Finisher.
Some might also find its special, 29-teeth snap-on blade a tad too narrow.
This is true – with the 1 1/4″ blade, you have to make a bit more efforts with wider areas.
At the same time, though, fine detailing around mustaches and other delicate areas will be way easier.
If you want a wider trimmer, Andis GTX from Amazon.com or the 5 star Detailer from Amazon.com might do a better job.
However, the Mag really outshines them in terms of quiet operation, not heating up and overall precision.
My last mention would be the guards. While it’s neat that you receive 4 of them, some people mention that including bigger sizes above 1/2″ would have been even better. In my opinion, this isn’t such a big deal, though.
Final verdict
Hands down. Wahl’s Sterling Mag 8779 trimmer is a high class stylist tool. It combines ergonomics with classy looks and unmatched performance in its niche.
When you factor in the ultra quiet mode, 2 hours of cordless action and lack of the prevalent to pro trimmers heating issues…Well, it’s clear how much of a winner this model is.
This Wahl Sterling Mag review doesn’t lie. If you can afford the slightly higher cost, this is one of the best stylist trimmer on the market.
Wahl Sterling Mag
Good points
- 2 hours battery life
- Ultra lightweight
- King of quiet trimming
- Sensitive skin-friendly
Bad points
- Price
- Narrow blade
- Guards included are only up to 1/2
I’m an outdoor enthusiast and have sported a full beard since I was in my early 20’s. Originally, growing a beard was a way to save time when getting ready each day, but I quickly realized that keeping a neatly trimmed beard takes work and some forethought. That’s where this site comes in.
You get to benefit from my years of experience. I’ve reviewed many of the top hair clippers on the market today and also included some information on what works best for me. A great beard will turn lots of heads in your direction.
Since I never know when I’m going to find myself being photographed, whether it’s climbing in Yosemite, or playing volleyball on the beach, it’s important to me to always look my very best. Maintaining my beard is part of my daily routine and I hope you’ll find some useful tips and information on this site to help you on your journey.
Does it cut as close as the t outliner?
Hey Frank,
The T Outliner cuts closer, as its blade can go as close as 1/150″. The Wahl #2111 blade the Mag uses adjusts at 1/64″.
I’ll be honest that I haven’t zero gapped the Mag so I’m not sure how it’ll perform then!
Cheers,
Alex
Would it be effective with taking out a bald line?
I feel a zero gapped T Outliner would be a bit better in this case, even though the Mag should perform quite decently too.
T Outliner is better for VERY close work…but the Mag scores better in terms of quiet/cool/lightweight operation and is better for 5 o’clocks, beard trims or necklines.
(My colleague Ryan might disagree, models’ evaluation can vary from person to person.)
If it’s not specifically for ultra close/bald lines, I recommend the Mag.
Cheers,
Alex
It is a shame you can not zero gap Mags, they are not not adjustable.
Going to try Andis Slimline Pro Li.
Thanks for the review.
I just signed up for barber college and was wondering if the big mag better than the wahl seniors?
Hi Victor!
These differ in how you’d use them – the Mag is a hair trimmer, while the Seniors are heavy duty clippers.
In other words, you can’t do bulk cuts with the Mag (even its Big Mag version) as you’d do with a Senior. Alternatively, the Seniors would suck for shape ups, touch ups, sideburn or neckline trimming.
Basically, trimmer = detailed work (sideburns, mustache work, touch ups, lining up, shaping the neckline)
Clipper = fading, bulk haircutting, tapering, all your usual stuff
It depends on what tool you need. But if it’s for normal haircuts, the Senior is a better choice. I recommend the 5 star model!
Cheers,
Alex
Thanks Alex,
Any advice on getting into a good barber shop?
No worries, man!
I have no idea, as I’m just your general user. Asked Ryan (my partner with the site) and he said he just went around a few barbershops, talked with the owners, got a “feel” of the place and decided to try out the one that stuck to him the most.
As with many other jobs, face-to-face interaction and networking are the key. Go through your college first, get some good results there, and then just hit some shops.
As long as you’re polite and friendly, this should open some doors.
Sorry for the lack of better advice. But keeping my fingers crossed for you! (Ryan too!)
Alex
Hey Alex
I’d love to buy one of these, but they’re not available in Australia. According to Wahl, the Wahl Beret Trimmer Pro Lithium WA8841-612 is the most suitable option available in our market. The products look the same to me, but just wondering if you know if they’re the same product?
Thank you!
Hey there Kereen!
It amazes me just how much localization these companies are doing, haha…
I took a look at the trimmer you mentioned. I have no experience with it, but honestly, to me it also looks like a Sterling Mag that’s just been renamed. The design is practically the same!
The only difference I saw is that the Beret advertises a 75 minute running time vs the advertised 2 hours of battery time on the Sterling Mag. In all other regards, I can’t spot much difference!
Cheers and have a fantastic week!
Alex
Thanks Alex, you’re a legend 🙂
hi .. witch one is better for bear ? wahl mag or andis slimline pro li ? …………
my another question about andis slimline battery ! can i found repleace battery in store or when the battery die i should changed the trimmer !!!!? do you know the exact battery volt and mha inner the andis ?
thank you
Hi Ramin!
Do you mean for beard purposes? It really depends on the length you want to keep it trimmed to. I’d personally go with a Wahl Mag, but keep in mind both can cut only at 4-5 length with their guards. Not sure what you want to do with them!
I’m not sure about the Andis Slimline battery. I think the battery there was soldered (built) within the trimmer. Once it goes out, you have to change it…
BUT! I’m not sure. Best thing you can do is write to Andis on their official site and ask them!
Cheers and have a good end of the year!
Alex
Would this be good for shaving my head to a sandpaper stubble finish? Looking for an upgrade from my Conair cordless? If not can you recommend a high quality clipper or trimmer that will safely leave a sandpaper stubble? Thanks
Hi Matt!
This one shaves to a good stubble indeed, but it being a trimmer will slow you down. The blade surface is just way narrower than a clipper.
I myself keep my thinning hair to a stubble and my experiences so far have been:
– Wahl 5 star Balding clipper: very close cuts, standard clipper blade for quick shaving. Extra care needed, as the blade is quite, quite sharp.
– Andis Profoil: foil shaver, EXTREMELY close shave (basically as close as slick bald as you can get.) Does take some time, though.
– Norelco rotary shaver (5500 series): very comfortable, very easy to work with and the fastest for me. Leaves some stubble, not as close as the previous two.
Some people use Wahl’s Peanut trimmer for shaving their head. It’ll work a bit better than the Mag if you’re looking for a trimmer specifically.
I’m currently shaving with a Norelco 5500 and I’m satisfied. You can see my post on this here: https://www.hairclippersclub.com/foil-vs-rotary-shaver-for-face-head-bald-sensitive-skin/
Hope I helped & happy holidays!
Alex
Hi. I reside in India. Which kind of voltage converter would I need to get hold of to use this ? What is the wattage of this?
I’m not sure what the voltage is in India, but the Sterling is a 120V with 60Mhz. I hope that helps.
I haven’t had my mag trimmers but a few months, and they will not charge. I talk to a very kind representative from your company whom was very nice and sent me a new charger; but they are still not holding charge. They barely run, and cut completely off on me. Could someone please get in touch with me . I feel it is the internal battery. These have never charged correctly; even immediately when I bought them; I just thought maybe they were suppose to be quite, but then later realized they wasn’t charging properly. Thanks for you help.
My internal battery is not good in my mag trimmers. I talked to a representative a couple of weeks ago; and she sent me a charger. I was hoping that would fix the problem with trimmers not barely charging; and sometimes completely dead , but I hasn’t . I haven’t had these just a few months and they have never , even from beginning charges right. Two other girls in my salon use these and there’s are great. I think I just got a bad trimmer. Can you please help me. Thanks