Andis 79170 Pulse Zr II: Professional Cordless Dog Grooming Clipper for All Coat Types

Dog grooming. It’s more than just keeping your furry friend looking Instagram-ready. It’s a vital part of their overall health and well-being. Regular brushing and clipping prevent painful mats, reduce shedding, and can even help you spot potential skin problems early. But let’s be honest, for many dog owners, grooming can be a hairy situation (pun intended!). Noisy clippers, overheating blades, and a squirming, anxious pup can turn a simple trim into a stressful ordeal.

A Tail of Two Coats (and a Clipper)

Let me introduce you to Sarah and her golden retriever, Max. Max, with his glorious, thick coat, was the picture of canine beauty. But that beauty came at a price. Sarah struggled to keep up with Max’s grooming needs. His fur matted easily, and her old clippers were loud, vibrated intensely, and constantly overheated. Max would tremble and whine, and Sarah would end up frustrated and covered in fur. It was a lose-lose situation. Sound familiar? Many dog owners, especially those with thick-coated breeds, face similar challenges.

Decoding Dog Hair: A Microscopic View

Before we dive into the technology of the Andis Pulse Zr II, let’s take a quick look at what we’re actually dealing with: dog hair. It’s not just “fur.” It’s a complex structure with different layers and growth cycles.

Most dogs have a double coat: a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation and a layer of longer, coarser guard hairs that protect the skin from the elements. Some breeds, like Poodles, have a single coat of curly hair, while others, like Siberian Huskies, have incredibly thick double coats designed for extreme cold.

Dog hair grows in cycles, just like human hair:

• Anagen: The active growth phase.
• Catagen: A transitional phase.
• Telogen: A resting phase.
• Exogen: The shedding phase.

Understanding these cycles is important because it helps explain why some dogs shed more than others and why regular grooming is crucial for maintaining a healthy coat. Mats form when shed hair gets tangled with the growing hair, especially in the dense undercoat. These mats can pull on the skin, causing pain and irritation, and can even lead to skin infections.

The Andis Pulse Zr II: More Than Just a Clipper

The Andis 79170 Pulse Zr II isn’t your average dog clipper. It’s a professional-grade tool designed to tackle the challenges of home grooming, even for dogs with the thickest, most challenging coats. Andis, a company with a long history in the grooming industry (dating back to the 1920s!), has packed this clipper with features that prioritize both performance and pet comfort.

Under the Hood: The Technology that Makes it Tick

Let’s explore the science behind the Andis Pulse Zr II’s key features:

The Power of Precision: The Rotary Motor and 5-Speed Settings

Many cheaper clippers use a magnetic motor, which can be noisy, vibrate excessively, and struggle with thick fur. The Pulse Zr II, however, utilizes a rotary motor. What’s the difference? A rotary motor uses electromagnetism to convert electrical energy into rotational motion. Inside the motor, coils of wire create a magnetic field that interacts with a permanent magnet, causing a central shaft to rotate. This rotation drives the clipper blade.

The beauty of a rotary motor is its consistent power and torque. It doesn’t bog down easily, even when cutting through dense mats. This is crucial for a smooth, even cut and prevents the clipper from pulling or snagging on the hair, which can be painful for your dog. The power keeps the blades moving consistently.

But the Pulse Zr II goes a step further with five speed settings, ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 strokes per minute (SPM). Why is this important? Think of it like driving a car. You wouldn’t use the same gear for driving uphill as you would for cruising on the highway. Similarly, different coat types and grooming tasks require different speeds.

• Lower speeds (2,500-3,000 SPM): Ideal for fine or thin coats, sensitive areas (like the face and paws), and for dogs who are nervous about clippers. The slower speed reduces noise and vibration, creating a more calming experience.
• Medium speeds (3,000-3,500 SPM): Suitable for general grooming on most coat types.
• Higher speeds (3,500-4,500 SPM): Provide the power needed to tackle thick, matted fur quickly and efficiently. This is where the Pulse Zr II truly shines, effortlessly gliding through dense coats that would stall lesser clippers.
  

Cool Cuts and Clean Lines: CeramicEdge Blade Technology

The Pulse Zr II comes equipped with a #10 CeramicEdge blade. This isn’t just a fancy name; it’s a significant technological advantage. Traditional clipper blades are typically made of steel. While steel is strong, it’s also a good conductor of heat. This means that during prolonged use, steel blades can heat up significantly, potentially causing discomfort or even burns to your dog’s skin.

Ceramic, on the other hand, is a poor conductor of heat. This means that CeramicEdge blades stay significantly cooler during operation, even during extended grooming sessions. This is a game-changer for sensitive dogs or for those with thick coats that require more clipping time.

But the benefits of ceramic don’t stop there. Ceramic is also incredibly hard. It’s much harder than steel, which means that CeramicEdge blades stay sharper for much longer. A sharper blade cuts cleanly through the hair, reducing pulling and snagging, and creating a smoother, more professional-looking finish. Think of it like using a brand-new, razor-sharp knife versus a dull one – the sharp knife requires less force and creates a cleaner cut.

Unleashed Freedom: The Lithium-Ion Battery Advantage

The Pulse Zr II is cordless, powered by a removable lithium-ion battery. This offers several advantages:

• Freedom of Movement: No more tripping over cords or being limited by the location of an outlet. You can groom your dog anywhere, even outdoors!
• Long Runtime: The battery provides up to 3 hours of runtime on a single charge, plenty of time for most grooming sessions.
• Removable and Replaceable: Unlike clippers with built-in batteries, the Pulse Zr II’s battery can be easily removed and replaced. This extends the lifespan of the clipper significantly. If the battery eventually loses its capacity (as all batteries do over time), you can simply replace it instead of buying a whole new clipper.
  • Fast Charging: While the documentation does not mention the exact charging time, it’s likely to be fast because Lithium-Ion batteries offer this capacity.

So, what’s the magic behind lithium-ion batteries? It’s all about the chemistry. Lithium-ion batteries store energy by moving lithium ions between a positive electrode (typically made of a lithium metal oxide) and a negative electrode (typically made of graphite). When the battery is discharged (powering the clipper), lithium ions flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, releasing energy. When the battery is charged, the process is reversed. Lithium-ion batteries are favored for their high energy density (they can store a lot of energy in a small package), their lack of “memory effect” (you don’t have to fully discharge them before recharging), and their relatively long lifespan.

Grooming Like a Pro (At Home)

Now that we’ve covered the science, let’s get practical. Here are some tips for using the Andis Pulse Zr II effectively and safely:

Choosing the Right Blade: A Guide to Different Blade Sizes

The #10 blade that comes with the Pulse Zr II is a great all-around blade for general prep work, like trimming paw pads, sanitary areas, and the face. But for different coat lengths and styles, you’ll want to explore other blade options. Andis offers a wide range of UltraEdge, CeramicEdge, and ShowEdge blades that are compatible with the Pulse Zr II.

Here’s a quick guide to common blade sizes:

• #10: Short cut (1.5mm), ideal for sanitary trims, paw pads, and undercoat removal.
• #7F: Medium-short cut (3.2mm), good for a close, smooth finish on the body.
• #5F: Medium cut (6.3mm), leaves a slightly longer, plush finish.
• #4F: Medium-long cut (9.5mm), good for a natural-looking coat.
• #3 3/4F:Long cut (13mm).

The “F” after the number indicates a “finish” blade, which provides a smoother cut than a “skip-tooth” blade. Skip-tooth blades are designed for blending and texturizing. It will come down to preference.

Clipping with Confidence: Techniques for a Smooth, Even Cut

• Prep the Coat: Before you start clipping, make sure your dog’s coat is clean and dry. Brush out any mats or tangles. This will make the clipping process much easier and prevent the blade from snagging.
• Hold the Clipper Correctly: Hold the clipper firmly but not too tightly. Let the clipper do the work; don’t force it through the fur.
• Keep the Skin Taut: Gently pull the skin taut with your free hand. This creates a smooth surface for the blade to glide over and helps prevent nicks and cuts. This is especially important in areas with loose skin, like the belly, armpits, and around the neck. Imagine you’re smoothing out a wrinkle on a piece of fabric before ironing it – the same principle applies here.
• Clip in the Direction of Hair Growth: For a smooth, natural-looking cut, always clip in the direction the hair grows. Clipping against the grain can cause irritation and an uneven finish. On some breeds, you might clip against the grain on certain areas to achieve a specific look (like a sculpted poodle cut), but this is generally best left to experienced groomers.
• Use Long, Smooth Strokes: Avoid short, choppy strokes. Instead, use long, sweeping motions, overlapping each pass slightly to ensure an even cut.
• Check the Blade Temperature Frequently: Even though CeramicEdge blades stay cooler, it’s still a good idea to check the blade temperature regularly, especially during longer grooming sessions. If the blade feels hot to the touch, stop clipping and let it cool down. You can also use a blade coolant spray, like Andis Cool Care Plus, to help keep the blade cool and lubricated. Andis also recommends keeping an extra blade on hand to swap as needed.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Change Speeds: Experiment with the different speed settings to find what works best for your dog’s coat and the area you’re clipping. Remember, lower speeds are better for sensitive areas and finer coats, while higher speeds are for thicker coats.

Keeping it Clean: Clipper Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your Andis Pulse Zr II in top condition and ensuring its longevity.

• Clean the Blade After Each Use: Remove the blade from the clipper and use a small brush (an old toothbrush works great!) to remove any hair or debris trapped between the blades.
• Oil the Blade Regularly: Before, during, and after each use, apply a few drops of clipper oil to the blade. This helps to lubricate the blades, reduce friction, and prevent rust. Andis recommends using their own clipper oil for optimal performance. Place oil on the front and side of the cutter blades.
• Disinfect the Blade: To prevent the spread of bacteria or fungus, it’s a good idea to disinfect the blade periodically. You can use a blade wash solution, like Andis Blade Care Plus, which cleans, disinfects, and lubricates the blade.
• Check the Blade Drive Assembly: Over time, the blade drive assembly (the part that connects the motor to the blade) can wear out. If you notice that the clipper is not cutting as well as it used to, even with a sharp blade, it might be time to replace the blade drive assembly. This is a relatively simple repair that can be done at home. Instructions can be found in the user manual, or Andis offers videos.
• Store Properly: After use make sure the clipper is dry. Storing with blades down will keep excess oil from running into the casing.

Making Grooming a Positive Experience

For many dogs, grooming can be a stressful experience. The noise of the clippers, the unfamiliar sensations, and the restraint can all contribute to anxiety. Here are some tips for making grooming a more positive experience for your furry friend:

• Start Early: If you have a puppy, start introducing them to grooming tools and procedures as early as possible. Even short, positive sessions with lots of treats and praise can help them get used to the process.
• Desensitize and Countercondition: If your dog is already fearful of clippers, you can use desensitization and counterconditioning techniques to help them overcome their fear. Start by simply showing your dog the clippers (turned off) and giving them treats. Gradually work your way up to turning the clippers on (at a low speed) for short periods, always pairing the experience with positive reinforcement (treats, praise, petting).
• Create a Calm Environment: Choose a quiet, comfortable location for grooming. Avoid distractions and make sure your dog feels secure.
• Take Breaks: If your dog is getting stressed, take a break. Don’t force them to endure a long grooming session if they’re clearly uncomfortable.
• End on a Positive Note: Always end the grooming session with something positive, like a treat, a play session, or a walk.

Conclusion: The Science of a Happy, Healthy Coat

The Andis 79170 Pulse Zr II 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper is more than just a grooming tool; it’s a testament to the power of science and engineering to improve the lives of our pets. By combining a powerful rotary motor, advanced ceramic blade technology, and a user-friendly design, Andis has created a clipper that makes home grooming easier, more efficient, and more comfortable for both pets and their owners. Regular grooming, performed with the right tools and techniques, is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. It’s an investment in your dog’s health, happiness, and the special bond you share. By understanding the science behind a healthy coat and the technology that makes grooming easier, you can transform a potentially stressful chore into a positive bonding experience.