LOVING the Laube SPEED FEED

It has been about six weeks since I began using the Laube Speed Feed trimmer, and I adore it more every day that I groom. It is so light and comfortable in my hand that I want to find more and more uses for it. Being cordless and small allows me to maneuver effortlessly with this tool. It is so easy to reach underneath a dog and get mats out from difficult places with these clippers.

Technically, the Laube Speed Feed is in the class of tools called "trimmers", which implies that they are intended for light work like faces and ears. In my book, however, I would classify them as "light clippers", as they have enough power for many uses.

The clipper itself comes with an adjustable blade that can be instantly switched from a blade length of #'s 9, 10, 15, 30, & 40. That means you can go from clipping the pads, of the feet (#30 or 40) to clipping the tummy (#9 or 10) to inside the ears (#15 or 30), with just a flick of the thumb. No reaching for a different blade and snapping blades on or off. The only downside is that you have to remember to switch. Whoops!

Here's a Standard Poodle foot done with the #30 setting:

That's clean!


The Speed Feet kit includes two exchangeable battery packs in a rapid charger, so you need never fear running out of juice, even if you are slow and hesitant, or doing a big job. Better yet, the batteries have no memory, so you can recharge them at any point, you do not have to run them out. So you can replace your whole clipper into the charger while you go on to another task, and it will recharge without harm. With the old technology, you could mess up the battery by doing this and it would not hold a full charge. This can't happen with the Speed Feed. Thank you Kim Laube!

Here's Fuzzy Reid, getting a "smoothie" trim at the #9 setting. Now why would you name a dog "Fuzzy" and have it clipped smooth? I call him "Fuzzy Not".

This little guy is getting old and jerky about his clipper work, so the flexibility of this small light clipper was greatly appreciated. It made it much easier doing those fragile little legs while he danced around the table.


Let's talk about the comb attachments. They work! Really well! Two things to know: the Laube Speed Feed has more strokes per minute (spm) than other trimmers. The specifications claim 8,500 spm. Most trimmers have only 4,000-4,500 spm. The Master Groomer cordless clipper (Pet Edge brand) has only 4,500 and it's billed as a full sized clipper. Check this out - the Oster Power Pro cordless clipper is advertised with 3,700 spm. Leave it to Laube to outclass the entire competition! How does this spm translate to results on the table? It means that the comb attachments will plow through many coats and coat types. It means that you can really use them. I did not believe it until I tried it, because I've had many trimmers and none of them worked well with the combs. The second thing to know is that the comb attachments slide on rather than snap on. What's the biggest problem with snap on combs? They snap off! These combs slide on with pieces on the side of the combs that fit over the side of the blade set, so these puppies don't move.

Here are a few pictures of recent grooms I did using the Speed Feed with comb attachments.

This cute little parti-poodle was done with a Speed Feed & #9mm comb on the body, and scissored legs.


The Poodle/Beagle was done all over with a Speed Feed & #6 mm comb. The Bichon was again using the #9 mm comb and scissored legs.

Using the comb attachments with the Speed Feed is not quite the same as other experiences I have had with guard attachments. It is difficult to describe, but I feel as though I am drawing or sketching the groom as I go. Yes, you need to go over your clipper work with more than one stroke. But it is quick and easy to do so. The greatest advantage I experience is a feeling of good control over the clippers and what is coming off. I can sculpt with the Speed Feed, lifting it off where I need to leave a little more hair. There's not much of a risk of accidental gouging into the coat. That's a Good Thing!

As with other guard attachments, the Speed Feed combs need to be used on coat that is thoroughly free of tangles. Any tangling will catch the clippers and they won't move through the hair. And I don't think they would be good for super thick or overgrown coat. These grooms pictured above all had less than 8 weeks of growth since the last grooming. However, I am really impressed with what nice results I've been getting.

COMPARISON TO THE MOSER ARCO by WAHL
Pet groomers who have used the very popular Moser Arco cordless trimmer want to know how the Laube Speed Feed compares. I've used them both, and would choose the Speed Feed in a New York second. (snaps fingers). Size and weight are about the same, but the Laube has nearly twice the cutting speed. Also, the angle of the cutting blade on the Arco was such that I had a few humbling accidents with clipper abrasion.
I don't feel as though this will happen with the Speed Feed. In fact, I think it would be a safe tool for novice groomers and beginners.

Where to shop? Prices on the Speed Feed range from around $85.00 to $120.00. Because it is so popular, suppliers are starting to be competitive with pricing. I got mine from Jeffers Pet Supply. It arrived very promptly. Get one!

P.S. Although the word is that some master sharpeners can sharpen these blades, your best bet is to take good care of your blade by frequently brushing out accumulated hair. I use my high velocity dryer to blow it clean daily, and apply oil sparingly. Since you will be dreadfully out of sorts when the blade dulls, you might want to purchase a spare blade right away to have on hand.