Alpaca shears are difficult tools to purchase since they aren’t everyday items and come in many models, sizes, brands, and more. Not to mention, these tools can make or break a shearing experience for both you and your alpaca. To help you find the alpaca shears, we have compiled reviews of the best alpaca shears.
Each one of the shears on our list is highly effective and tested by many other alpaca owners around the globe. In the end, we provide a convenient buyer’s guide to further ensure that you pick out the best shears for your needs. Scroll down for more.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Lister Star Large Animal Clipper
Easy to use
Ventilated and self-cleaning
Suitable for many livestock and large animals
Check Price
Best Value
LCDCM Sheep Shears Alpaca Shears
Durable
Highly affordable
Spring-loaded design
Check Price
Premium Choice
Lister Legend Large Animal Clipper
Highly efficient
Self-cleaning capabilities
Most trusted brand in the UK
Check Price
Oster Clipmaster Variable Speed Clipping Machine
Lightweight
Highly durable
Variable speed options
Check Price
Oster A5 Two Speed Animal Grooming Clipper
Two speeds
Easy to change blades
Suitable for small and large animals
Check Price
The 10 Best Alpaca Shears
- Lister Star Large Animal Clipper – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Brand: Lister
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 4.75 lbs.
The best overall alpaca shear is the Lister Star Large Animal Clipper. These clippers are specifically designed for a variety of large animals, including alpacas, cattle, sheep, and livestock. As a result, it is powerful enough for full body clippings on your alpaca.
Check Latest Price
Brand: Lister
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 4.75 lbs.
A really nice feature of these clippers is that it is ventilated and self-cleaning. This means you don’t have to worry about the tool getting overheated or breaking prematurely. It even comes with a user-friendly tensioning system for further convenience.
With the purchase of the Lister Star Large Animal Clipper, you will also get a bottle of oil, a clipper cleaning brush, and a spare filter. The purchase comes with a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty as the cherry on top. Although expensive, this is a great product for serious clipping needs.
Pros
Suitable for many livestock and large animals
Ventilated and self-cleaning
Easy to use
Comes with cleaning materials and a 1-year warranty
Cons
Expensive
- LCDCM Sheep Shears/Alpaca Shears – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Brand: LCDCM
Clipping Surface: Not listed
Weight: 6.95 oz.
The LCDCM Sheep Shears/Alpaca Shears is the best alpaca shear for the money. These shears are highly affordable because they are manual instead of electric. These clippers are by far the most affordable due to their manual nature. On top of the outright affordable price tag, it comes with a 100% back guarantee.
Suitable for many livestock and large animals
Ventilated and self-cleaning
Easy to use
Comes with cleaning materials and a 1-year warranty
- Suitable for many livestock and large animals
- Ventilated and self-cleaning
- Easy to use
- Comes with cleaning materials and a 1-year warranty
Expensive
- Expensive
Brand: LCDCM
Clipping Surface: Not listed
Weight: 6.95 oz.
The blades are made from high-quality manganese steel, ensuring that they will last a long time. At the same time, these shears are easier to use than other handheld items because they are designed with spring handling to increase productivity.
Because these clippers are manual, they aren’t quite as efficient or easy to use as the electric models. Although the manual design may be easier for beginners, you will eventually want to invest in electronic shears that work more quickly.
Still, the extreme affordability that comes with these clippers, matched with the durability, makes it a great purchase for those on a budget.
Pros
Highly affordable
Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee
Durable
Spring-loaded design
Cons
Manual design
- Lister Legend Large Animal Clipper – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Brand: Lister
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 6.61 lbs.
Hands down, the most impressive alpaca shears are the Lister Legend Large Animal Clipper. We have named these our high-performance pick because they come with superior features and a hefty price tag to match. These clippers are suitable for nearly all large animals and come with a ventilated and self-cleaning design.
Highly affordable
Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee
Durable
Spring-loaded design
- Highly affordable
- Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee
- Durable
- Spring-loaded design
Manual design
- Manual design
Brand: Lister
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 6.61 lbs.
The product itself works quickly and efficiently. It has a 3-inch width and can cut lengths of 1.4 millimeters. The brand itself is the UK’s most trusted manufacturer for large animal shearing products, making it a no-brainer premium pick.
Of course, this premium pick comes with the same downside as all other premium choices. It is very expensive. Those on a budget will likely want to spend their money elsewhere so that they still get great shears without spending a fortune.
Although this product is expensive, it is one of the most impressive shears on the market. Those willing to spend anything on their alpaca shears will love this product as a result.
Pros
Highly efficient
Self-cleaning capabilities
Most trusted brand in the UK
Cons
Highly expensive
- Oster Clipmaster Variable Speed Clipping Machine
Check Latest Price
Brand: Oster
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 7.88 lbs.
One of the most precise shears is the Oster Clipmaster Variable Speed Clipping Machine. Because it is a variable speed machine, you can adjust it to work between 700 to 3000 strokes per minute. This customization ensures you get the right speed and finish for your alpaca’s coat.
Highly efficient
Self-cleaning capabilities
Most trusted brand in the UK
- Highly efficient
- Self-cleaning capabilities
- Most trusted brand in the UK
Highly expensive
- Highly expensive
Brand: Oster
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 7.88 lbs.
On top of variable speed, the machine is highly durable and has been tested for shatterproof technology. For further durability, it comes with a toolbox case that is complete with removable storage trays and blade compartments. At the same time, it is 30% lighter than its previous housing, resulting in less fatigue and improved maneuverability.
The biggest drawback of this model is that it is highly expensive. In fact, it is the second most expensive product on this list. The only product that is more expensive than it is our premium pick. Those on a budget will want to look elsewhere. Aside from those on a budget, everyone else will love this product because of its variable speed options and durability.
Pros
Variable speed options
Highly durable
Lightweight
Cons
Highly expensive
- Oster A5 Two Speed Animal Grooming Clipper
Check Latest Price
Brand: Oster
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 11.2 oz.
The Oster A5 Two Speed Animal Grooming Clipper is another great shear to check out. This model is designed to provide many strokes per minute. You have your choice between two speeds: 3000 SPM or 4000 SPM. Because of the various speeds on this model, it is suitable for alpacas, large animals, and even small animals like dogs and cats.
Variable speed options
Highly durable
Lightweight
- Variable speed options
- Highly durable
- Lightweight
Brand: Oster
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 11.2 oz.
The thing that’s unique about this shear is that it comes with a detachable A5 blade system. This design makes it much easier to remove and change blades with little work. Surprisingly, these clippers are pretty affordable too. Even though they aren’t anywhere near as affordable as our budget pick, they are more affordable than our best overall and premium picks.
One problem with these clippers is that they do get a bit hot and can overheat quickly. To prevent this from happening, you will have to take breaks while shearing your alpaca. If you are OK with doing this every time you shear your alpacas, you will likely love the Oster A5 Two Speed Animal Grooming Clippers.
Pros
Two speeds
Suitable for small and large animals
Easy to change blades
Reasonably priced
Cons
Overheats
- BEETRO Electric Professional Sheep Shears
Check Latest Price
Brand: BEETRO
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 6.35 lbs.
One of the more affordable electric alpaca shears is the BEETRO Electric Professional Sheep Shears. Unlike the other electric models on this list, it is highly affordable, though it is only slightly more expensive than our budget buy. Given it is an electric model instead of a manual one, it makes sense that it is slightly pricier.
Two speeds
Suitable for small and large animals
Easy to change blades
Reasonably priced
- Two speeds
- Suitable for small and large animals
- Easy to change blades
- Reasonably priced
Overheats
- Overheats
Brand: BEETRO
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 6.35 lbs.
Although affordable, the model is highly effective too. It can provide up to 2400 PRM and offers six different speeds to ensure you get the right clipping for your alpaca. All the blades are incredibly sharp and resistant to high heat and extra-long coats.
Even though this product is good for its price, it isn’t as impressive as the more expensive electric alpaca shears. It simply is not powerful enough for frequent and heavy-duty jobs. Plus, it isn’t as durable or user-friendly as the other models.
Still, its affordability is something to be noted. Between its price and electric design, it may be a great choice for individuals on a budget who still want an electric shear.
Pros
Highly affordable
Electric shear
6 speeds
Durable blades
Cons
Not as effective as other electric models
Casing is not very durable
- Missyee Sheep Clippers Electric
Check Latest Price
Brand: Missyee
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 6.77 lbs.
The Missyee Sheep Clippers Electric are affordable as well. When you purchase these shears, you get the shearing clipper with the clipper head, a special screwdriver, a cleaning brush, and transport and storage case. Additionally, the company provides a lifetime service guarantee with their products.
Highly affordable
Electric shear
6 speeds
Durable blades
- Highly affordable
- Electric shear
- 6 speeds
- Durable blades
Not as effective as other electric models
Casing is not very durable
- Not as effective as other electric models
- Casing is not very durable
Brand: Missyee
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 6.77 lbs.
The shears come with 320-watt power that can offer up to 2,400 strokes per minute. This design is not the most powerful on our list, but it may be suitable for one or two alpacas. Because of its lower wattage, you can use it on cats and dogs with ease.
Surprisingly, these shears are relatively impressive. They are far from being as great as our top picks, but they do a good job for the price. There aren’t many reports of it overheating or failing on thick coats either. So, this is a good purchase if you are on a budget but still want decent electric shearers.
Pros
Highly affordable
Great customer support
Comes with a case
Works as described
Cons
Not very powerful
- Ridgeyard Electric Farm Supplies Animal Grooming Shearing
Check Latest Price
Brand: Ridgeyard
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 7 lbs.
Another affordable electric alpaca shear is the Ridgeyard Electric Farm Supplies Animal Grooming Shearing tool. With this purchase, you will get a tool case, the shear, a cleaning brush, two extra carbon brushes, a mini screwdriver, and an empty oil bottle. Despite getting all these items, the price is highly affordable, even more affordable than our previous model.
Highly affordable
Great customer support
Comes with a case
Works as described
- Highly affordable
- Great customer support
- Comes with a case
- Works as described
Not very powerful
- Not very powerful
Brand: Ridgeyard
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 7 lbs.
The shear comes with 380-watt power and can offer up to 2,400 RPM. The speed is ideal for alpacas and other large animals. Most users recommend oiling it up before use and adjusting the blades as well for best results.
One complaint that we found frequently about the Ridgeyard Electric Farm Supplies Animal Grooming Shearing tool is that it gets extra hot. In fact, some users noted that it gets so hot that it’s difficult to hold. Because it overheats, it likely doesn’t last very long either.
Despite these notable drawbacks, this product is highly affordable and may be suitable for the occasional shear. If you have many alpacas, you might want to invest in something a bit more durable.
Pros
Highly affordable
Comes with a toolbox and other items
Good power
Cons
Overheats
Not very durable
- Apelila Store 6 Speed Sheep Shears Electric Clippers
Check Latest Price
Brand: Apelila
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 7.05 lbs.
The most affordable electric alpaca shear is the Apelila Store 6 Speed Sheep Shears Electric Clippers. These clippers are only beat out by our budget pick for being the most affordable product on this list. It even has a warranty for further money value. Despite being so affordable, they also have an electric design, much like the more expensive options.
Highly affordable
Comes with a toolbox and other items
Good power
- Highly affordable
- Comes with a toolbox and other items
- Good power
Overheats
Not very durable
- Overheats
- Not very durable
Brand: Apelila
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 7.05 lbs.
This product is specifically designed for small scale family farming purposes. It is designed to be easy to operate and has a scissors handle structure so that it feels more natural in your hand.
Unfortunately, these shears are not the most effective. The motor can get hot after long use, which explains why they feel the need to mention not allowing the model to overheat. More so, this shear is not as suitable for many alpacas since it isn’t very effective on thick coats.
Although this model does come with some relatively serious drawbacks, it does perform notably better than other electric shears of its price range. So, if you are on an extreme budget and need electric shears, this should be your go-to. If you have more money to spend, we recommend opting for one of the more impressive models instead.
Pros
Highly affordable
Comes with a warranty
Electronic design
Easy to hold
Cons
Overheats easily
Not suitable for many alpacas
- SUNCOO Sheep Shears Portable Electric Clippers
Check Latest Price
Brand: SUNCOO
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 7.71 in.
Finally, the last product on our list is the SUNCOO Sheep Shears Portable Electric Clippers. These shears are designed for most livestock, including alpacas. It comes with a 350-watt motor and can offer up to 2600 strokes per minute, which is the perfect amount for alpacas. When you purchase these shears, you will also get a carrying case, clean brush, oil bottle, and a user manual.
Highly affordable
Comes with a warranty
Electronic design
Easy to hold
- Highly affordable
- Comes with a warranty
- Electronic design
- Easy to hold
Overheats easily
Not suitable for many alpacas
- Overheats easily
- Not suitable for many alpacas
Brand: SUNCOO
Clipping Surface: 3 in.
Weight: 7.71 in.
Unfortunately, many users are not thrilled about this product. Even though they claim it works as it should, it is incredibly loud and uncomfortable to use. Because of how uncomfortable it is to use, we don’t recommend it over the other products on this list. Another common complaint is that the instruction manual is next to impossible to figure out. For first time buyers, this is a serious drawback that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Still, the product does get the job done for shearing alpacas. Because of its impressive wattage, it can offer enough power for shearing multiple animals, but it is a hassle to use.
Pros
Powerful
Comes with other items
Affordable
Cons
Very loud
Uncomfortable to hold
Terrible instructions
Powerful
Comes with other items
Affordable
- Powerful
- Comes with other items
- Affordable
Very loud
Uncomfortable to hold
Terrible instructions
- Very loud
- Uncomfortable to hold
- Terrible instructions
Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best Alpaca Shears
Do Alpacas Need To Be Sheared?
Alpacas must always be sheared. If you fail to shear your alpaca, it can grow upwards of 10 to 15 lbs. of wool. This wool is not only heavy, but it is incredibly warm and may cause your alpaca to overheat, depending on the time of year and location.
When Should I Shear My Alpacas?
You should shear your alpacas at least once a year. It’s best to shear them before the height of the summer so that they don’t get too hot. Most likely, you will need to shear your alpacas around the month of July, if not in June. Don’t shear your alpacas too early, though, for they might get cold.
How To Shear Alpacas
Here are the steps for shearing alpacas:
Grab a buddy to help you secure the alpaca.
Use a rope to tie around the alpaca’s body in front of the pelvis.
Place the alpaca’s back legs inside the loop underneath the abdomen.
Have two people standing on opposite sides of the alpaca.
Gently drop the alpaca down.
Shear the alpaca while it is laying down.
It is important to make sure that the alpaca is properly secured before beginning the shearing process. That way, both you and the alpaca are safe during the sheering process. Unlike most sheep, alpacas are feisty and will fight to stay away from shears.
Grab a buddy to help you secure the alpaca.
Use a rope to tie around the alpaca’s body in front of the pelvis.
Place the alpaca’s back legs inside the loop underneath the abdomen.
Have two people standing on opposite sides of the alpaca.
Gently drop the alpaca down.
Shear the alpaca while it is laying down.
- Grab a buddy to help you secure the alpaca.
- Use a rope to tie around the alpaca’s body in front of the pelvis.
- Place the alpaca’s back legs inside the loop underneath the abdomen.
- Have two people standing on opposite sides of the alpaca.
- Gently drop the alpaca down.
- Shear the alpaca while it is laying down.
Tips For Shearing Alpacas
Here are some tips to keep in mind to make the shearing process a bit easier:
Always clean the alpaca before shearing it.
Clean the blades before and after shearing the alpaca.
Always ask a buddy to help you out.
If you aren’t comfortable with a shearer yet, you can try clipping instead.
Never try to shear an alpaca without securing it first.
Factors To Keep In Mind When Buying Alpaca Shears
Buying alpaca shears can be difficult. Since these items are not everyday purchases, most people have no clue what to look for the first time they are purchased.
Always clean the alpaca before shearing it.
Clean the blades before and after shearing the alpaca.
Always ask a buddy to help you out.
If you aren’t comfortable with a shearer yet, you can try clipping instead.
Never try to shear an alpaca without securing it first.
- Always clean the alpaca before shearing it.
- Clean the blades before and after shearing the alpaca.
- Always ask a buddy to help you out.
- If you aren’t comfortable with a shearer yet, you can try clipping instead.
- Never try to shear an alpaca without securing it first.
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying your first set of alpaca sheers:
RPM: RPM stands for rotation per minute. The more times the shear rotates per minute, the faster you can get the job done. Because shearing alpacas is so stressful for both you and the animal, try to get as high as an RPM as possible.
Motor Power: The motor power directly relates to the power of the shears. If you select a shear with less power, it either won’t make it through the alpaca coat easily or you’ll have to take breaks to ensure that the tool doesn’t overheat. The best tools often have motor power between 320 and 380 watts.
Blade Tension Adjust: Blade tension adjust allows you to customize the blade based on your alpaca’s coat. This allows you to get the job done more quickly and more effectively.
Ease of Use: Because of how difficult shearing an alpaca is, you want the tool to be as easy to use as possible. Features like low vibration and hand grips can go a long way in making the product more user-friendly. Weight is another factor that can impact ease of use.
Price: You can find alpaca shears of many prices today. Make sure that the shears you select are affordable enough that they don’t break your budget without being shoddy or overly cheap.
It’s important that you consider all these factors when buying alpaca shears, not just one factor. By looking at all these factors at once, you can easily choose the best alpaca shears for your and your alpaca’s needs.
RPM: RPM stands for rotation per minute. The more times the shear rotates per minute, the faster you can get the job done. Because shearing alpacas is so stressful for both you and the animal, try to get as high as an RPM as possible.
Motor Power: The motor power directly relates to the power of the shears. If you select a shear with less power, it either won’t make it through the alpaca coat easily or you’ll have to take breaks to ensure that the tool doesn’t overheat. The best tools often have motor power between 320 and 380 watts.
Blade Tension Adjust: Blade tension adjust allows you to customize the blade based on your alpaca’s coat. This allows you to get the job done more quickly and more effectively.
Ease of Use: Because of how difficult shearing an alpaca is, you want the tool to be as easy to use as possible. Features like low vibration and hand grips can go a long way in making the product more user-friendly. Weight is another factor that can impact ease of use.
Price: You can find alpaca shears of many prices today. Make sure that the shears you select are affordable enough that they don’t break your budget without being shoddy or overly cheap.
- RPM: RPM stands for rotation per minute. The more times the shear rotates per minute, the faster you can get the job done. Because shearing alpacas is so stressful for both you and the animal, try to get as high as an RPM as possible.
- Motor Power: The motor power directly relates to the power of the shears. If you select a shear with less power, it either won’t make it through the alpaca coat easily or you’ll have to take breaks to ensure that the tool doesn’t overheat. The best tools often have motor power between 320 and 380 watts.
- Blade Tension Adjust: Blade tension adjust allows you to customize the blade based on your alpaca’s coat. This allows you to get the job done more quickly and more effectively.
- Ease of Use: Because of how difficult shearing an alpaca is, you want the tool to be as easy to use as possible. Features like low vibration and hand grips can go a long way in making the product more user-friendly. Weight is another factor that can impact ease of use.
- Price: You can find alpaca shears of many prices today. Make sure that the shears you select are affordable enough that they don’t break your budget without being shoddy or overly cheap.
Related Read: How to Care for Alpacas: Tips, Tricks, and Guide
Conclusion
Of all our product reviews, we recommend the Lister Star Large Animal Clipper, LCDCM Sheep Shears/Alpaca Shears, or Lister Legend Large Animal Clipper. Of these products, the two Lister items are better for premium choices, whereas the LCDCM shears are better for those on a budget.
Regardless of which product you choose, remember to refer to our buying guide when it comes time to purchase your alpaca shears to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
