In addition the now slimmer and ergonomic handgrip is a pleasant 20% reduction on the old "Showman" model. A number of other new features, which will be discussed in greater detail later in this review, have been introduced to make the "Liberty" an attractive purchase for those seeking a clipping machine with a lot of extra potential.

The Liberty clipper head is compact and slim to afford good manoeuvrability when clipping in confined areas. The head is manufactured from a high performance black industrial plastic and has two small screws either side of the head which if unscrewed release the head from the body to provide easy access to the gearwheel. The white plastic gear tooth comprises of 30 teeth and is broader than some seen on other machines, which gives additional strength and wear. The accommodating circular aperture on the body of the clipper reveals a brass gear all very cleanly engineered.

Blades are fitted the traditional way, first the cutter blades (smaller of the two known often as the upper plate) hard plastic housing fit easily over the circular crank roller - in the same way as cutter blades fit on the Showman. The guide bar of the cutter blade automatically fits snugly into twin blade guide recesses in the head to facilitate easy movement of the blade. Next the comb blade (larger of the two blades) is fitted with the two white blade "lugs" slotting into the holes provided either side of the blade. The comb blade is then secured, and tensioned with the bolt, spring and nut provided. Always check to make sure the tension bolt is securely bedded into the square hole provided and not sitting proud as this may later affect the tension.

The blades are easily removed from the head by unscrewing the tension nut and releasing the bolt and spring.

Tensioning is easy and straightforward even if you are not particularly experienced. Basically screw the nut down as far as it will go without applying "brute" force and then carefully turn the nut back one and a half times. Practise is worthwhile as correct tensioning is essential for good clipper performance. The instruction manual clearly describes the action to be taken, but practice will help you to improve your blade tensioning skills if you are one who only clips a few times a year.

Regular lubrication of all indicated areas is essential to blade performance. Clear instructions are given both in the manual and inside the carry case as to where oil should be applied. It is essential to ensure the moving parts of the blades are oiled before you commence switching on and using the machine.

The clipper head has two oiling holes situated either side of the tension nut. These are referred to in the manual - page 2 - section 6 - items 3 - "via the two holes." A further reference is made to these two oiling points (see the red arrows) on the oiling diagram fixed to the inside of the carry case. Lubrication in this area and all other places marked is important.

The crank roller or drive block as it is known on some machines is circular. One advantage of the circular crank roller is that it makes fitting the cutter blade a lot easier than with a "square" drive block, a system used by many other makes. Also a metal roller housed into a nylon housing on the cutter blades helps to further reduce elements of noise.

The shoulder of the Liberty is shaped to give the maximum slimness at the very point your hand will appreciate it, and the body length is just long enough to accommodate the palm of your hand with comfort. Ridging, moulded into the plastic casing is just enough to give added grip without having an annoying feel whilst clipping. The circumference at the grip is 16cm and the diameter at the grip 5cm. For those used to the Showman the Liberty is about 20% narrower in the grip area and more ergonomic in its shape.

The "on/off" switch is of the "rocker type" rather than a "push and slide" type and compact, positive and adequate in size. The position is convenient for a rapid "switch off" movement in the event of an emergency, a feature that is not always appreciated by manufacturers.

The casing colour is worth remarking on. We have for a long time advocated the marketing value of "colour". One is talking of a "special" colour, which catches the eye, compels the viewer to take a closer look, and in some cases achieves a "sale by colour" rather than by merit. The Hauptner 2000 achieved this with its highly "seductive" mauve casing, and we recently re-viewed the Andis "Power Groom" which has the same "attraction" The Liberty with its "lilac" casing may well have a similar "pull" with the ladies! (Especially if it co-ordinates with a Musto jacket of similar colour!)

At the rear end of the casing Lister have attached a wrist cord. Some users view these as a nuisance, and ignore using it, others insist on it, if it saves the clipper being kicked out of your hand, which is the experience of many, it would seem to us to be of considerable value. There are few occasions when a clipper hits the ground that positive expense is then not experienced! The cutaway back houses the cable assembly and the makers plate with the serial number and other data.

The motor, which has under gone continuous field trials over a period of many months since 2003, gives a performance equivalent to the Showman but Lister engineers have been able to both lighten and increase the slimness which has resulted in the slimmer body casing. Clipping speed is 2500 rpm, the same as the Showman. Other engineering features include the upgrading of the bearings, which has helped to further reduce the noise levels, and the gear, which drives the clipper head, has been lengthened to improve running performance.

In general the body has good build features, and gives the impression of a certain solidness. Balance is good and the overall weight including blades, but excluding the cable, is 0.8kgs (0.2kgs less than a 2003 model Showman.)

The clipper is attached to the battery pack by a retractable cable (similar to the type used on telephones but more durable.) When retracted this measures approximately 22-inch (56cm) and when fully extended a comfortable 7 feet 6-inches (2.29m cm.) This was not the maximum, but we felt sufficient without putting a strain on connections.

The new powerpack is a major improvement on the old powerpack supplied with the Showman in the field of weight. The Showman battery as previously mentioned was heavy. The new power pack unit weight has been halved from 1.6kgs to a mere 0.8kgs and as a result the size has been reduced also, so that now you can operator the clipper with the powerpack inside a jacket pocket if you don't want the belt attachment or to clip it to your trousers/belt. Provided with the powerpack is a good wide nylon belt with generous width to cope for all sizes. The belt has a simple "clunk -click" locking system, with quick release catch.

The new powerpack uses the technology of Nickel Metal Hydride as compared to the previous use of Nickel Cadmium. This technology we understand gives the equivalent performance, but in a slimmer shape.

A nickel metal hydride battery, abbreviated NiMH, is a type of rechargeable battery similar to a Nickel Cadmium battery (NiCd) but has a hydride absorbing alloy, the anode, instead of cadmium which is an environmental hazard; therefore, it is less detrimental to the environment. As in NiCd batteries, nickel is the cathode. A NiMH battery can have two to three times the capacity of an equivalent size NiCd and the memory effect is not as significant. (Memory effect is an effect observed in some rechargeable batteries that causes them to hold less charge. The term is rather universal in describing any such effect, though in its original meaning it describes one very specific case.) Therefore the battery can be topped up or fully discharged, without having to worry about memory effect (similar to the modern day mobile phone).

The full charge time is between 11 and 13 hours, which is a slight reduction on the Showman battery pack, which took up to 16 hours. So this is one you will need to discipline yourself to remembering to fully charge the night before you intend clipping if you want the full 2.5 hours of clip time!

The new power pack must be fully charged before use, even though it may contain a small amount of charge when leaving the factory. Users will find the powerpack will not assume its full charge time until it has been re-charged and discharged for at least 3 times. Therefore during these early periods of use you may experience less than the full two and a half hours of clip time.

The powerpack can be partially charged or discharged without causing the battery damage. Overcharging will not cause damage but it should not be left permanently on charge. The powerpack is fitted with a resettable fuse to give overload protection and will trip should there be a problem - this is reset via the re-set button on the top of the unit.

The powerpack is fully compatible with the Liberty, Showman and L0-Volt clippers

Other features of this rather attractive machine which add to its considerable versatility are the mains transformer unit enabling you to plug into the main supply and clip and a set of 12volt leads with attached crocodile clips which allow for the operation of the machine via a vehicle battery.

The AC/DC mains adapter unit for attaching to the clipper handpiece to enable mains power clipping, has a detachable plug head and can be interchanged (optional purchase) with a range of different plugs for global use - useful for the travelling horse and owner. The "din" plug head is a different size to the plug head used by the AC/DC battery adapter unit, which avoids any confusion or mix up.

The mains adapter is fitted with an internal trip switch to give added protection both to the mains adapter and the clipper from overloading, which may be as a result of blunt or clogged blades, lack of oil or excessive blade tension. Should this trip activate the problem must be investigated before there is any continuation of clipping.

Actual clipping - if you are reasonably skilled and practised at the task, is easy and the finished result is both professional and pleasing. Most Lister clippers are noted for their general ease of tensioning and assuming the end-user is conversant with the basic of setting up and making tension adjustment, they should find very little to complain about.

The noise level factor has been reduced. One of our constant criticisms of Lister clippers has been the high noise level when compared to a range of similar machines. Whilst the Liberty has no direct comparison, the noise level is still higher than we would like to see. Noise for some horse owners is a very important factor and few nervous natured horses are not going to feel comfortable with this machine, which is a great shame as it is probably perfect for such situations - no cables and a generous clip time! For the normal horse the noise level will be of no major importance and so not a factor to worry about.

Non professionals owe it to themselves and to their animals to take a short instruction course on the basics of clipping, as apart from learning how to clip your horse, most folk can benefit from professional instruction on the correct procedures for the basics of setting up and adjusting the machine. Friends are fine and no doubt well meaning, however they do not equal professional and qualified tuition!

Aftercare of this clipper and indeed any machine, is a matter for the disciplined mind, and is worthy the owner's attention. After clipping, taking the blades apart, cleaning and oiling, re-assembling or suitably storing are all tasks for immediate undertaking, not to be left until a later date or the next time you use the machine. This attitude will help you to always get the best performance out of your "Liberty" as with any other machine, as well as add to its life span and reduce service or repair bills.

Lister has a comprehensive blade range suitable for the needs of most horse or cattle owners. Lister blades are described as "self clearing" a patented feature, which allows the hair to be swept away from the cutting teeth therefore enabling blades to clip at all times.

Precision ground ribbing on the back of the blades, in addition to reducing weight, adds stiffness from front to heal and flexibility from side to side. This combination produces an optimum cutting action, reduces drag whilst clipping, and makes re-sharpening easier

For the equine owner the A2F/AC is the standard blade and generally supplied with most Lister clippers including the Liberty. Known, as a fine blade it is popular for use on horses meeting most owners' requirements for a standard winter clip. Popular blade for summer clipped show cattle is the A2/AC (medium blade).

Other Lister blades for possible use with horses include CA2/AC - Coarse blade
A2S - Surgical blade
Covercoat blade - good for legs - leave greater depth.
Wizard Sheep13 or 20 teeth
Wizard Cattle13 or 20 teeth

For the livestock user the "Wizard" blades offer the opportunity to use a "horse/cattle" clipper on sheep for limited numbers as opposed to having to invest in a "sheep" head for the purpose.

The Lister Liberty is sold in a different "packs" by various outlets throughout the UK.

The Liberty "Popular" pack.
Comprising of:
Clipper handpiece, one set of blades, powerpack battery unit, battery re-charger, power pack nylon belt, a 60m bottle of Lister oil, 3 sachets of R2 Lister grease, cleaning brush, screw driver, instruction manual. Lister recommended retail price £364.87 including vat.

The Liberty "Yard" pack.
Comprising of:
Clipper handpiece, one set of blades, powerpack battery unit, battery re-charger, power pack nylon belt, mains adapter, a 60m bottle of Lister oil, 3 sachets of R2 Lister grease, cleaning brush, screw driver, instruction manual. Lister recommended retail price £410.91 including vat.

The Liberty "Field" pack.
Comprising of:
Clipper handpiece, one set of blades, powerpack battery unit, battery re-charger, 12v battery leads, power pack nylon belt, a 60m bottle of Lister oil, 3 sachets of R2 Lister grease, cleaning brush, screw driver, instruction manual Lister recommended retail price £384.24 including vat.

In each of the "packs" the items are all stored in well-designed robust plastic hard carry case, with each major item having its own secure compartment. The case is very well thought out and once packed the clipper and its components are securely held in place. One nice touch was the oiling diagrams prominently displayed as a constant reminder of the importance of regular lubrication to the blades. (A subject often forgotten about!)

One criticism however on the case - not much room allowed for the storage of spare blades sets - pity!

The Lister Liberty is supplied with a 12-month warranty as standard, however you can opt for the three year extended guarantee for an additional payment of currently £35.00, which included VAT. To qualify for this it is important to submit the registration card duly completed within a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. Conditions and exclusions of guarantees are clearly stated on the three-year extended guarantee registration card, and are worth being familiar with.

Peasridge Conclusions:

Conclusion Pros:
· Well designed and compact
· Easy tensioning
· Good handling
· Produces nice finish
· Battery small enough to fit in a pocket
· Excellent clip time on a single charge
· Wide range of operational uses
· Attractive colour
· Well designed carry case

Conclusion Cons:
· Long battery re-charge time
· Rather on the pricy side
· Noisier than we would have liked
· Not ideal for the nervous horse
· Lack of case storage for spare sets of blades
· Little real competition to compare it with

Overall Conclusion:

From our vantage point of seeing and inspecting virtually all makes of clippers and trimmers we can categorically state this is one of the best "cordless" clippers (retractable cord) in the two and a half hour clip time range. Indeed there is nothing to really compare it with!

In a market place where the trend has been toward the smaller machines derived from the dog-grooming world and fitted with detachable wide blades, which are not in the same class, it is refreshing to see a traditional type machine of this quality available.

With most of the traditional comparisons falling well short on a number of features not least battery time - the Liberty provides a refreshing alternative to the normal "one hour and a bit" clip time.

The "Liberty" has been out now in the field for a season undergoing practical use with a variety of horse owners and used on many varying types of coats. The feed back from reliable service centres, and user owners is positive and almost without exception good. It performs well and without problems if correctly operated.

No cordless machines of any ability are cheap - (possible exception is the German made Moser Avalon) most are expensive compared to a mains powered version. The Lister Liberty is no exception, but like the "better class" car, quality comes at a price!

For what you get - and the years it will work for you (providing you treat it correctly!) you can consider the Liberty a sound investment and a good buy!