String trimmers with an edge on the competition

Hard starting and noise are among the gripes about string trimmers we recently found on Twitter. Gas trimmers that fire up with fewer pulls, plus a growing list of powerful electric models—many of them cordless—address both concerns. But most of the machines are still loud enough to require hearing protection. And in Consumer Reports' tests of string trimmers, a few left us in the rough when it came to taller grass.

New top gas trimmers. Gas trimmers are still the leaders for power and mobility. The new Stihl FS 38, $130, which costs $20 less than the old Stihl FS 45, adds a padded handle and an engine certi­fied to meet its emissions ratings for 125 hours, compared with just 50 hours for the old model. It aced our trimming, tall-grass, and edging tests, and started easily, a trouble area with the FS 45 that was cited in user reviews. Willing to sacrifice some edging and handling performance for a lower price? The Homelite UT33600A, $70, costs a little more than half as much and includes a line spool that loads with the twist of a crank.

Two cordless picks go the distance. Lower prices and 15 minutes or more of run time per charge have helped put battery-powered trimmers in more garages and sheds. Stellar trimming and edging helped the Ryobi RY24210A, $130, edge out trimmers that cost far more. A swiveling head and a wheel also make edging along walks and driveways easier. The Toro 51488, $190, trades some trimming performance for added power in tall grass, along with a speed control that you can dial for added run time. Also consider the Core CGT400, $250, if you put a premium on quietness.

Some trimmers worth skipping. So-so edging helped put the Poulan Pro PP025, $100, among the also-rans for gas trimmers. The bottom-heavy Toro 51480, $55, lost points for unwieldy handling. And although some cordless models were impressive in tall grass, almost half—including the new GreenWorks 21282 and the Ryobi P2060, both $100—were subpar.

For more recommended string trimmers, see the full results of our tests of gas, electric, and battery operated models.

—Ed Perratore