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The winners in our most recent tests start with fewer pulls and offer fast cutting even in tall grass and weeds. But the standouts are the latest battery-powered string trimmers. With new highs in voltage, they offer performance rivaling some gas-powered models. The downside: They often also match the gas models for weight and price.
Consider one of these three CR Best Buys. Our best overall, the curved-shaft Stihl FS 38, $130, starts easily, and its engine is certified to stay efficient longer than many others. The Snapper S28BC, $170, had generally top-notch cutting and is well-priced for a straight-shaft model. The Poulan Pro PP25CFA, $110, a relative bargain, didn't edge quite as cleanly but was especially easy to use—and was fairly quiet for a gas trimmer.
Three more CR Best Buys make good choices. The Homelite UT33600A, $70, is a light-duty, curved-shaft gas trimmer that matched the top-ranked models for about half the price. The Weed Eater Featherlite SST25CE, $90, was impressive for trimming and edging, but its dual 0.095-inch lines stood out best against tall growth. Moreover, its fixed-line cutting head helps avoid jams and tangles. Choose the battery-powered, straight-shaft Ryobi RY40220, $180, to avoid the maintenance of a gas trimmer. The 40-volt unit was stellar for trimming and edging—though it's heavy.
Have a small yard with edges you can reach with a 100-foot extension cord? The straight-shaft GreenWorks 21142, $90, a CR Best Buy, did great for trimming and tall-growth cutting. Among curved-shaft models, the Stihl FSE 60, $110, isn't a price leader but edged out the competition overall.
For more choices see our full string trimmer Ratings and recommendations as well as our string trimmer buying guide, which will help you find the right one for the size of your yard and your budget.
—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)
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