[BushGuy]

Here in NY I opted for a Poulan Pro.......and also added the edger attachment.
As stated above - I shopped for a Stihl and found it to be price protected. The one place around here that was a Stihl dealer, did not even stock the weed wacker.

 

[thoughtcriminal]

I have a Stihl professional weedwacker (don't remember model number) and its a beast. With .09in square line in it, it will cut down nearly anything. My only complaint is its a bit of a gas hog

 

[golgi]

Another vote for Stihl. That's what I have it and it has worked extremely well for the past 3 years that I've owned it.

I had originally purchased a Troybuilt but then discovered that it had a direct drive setup which really wobbled a lot. The Stihl doesn't wobble hardly at all.

 

[thoughtcriminal]

one more thing on the subject. No matter what brand you get, get a straight shaft design. Curved shaft might be appealling because they're smaller and lighter, but there is a reason no commercial models use such a design. They wear out quick, and will soon start melting the string head

 

[silencewithin]

For the environmentally conscious consumer the 4-stroke engines are better for the environment than 2-stroke engines with carburetors.

For any other potential buyers, look for a fuel-injected 2-stroke or any 4-stroke. This goes for lawn-mowers and other engines too.

 

[boomy3555]

I Started out with a Ryobi Trimmer Plus. Then I started buying all the attachements. Roto-tiller,HedgeTrimmer,Pole Saw,blower,edger, and then the power head(Motor end) died. I found out that the Poulin and one of the Husqvarna power heads would snuggle up to all the attachments I had so I got The Husqvarna. After all. I've been happy with thier chain saws for years. Thank goodness I didn't have to buy all new attachments

 

[yashicaman]

Stihl makes great equipment. For a string trimmer, I use the Stihl FS 46C (around $170). I also have a Black & Decker GH1000 which is a light weight corded model (about 70 bucks). I like both trimmers immensely. If I want to do a big trimming job, I use the Stihl. If I'm just doing the backyard, the Black & Decker is just fine. I have not cut thorugh the cord, but as I'm a klutz, I've tried (and not succeeded...yet). If you have a big yard, go Stihl.

The Stihl FS C45 (around $140) is also a fine pick (I think I got the 46 because it is longer--I'm a short 6'2" little guy).