Best Weed Eater Reviews 2018

Weed eaters are available in different sizes and designs, all of which affect their overall price. There are four types of weed eaters, which are gas, propane, electric, and battery-powered. The most expensive of the four is the gas-powered models which offer more power than all the other models.

Besides the type of weed eater, other features which affect the weed whacker’s price are: the trimmer’s cutting width, the type of battery it uses if it’s a battery-operated model, and the materials used to create the weed eater, along with its design. A good weed eater starts at around $75 and can run you up to, say, $300.

That said, do your best to avoid purchasing cheap weed eaters. Their low price tag, while tempting, is an indicator of lower quality and a money-pit waiting to happen. Spend a little bit more and get something of better quality—you won’t regret it!

Product features are what make a huge difference in how weed eaters operate and what they have to offer. While there are a few weed eaters with unique features, many of the great ones share some basic features, plus their own unique features which set them apart.

Here’s what to look out for when choosing a great weed trimmer:

• Weight - You’ll be carrying your weed eater around as you trim your lawn, so the weight is an important feature to consider.
• Power Source - We mentioned before that there are four types of weed eaters and they are determined by their power source. Choose the type that works best for your lawn care needs and budget.
• Shaft - There are weed eaters with curved shafts and those with straight shafts. Curved models are good for trimming tight areas, while straight ones can reach under different obstacles. Some shafts are even adjustable, while others are fixed.
• Cutting Swath - This refers to the trimmer’s cutting area.
• Engine - The engine’s power is an important factor, along with noise production.
• Simple Feed and Reload - Whether it’s a bump-feed or automatic-feed system, it’s important to choose one that’s easy to load and operate smoothly. However, if you do have a preference, then that works just as well.
• Safety Guard - This is a shield at the end of the string trimmer which will protect you from flying debris while you’re trimming your lawn.
• Warranty - Manufacturers typically offer great coverage with weed eaters and it’s always nice to know your investment is protected.

Two factors you’ll likely want to consider when checking out various weed eaters are its build, and its balance and shaft. Let’s take a closer look at these features below.

Build

The overall build of a weed eater is crucial to its performance. When you’re shopping for a new one, you’ve got to take into account the size of your yard, the thickness of your grass, and stuff in your yard before you make your purchase.

If it’s the case that you need a powerful weed eater to cover a large area of land, then a gas-powered model would be the one for you. On the other hand, if you have a small yard with little grass, then a battery-powered or electric model would suit you just fine.

Balance and Shaft

Not only is weight a key feature to consider when choosing a weed eater, but so is its balance. You want a model that will perform smoothly without a fight. The type of shaft that you’ll choose, again depends upon your yard and what’s in it. Another important thing to remember when considering which shaft to choose is that curved shafts are typically better-suited for light trimming, while straight shafts are better for heavy-duty jobs.

When it comes to maintenance and care, gas trimmers require the most while electric and battery-powered models require the least. You could say that gas weed eaters’ need for more upkeep is what ensures their power and is the tradeoff for improved power and longer runtime. These are best suited for larger properties.

Electric weed whackers, on the other hand, are great for averagely-sized residences. They do not require as much upkeep as their gas-powered counterparts, however, they do not run as long and lack the power to take on the level of work that gas-powered models can. Battery-operated models offer more freedom, and with advancements in lithium-ion batteries, they have improved run times. Direct-powered models are more restricted due to their power cords, but won’t run out of power while in use.

If you opt for a gas-powered model, look for those with anti-vibration technology. This reduces the vibration produced by the engine, which can tire out your hands. When it comes to noise level, gas-powered models are also significantly louder than electric models, so it’s recommended you wear ear protection when using them and protective eyewear no matter which model you’re using.