Best weed eater strings
Have you been having trouble with your weed eater lately? Is it just not performing the way it used to? Are you thinking about chucking it in the trash and buying a new one? If so, you might be making a hasty decision.
The chances are that the root of your problem is not the whole machine but just the trimmer line. A trimmer line, or weed eater string, is a wire that is attached to the weed eater’s motor.
This is the part of the machine that does the actual cutting. Using a good trimmer line can make a world of difference in your gardening skills. While a bad one can, obviously, do the opposite.
In this article, we have reviewed the most popular and well-known strings to help you find the best trimmer line for your machine and purpose.
Best overall: Oregon 22-895 Magnum Gatorline
“Their infrequent usage means that a spool can last them for an entire lifetime”
Most popular: Dewalt DWO1DT802
“The star shape allows the string to cut much faster”
Best for professionals: Cyclone CY155S3
“it is perfect for overgrown yards. Therefore, it is the number-one choice of landscaping professionals”
Best budget choice: Husqvarna 639005102
“The design of the string greatly helps in achieving fast acceleration”
Good alternative: King Garden Spool
“aerodynamic shape, so your machine’s motor can enjoy a longer life”
Best overall: Oregon 22-895 Magnum Gatorline
- No welding. It will not stick to itself
- Very durable due to a high-strength inner core
- Fits many popular weed eater models on the market
- Expensive compared to its competitors
Good For:
Due to the high strength and durable build quality, it is perfect for professional lawn workers. Non-commercial users can invest in it too. Their infrequent usage means that a spool can last them for an entire lifetime. It is for people who own the following weed eater models: DeWalt DCST970X1, Husqvarna 128LD, Echo SRM 230 and 235, Ryobi RY253SS, Stihl FS 56 RC and FS55 R, and Troy Bilt TB 22. Compatibility is not limited to these brands, though.
This product has received a thumbs-up from almost every professional that has used it.
Another great feature of this trimmer line is its outer shell, which prevents “welding.” Welding is a process in which the line melts and rejoins with the neighboring turns in the spool. This is a nightmare for any lawn worker, as it renders the trimmer line useless before it is even attached to the weed eater.
The Magnum Gatorline comes in three shapes: round, square and star. The size of the spool ranges from 50 feet all the way to 1134 feet. Depending on your activity level, you can determine which size you want. This product will generally last you much longer than some of its competitors.
Most popular: Dewalt DWO1DT802
- Impact-resistant build that makes it durable
- The threaded design makes it an efficient cutter
- With an aerodynamic structure, this trimmer line makes your machine last longer
- Customers have complained about the welding problem
- The string is known to get brittle and stiff over time
Good For:
Due to the welding problem, we would suggest only people in cold areas make this purchase. Even in mild heat, this trimmer line is prone to welding. The star shape allows the string to cut much faster, so lawn workers who do not wish to spend a lot of time trimming their lawns should invest in this one – as it’s super effective.
The best feature that this device has to offer is its aerodynamic shape. If an object is aerodynamic, it means air flows around it nicely. Due to this feature, there is less drag on the trimmer line. This puts less work on the motor, which ultimately makes your weed eater last longer.
The flexible and impact-resistant build of the DeWalt DWO1DT802 makes it more durable than a lot of its competitors. It has a threaded design, which improves its strength and cutting ability. The length of the spool ranges from 50 feet to 225 feet. It comes in a star-shaped design.
Best for professionals: Cyclone CY155S3
- It provides great results even against tough grass due to its 6-bladed shape and strong nylon co-polymer material
- Its robustness makes it a great option for thickly grown lawns
- Comes in an easily visible color
- Due to its complicated shape, it needs to be installed carefully
Good For:
As mentioned before, it is perfect for overgrown yards. Therefore, it is the number-one choice of landscaping professionals. In fact, it might be too much for a regular lawn. It is slightly on the expensive end of the spectrum, so only people who do not want to compromise on quality should go for this product.
The most notable feature of this product is its 6-bladed shape. Normally, star-shaped trimmer lines have 4 edges. Having 6 blades vastly enhances the cutting power of the string, enabling it to tackle tougher vegetation. Along with taking care of the regular grass and weeds, it can cut saplings and small bushes.
The blades are not the only contributor to the Cyclone CY155S3’s cutting power. The unique nylon co-polymer material makes the string both strong and flexible. Experts recommend it for an overgrown lawn, so it is a good tool for professionals.
It comes in a great visible color, i.e., red. In case any pieces break off while trimming, you can easily spot them.
Best budget choice: Husqvarna 639005102
- One of the most cost-effective options on the market
- Level flight characteristics are another big plus
- Fast acceleration promotes efficiency
- Only available in round shape
- Comes in a silver color, which can be hard to see while cutting
Good For:
It is primarily targeted at amateur users who want a professional experience at a non-professional price. The lack of shape options makes it slightly unsuitable for expert lawn workers.
The highlight feature of this product is its level flight characteristics. What this means is that the trimmer line will give you an even, level cut. If you do not plan on mowing your lawn, having a level cut with your weed eater is essential.
This trimmer line also boasts a fast acceleration, which allows you to do your lawn work quickly. Fast acceleration means that when the trimmer line slows down after hitting a blade of grass, it goes back to its original speed very quickly. The design of the string greatly helps in achieving fast acceleration.
Good alternative: King Garden Spool
- It has great color choices. Bright red and green spools allow for better visualization
- Flexible build allows it to handle impact with hard surfaces
- Aerodynamic design will make your weed eater last longer
- One of the lowest prices on the market
- It supports Auto Feed System Replacement Spool that eases the tedious work of hand-winding spools
- The start of the line is not clearly labeled
- Its durability is low as compared to some of its competitors
Good For:
This product is made for people whose main concern is the price. You will not get the best quality, but you can get it really cheap. Furthermore, if you are the owner of a Black & Decker weed eater, this product will be very convenient for you. The King Garden Spool is compatible with a range of B&D models.
One of the most striking features of this product is its choice of colors. The product comes in bright green and red colors, which you can use against different types/colors of grass. The vivid colors of the string help with visualization, making the trimming process easier.
Another great feature is that the line is pliable and flexible. This allows it to cushion impacts when it comes in contact with hard surfaces like concrete or wood. It also boasts an aerodynamic shape, so your machine’s motor can enjoy a longer life. Furthermore, this is one of the most cost-effective trimmer lines on the market.
How to find the best weed eater string for you
If you’ve been with us so far, you would have probably figured out that there are several factors at play here. There are certain features you need to look for while making a purchase. These features will be determined by the grass you are dealing with and how you want your grass eater to perform.
In the following buyer’s guide, we will expand on some of the things mentioned above. Whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned expert, this guide will help you make the right choice.
Shape
The standard shape of a trimming line is round. From a manufacturing point of view, it is the easiest to make. That is why cost-effective strings are usually round in shape. However, a round string breaks off frequently because the stress is not spread out properly. It does not usually have a strengthening inner core either.
Thus, it is important to look for other options if you want better performance. Changing the shape of your line can increase its durability and enhance its cutting power.
Square
Square lines were introduced in the market fairly recently. The faces of the square help solve the stress distribution problem. When stress is distributed properly, your line does not break down as often and become more durable.
The edges of the square bring their own benefits. They greatly improve the line’s cutting ability. Due to the edges, the string is able to tackle thick grass and small wooden bushes. Such a task would be nearly impossible with a traditional round wire. Furthermore, the nature of the shape allows extra material in the string, making it long-lasting.
However, the extra material also means it has added weight. This puts extra load on the motor, thus reducing its durability. The large size also reduces its compatibility with different weed eaters.
Star
Star trimmers are essentially round trimming lines with extra edges on the surface. As mentioned above, edges help cut grass better. Due to these edges, star strings can cut tougher weeds faster.
Another thing star-shaped lines are good for is introducing aerodynamic behavior. When an object is aerodynamic, it faces very little air resistance. This means less work on the weed eater motor and, as you can guess, higher durability.
Star-shaped strings come with edges ranging from two to six. One thing to keep in mind when using such a string is to align one of the edges with the direction of the line’s movement.
Braided
A braided line is made by twisting multiple lines around one another to form a single string. In some ways, it is similar to star-shaped cutters. However, the aerodynamic capability of braided strings is even better than the star-shaped ones. Additionally, having so many strings coiled together makes braided lines very strong and robust.
You can surmise that this line is all about durability and reducing operational costs. The strength helps the line last longer, leading to fewer replacements. The highly aerodynamic design keeps the motor running for a long time, reducing the chances of any repairs. Thus, if durability is something you want, this is the type for you.
Keep in mind that it does not have the cutting power that a square or star-shaped string does. If your preference is cutting power, you may want to look for another option.
Durability
We have just discussed in length above how shape helps with durability. However, there are other factors that affect a string’s durability too. One of the most important factors is the material of the string.
A lot of manufacturers choose to use simple plastic in order to reduce the cost. However, that also makes the string prone to damage. Using a high-quality nylon co-polymer gives strength to the trimmer line and makes it more durable.
Some manufacturers also add a reinforcement core in their lines. This core helps reduce bending stress and increase the string’s tolerance to damage. The added strength also makes the line a better cutter. Usually, adding a strengthening core would drive up the price of the trimmer line. It is important to keep in mind that any attempt to improve durability through the use of material would result in an expensive product.
Welding
Welding is a lawn worker’s worst enemy. It is one thing for a string to get damaged while being used, but losing it to welding is truly a waste of money. As mentioned above, welding is a process in which the trimmer line melts and joins the adjacent line in the spool.
For obvious reasons, you should have a welding-resistant string. It is very difficult, sometimes impossible, to pry the strings apart. If the weather is particularly hot, the string can melt while you are working on your lawn. Needless to say, the latter scenario is frustrating for any lawn worker.
People living in cold areas do not have to be mindful of this factor. However, if you live in a hot region, investing in a welding-resistant string is a must.
Trimmer lines made out of nylon polymer can withstand welding much better than the regular plastic ones. This is good news for people looking for durable strings because they get welding resistance as a bonus.
Shapes can also help with the welding problem. Due to the edges on the star-shaped trimming lines, the contact area is reduced, so there is a lower chance of strings mixing with each other.
Flight Characteristic
Flight characteristic is determined by two factors: aerodynamics and levelness of the string. We have already mentioned aerodynamics several times in this article. The weed eater’s motor rotates the trimming line through the air. A string with good aerodynamics helps in two ways. One, it helps the string quickly reach from its hung position to a level rotating one. Secondly, it reduces the work that the motor has to do during rotation. Both these phenomena help save energy consumption and increase the machine’s durability.
The least aerodynamic option is the square-shaped trimming line. Star-shaped and braided have variable levels of aerodynamic behavior depending on the particular build. Round strings generally cut through air nicely.
The second factor that determines the flight characteristic is the levelness of the trimming line. The material needs to be evenly distributed along the entire length of the string. Furthermore, during installation, the strings should be balanced. If both these precautions are observed, the line will fly parallel to the ground. If the flight is a bit lopsided, it can result in poorly cut grass. It can also add an unbalanced force on your equipment’s motor, leading to problems in the future.
Conclusion
As with most of the products we review here, there is no one perfect item for everyone. It all depends on your individual needs. What you are looking for determines the type of product you should buy.
If you are looking for premium cutting strength and speed, a star-shaped string is your best friend. If you want durability in your string, buy a braided one or one with a reinforced core. If you live in hot regions, be sure to invest in a nylon co-polymer trimmer line. Buy a square string if you want durability and cutting power at a reasonable price.
That being said, we think that the Oregon 22-895 is perhaps the best overall trimming line on the market. It contains the most number of pros. It is resistant to welding, no matter how hot the temperature might be. There is a reinforced core that provides extra strength and flexibility. It is available in round, square and star shapes, so you are given a lot of choice.
On the other hand, the Husqvarna 639005102 provides a good balance of price and performance. The co-polymer material cuts down tough saplings. The fast acceleration helps save energy/fuel, while the level flight characteristic does a neat job. All of this is delivered at a cheap price. What’s not to love?
The DeWalt DWO1DT802 is great if you are living in a cold country. It has good aerodynamics and great durability. However, if you are living in a hot region, this will be a frustrating product. It has welding problems and has a tendency to get stiff over time.
The only major advantage King Garden String Trimmer Spool has its price. It has abysmal durability and needs to be replaced often. However, it has good color options and takes less time to install.
The Cyclone CY155S3 is the most professional out of all the options. Designed for a heavy-duty job, its 6-edged star shape can cut through the toughest of weeds. The bright red color is another advantage, as you easily spot and pick up any broken pieces.