Echo SRM-225

The 21.2 cc Echo SRM-225 two-stroke gas trimmer gets good reviews from owners and experts. Echo claims this model is the most fuel-efficient straight-shaft trimmer on the market, although unlike the Hitachi CG22EASSLP (*Est. $185) , it doesn't meet California's stricter emissions standards.

It weighs 12 pounds, with a cutting swath of 17 inches. It has a bump-feed spool head, and its starting system reduces starting effort by 30 percent, according to the Echo website. Users agree that this trimmer is powerful and easy to start, but some find it a bit heavy, and others say reloading the line is tricky.

Although the Echo SRM-225 is backed by a five-year warranty, some owners say getting warranty service is difficult. If you'll mainly be trimming a regularly maintained lawn rather than whacking tall weeds in the back-eighty, the less expensive Hitachi may be a better option. Alternatively, if you're prepared to spend more for a lighter and more powerful trimmer with almost no reliability complaints, consider the best-reviewed Husqvarna 223L (*Est. $250) gas trimmer.

We found the best comparative reviews of the Echo SRM-225 gas string trimmer at Popular Mechanics and at ConsumerReports.org, where it's compared with 21 other gas models, as well as some electric and cordless models. A review at ProToolReviews.com is based on hands-on testing, and owner reviews at HomeDepot.com provide first-person perspective from people who routinely use this trimmer.