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EGO Power+ 15" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with Telescopic Shaft vs EGO Power+ 16" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ and Carbon Fiber Shaft
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
EGO Power+ 15" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with Telescopic Shaft ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on cutting power, runtime, line feeding & reloading, weight & balance, durability.
The biggest complaint about the EGO Power+ 15" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with Telescopic Shaft is mixed durability; for the EGO Power+ 16" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ and Carbon Fiber Shaft it's auto-feed isn't always reliable. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| EGO Power+ 15" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with Telescopic Shaft | EGO Power+ 16" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ and Carbon Fiber Shaft | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in string trimmers | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 14% |
| Overall score | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Cutting power | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Runtime | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Line feeding & reloading | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Weight & balance | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $120 · $$ $120–250 · $$$ over $250. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
EGO Power+ 15" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with Telescopic Shaft
- Mixed durability
Durability gets mixed feedback in Amazon's review summary, and some owners say it broke during use. Wirecutter's test unit tore its foam front-handle padding after two years.
- Line sometimes won't come out
Amazon's summary flags 'cord removal' as a problem: some owners can't get the string to come out of the head.
- On the heavy side
A little over 10 lb, not the lightest Wirecutter tested. Weight is mixed on Amazon: some call it light, others heavy.
EGO Power+ 16" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ and Carbon Fiber Shaft
- Auto-feed isn't always reliable
Wirecutter had trouble with Line IQ, which didn't always keep the advertised 16-inch length. Line feed is a mixed aspect on Amazon, and some owners report line breaks.
- Heavy with the battery
Popular Mechanics lists the large battery's weight as its only con (11 lb). Pro Tool Reviews measured 12.5 lb with a 5Ah battery.
- Mixed durability and value
Durability and value for money are mixed in Amazon's summary. Pro Tool Reviews suggests other models for entry- to mid-level budgets.
Who should pick which
Pick the EGO Power+ 15" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with Telescopic Shaft if
Medium to large yards and overgrown areas
Hating to rewind trimmer line
Users of different heights (telescoping shaft)
Skip it if: You want a very light trimmer; You have only a tiny yard; You don't want to buy into EGO's 56V batteries
Pick the EGO Power+ 16" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ and Carbon Fiber Shaft if
Beginners who find line feeding a hassle
Strong cutting with low vibration
Owners of EGO 56V batteries
Skip it if: You're on a budget; You want a light trimmer; You want to use line other than 0.095 inch
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