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Husqvarna 122L 22cc 2-Cycle 17" Straight-Shaft Gas String Trimmer 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
Husqvarna 122L 22cc 2-Cycle 17" Straight-Shaft Gas String Trimmer ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on weight & balance. EGO Power+ 16" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ and Carbon Fiber Shaft wins on cutting power.
The biggest complaint about the Husqvarna 122L 22cc 2-Cycle 17" Straight-Shaft Gas String Trimmer is reliability problems; 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
| Husqvarna 122L 22cc 2-Cycle 17" Straight-Shaft Gas String Trimmer | EGO Power+ 16" POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ and Carbon Fiber Shaft | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in string trimmers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Gas | Cordless |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 14% |
| Overall score | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Cutting power | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Runtime | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Line feeding & reloading | — | 3.5 |
| Weight & balance | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 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
Husqvarna 122L 22cc 2-Cycle 17" Straight-Shaft Gas String Trimmer
- Reliability problems
Reliability is mixed in Amazon's summary and is the most-mentioned aspect: some units work well out of the box, others won't stay running. Durability is also mixed, with one report of a break after 3 hours.
- Gas hassles
It needs a 50:1 oil-and-gas mix (Popular Mechanics). Gas trimmers are louder and need more maintenance, and Wirecutter no longer recommends them for homeowners.
- Auxiliary grip can loosen
Popular Mechanics' auxiliary grip shook loose more than once; it tightens back with a wing nut.
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 Husqvarna 122L 22cc 2-Cycle 17" Straight-Shaft Gas String Trimmer if
Properties of an acre or more
Unlimited runtime (refuel in minutes)
Buyers who prefer gas engines
Skip it if: You want low noise and no fumes; You don't want to mix fuel or maintain an engine; Your area restricts gas lawn equipment
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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