Whether you refer to them as weed eaters, weed whackers, or simply string trimmers, the truth remains that your mowing job will never be complete until you give it that last trimming touch.

The weed eater is the perfect tool for trimming your yard and sidewalk after a mowing session. This trimming job then brings out the best in your lawn with well-defined edges and clean-cut corners.

Since the original weed eater got invented back in the 1970s, different companies have come up with their own designs and improvements over the years.

This best weed eater review will present you with the best offers in the market and additionally show you what to look out for, so you can make the best buying decision.

Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)

• Engine: 28 cc
• Cutting width: 17 inches
• Dimensions: 12.2 x 10.2 x 57 inches
• Weight: 11 lbs
• Shaft type: Straight

The Husqvarna 128LD is a lightweight and multipurpose tool that can do a lot more than just eat weed. It comes with a 28 cc engine, which produces one horsepower and an 8,000 RPM top speed.

It weighs 11 lbs and its detachable shaft enables a tool-less and easy separation for easy transport and storage. This also allows up to 11 different attachments with a simple 'Click On' install to get a hedge trimmer, brush-cutter, tree pruner, and lots more.

Other features include a straight shaft with a 1.4 transmission gear ratio, a stop switch that automatically resets to its earlier. On position, and easy start system to make this the best overall gas weed eater on this list.

Editor's Rating: (4.3 / 5)

• Engine: 25 cc
• Cutting width: 17 inches
• Dimensions: 70 x 9 x 9 inches
• Weight: 11.3 lbs
• Shaft type: Straight

One problem most people have with 2-stroke engines is that you always have to mix oil into the gasoline and the engine also needs more maintenance than a 4-stroke engine. With this top-rated gas weed eater, the Husqvarna 324L, all those problems are over.

The Husqvarna 324L features a 25 cc 4-stroke engine, with 1.07 HP of cutting force and a smart start technology. It weighs just slightly more than the 128LB at 11.3 lbs but it offers the same 17-inch cutting diameter.

Husqvarna also adds the Tap & Go bump feed head to make releasing more string easy. Simply tap it on the ground and you get more string.

On the flip side, this trimmer lacks the split-shaft that made the 128LD special, but it remains the best 4-cycle overall gas weed eater because of its engine type and efficiency.

Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)

• Engine: 22.5 cc
• Cutting width: N/A
• Dimensions: 70 x 8 x 8 inches
• Weight: 10.3 lbs
• Shaft type: Straight

The Hitachi CG23ECPSL is a great offer for anyone who's looking for the best 2-cycle gas weed eater and for good reason. It comes with a lightweight but powerful 22.5 cc 2-stroke engine and weighs just 10.3 lbs.

The entire weed eater is about 70 inches long to help prevent fatigue from bending, and its drive shaft got built using solid steel for durability.

You get an easy-start system, an anti-vibration system to help cut down on fatigue, and a tap & go head for continuous use and string release.

Hitachi backs it with a 7-year warranty for private use and a 2-year warranty for commercial use.

Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)

• Engine: 25 cc, 2-stroke
• Cutting width: 16 inches
• Dimensions: 11.8 x 10.6 x 39 inches
• Weight: 13.4 lbs
• Shaft type: Curved

The perfect product for those in search of the best value gas weed eater is this Remington RM2510. It offers all the nice features a trimmer can offer but at a low and attractive price.

It comes with a 25 cc 2-stroke engine and an ergonomically curved shaft to cut down on fatigue from trimming. You can also get this model with a straight shaft if you want.

For its price, Remington added a lot, including a 2-cycle oil and manual in the package. Remington also backs it with a 2-year warranty.

Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)

• Engine: 29 cc, 4-stroke
• Cutting width: 17 inches
• Dimensions: 41.8 x 11.2 x 12.4 inches
• Weight: 18 lbs
• Shaft type: Straight

This string trimmer from Troy-Bilt stands out for innovation and original design. Featuring a 4-stroke engine, you also get 29 cubic centimeters of displacement, which makes it the best gas weed wacker when it comes to engine power and efficiency.

In addition to that, the shaft features Troy-Bilt's TrimmerPlus technology with attachments to turn this weed eater into different tools like a pole saw, a blower, an edger, and a cultivator.

If you like, you can also add Troy-Bilt's electric JumpStart adapter to start it with, plus being a 4-stroke engine means there's no need to mix oil into your gasoline.

This weed eater does have a disadvantage though, and that's its weight which is a result of its big engine. It has a 17-inch cutting width and comes backed by a 2-year warranty.

Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)

• Engine: 25 cc, 2-stroke
• Cutting width: 17 inches
• Dimensions: 39.8 x 10.2 x 10 inches
• Weight: 14 lbs
• Shaft type: Straight

The Poulan Pro PR25SD is a straight shaft and 2-stroke trimmer perfectly fitted for taking care of demanding lawn maintenance jobs around the home.

It comes with a 25 cc SureFire 2-cycle engine, which powers its 17-inch cutting width. There's spring assisted starting and it's overall also easy to use.

The highlight is the Pro-Link attachment system, which makes it possible to use a range of different accessories to turn this trimmer into a multi-tool.

You can turn it into a pole pruner, an edger, a blower, and lots more. Poulan Pro backs it with a  2-year warranty and additionally fits in a Tap & Go head to make its string management easy.

Editor's Rating: (4.2 / 5)

• Engine: 21.1 cc, 2-stroke
• Cutting width: N/A
• Dimensions: 63 x 11 x 11 inches
• Weight: 10.1 lbs
• Shaft type: Curved

Sometimes, all you need is a good gas weed eater that's sold at a good price. That's what this Tanaka trimmer is. It comes with all the functions that you need in a good weed eater, it's also reliable and offered at a good price.

The engine is a PureFire 21.1 cc heavy-duty and commercial grade engine, which should last a long time. In fact, Tanaka offers a 7-year consumer warranty for this weed eater, and a 2-year commercial or 1-year rental warranty.

The drive shaft is 54 inches long and ergonomically curved to give comfort and cut down on fatigue during use. In addition to that, it weighs just 10.1 lbs, which makes it one of the lightest gas-powered string trimmers in the market.

What it lacks, however, is the ability to attach accessories to it to make it a multi-tool. This feature would have made this trimmer truly exceptional.

Editor's Rating: (3.9 / 5)

• Engine: 25 cc, 2-stroke
• Cutting width: 17 inches
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 11.3 x 38.3 inches
• Weight: 15 lbs
• Shaft type: Curved

Featuring a 17-inch cutting swath and a dual-line bump head, this Troy-Bilt TB22 gas weed eater weighs just 15 lbs and gets its power from a 25 cc 2-stroke gasoline engine.

It comes with an adjustable handle, so you can properly adjust its 38-inch long shaft to prevent early fatigue while trimming. The shaft is also curved for the same reason.

You can choose to start the engine with an electric starter. All you'll need is to buy Troy-Bilt's JumpStart system and you're good to go. Troy-Bilt backs this trimmer with a 2-year warranty.

Given its many features and price, it's no doubt that this is one string trimmer to take a closer look at if you're after the best gas weed eater for the money.

Editor's Rating: (3.7 / 5)

• Engine: 25 cc, 2-stroke
• Cutting width: 16 inches
• Dimensions: 10 x 10.8 x 39.8 inches
• Weight: 13.8 lbs
• Shaft type: Straight

Coming from the original Weed Eater company, this Weed Eater W25SBK features a 25 cc gasoline engine and a straight shaft for a long and 16-inch wide reach.

A coupler makes it easy to break down the shaft into 2 parts and store or transport the trimmer more compactly. Its easy starting system is also worth mentioning. Simply prime, then pull the cord and your Weed Eater comes alive.

Other features include the Tap & Go head for easy string management and its simple and fast 10-second spool changing system.

Editor's Rating: (3.9 / 5)

• Engine: 28 cc
• Cutting width: 17 inches
• Dimensions: 39.8 x 10.2 x 10 inches
• Weight: 14 lbs
• Shaft type: Straight

When you're considering the best gas weed eater brands, Poulan Pro should also come to mind. This model here offers a 28 cc 2-stroke engine, which delivers all the power you'll ever need to get the job done.

It comes equipped with a Tap & Go head, an air purge system to remove air from the carburetor for quick starts, plus the stop switch returns automatically to its earlier On position to enable faster startups next time.

On the other hand, this trimmer is a bit heavy at 14 lbs, but when you consider the extra power of the 28 cc engine, then the extra weight is well worth it. Poulan Pro backs it with a 2-year warranty.

Gas vs. Electric Weed Eaters

Have you often asked yourself the difference between the two? And whether your choice of a gas-powered weed eater is actually the right choice? Following is a side-by-side look at the two.

#1. Gas Powered Weed Eaters

• Costs More. On the flip side, you'll have to pay more for a gas-powered trimmer, although it's mostly worth it.
• Pollutes the Environment. Burning fossil fuels adds to environmental pollution. So, if you're environmentally friendly, then gas weed eaters are maybe not for you.
  
• Heavier. Gas engines are heavier than electric motors, so prepare to carry more weight.

#2. Electric Weed Eaters

• Less Power. Electric motors will never produce as much power as comparable gasoline motors.
• Limited Range. When you are trimming with a corded electric weed eater, the length of the cord determines your farthest reach.
  
• Limited Battery Life. The huge power demands of weed eaters make the batteries last shorter than desired. The only solution here is to wait while recharging the battery or to buy more batteries.

When you're in the market for a weed eater, it's good to know the important features to consider before deciding on any particular model. Following are these features:

#1. Property Size

The size of the property you'll be working on is one of the first considerations you should make because it helps you to figure out the weed eater's ideal power rating.

Knowing the size also lets you decide between a gas and an electric model. This is important because both models have their individual pros and cons. A gas-powered trimmer will be ideal for a large yard, while an electric one will perfectly fit into a small lawn.

#2. Gas or Electric

If you get caught between choosing a gas-powered and an electric trimmer, remember that there's much more to it than simply choosing output power.

In addition to being costlier, gas trimmers are also noisier than electric ones, they pollute the environment, and they need maintenance from time to time. As you can see, more power comes at a price.

#3. Shaft Type

String trimmers come with either a straight shaft or a curved shaft and you may find yourself having to choose between the two. Curved shafts are more ergonomically designed and therefore, more user-friendly.

Straight shafts, however, are more heavy-duty and therefore loved by professionals. The drive experiences less friction because of the shaft's straightness, producing more torque and generally lasting longer.

#4. Ergonomics & Weight

Depending on whether you're more interested in a powerful weed eater or a more comfortable one, ergonomics and weight might come into play in your considerations.

If you want a lighter trimmer, choose electric and if you want a more comfortable and ergonomically designed tool, then choose a trimmer with a curved shaft. Other features to consider include anti-vibration and extra-padded handles.

#5. Edging

You'll either need to turn the entire trimmer or turn just its head to position it for edging. This depends on the trimmer and its manufacturer. Some models are easily converted into an edger and may even include rolling wheels.

#6. Safety

Weed eaters can get dangerous because they spin at thousands of rotations per minute. This means that you should pay attention to the kind of safety features available on any weed eater you're about to buy.

Important safety concerns include having a guard to protect the operator the spinning strings, plus a safety feature like a trigger switch, which doesn't allow the trigger to start the tool until the switch gets turned on.

You should also consider safety gear like safety glasses and gloves for personal protection.

#7. Warranty

A warranty shows a manufacturer's commitment to quality. Different manufacturers offer different warranty lengths on their weed eaters. If you have to choose, then the rule is simple, the tool with the longer warranty always gets extra points.

Conclusion

We've come to the end of this review in search of the best gas trimmers and you've seen all the different offers out there and what they each cost.

You could go for the Husqvarna 128LD if you want the overall best trimmer with all the power you'll ever need, but then, it's equally not the cheapest on the list.

So, as you should know by now, your weed eater buying decision will depend on how large your yard is and on how much you're willing to spend on it.

This decision is entirely yours to make.