re: Getting a new weedeater

My arm is sore from trying to start my Craftsman yesterday. It was given to me but I dunno if I should be thankful or not.

yes, but I would suggest a gas powered one. They last forever and you dont have to worry about charging batteries or batteries going bad, etc.

I have two stihls and like them both a lot....had them for over a decade and never had a bit of trouble with either one.

It really depends on the type of work that you are doing as to which one I would recommend.

the straight shaft is a lot more powerful machine and can cut head-high Johnson grass in 95 degree weather until you can't stand to keep running it...you will stop due to exhaustion before it gives up. the negative of the straight shaft is that it is relatively heavy and the straight shaft works my back a little more, as it is not quite balanced. Perfect for heavy duty use on a farm or landscaping.

The flexible shaft (FS146)is more of a homeowner's-type unit and can do pretty much anything I want it to do around my house and yards. The positives are that it is much lighter than the straight shaft and the curved shaft is a lot better balanced and much easier on my back. negatives are that it is just not nearly as powerful or heavily made and I don't think it would last under very heavy use. The FS can do pretty much anything I want it to do in a subdivision setting.

As I said, both are fine units and neither has given me a minute of trouble....but they are made for completely different applications.