ECHO GT-225
#1 in GasFull review
A cheap, light curved shaft trimmer with a long warranty, for small yards and weekly touch-ups.
Russo Power $199.99$199.99
The ECHO GT-225 is the better string trimmer overall, rated 4.2 to 3.3. The ECHO GT-225 leads on warranty, value and swath. The ECHO GT-225 costs $20 less ($199.99 vs $219.99).
STIHL FS 38
#13 in GasFull review
A small, light gas trimmer for tidying the edges of a typical suburban lot. Buyers with thick weeds or long fence lines should look at a straight shaft model.
STIHL $219.99$219.99
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the ECHO GT-225 for warranty (5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty), value ($12.50 per inch of swath ($199.99, 16 in swath) vs $14.67 per inch of swath ($219.99, 15 in swath)) and swath (16 in swath vs 15 in swath).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every gas string trimmer; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | ECHO GT-225 | STIHL FS 38 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 78 $12.50 per inch of swath ($199.99, 16 in swath) | 63 $14.67 per inch of swath ($219.99, 15 in swath) |
| Line 20% | 60 .095 in line | 50 line size not published (neutral score used) |
| Swath 15% | 50 16 in swath | 25 15 in swath |
| Weight 15% | 92 9.5 lb (dry) | 95 9.3 lb (dry) |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| ECHO GT-225 | STIHL FS 38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Cutting swath | 16 in | 15 in |
| Largest line | .095 in | - |
| Line feed | Fixed-length line | Bump feed |
| Shaft | Curved | Curved |
| Converts to edger | No | No |
| Takes attachments | No | No |
| Power | ||
| Engine or battery | 21.2 cc, 2-stroke | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 9.5 lb (dry) | 9.3 lb (dry) |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |