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 3.7. The ECHO GT-225 leads on warranty, value and weight. The STIHL FS 56 RC-E wins on line and swath. The ECHO GT-225 costs $60 less ($199.99 vs $259.99).
STIHL FS 56 RC-E
#5 in GasFull review
The STIHL most homeowners should buy: a straight shaft, an easy start and a head that takes heavy line, for a few dollars more than the curved models.
STIHL $259.99$259.99
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 $15.76 per inch of swath ($259.99, 16.5 in swath)) and weight (9.5 lb (dry) vs 10.6 lb (dry)).
- Choose the STIHL FS 56 RC-E for line (.105 in line vs .095 in line) and swath (16.5 in swath vs 16 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 56 RC-E |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 78 $12.50 per inch of swath ($199.99, 16 in swath) | 56 $15.76 per inch of swath ($259.99, 16.5 in swath) |
| Line 20% | 60 .095 in line | 100 .105 in line |
| Swath 15% | 50 16 in swath | 62 16.5 in swath |
| Weight 15% | 92 9.5 lb (dry) | 73 10.6 lb (dry) |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| ECHO GT-225 | STIHL FS 56 RC-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Cutting swath | 16 in | 16.5 in |
| Largest line | .095 in | .105 in |
| Line feed | Fixed-length line | Bump feed |
| Shaft | Curved | Straight |
| 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) | 10.6 lb (dry) |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |