ECHO SRM-225
#3 in GasFull review
A reliable straight shaft trimmer for homeowners who want a five year warranty and quick reloading.
Russo Power $279.99$279.99
The ECHO SRM-225 is the better string trimmer overall, rated 3.9 to 3.3. The ECHO SRM-225 leads on warranty and swath. The STIHL FS 38 wins on weight and value. The STIHL FS 38 costs $60 less ($219.99 vs $279.99).
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 SRM-225 for warranty (5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and swath (17 in swath vs 15 in swath).
- Choose the STIHL FS 38 for weight (9.3 lb (dry) vs 11.2 lb (dry)) and value ($14.67 per inch of swath ($219.99, 15 in swath) vs $16.47 per inch of swath ($279.99, 17 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 SRM-225 | STIHL FS 38 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 52 $16.47 per inch of swath ($279.99, 17 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% | 75 17 in swath | 25 15 in swath |
| Weight 15% | 63 11.2 lb (dry) | 95 9.3 lb (dry) |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| ECHO SRM-225 | STIHL FS 38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Cutting swath | 17 in | 15 in |
| Largest line | .095 in | - |
| Line feed | Bump feed | Bump feed |
| Shaft | Straight | 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 | 11.2 lb (dry) | 9.3 lb (dry) |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |