A proven EGO 15 in. trimmer at a lower price than the POWERLOAD models. Good for average yards and small storage spaces.
Amazon $199The EGO ST1502SA rates 4.4 among battery string trimmers; the STIHL FS 38 rates 3.3 among gas ones. The EGO ST1502SA costs $20.99 less ($199 vs $219.99).

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 $219.99Prices 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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different power source classes (battery and gas), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own power source peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | EGO ST1502SA | STIHL FS 38 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 54 $13.27 per inch of swath ($199 with batteries and charger, 15 in swath) | 63 $14.67 per inch of swath ($219.99, 15 in swath) |
| Line 20% | 100 .095 in line | 50 line size not published (neutral score used) |
| Swath 15% | 80 15 in swath | 25 15 in swath |
| Weight 15% | 93 7.4 lb (without battery) | 95 9.3 lb (dry) |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| EGO ST1502SA | STIHL FS 38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Cutting swath | 15 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 | 56 V, 2.5 Ah of battery | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke |
| Battery energy | 140 Wh | - |
| Battery included | Yes | - |
| Runtime | 45 min | - |
| Brushless motor | Yes | - |
| Variable speed | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 7.4 lb (without battery) | 9.3 lb (dry) |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| Battery warranty | 3 years | - |