EGO Carbon Shaft Cordless Trimmer Unboxing and Review

[@PaulSikkema]

This has been an amazing year. Thank you so much for watching my videos and supporting through comments, likes, and shares. I especially would like to thank you, my subscribers, for supporting what I do here. Feel free to leave a comment below. (I do moderate the comments so it may not show up right away) Thanks for watching and please Subscribe!

[@snoopysrc]

file a warrranty claim on your battery and they will send you a 2.5 amp battery with a fuel gauge onj it or go buy the battery with fuel gauge

[@Bob_Adkins]

My buddy has an EGO, and loves it. In fact, everyone seems to like it. His 56v battery pack went out, and the company sent him a new one gratis. That's good commitment because it's a very expensive battery pack. He gave the old pack to me to salvage the cells. I have never seen such an over-engineered pack in my life. There are 28 cells to go bad and several balancing circuits to fail. Plus, everything is tightly molded and spot welded so there can be no repair. On the bright side, the pack was built with 28 very high quality 20A Samsung cells, which I will treasure for years. Good video, well done, and a very nice machine.

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes, I hear too many owners who state their batteries are going bad after 2-4 years. And I've also heard that EGO is very good at getting you a replacement if it's still in warranty.

[@tylerw1418]

“Old people” always make the best videos. Thanks.

[@steelman5862]

Thanks for the thorough review of the trimmer. It was well done - lots of good comments such as about the carbon fibre shaft sitting on a rack!

[@ThePrincev6]

Nice review! Covered all the significant aspects of the product. Appreciate your time putting this together.

[@MrKrynsky]

I really appreciate the commend about a right handed safety. I had no idea, and will look for a different variant that can be used with either hand.

[@CdoGtheGreat]

Great video.. i decided to watch all the way when you threw the box to the side in frustration and you see the dog scrammin out of view. Good aim, no look shot.

[@shinyobsessed1271]

Was that a dog? I thought it was a miniature zebra!

[@indiespot2024]

I kinda dont agree with the whole packaging scenario in that they would need to double box this particular item. The one thing I do agree on is that it should have probably been taped up a lot better. I just picked mine up today from home depot and unboxed it. The reason Im saying this is that the trimmer is all very solid state and mostly all unbreakable in its parts etc. even if it took a good amount of knocking around during transit in the original box. You also probably saved an easy $10 in them not having to double box it. You also should have maybe mentioned that when you go to put the screw/bolt in after folding it into the straight position during initial set up that you should have the holes basically perfectly aligned or it could easily strip the screw threads and your basically screwed. Lastly, the instructions tell you to center the handle between the metal shaft joint and the trigger housing. I found that its not balanced well if its in that position, and that if its moved closer a couple of inches toward the metal shaft joint, then its very well balanced.

[@jameskoralewski1006]

EGO makes an aluminum shafted string trimmer that has a quick-adjust handle and a quick-adjust head but it costs $100 more than the model that you have here.

[@KLEANTRIX]

Great informative and humble review.

[@brookvalebasketball2807]

great review Andy Reid!!

[@snoopysrc]

its awesome i got a ego powerload you just want to remember only use ego trimmer line in the powerload i know cause i used wrong line and it damaged the head but ego sent me a new powerload head great company

[@aeromedical6750]

@7:20 - “If your wife wants to use it ............” BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. OMG, I needed that!

[@Xenon676]

The stress test was light by my standards lol. But I like everything I have heard about this trimmer. Heading to home Depot tomorrow.

[@PaulSikkema]

You may not be able to find one this late in the year. And - you'll have to go to Lowes next year to get it.

[@oldgringo66]

Nice review Paul. 15 min + - and a lot of info. Some pros could learn from you.

[@goodwind100]

Received mine today from Hone Depot. The inner box was taped on ends and was in another protective box!

[@EstonianBerserker]

ST1524 is what I prefer. I dont like that bendable “cast aluminum”? Collar. Thats a recipe for stripped threads. Then you got come up with a bolt/nut/wing nut combo to make it work. Had to do that with my Ryobi Expand It. Great products but I had to do a lot of jerry rigging to it to make it work. Ended up selling the whole collection for individual piece of equipment of Ego’s products.

[@gec343]

Excellent review/presentation! Thanks.

[@timpenfield5]

this is the model #ST1521S I think? Curious,Why didn't you get 1 of the 2 more expensive ego string trimmers? Weight? size? did not need more battery life+power? cost? why did you pick the mid level? Thanks

[@PaulSikkema]

Why? because at the time it was what my viewers wanted to see. When I bought this it was the most expensive. The carbon fiber shaft and power auto-wind were the newest options they had.

[@timpenfield5]

@@PaulSikkema THX PS

[@charlescoker7752]

I have this unit. Bought in 2021 still under warranty. Stop working. When I pull the trigger the battery lights up green. When I push the auto rewind, the battery light lights up green. But does not work. You have had it for nearly 4 years . Have you had my problem? Would you buy again. Battery does not run as long as they claim either.

[@PaulSikkema]

I had the same problem and it was because the battery was bad for me. I've had too many issues with the EGO batteries to recommend it to anyone who has not sunk thousands of dollars into EGO already. I also have the Toro 60 volt and Stihl cordless systems that don't give me ANY problems so I just gave the EGO away.

[@charlescoker7752]

@@PaulSikkema Its under warranty , so I took it to the Authorized repair shop. They have had it over a week. Still can not figure out what is wrong with it. When do I request they replace the unit?

[@PaulSikkema]

The repair shop has a process so if they can't figure it out they should order a new one. So, yes request a replacement.

[@weSteh]

Also re the shipping box, everyone knows what you purchased, it's kinda invasive but also free advertising for all who see it I guess. Thanks for the video.

[@darrellshepherd4282]

Hi Paul. Can you tell me which trimmer you like best? Ego or Toro, and why. Thank you

[@PaulSikkema]

The Trimmer I like best is the Stihl FSA 85 and FSA 90 R. It has a conventional commercial wind head. The EGO is next with the auto feed head. The Toro is just as good but it has a quick wind head. But, do you want to buy any other tools that use the same battery? The Toro wins because it has the best mower, best snow thrower and the blower is above average. The Stihl is the most rugged and they also have a great blower, chainsaw, mower and a whole bunch of commercial rated tools that fit the battery. EGO has the largest selection of homeowner tools that fit the battery including a great mower but I'm hearing too many people state their batteries are not lasting.

[@darrellshepherd4282]

Thanks Paul. I plan on getting the Toro line. I have Ego and Milwaukee Ope now so I'm in no rush. I think I'll wait for Toro's Gen 2 versions of their lineup and see what improvements they make. God bless and keep up the good work! By the way I also had a problem with their 2.5 ah battery with the led indicators on it. I contacted Ego and they sent me a new one w/o any hassles.

[@MikeAnn193]

Hi Paul, Thanks for a thorough review, and I have one basic question that breaks down into a few smaller ones. I plan to buy an EGO string trimmer in the near future and this is one of the two models I'm considering. The other has an aluminum shaft and the manual-wind but still easy-looking Rapid Reload head. I'm curious to know whether you've used any other EGO string trimmers and whether you think the carbon fiber shaft and the Powerload head are genuine benefits worth paying for. The model that has both features is significantly more expensive and I can't really see the benefit of those features, but I'm persuadable. :-) On the one hand the black shaft looks nice, is kinda cool and unique, and (as you said) EGO claims it's as strong as steel and as light as aluminum. The Powerload head is likewise unique and apparently makes winding effortless. On the other hand, I ask myself whether the _appearance_ of my string trimmer is really important to my life. I wonder why the shaft weight matters, since both units have about the same _total_ weight. And has anyone ever had a problem with the strength of an aluminum shaft, such that we needed something stronger? As for the head, the manual-wind "Rapid Reload" head has the exact same loading instructions as the Powerload head (no disassembly, just stick the string in the hole and pull through) with the only difference being that you then wind one a dozen or so times by hand vs. pressing a button on the other. The complaint about string trimmer loading was never about the winding part, it was about the tedious disassembly and reassembly. It seems to me that the Rapid Reload head has already solved that issue every bit as well as the Powerload head, and that adding electricity to that final step only saves maybe 60 seconds per mowing season! Meanwhile, if it ever _stopped working,_ EGO says (on the Home Depot site under Q&A) that it's "technically possible" to load the string manually but it sure doesn't sound easy! They say to "call" for instructions! It's just one more thing that could go wrong. So I'd love your opinion: are these two features more gimmicky than of real benefit? Are they worth another $90 (in my local Home Depot)? I might be missing something. Thanks, Paul!

[@PaulSikkema]

Hi MikeAnn, 1. As a homeowner, you will never notice the difference between a carbon shaft and aluminum. Carbon fiber shafts actually have a few issues you need to be aware of. - The shaft will wear out quickly if they are kept in a trimmer rack on your mower or transported that way from job to job when used commercially. The friction of the rack and bouncing around wears holes in the shaft. Aluminum wears a lot better. - Most carbon fiber like this is also susceptible to UV rays. Using it outside and then putting it away will keep it from deteriorating, but leaving it outside in the sun all summer will probably ruin the shaft. The only way to protect it is to spray a clear UV protectant on the shaft. 2. The Powerload head is a cool toy but it is just something more to wear out. The Rapid Reload head just works and everyone likes it. I like this model for what you get for the price. homedepot.sjv.io/NYN4O

[@MikeAnn193]

@@PaulSikkema It sounds like we're thinking the same way about the Powerload head being a "cool toy." And you added a couple great points about the shaft. I'm a guy who thinks about things from every angle I can imagine. The effect of sun on the carbon fiber did occur to me but only in terms of it being black and therefore possibly feeling hot to the touch, which I dismissed as not too likely to be a problem. _UV rays_ had _not_ occurred to me. Having just spent twenty minutes on various websites educating myself about that, I come away with mixed feelings but indeed more concern than I had before. At one site (www.fiber-line.com/en/fibers/carbon-fiber if you're curious) carbon fiber is called "UV inert," which sounds like a good thing for this application. However _several_ other sources (using technical terms that are mostly over my head) cite negative effects of ultraviolet light on at least some kinds of composites, ranging from color fading to mechanical deterioration over time. I have no idea whether they'd be significant for this use -- and my trimmer will likely be stored in a basement or shed between jobs; never left outside. I also have no interest in using a trimmer rack so it would not be subject to needless vibration. But your point about abrasion (above and below) certainly does support my preference for an aluminum shaft. If nothing else, I'm still seeing no overall _advantage_ to the model with the carbon fiber shaft. The model you linked to is exactly the one I favor, with the slight variation that I prefer a single-piece (non-folding) shaft, and will probably buy the tool alone, since I already have an EGO battery and charger. Thanks so much for your fast and valuable feedback, Paul!

[@crawfordoverton2110]

I really love this unit hell my wife wouldn't do this kind of work. Cuts everything I go into with no problem also mine cuts no less then 45 minutes and I quit before it will and charge will charge in about 40 minutes

[@jr.rodriguez9133]

Did u have any problems when screwing the bolt in the middle? I got mine today and it is not perfectly aligned to screw the bolt.

[@PaulSikkema]

No Problems with this one. Over the years I've had to squeeze that type of clamp with a pliers before they lined up. If you can't get it - I suggest taking the trimmer, the receipt and a wrench back to the store where you bought it and see if they can get it started. If they can't they will exchange the trimmer. If you bought it online contact EGO through the phone numbers in the manual.

[@erikjones776]

Same problem here, but I found a solution. Instead of pressing the bolt straight down, I leaned and aimed it to where the hole was. I then used the supplied wrench, pressed the bolt very tightly, and then screwed it through that crooked hole. It looked impossible, a tight fit, but it worked.

[@johngaspar4425]

I tried this and returned. I'm a seasoned trimmer pro. I haven't got time to play around with this thing.

[@PaulSikkema]

Check out the Stihl FSA 90 R Trimmer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmjcZJeun7hqgqs

[@shinyobsessed1271]

What problems did you experience with it? Not jumping on you - just curious

[@PaulSikkema]

It's not problems as such - it's a homeowner trimmer and not made for commercial use. To a commercial operator the string wind mechanism is gimicky and the carbon fiber shaft will break after a short time in the trimmer racks the commercial guys use.

[@shinyobsessed1271]

@@PaulSikkema Ah, makes sense - thank you

[@ZoomOgraphy]

You have had the trimmer about a year now. How is it holding up?

[@PaulSikkema]

I don't have a good answer for you. I have my lawn set up so i only have 20 minutes or so a month of trimming. And I have eight cordless trimmers right now so each one doesn't get a lot of run time. That said, the few times I did use it the machine worked great. I like the balance and the power. If you decide EGO is the best battery system for you I do recommend this trimmer a lot.

[@MeYou-lt9ob]

I read on the link that you posted above that you have also tested the Dewalt 60V. My gas trimmer just locked up so I'm trying to decide between sticking with a gas trimmer (Stihl FS 70 - R) or the Dewalt 60V or EGO. I do already have a 60V battery for Dewalt (but no other Dewalt outdoor equipment). However, if the power and run time is much better with the EGO, I'd go with that. In your opinion, how do those compare?

[@PaulSikkema]

Hi Me, The power is about the same between the DeWalt 60 and the EGO. If you already have DeWalt Flexvolt batteries the choice is a no-brainer. Get the DeWalt

[@sevnlight6313]

@@PaulSikkema I got scammed by Lowes home improvement. I have a playlist of other people who have been scammed by them also. Corporate personnel are shady unprofessionals

[@PaulSikkema]

How does this topic fit in with a discussion of EGO and DeWalt trimmers?

[@sevnlight6313]

@@PaulSikkema Home maintenance = Home Improvement store purchases😉

[@sevnlight6313]

@@PaulSikkema I still love you big papa. #NoHomo

[@jefff1859]

Is the electric motor direct drive (above the spool cord) or is it near the battery?

[@PaulSikkema]

This one is direct drive. EGO also makes a split shaft with the motor in the battery end. homedepot.sjv.io/NYR9O

[@bigdipper620]

You didn't review how to re load the line! I have had my ego since last fall but am experiencing problems with the spool not keeping the line tight while putting the cap back on. Most other whips have a keeper slot on the head to prevent loose line in the head.

[@bigdipper620]

never mind! I just proved my GF right when she "claims' that I don't read directions due to my own "EGO" as a professional lawn care guy!

[@brenthill5596]

I thought carbon fiber was stronger than steel. How is it going to wear through on a trimmer rack?

[@PaulSikkema]

It is stronger by weight and as a structural shape but if it's subjected to an abrasive surface it quickly wears down. If the part of your rack that holds the trimmer is metal the vibration and bouncing will quickly wear down and break the carbon fiber shaft.

[@zarrow50]

Carbon fibre is used a lot for camera tripods to keep the weight down, but if dropped can shatter.

[@MikeAnn193]

@@zarrow50 Interesting point. (For the sake of other readers I should add that I'm neither confirming nor denying it.)

[@eclipseotik]

How is it holding? Any problems with it yet?

[@PaulSikkema]

No problems at all. The only thing I noticed since I made this video is EGO suppys this with it cheapest battery charger. You don't get the quick charger with this model so it takes three times as long to charge the battery as it would with the quick charger.

[@ЮрийСмирнов-х6е]

very good product

[@robertsalyers1351]

I purchased one of those Saturday and used it once WOW what a Beautiful weed eater if the battery lasted a little bit longer it would be the Perfect Weed eater Ever

[@jack91522]

Is the carbon version worth the upcharge?

[@PaulSikkema]

Only if you want to be the only homeowner on the street with a "cool" string trimmer...In my opinion no, The aluminum shaft model homedepot.sjv.io/NYN4O weighs just a few ounces more and I will guess it will last longer over time.

[@jack91522]

@@PaulSikkema just found out the real difference is the powerload head which makes sense. I'd pay for that, not the carbon shaft.

[@CADguru78]

@@jack91522 The carbon shaft is stiffer than the aluminum too. Also I bought the 2 battery mower, and then purchased the "bare tool" for the string trimmer and leaf blower. So the mower cost more but then I got the top of the line bare tools without having to buy more batteries. They don't offer them in store but you can order them online and have them shipped to the store for free.

[@CADguru78]

Also I have a10,000 sq ft lot, I can mow, trim and blow all on the same 5.0 battery charge.

[@anthonycordova1330]

@@CADguru78 i was thinking about doing the same thing ... does the 5amp battery weigh down the trimmer much or is it hardly noticeable?

[@cairo711]

Good job sir, By the way ,you look familiar, I'm thinking maybe a Grateful Dead show many years ago! Anyway thanks for the review ,I just bought one ,Peace!!

[@jonienglish3231]

i had the Dewalt 20V lasted 1 1/2 years , had to complain a lot to Dewalt before they Warrantied the 3 year warranty. now back to gas troy bilt 4 stroke , what is the Run Time ?

[@PaulSikkema]

Hi Joni, Yes the DeWalt Flex Volt is not my favorite. I can easily trim my one acre property twice on one battery charge.

[@edilor751]

With Dewalt or the Ego you can trim one acre on one battery charge..

[@daw162]

A very important point - most of these machines come with warranties. Quite often, the manufacturers make it difficult to get them to actually honor them, or pricey to get them to do so (requiring you to pay substantial shipping and then wait and be out equipment). None of these battery trimmers have a good track record yet. I paid about $270 for a shindaiwa T230 12 or 13 years ago and it hasn't even needed service yet (which I would do, but I haven't had to - not even for a clogged muffler screen). It has a push through head to put string in without taking the head apart and has been a dandy, and a splined solid straight shaft. It'll outlast 10 of the battery trimmers and burn about $50 of gas in its lifetime. I don't get the same feel from any of these, though the companies are masters at handing out free trimmers to youtube channels to make it look like more people are buying them than the number who actually are. The youtube channels who review them don't seem to do a very good job of stating whether or not they got the products in exchange for a "review", and the reviews are always biased rosy because the channels don't want to be cut off from getting free stuff for two reasons: 1) getting free stuff 2) having something to make a video about and draw more views Can't say anything about shindaiwa at this point, though, they were purchased by the group who owns echo a few years ago.

[@gforcekaras]

@@daw162 Not true, had a problem with the runtime on my EGO trimmer and within 5 minutes, they warranteed the battery. NO complex testing or runarounds. Just be honest with your concerns and they will help you out. Great and friendly customer service so far.

[@robertsalyers1351]

The owners Manual says 13 feet of line NOT 15

[@Burn377]

I want one but I'm left handed :(

[@PaulSikkema]

There are other really good cordless trimmers that work for both right and left handed. Milwaukee M18, Toro PowerPlex, Troy-Bilt CORE and the Stihl AK and AP Series

[@PaulSikkema]

The safety button that you push with your thumb is on the left side of the grip. It does not have a button on the right side of the grip.

[@PaulSikkema]

The safety button that you push with your thumb is on the left side of the grip. It does not have a button on the right side of the grip.

[@PaulSikkema]

The safety button that you push with your thumb is on the left side of the grip. It does not have a button on the right side of the grip.

[@zarrow50]

Carbon Fibre can shatter if dropped

[@1d1hamby]

Nobody cares about the unboxing. Keep up the great work. I like the Ryobi 40v Expand-It that works with most square drive tools, especially like that it works with Stihl attachments.

[@PaulSikkema]

You don't care and I don't care but unboxing videos are still one of the most popular videos on KZbin. I know taking a string trimmer out of the box and adjusting it the first time may seem like common sense but there are more people than you realize who just bought a new home and need that basic info. My goal here is not only help you find the best but to also help the "newbies" out.

[@giggles6975]

does it work?? does it work well?? who the hell cares about the box??

[@Joebanker80]

Ha depends on the wife ... some are great some aren’t

[@PaulSikkema]

My wife has here own string trimmer but we have "joint custody" of the zero-turn :)

[@Joebanker80]

Paul Sikkema you’ve got a good one!

[@zarrow50]

UPS are known for crap delivery service

[@davehoughton9528]

Yeah ! I've never had a UPS problem. However FED X has left multiple packages out at my mailbox right on the ground which is a little over 100 feet from my house. I always ask for UPS Now as FEDX refused to correct thier " delivery method " even after several phone calls.