Is Amazon's #1 String Trimmer Worth the Hype? WORX GT Revolution vs. STIHL FSA 30
Are you tired of your overgrown lawn? Looking for an easy way to keep your yard looking sharp? The WORX GT Revolution is Amazon's best-selling string trimmer, but does it live up to the hype? This post breaks down its features and compares it to the STIHL FSA 30, a strong competitor. By the end, you'll know which trimmer is best for you!
Unboxing the WORX GT Revolution
What do you get when you buy a GT Revolution? Let's take a look.
Price and First Impressions
You can typically find the WORX GT Revolution online for around $129 to $189. The price varies depending on whether it comes with one or two batteries. For the price, it's a nice and simple tool.
Key Features
Let's dive into what makes this trimmer tick:
Simple Trigger: It features a basic on/off trigger. There's no variable speed control here.
Easy Line Feed: Forget bumping! Just press the button to release more line.
Adjustable Handle: Adjusting the handle is easy. Simply push the button and set it where you need it.
Extra Line: It includes three extra spools of line to get you started. You can even buy six more spools for just $10 on the WORX website.
Battery Power: It runs on a removable 20-volt battery. A charger is included.
Extendable Shaft: The shaft collapses for storage but extends for comfortable use. If you're around 5'11", you'll find a comfortable length.
Who's It For?
This trimmer isn't for professional landscapers tackling heavy-duty jobs. It's perfect for homeowners who want something light and easy to store. Need to clean up a few spots after your landscaper leaves? The GT Revolution can handle it.
What Can It Do?
This tool is more versatile than you might think:
Pivoting Head: Unlock and pivot the head 90 degrees. This helps you trim at different angles.
Mini-Mowing: Pop on the included wheels for a fixed mowing position.
Edging: Turn it on its side and use the wheels to guide you. Edging your sidewalks has never been easier.
Obstacle Guard: The front bar guides you. It prevents accidental damage to your trees and plants.
It uses a single line for cutting, unlike the two lines you see on many commercial trimmers. But don't worry, it still provides a 12-inch cutting area, which is pretty impressive for its size. It's a simple machine that seems to get the job done.
To give the WORX GT Revolution a fair comparison, let's check out the STIHL FSA 30.
The Competition
The STIHL FSA 30 is a similar size and price. However, it's a little pricier at around $149. Want to check it out? You can find it at Main Street Mower.
Blades vs. String
Here's a key difference: the STIHL uses blades instead of string. It features a 9-inch cutting swath. It can hold an extra six blades, giving you three blade changes.
Key Features
What else does the STIHL FSA 30 offer?
Adjustable Handle: Loosen the knob to adjust the handle to any height.
Shaft Functionality: The shaft retracts, extends, and rotates 90 degrees, just like the WORX.
Foot Pedal: You can adjust the head angle with your foot while you work.
Limit Guard: The guard lets you trim close to fences without damaging the blades. Flip it up when you don't need it.
Easy Blade Change: Changing the blades is quick. A pack of four blade sets costs around $12.
High RPM: This tool spins at a speedy 10,000 RPM.
Head-to-Head: Which Trimmer Performs Better?
Time to put these trimmers to the test!
STIHL FSA 30: Slicing Through the Yard
The STIHL FSA 30 trims much faster thanks to its blades. You can really carry your speed. The guard is helpful around trees and fences. Pulling back the guard lets you sweep and cut without slowing down.
After some heavy use, the blades showed very little wear. The STIHL cruised through vegetation with ease. The battery ran out of juice, but not before making some progress on the edges.
WORX GT Revolution in Action
First, a word on safety. Always be careful when using power tools.
The wheels on the WORX GT Revolution made edging a breeze. To extend the line, squeeze the trigger and give it a bump. The line is thin, so it doesn't pack a huge punch. But it still works well. The mini-mowing feature is surprisingly fun and useful.
The battery indicator has three bars, but it can fluctuate. The trimmer did a good job cutting through thicker stuff. The line frayed a bit, but it got through it. In a test of mowing around a wood pile the trimmer shut off a couple of times. It might have been overheating.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
Both trimmers did a great job. Let's break down the pros and cons of each.
WORX GT Revolution: Value and Versatility
Those wheels? Surprisingly useful for edging and mowing. The handle length is good, but there's a bit of play in the handle. This makes it feel a little cheap. The head height adjustment lock can be stiff.
Changing the spool is more complicated than changing blades on the STIHL. Extending the line interrupts your work. The line can get sucked into the spool. Still, the WORX GT Revolution is a fine product for the price.
STIHL FSA 30: Power and Support
The blades cut through thick vegetation with ease. Adjusting the head angle with your foot is super convenient. The rigid handle inspires confidence. It's also slightly lighter than the WORX.
Changing blades is incredibly easy. You can buy replacements at your local STIHL dealer. The STIHL FSA 30 also comes with a three-year warranty. If anything goes wrong, just take it to your local shop.
The cost of owning blades versus string is about the same. Both trimmers have similar run times.
Which Trimmer Should You Buy?
Both are great products. With the STIHL, you support your community and get local support. With the WORX, you save $20 but you're on your own if it breaks.
Even though the WORX is a great value, the STIHL was more enjoyable to use. So, which one is better? It's up to you!
If you're still on the fence, try a STIHL. If you're in Orlando, stop by Main Street Mower and check them out! Check out our other content to help you make informed decisions. And be sure to like and subscribe!
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