
String Trimmer Back Pain? We Test 3 Grip Solutions!
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Time to read 5 min
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Time to read 5 min
Table of contents
String trimmers are essential for maintaining a tidy yard, but let's face it: they can wreak havoc on your back. The awkward posture, constant bending, and uneven weight distribution can lead to serious discomfort. Are you tired of that nagging ache after every yard work session? Fortunately, several grip accessories claim to alleviate this pain. We tested three popular options: the Darwin's Grip, the Flip Grip (Ballard), and the Midigator. Do they live up to the hype? Keep reading to find out.
Why are string trimmers so hard on our backs? It all boils down to posture. When you're trimming those edges, you're likely:
These positions put a strain on your spine, leading to pain and fatigue. The goal of grip accessories is to correct these postures, making your yard work less of a pain, literally.
Let's take a closer look at the three grip accessories we tested.
The Darwin's Grip is a well-known accessory designed to provide a more comfortable and ergonomic grip on your string trimmer. It's been around for a while, and many users swear by it. It aims to reduce strain on your back and shoulders by allowing you to stand more upright.
The Flip Grip from Ballard offers a wider stance. This design intends to reduce wrist strain and improve overall balance while operating your string trimmer. Ballard is a company known for its innovative landscaping tools.
The Midigator takes a different approach. It's a brace that you attach to your forearm, designed to transfer the weight of the trimmer from your hand to your arm. The theory is that by shifting the weight, you reduce strain on your back, wrist, and hand.
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of how each grip performed during testing.
The first thing we noticed about the Darwin's Grip was its feel. Could we stand up straight and touch the ground while using it? Yes, it was possible.
However, things got tricky when we started using it. The handle design felt awkward. It felt strange to operate it with a dominant hand on the handle. When we tried using it with the opposite hand, it didn't feel right at all. There was a lot of strain on the wrist trying to control it. The leverage felt off.
Next up was the Flip Grip from Ballard. Did its wider stance make a difference?
We liked the wider configuration of the Flip Grip. It felt like there was less strain on the wrist compared to a standard handle.
However, when it came to back pain, it was a different story. The Flip Grip felt very similar to using a standard handle. We still had to lean forward a little, negating some of its potential benefits.
Want to see these accessories in action? Watch the full video for a more detailed visual demonstration of the testing process.
Finally, we tested the Midigator. Did this forearm brace live up to its claims?
The first issue we encountered was the setup. Clamping the Midigator onto the handle was straightforward, but finger placement became an immediate problem. We couldn't squeeze the handle with all our fingers because the Midigator got in the way.
More importantly, did it relieve back pain? In our experience, no. It didn't feel better on the back at all.
The Midigator felt flimsy. It was a little too tall, big, and unwieldy.
So, after testing all three grip accessories, which one would we recommend?
Unfortunately, none of these accessories stood out as a clear winner.
If these grip accessories didn't quite hit the mark, what else can you do to reduce back pain while using a string trimmer? Here are a few suggestions:
Remember, everyone's experience may vary. What works for one person might not work for another.
Have you tried any of these string trimmer grip accessories? What has been your experience? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you. Be sure to subscribe for more reviews and tips to make yard work easier and more enjoyable.
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