I have the SRM-210SB. A few considerations among the lighter weights GT-200i, GT-225i, and SRM-210i. Select one that has easy starting. GT-200i and SRM-210i claim 75% easier starting and GT-225i is 30% easier to start. Gt200i is 17% lighter than SRM-210i and 6% lighter than GT-225 (225 is advertised as a new one). Both the GT-200i and SRM-225 are curved shafts of 48 inches. The SRM-210i is a straight shaft 59 inches long -- and after putting a pound or so at the end of a shaft 11 inches longer - weightier. After a season or two, including proper maintenance, harder starting can be a problem - so to me, that drops the SRM-225i out if one is 75% easier to start versus 30%. The weight and shaft length removes the GT-210i leaving the GT200i. All 3 have Rapid-Loader heads -- place a length of cutting string in the head and start cutting - with no loading of 20 ft. of string. Happy hunting but leave the final selection to the user -- much happier, or fewer complaints, when self imposed.

I know I would not mind if I were the dad in your situation to be taken to the store and told to pick out the trimmer I wanted. I would ask how much is set aside and go from there. If that is not possible than a certificate saying pick a trimmer of your choice and let's buy it today. Some possibilities to avoid the dreaded "that is not the one I wanted" scenario" :). All good questions above. Price will determine alot. I think the best all around trimmer/brushcutters are in the $3-400 range with $400 being high. You can get a really nice trimmer in the $200 range though. It is really a question of what exactly is needed and how much you want to spend. Your dad may have a preference for makers. I personally like the Stihl and Echo for ease of availability. The Kawasaki's I know nothing about and I stay away from currentl Homelite products although the older Homelite equipment was really good from what I have read. How old or how to spot them I don't know. I prefer straight shaft and a good harness. Cutting heads can be a personal preference. I like the bump and go, some like the quick insert and some like the fixed plastic blades. At the 3-400 price level, I am not concerned about the 2 vs 4-mix debate. The 4-mix's are young but have good reviews so far. Your dad could probably do okay with a good consumer grade trimmer with a flexible shaft. A solid shaft will be more expensive but will better handle brushcutting. I don't have much need for attachments but they make the units more expensive. I did the "cost analysis" of those models and it seemed that they did not pay for themselves until you bought 3 useful attachments. I could see the mini-tiller but an edger was really not necessary for me. A pole saw, maybe. Just little things that I could not really get alot of use from. All really good questions. Alot of the answers will be personal preference. Best of luck with getting your dad to smile on his bday.

Hi folks, I have used a "cough, cough", Ryobi gas trimmer in the past few weeks. Thing caught fire, almost killed me... Returned to HD for refund. I only bought it because of the split boom, and HD did not have any split boom Echos at the time. Here's my question: I trim grass around my city yard. I have some weeds around the edges (by the fence). I MAY use the edging attachment - although I think the trimmer does a pretty OK job just turned sideways along the lawns... I do want the split boom so I can lightly roto-till my raised garden bed - a smallish 10 by 16 plot. I am considering the SRM 210 SB, OR the PAS 265. I can get a pretty decent price on the 265 right now, and they both give me the "split boom" option... For my usage, is the 210 SB enough? Will it be okay to use with the cultivator - if I just want to loosen the soil on top, till under the weeds, etc.? Because I can get the good deal on the 265, I'm just wondering if the extra $50 is worth it??? Can the 210 do the job with the cultivator, and maybe an edger attachment? I noticed some of you use the cultivator unit with the 2400SB... Thanks... ps: I'm buying tomorrow, so if anyone has some good info tonight, I would be grateful.

There are no attachments to be had for a Ryobi 40 volt lithium ion string trimmer. Fact is you must disassemble the motor housing just to change the factory head that holds the string. If all you are trimming is a small area. I vote Husqvarna or Echo straight shaft models. I honestly feel that the smaller Sthils are no better than a Homelite. Only thing they got going for them is you can at least get parts for them. Husqvarna 129L ($200) is a great little homeowner trimmer that is good for around the yard trimming. Ethanol Shield and the Blue StaBil are good additives that combat the effects of Ethanol laced fuel. PS: When it comes to gas powered trimmers. AVOID curved shaft models. For they all are about useless and wear you out trimming with them.