Summary:
I would not own anything but a stihl. I own the 18" blades. I think the 24" would be too awkward.

Strengths:
This is an awesome trimmers. I own 4 of them!

Weaknesses:
Gets a little heavy if using for over an hour without a break.

Summary:
Great.

Strengths:
Lighten than Echo. Cuts great! Its Orange

Weaknesses:
I'm thinking...

Summary:
Great Product!

Strengths:
I have just recently purchased the Stihl HS45 with the 24" blades and actually used it for the first time yesterday. It performed very well. The engine is very strong. I have used Stihl products for almost 20 years (I also have a Stihl string trimmer and a backpack blower). I wouldn't expect anything less from a Stihl product!

Weaknesses:
None discovered so far.

Summary:
I own all Stihl equipment for the past 4 years to run my little landscaping company. I love the equipement.

Strengths:
They have been great for 4 years without fail!

Weaknesses:
This year when I went to use them the they failed on me. Took it to a Stihl dealer and said he had to rebuild the carbourator. He said the 87 gas is bad and to move to the 89 the high ocatane. My dealer said they they have been seeing it alot with these type of equipement.