Which is best?

Redmax

red max

The Stihls are great but heavy. no luck with echos

I got an echo HC-1500 used it for one season...
I got myself a PAS-260 Which is a dedicated edger but since i'm solo When I need to do my hedges I slap on the Articulating hedge trimmer attch.. Use that on just about 95% of the shrubs i cut this year... Love it!

Shindaiwa echo comes in second

whats the price on the redmax, and shindaiwa's?

You want the beast or the cheapest, go ask your dealer for a price quote, wherever you pay for a redmax is worth it's price, accompained by a good dealer. check captdev web site for reference about price, expect to pay a little more locally but it shouldn't be that much

I bought a Stihl (I think HS 80) this year. One of the best investments I ever made. It cuts really thick branches and it goes thru pampass grass like butter. Cost me about $375.

Shindaiwa

stihl

I have a Stihl HS 80 and it has been an OK machine but I have had problems from day one with it starting ! I have also noticed it is a tad on the heavy side and you will notice that after several hours of hedges! I have been talking to several people and a couple dealers. I have decided I will buy a RedMax next year and keep the Stihl as a backup ! My Stihl dealer is close (2 miles away) but the RedMax dealer is 70 miles and I think for the weight difference and the increased blade speed over Stihl I will go REDMAX !

stihl HL 75K
0-90 degree