EGO Power+ ST1620T Review

Introduction: Why I Picked Up the EGO Power+ ST1620T

I have been using cordless string trimmers for years, and I have a confession: I am picky. I need a trimmer that can handle thick weeds around the fence line, edge the driveway cleanly, and not die halfway through the yard. When I got my hands on the EGO Power+ ST1620T, I was curious but skeptical. It is a 56-volt, brushless machine with a 16-inch cutting swath and a 5.0Ah battery. The claims on the box were bold: “commercial-grade cutting power” and “tool-less bump head reload.” I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype without any fluff. So I spent the last month using it on my own property and a friend’s overgrown lot. Here is my honest, first-person experience.

How I Tested It: Real Grass, Real Weeds, Real Conditions

I did not set up a lab or run timed tests with stopwatches. I used this trimmer the way you would: on a typical suburban half-acre lot with a mix of fescue, Bermuda grass, and some nasty patches of thistle and poison ivy. My yard has slopes, a chain-link fence line, and a gravel driveway edge. I also took it to a friend’s property that had been neglected for months, with knee-high weeds, blackberry vines, and thick, stalky grass near a drainage ditch. I used the included 5.0Ah battery for every session, and I did not swap batteries mid-job to test runtime honestly. I also made sure to use it in both standard trimming mode and edging mode (by rotating the head). I did not use any aftermarket attachments or third-party batteries. Everything was stock, out of the box.

Performance: Where This Trimmer Shines (and Where It Struggles)

Cutting Power for Thick Vegetation

The first thing I noticed was the torque. This trimmer does not bog down easily. I ran it through a patch of 2-foot-tall pigweed, and it chewed through it without me having to feather the trigger. The brushless motor delivers consistent power, and the 0.095-inch twisted line (which comes pre-installed) held up well. I did not have to stop and let the motor cool down, even after 20 minutes of continuous heavy cutting. For comparison, I have used 40-volt trimmers that would stall or require a “sawing” motion on thick stalks. The ST1620T just cuts. The 16-inch cutting swath is a nice middle ground: wide enough to cover ground quickly, but not so wide that it feels unwieldy in tight spaces.

Runtime with the Included 5.0Ah Battery

I was pleasantly surprised here. On a typical trim session (light weeds, edging the driveway, and trimming around flower beds), I got about 45 minutes of continuous use before the battery hit the first low-battery warning. On heavy, thick vegetation, that dropped to around 30 minutes. That is solid for a single 5.0Ah pack. I have used other brands that claim 60 minutes but deliver 20 in real-world conditions. EGO’s battery management system seems to keep the power consistent until the very end. When the battery finally died, it did not just cut out abruptly; it slowed down gradually, which gave me time to finish the last few feet. The battery charges in about 50 minutes on the included charger, which brings me to a minor complaint.

The Battery Charger Is Basic

I will be honest: the charger that comes with the ST1620T is a standard, no-frills unit. It has a single LED indicator (red when charging, green when done) and no cooling fan. It works fine, but it is not fast. If you are a heavy user, you will want a second battery or the rapid charger that EGO sells separately. For most homeowners, this charger is adequate. But if you are used to high-end chargers with active cooling and a digital display, this one feels a bit cheap. It gets warm during charging, and I wish it had a longer cord. That said, it has not failed me, and it does the job.

Tool-Less Bump Head Reload

This feature is a game changer. The trimmer head has a “bump and feed” system, but the real win is the tool-less reload. When you run out of line, you do not need to disassemble the head with a screwdriver or pliers. You simply press two tabs on the side, pull the spool out, and wind new line. It takes about 30 seconds. I have used trimmers where you have to fight with a spring-loaded cap or use a special tool to pry it open. EGO got this right. The head also uses a pre-wound spool system, but you can also buy bulk line and wind it yourself. The bump feed is consistent: one firm tap on the ground advances about half an inch of line. It does not overfeed or jam, even when I was cutting wet grass.

Build Quality and Value: What You Get for Your Money

Weight and Balance

Let me address the elephant in the room: this trimmer is heavier than some competitors. With the 5.0Ah battery attached, it weighs about 11.5 pounds. That is not light. But here is the thing: the balance is excellent. The battery sits at the base of the handle, which lowers the center of gravity. When I held it with two hands (the rear handle and the front assist handle), it felt well-distributed. I did not feel like I was fighting the weight to keep the head at the right angle. After 30 minutes of trimming, my arms were tired, but not sore. Compare that to some lighter trimmers that are head-heavy, which causes more fatigue because you are constantly lifting the front. The ST1620T is a trade-off: more total weight, but better ergonomics. If you have a large yard, the weight might be an issue. For most users, it is manageable.

Low Vibration

I have used gas trimmers that vibrate so badly my hands go numb. The ST1620T is remarkably smooth. The brushless motor and the dampened handle design keep vibration to a minimum. I could feel a slight buzz in the front handle, but it was not distracting. After a full session, my hands felt fine. This is a big deal if you have arthritis or if you trim for long stretches. It makes the experience much more pleasant.

Build Materials and Durability

The shaft is a mix of aluminum and high-impact plastic. The lower shaft (where the head attaches) is metal, which is good because that is where most trimmers break. The upper shaft is a durable composite. The handles have rubberized grips that are comfortable even when wet. The battery connection is solid; it clicks in securely and does not wobble. I dropped the trimmer once (accidentally knocked it over while reaching for a weed), and it survived without any cracks or damage. The bump head is made of a hard nylon, and it shows no signs of wear after a month of use. I cannot speak to long-term durability, but the initial build quality feels solid.

Value Proposition

This trimmer is not the cheapest on the market. It sits in the upper mid-range of cordless trimmers. But you are paying for the battery platform. EGO’s 56-volt system is one of the most robust in the industry. If you already own EGO tools (like a mower or blower), this trimmer is a no-brainer because the batteries are interchangeable. If you are starting from scratch, the ST1620T kit (with battery and charger) is a good investment because you can expand into other EGO tools later. The build quality and cutting performance justify the price. I do not think it is overpriced, but it is not a budget option.

Who Should Buy the EGO Power+ ST1620T?

This trimmer is best for homeowners with medium to large yards (quarter acre or more) who deal with a mix of grass and thick weeds. It is also a great choice if you are tired of gas trimmers: the noise is low, there is no smell, and you do not have to mix fuel. It is also ideal if you have a lot of edging to do, because the rotating head (you press a button and twist) is smooth and locks into place securely. I would not recommend it for small city lots where a lighter, cheaper trimmer would suffice. The weight and cost are overkill for a tiny yard. Also, if you are a professional landscaper who uses a trimmer all day, you might want a commercial-grade gas model or a higher-end battery system with a larger battery. The ST1620T is a heavy-duty homeowner tool, not a pro tool.

If you have physical limitations (like chronic shoulder pain or weak wrists), the weight might be a concern. I would suggest trying it in a store before buying. But if you are able-bodied and want a trimmer that cuts through anything without complaining, this is a strong contender.

My Verdict: Honest Pros and Cons

What I Love

• Excellent cutting power for thick vegetation: It tears through weeds and tall grass without stalling. This is the best part of the trimmer.
• Long runtime with the included 5.0Ah battery: I get 30 to 45 minutes of real work, which covers most yards. The battery also works with other EGO tools.
• Low vibration and well-balanced: It is comfortable to use for extended periods. The balance point is near the handle, so it does not feel nose-heavy.
• Tool-less bump head reload: This is a small detail that saves so much frustration. No tools, no swearing, just pop and wind.

What I Do Not Love

• Heavier than some competitors: At 11.5 pounds, it is not the lightest. If you are used to a 9-pound trimmer, you will notice the difference.
• Battery charger is basic: It works, but it is slow and lacks features. For the price of the kit, I would have liked a faster charger or at least a cooling fan.

Final Thoughts

After a month of heavy use, I can say the EGO Power+ ST1620T is a solid, reliable trimmer that delivers on its promises. It cuts through thick stuff easily, the battery lasts long enough for most jobs, and the tool-less head is a joy. The weight is a trade-off for the power and balance, but it is not a dealbreaker for me. The basic charger is a minor annoyance, but it does not affect the trimming experience. If you are in the market for a cordless trimmer that can handle a tough yard without the hassle of gas, this is one of the best options I have used. I would buy it again.