EGO Power+ ST1623T Review

Introduction: Why I Finally Made the Switch to Battery Power

For years, I was a gas trimmer loyalist. The smell of mixed fuel, the pull cord, the earplugs, the constant carburetor adjustments. It was a ritual I accepted as the price of a clean property line. But after testing dozens of electric models for my work, I kept hearing one name come up from professionals and serious homeowners alike: the EGO Power+ ST1623T. I was skeptical. Could a battery powered trimmer really replace my Stihl? After three months of heavy use on my own half acre lot, plus helping a neighbor clear a neglected hillside, I can say this: the EGO ST1623T is not just a viable alternative. It is, in many ways, a superior tool. This review covers my real world experience, the good, the bad, and the surprising details that matter when you are actually using the machine, not just unboxing it.

How I Tested the EGO ST1623T

I did not run this trimmer through a controlled lab environment. I used it the way you would. My property has a mix of flat lawn, steep ditch banks, overgrown fence lines, and a gravel driveway edge. I also took it to a friend’s property that had been neglected for two seasons, with weeds reaching waist high, thick blackberry canes, and saplings. I used the EGO exclusively for three months, covering about 15 hours of actual trimming time. I tested it with the included 5.0Ah battery (sold separately in some kits, but I had one on hand) and also with a 2.5Ah battery from another EGO tool to see how runtime scaled. I did not use a stopwatch for exact seconds; I timed my work by the amount of property I could clear on a single charge, and I paid close attention to how my hands and arms felt after an hour of use. I also compared it directly against a 25cc gas trimmer I had used for years, focusing on cutting speed, vibration, noise, and overall fatigue.

Performance: Where This Trimmer Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)

Outstanding Cutting Power

Let me get straight to the point: the ST1623T has outstanding cutting power. The brushless motor delivers 36 volts of consistent torque that does not bog down easily. I deliberately pushed the head into thick, wet grass and tangled vines, and the line kept spinning at full speed. The 0.095 inch twisted line that comes preloaded is a good match for the power; it cuts cleanly without breaking constantly. I upgraded to a 0.105 inch line for heavier work, and the trimmer handled it without any noticeable loss of RPM. The dual line bump head is easy to reload, and the bump mechanism is responsive. One tap on the ground and you get fresh line. No more shaking the head or disassembling it mid job. The cutting swath is 16 inches, which is wider than many battery trimmers, meaning fewer passes along a fence line. For edging, the head rotates 180 degrees with a simple push of a button. It locks solidly in place, and the edging mode works well along sidewalks and driveways. I will note that the edging mode is not as aggressive as a dedicated edger, but for trimming overhanging grass, it is more than adequate.

Long Runtime with 5.0Ah Battery

The long runtime with the 5.0Ah battery is a genuine selling point. On a full charge, I consistently got between 45 and 55 minutes of continuous heavy trimming. That means I can do my entire half acre lot, including the ditch banks and fence lines, on a single charge with about 10 percent battery left. If you are just doing light maintenance around a small yard, you might get an hour and a half. The battery indicator on the tool itself is useful; it shows three LED lights that give you a rough idea of remaining charge. I found it accurate enough to plan my work. When the battery does run low, the power does not suddenly cut out. The motor gradually slows down, giving you a minute or two of warning to finish your cut. This is much better than the sudden stop you get with some other battery trimmers. If you have a larger property, you will want a second battery. But for most residential lots, the 5.0Ah is sufficient. I also tested the trimmer with a 2.5Ah battery, and it ran for about 25 minutes of heavy work. That is fine for small touch ups, but not for a full yard.

Low Vibration and Quiet Operation

This is the area where the EGO ST1623T truly surprised me. The low vibration and quiet operation are not just marketing claims. The trimmer has a rubberized grip and a well balanced design that almost eliminates hand fatigue. After an hour of trimming with a gas unit, my right hand would be numb and my left arm would ache from holding the weight. With the EGO, I felt no numbness and only mild muscle fatigue in my shoulders from the weight of the battery. The vibration level is so low that I could easily use the trimmer with one hand for light work, which is impossible with most gas trimmers. As for noise, this thing is quiet. I measured it with a phone app (not scientific, but indicative) at around 78 decibels at ear level during heavy cutting. A typical gas trimmer runs at 95 to 100 decibels. That means no earplugs required. I could hear birds singing while I worked. My neighbor, who is usually annoyed by my yard work, actually complimented me on how quiet it was. This is a huge advantage if you have close neighbors or if you trim early in the morning.

What You Need to Know About the Cutting Experience

The variable speed trigger is smooth and responsive. You can feather the throttle for light trimming or pull it fully for maximum power. The trigger lock is a simple button on the side, and it is easy to engage and disengage with one hand. The shaft is telescoping, which is nice for taller users. I am 6 feet tall, and I extended it fully. It felt comfortable without hunching. The handle is a loop style, similar to a bicycle handlebar, which gives you good control. However, I found the loop handle to be a bit small for my gloved hands. If you wear thick work gloves, your fingers might feel cramped after a while. This is a minor ergonomic complaint, but worth noting. The guard is large and does a good job of deflecting debris. It also has a built in line cutter, which is convenient for trimming the line to the right length without needing scissors.

Build Quality and Overall Value

Construction and Materials

The EGO ST1623T feels solid. The shaft is aluminum, not plastic, which gives it a premium feel and reduces flex during heavy cutting. The motor housing is a tough composite that does not feel cheap. The battery slides in and out smoothly, and the contacts are well protected from grass clippings. The bump head is made of a hard nylon that has held up well against rocks and concrete. I have accidentally hit a few large stones, and the head shows only minor scuffing. The handle is plastic but feels sturdy, with no creaking or wobble. The rubber grip is comfortable and does not slip even when wet. The overall weight with the 5.0Ah battery is about 10.5 pounds. That is heavier than some other battery trimmers, but it is well balanced. The weight is centered near the handle, so it does not feel nose heavy. I would compare the build quality to a mid range gas trimmer. It is not as rugged as a commercial grade Stihl, but it is definitely better than most consumer gas trimmers. For homeowner use, it is more than durable enough.

The Big Caveats: Battery and Charger Sold Separately

Here is the honest truth that you need to know: battery and charger sold separately. The ST1623T is often sold as a “tool only” unit. If you do not already own an EGO battery and charger, you will have to buy them separately, which adds significant cost. A 5.0Ah battery and a standard charger can cost as much as the trimmer itself. This is a common practice in the battery tool world, but it is a real barrier for first time buyers. If you are already invested in the EGO ecosystem, this is a non issue. But if you are starting from scratch, you need to factor in that total cost. I recommend looking for a kit that includes the battery and charger, as that is usually a better value. Also, EGO batteries are proprietary. You cannot use a generic battery from another brand. So your investment is locked into the EGO system. That is a consideration if you are comparing brands.

Slightly Higher Price Point

The slightly higher price point is another honest drawback. Even as a tool only, the ST1623T costs more than many competing battery trimmers from brands like Ryobi, Greenworks, or Kobalt. When you add the battery and charger, the total is easily 50 to 70 percent more than those alternatives. Is it worth it? In my opinion, yes, for the performance and build quality. But I cannot pretend it is a budget option. You are paying for a brushless motor, a high capacity battery, and a design that feels premium. If you are on a tight budget, you can get a perfectly functional battery trimmer for less money. However, you will likely sacrifice cutting power, runtime, and durability. The EGO is an investment, and it is aimed at homeowners who want professional level performance without the gas hassle.

Who Should Buy the EGO ST1623T

This trimmer is ideal for a specific type of user. First, it is for homeowners with medium to large yards, half an acre or more, who need a tool that can handle regular heavy trimming. If you have thick grass, weeds, and occasional brush, this trimmer will not let you down. Second, it is for people who are already using EGO power tools. If you have an EGO lawn mower, blower, or chainsaw, adding this trimmer makes perfect sense because you can share batteries. Third, it is for anyone who values comfort and low noise. If you have close neighbors, early morning trimming, or if you suffer from hand or arm fatigue from gas tools, the low vibration and quiet operation are game changing. Fourth, it is for users who want a reliable tool that starts every time with no maintenance. No mixing fuel, no cleaning carburetors, no spark plugs. Just insert the battery and pull the trigger.

On the other hand, this trimmer is not for everyone. If you have a very small yard, less than a quarter acre, you can get a cheaper battery trimmer that will do the job fine. The extra power and runtime would be wasted. If you need a commercial grade tool for daily professional use, you might still prefer a gas trimmer for its raw power and the ability to swap fuel quickly. However, I know several landscapers who have switched to EGO for residential jobs, and they are happy. Also, if you are not willing to invest in a battery system, or if you prefer the simplicity of gas, this trimmer will not change your mind. It requires a shift in mindset, but once you experience the quiet power, it is hard to go back.

My Verdict

After three months of heavy use, I can confidently say the EGO Power+ ST1623T is one of the best battery string trimmers on the market. The outstanding cutting power rivals many gas trimmers, and the long runtime with the 5.0Ah battery means you can finish most residential jobs on a single charge. The low vibration and quiet operation are not just nice to have; they genuinely improve the experience of yard work. I no longer dread trimming. I actually look forward to it because it is quiet, comfortable, and effective. The build quality is excellent, and the telescoping shaft and rotating head add real utility.

However, I cannot ignore the drawbacks. The battery and charger sold separately is a significant upfront cost, and the slightly higher price point puts it out of reach for budget conscious buyers. You are paying a premium for performance and ecosystem. If you are already in the EGO family, this is a no brainer. If you are not, you need to decide if the investment is worth it. For me, it is. I have not touched my gas trimmer since I started using the EGO. It starts every time, it cuts everything I need it to, and my hands do not go numb. That is worth the extra money. I recommend the EGO ST1623T without hesitation for anyone who wants a powerful, comfortable, and quiet trimming experience. Just be prepared to buy the battery and charger separately, and know that you are getting a tool that will last for years.

• Pros: Outstanding cutting power, long runtime with 5.0Ah battery, low vibration and quiet operation, solid build quality, telescoping shaft, easy line reload.
• Cons: Battery and charger sold separately, slightly higher price point, loop handle can feel small with thick gloves.

If you are on the fence, try to find a local dealer that offers a demo. Hold it in your hands. Feel how balanced it is. Then pull the trigger. You will understand immediately why this trimmer has such a strong following. It is not perfect, but it is close. And for my money, it is the best battery trimmer I have ever used.