The best EGO trimmer for you depends mainly on how you want to load and advance the line. Start with the 15-inch ST1511T for a telescoping aluminum shaft, consider the 16-inch ST1611T for a telescoping carbon-fiber shaft with bump feed, or choose the ST1623T if automatic LINE IQ feed is the priority. All three kits below include a battery and charger.
This is a comparison of manufacturer specifications, operator manuals and exact kit listings. We have not hands-on tested these trimmers. The recommendations reflect feature fit; they do not establish a cutting-performance, durability or runtime winner.
The three EGO trimmer kits at a glance
| Kit | Best fit | Line feed and shaft | Battery and charger | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST1511T, 15-inch | A straightforward POWERLOAD kit | Bump feed; telescoping aluminum | 56V 2.5Ah battery; CH2100 charger | You still bump the head to advance line |
| ST1611T, 16-inch | Carbon-fiber shaft with manual control of line advance | Bump feed; telescoping carbon fiber | 56V 2.5Ah battery; 210W charger | POWERLOAD does not make its feed automatic |
| ST1623T, 16-inch | Automatic line advance | LINE IQ auto feed; telescoping carbon fiber | 56V 4.0Ah battery; CH3200 320W charger | Choose it for LINE IQ; it is a different head system |
EGO ST1511T: a practical starting point
The ST1511T combines a 15-inch cutting swath, a telescoping aluminum shaft and POWERLOAD. Thread the replacement line through the head, then use the winding button as the manual directs. During trimming, its bump-feed head advances the line when needed; loading and feeding are separate functions.
Pros: The adjustable shaft and two speed settings give you useful setup and operating choices. The selected kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and CH2100 charger, so it makes sense as an entry into this battery platform.
Limitations: It lacks the automatic feed of the LINE IQ model. A 15-inch swath is narrower than the two 16-inch choices; that difference alone does not tell you how quickly you will finish your yard. If you already own suitable EGO batteries and a charger, compare the ST1510T tool-only version before paying for another kit.
EGO ST1511T 15-inch Trimmer Kit with 2.5Ah Battery and Charger
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EGO ST1611T: carbon fiber with bump feed
The ST1611T is the middle choice for someone who wants a telescoping carbon-fiber shaft and a 16-inch swath while retaining bump feed. It has POWERLOAD winding and a quick-adjust auxiliary handle. The kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and 210W charger.
Pros: It pairs the larger swath with shaft and handle adjustments, and lets you decide when to advance the line by tapping the head. That combination is worth comparing with LINE IQ if you prefer conventional bump-feed operation.
Limitations: It does not have LINE IQ. EGO’s product page and the retailer listing give different maximum runtime figures, so we would not choose this model on a minute claim. Actual runtime depends on the battery, its charge, the grass and your technique. The ST1610T listing is the tool-only configuration.
EGO ST1623T: for automatic line advance
The ST1623T adds LINE IQ, which monitors and feeds line without bumping the head. It also has POWERLOAD winding, a telescoping carbon-fiber shaft and a 16-inch cutting swath. These two technologies address different jobs: POWERLOAD winds fresh line, while LINE IQ advances it during use.
Pros: Automatic feed is its clearest reason to buy. The exact kit includes the ST1620T trimmer, one 4.0Ah battery and the CH3200 320W charger, giving you a different battery-and-charger bundle from the two 2.5Ah kits.
Limitations: Buy it because you want automatic feed, rather than assuming it must cut better than a bump-feed model. Its head system is different, so use the exact model when checking replacement parts. The ST1620T tool-only offer does not include a battery or charger.
What to check before choosing
Match the complete kit number. ST1511T, ST1611T and ST1623T are the kits compared here; ST1510T, ST1610T and ST1620T identify their tool-only configurations. Check the selected listing’s battery capacity and charger as well as its headline. A photo of a similar EGO trimmer is not enough to establish what is included.
Check the working fit. If possible, hold the trimmer with the battery you plan to use and adjust the shaft and auxiliary handle before buying. Decide whether you prefer a bump-feed head or automatic feed. We have not measured how these tools balance for different users.
Use the specified line. These models specify 0.095-inch line. Follow the exact tool manual for line type, winding and replacement; the LINE IQ manual warns against metal-reinforced line, wire or rope. Do not treat a third-party blade or spool as compatible merely because it appears in a shopping search.
Read the operator manual before use. EGO’s ST1610T manual requires ANSI Z87.1 eye protection, keeping children, bystanders and pets at least 50 feet away, and removing the battery before servicing, cleaning or clearing material. It also says not to operate in rain or wet conditions. A weather-resistance label is not permission to ignore the manual.
Use the manual supplied with your tool; the manufacturer also provides the ST1510T manual, ST1610T manual and ST1620T manual for the tools in these kits.
Frequently asked questions
Which EGO trimmer is best for a first purchase?
The ST1511T is a sensible starting point if a 15-inch POWERLOAD trimmer and bump feed meet your needs. Step to the ST1611T for its carbon-fiber shaft and 16-inch swath, or ST1623T when automatic line advance matters most. Those are feature-based choices, not a tested overall ranking.
Are POWERLOAD and LINE IQ the same thing?
No. POWERLOAD winds replacement line into the head after you feed it through. LINE IQ advances line during trimming without bumping. The ST1511T and ST1611T have POWERLOAD with bump feed; the ST1623T has both technologies.
Does each kit include a battery and charger?
Yes, for the exact kit numbers in this comparison. ST1511T and ST1611T include 2.5Ah batteries; ST1623T includes a 4.0Ah battery. Tool-only numbers ending in ST1510T, ST1610T or ST1620T do not include either item, so verify the selected offer.
Can I use the EGO battery I already own?
The product documentation identifies compatibility with EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries. Check your battery’s label and the tool’s manual, then compare a tool-only offer if you already have a suitable battery and charger. For the ST1610T tool in the ST1611T kit, EGO’s manual requires the BH1001/BH1001-FC backpack link when using a 6.0Ah or higher-capacity battery. The included 2.5Ah battery is below that threshold. Battery capacity is not a guarantee of a particular runtime.
Which line should I buy?
Start with the exact model’s 0.095-inch line specification and its manual’s approved line and replacement procedure. Do not substitute wire, rope or metal-reinforced line. Replacement heads and accessories need model-specific compatibility checks.
