Verdict
Head-to-head · Best String Trimmers

Husqvarna 525L 25.4cc Gas String Trimmer vs Ryobi RY402110 40V HP Brushless 17-Inch Carbon Fiber

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Ryobi RY402110 40V HP Brushless 17-Inch Carbon Fiber comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 4.2). Ryobi RY402110 40V HP Brushless 17-Inch Carbon Fiber is best for: Homeowners with half an acre to two acres who want gas-class cutting and don't already own an EGO battery platform. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Husqvarna 525L 25.4cc Gas String Trimmer
Ranked #4 in Best String Trimmers
Husqvarna 525L 25.4cc Gas String Trimmer
1 source$333as of Oct 19

At 9.7 lb dry, the Husqvarna 525L is the lightest 25cc pro-grade gas trimmer most homeowners will encounter, with the brand's X-Torq engine putting 1.21 hp into an 18.1-inch cutting swath. Pro Tool Reviews ranked the 525LST third overall in their gas trimmer shootout at 89 points. Recoil is the soft spot, and you're still pumping mixed gas. For landscapers and homeowners running multi-acre lots in heavy growth, this is the trimmer that earns its keep all day.

Strengths
  • — Pro-grade 25.4cc X-Torq engine produces 1.21 hp at 6,500 rpm
  • — 9.7 lb dry weight is exceptionally light for a 25cc straight-shaft
  • — Tap'n Go bump head reloads quickly and accepts standard 0.095-inch line
Watch-outs
  • — Pull-start recoil is the part most commonly cited as a weak point
Ryobi RY402110 40V HP Brushless 17-Inch Carbon Fiber
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best String Trimmers
Ryobi RY402110 40V HP Brushless 17-Inch Carbon Fiber
1 source

Ryobi's flagship 40V HP Brushless string trimmer in the Whisper Series is the closest cordless approximation to a 30cc gas trimmer most homeowners will find under $300. Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.4/10 and called out over an hour of runtime on the 6.0Ah pack. Size is the trade-off: at 72 inches and nearly 13 lb with battery, it's a commitment. For buyers who want adjustable 15-to-17-inch cut width and the option to drop in 0.105-inch line for tougher growth, the Ryobi is the sharpest mid-tier value in the cordless segment.

Strengths
  • — Brushless motor delivers gas-equivalent power roughly matching a 30cc 2-stroke
  • — Cutting width adjustable from 15 to 17 inches for fast cleanup of large lots
  • — Whisper Series tuning rates 72% quieter than equivalent gas trimmers
Watch-outs
  • — Higher line draw with the 0.105-inch line option shortens runtime noticeably

How they stack up

Husqvarna 525L 25.4cc Gas String Trimmer

Outcuts every battery option in this list — including the EGO ST1623T and Ryobi RY402110 — in tall heavy weeds thanks to the X-Torq powerband. The trade is the only gas pick here: fuel mixing and pull starts the cordless picks don't ask of you. About 3 lb lighter than other 25cc+ pro gas trimmers in its class.

Ryobi RY402110 40V HP Brushless 17-Inch Carbon Fiber

Slightly outpowers the EGO ST1623T on raw cutting throughput thanks to the 0.105-inch line option, but loses the auto-feed and POWERLOAD spool ease. Far more capable than the Worx WG170 GT Revolution on large or weedy lots, with three times the runtime and a real metal-bodied head.

Specs side-by-side

SpecHusqvarna 525L 25.4cc Gas String TrimmerRyobi RY402110 40V HP Brushless 17-Inch Carbon Fiber
Power SourceGas (2-cycle, 50:1 mix)40V battery (6.0Ah included)
Engine Displacement25.4 cc—
Output Power1.21 hp—
Cutting Width18.1 in15-17 in (adjustable)
Fuel Tank17.25 fl oz—
Weight (dry)9.7 lb—
Line FeedTap'n Go bump headREEL EASY+ 3-in-1 bump-feed
Warranty2-year limited consumer5-year tool, 3-year battery
Line Diameter—0.095-0.105 in
Runtime—Up to 67 min
Shaft—Straight carbon fiber
Weight (with battery)—12.9 lb
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