Adrian, the trimmer tests are in the May CR issue. Several of the Echo models got a "recommended" rating, including the 225(the PAS version wasn't specifically tested)Alex uses. The top-ranked model however, and one of the less expensive(about $130)was the Stihl FS-38(curved shaft, bump feed).
A point they made which should be significant to us is that the gas-powered models were loud enough to require hearing protection(generally above 80dB, which might be surprising to some who casually discuss 100dB listening).
