The Worx Weed Whacker

A few weeks ago my husband saw an infomercial for "The Worx" series of yard equipment. It was advertised as being very lightweight and easy to use since it is run by a large rechargable battery (no extension cords to trip over or heavy gasoline motors to start & lug around). He strongly suggested that I order it. At the time, I was skeptic and said I'd check into it.

The same informercial was on again a few days later, and I was able to catch most of it. I was sold. I called the toll-free number and was talked into also purchasing the two other tools that were battery-friendly, the hedge trimmer and the leaf blower (we already have two.) It cost an additional $100, making my total order over $200.00. I anxiously awaited for the garden equipment to arrive.

I was immediately disappointed upon opening the box. The tools were made of a very cheap plastic. I plugged in the battery and set the equipment aside, waiting to pass final judgement by tackling the weeds.

Unfortunately, the Worx did not stand up to the hype. It is definitely a "citified" weed whacker, intended to cut off tender grasses and other small, easily destroyed weeds. The big country weeds, with stems 1/4" in diameter or more, were only insulted by the string. I had to remove the battery and place it into the hedge trimmer to cut the ragweed and other countryside weeds.

The Worx also touts the fact that you don't have to bump the head of the stringholder on the ground in order to feed string. Supposedly, it feeds itself. I found that the string would go down to approximately 1 1/2" long and wouldn't feed itself, so I'd have to push a button and pull the string out by hand. This is definitely as pain, as I have poison ivy lurking everywhere in the yard, and am highly allergic to it. (Steroid shot in the butt, here I come!)

To summarize, pass on the Worx yard & garden equipment unless you live in town and want to simply trim the grass. I need a more stury, harder working model for my country home.

shel