Are you looking for the best brushcutter line? Read my reviews, my opinions and the guide to choosing.
Before choosing a line for brushcutter, you must always ask yourself a series of questions: how often will you use the tool? What are the characteristics of the place? On which plants do you want to use it? Finding an answer means obtaining in exchange an optimal cut of the grass, weeds or brambles, and avoiding unnecessarily wasting wire (which also represents an economic cost). But I start from a fundamental premise: the quality of the cut will depend above all on the quality of the appliance, because the cable alone is not enough.
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Characteristics of the strimmer line
First of all, you must know that strimmer lines are not all the same, and that there are some fundamental characteristics to study. This is due to the fact that they could have a different impact on the cut, and this will depend for example on the diameter of the cable and the shape of its section (therefore the profile). Based on these characteristics, the product may be suitable for a certain type of application and not for the others, so it is worthwhile to anticipate these details immediately.
- Wire diameter: a larger diameter intervenes more effectively in cutting weeds with more developed stems. On the other hand, it opposes a greater resistance to the air and therefore strains the engine of the brushcutter more. The latter, therefore, must have a correct power / weight ratio and be able to manage the cable that we are going to mount on the head.
- Wire section: when we talk about section, we refer to the shape of the cable profile. On sale you can find wires with a round section, those with a square section and the so-called “star” products. Here it is also worth mentioning the strimmer wire reinforced with a steel core, perfect for cutting brambles and for work in the undergrowth. Finally, some wires have a particular shape that reduces noise.
Later I will go into detail and explain to you exactly what the characteristics of these threads are and for what purposes they are best suited. First, however, I would like to anticipate a fact: the diameter of the wire is directly related to the diameter of the stem of the plants you are going to cut. If we are talking about the classic thin grass, a cable with a diameter of less than 3 millimeters may suffice, while for tall grass it is always advisable to start from a minimum of 3 millimeters. To cut hard weeds such as brambles, however, it is better to use a 3.5 mm diameter wire.
Best lines for brushcutters
1. Oregon Thread Starline (Various Sizes)
I always use Oregon-made cables, because in my opinion they are one of the best manufacturers out there. The Starline comes in a ton of different sizes, but in this review I’ll tell you about the 200m spool with 3.3mm star cross section line. The quality is extraordinary, as well as the strength of the cable and its cutting performance, thanks to a line made of nylon with an aluminum particle core.
- Section: star
- Diameter: 3.3 mm (others available)
- Materials: nylon with aluminum core
- Length: spool of 200 meters
If you are looking for a product with very high breaking strength, you will most likely fall in love with the Starline range. But pay attention to the power of the brushcutter, since the 3.3 mm cable is compatible with devices with a displacement from 40 CC upwards. If you have a less powerful brushcutter, you don’t have to worry anyway: as I mentioned above, just consult the product sheet to find a myriad of versions with different diameters.
The star shape clearly facilitates cutting of more difficult weeds, always ensuring record-breaking accuracy. Consider that it is so sharp that it can be compared to a razor, and that it can attack everything from brushwood to brambles. Secondly, it is quieter than others and is capable of withstanding impacts when used near edges, walls, nets and gates. While it never breaks, it is clear that with use the tips of the star profile will tend to “round”, but this is completely normal.
2. KKmoon Steel wire 3 mm x 43 meters
If you are looking for a wire for a brushcutter with a steel core, you could evaluate this product by KKmoon. It is in fact a nylon cable reinforced by the presence of an internal steel cable, which will allow it to last longer. Of course, the reinforcement doesn’t make it invincible: it means that in the long run it will break anyway, especially if you use it for very demanding jobs.
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- Section: square
- Diameter: 3 millimeters
- Materials: nylon with steel core
- Length: reel of 43 meters
What are the other features to underline? The overall length is 43 meters, while the profile is square and the diameter is 3 millimeters. This also makes it compatible with medium power brushcutters, around 30 or 35 cc, up to 40 cc. The materials are of excellent quality and durability is all in all good, and the same goes for precision when cutting.
The square section obviously allows you to use it even in more complex situations, but remember that it does not have jagged edges, and the corners are not very sharp. In any case, it is an excellent product to try, also due to its low cost.
3. Oregon Nylon 110985E 2.4 mm x 15 meters
I have already told you about the Oregon line, but I would like to dedicate a separate review to the base product, with a 2.4 mm diameter and a 15 meter spool. It is a rather thin cable, therefore suitable only for cutting English lawns and fairly low grass. In summary, it is ideal if you mow your lawn every week or every 10 days at the latest.
- Section: star
- Diameter: 2.4mm
- Materials: nylon with aluminum core
- Length: 15 meter reel
However, the technical qualities remain the same: we are therefore faced with a line for brushcutter with a star section, made of nylon and with an aluminum particle core inside. These peculiarities make it much more robust than simple plastic polymer threads and without a core, consequently it will not break easily, as long as it is used in the most suitable situations for a still reduced thickness.
The cutting edges of the star are very sharp, so the cutting performance is excellent and very precise, as well as clean. Furthermore, the aluminum particles also serve to cool the wire, due to the particular conductive properties of this metal. In summary, it is an excellent product, robust and with a really resistant eyelet, as well as equipped with 5 very sharp points.
4. AUSONIA Vertigo Braided Thread 4.0 mm x 42 m
Another round, another stroke, another line for a high quality brushcutter. This product in particular has a diameter of 4 millimeters and is sold with a 42 meter spool. It is a product with a square but intertwined section, and this factor undoubtedly improves the cutting capacity on brushwood with a more resistant and more difficult to attack stem.
- Section: square (intertwined)
- Diameter: 4 millimeters
- Materials: nylon
- Length: 42 meter spool
Consider that it is slightly stiffer than other threads, but despite this it does not break easily and can last a long time. In my opinion, the robustness is remarkable, since it can withstand even over an hour of work on dirty and complex soils. It is clear that it will tend to wear out, but I assure you that it will not break even in case of blows to walls, nets, stones and singing company.
This makes it an excellent line for brushcutters for brambles, as always thanks to the intertwining of the square section. If you are interested in a cable that can hold up for intensive work and in difficult conditions, without having to change it all the time, then in my opinion you will have a great time with this product from Ausonia. Its performance against tough stemmed plants and weeds is truly remarkable.
5. Oregon 69-377-Y Yellow Round Wire
I decided to close my reviews on the best brushcutter lines with another product from Oregon. This time it’s about a classic and rather inexpensive cable, with a round section but with a still large diameter, from 3.5 mm. The spool has a very wide length, from 124 meters, while the cutting and precision qualities remain unchanged, even though the star section is not present.
- Section: round
- Diameter: 3.5mm
- Materials: nylon
- Length: 124 meter reel
My suggestion is to use it for cutting medium length grass, as I have suggested several times in this guide. Being round, in fact, it is not very suitable for attacking brambles or complex plants with stems, since it would eventually break and wear out quickly. On the other hand, the round section makes it perfect for work along edges, nets and gates.
Compatible with all standard heads on the market, this Oregon line proves to have a high strength, if you use it in the right situations. Compared to other products with a round profile, this is undoubtedly less fragile, despite its low price. Finally, the bright yellow color helps you identify pieces that break and land on the ground, so you can pick them up without leaving any trash.
How to choose the line for a brushcutter
1. Section of the wire
As I have explained to you several times, the section of the wire matters a lot for the purpose of making a correct choice. The most common options are basically two: the cable with a round profile and the one with a square profile. The round section is more suitable for domestic and “light” use, therefore for cutting standard grass in any situation. The square section is instead more suitable for aggressive cuts and in the open field, therefore to obtain better results on more robust stems.
Round section
The wire with a round profile is the most versatile of all, also due to the fact that it has a longer duration. This is because it degrades less easily, especially when you go to work near edges, walls and nets. Furthermore, having a slimmer profile, it produces a lower impact with the air and therefore less resistance: it means that you can also mount it on a brushcutter with a not too powerful engine, or those designed for domestic use. Other advantages? It allows you to make clean cuts in the grass, making very little noise.
Square section
As I anticipated, the square profile is more suitable for the most demanding jobs, therefore in areas such as undergrowth or in the open field. Secondly, it is a perfect line for brushcutters for brambles, precisely because the square section acts more aggressively on the stem of the weed. The performance goes up even more if the edges of the wire have serrations, a factor that increases the effectiveness when the cable hits the stems. Unfortunately, however, it tends to get damaged earlier when it comes into contact with harder surfaces than simple weeds, such as edges and walls.
Pentagonal section
In reality there is also a third option, and it is the pentagonal wire, also called a star. Compared to the square section models, this has one more “edge” (5 instead of 4), therefore an extra tip, which increases its cutting capacity. In addition, the profile in question also offers less air resistance, consequently straining the motor less than the square section cable. Another advantage is the lower amount of noise produced, always if you make a direct comparison with the square ones. In summary, you will get excellent performance but without forcing the engine of the brushcutter.
2. Diameter and types of soil
It is really important to study a factor such as the diameter of the wire, to be chosen according to the diameter of the shank you are going to cut. To give you a concrete example, if you mow the lawn often, you will always work on short grass and therefore you can “settle” with a smaller diameter, around 2.4 millimeters. This size is ideal if you mow every week or every 10 days or so. As the cutting intervals increase, the diameter of the line x brushcutter will also have to increase.
- Low classic grass: You can use a cable with a small diameter, around 2.4mm or 2.7mm. You will see that the line will move across the grass unhindered, ensuring a clean and clean cut, and without quickly wearing out.
- Tall, overgrown and greasy grass: in this case I advise you to take a cable with a diameter of about 3 millimeters. In this way you will be able to tackle the mowing operations relying on a more efficient cable.
- Brambles and dirty soils: if you have to cut weeds with a stronger stem (such as brambles), or if you have to work in dirty fields such as undergrowth, then it is better to opt for a wire with a diameter of 3.5 mm upwards.
In case you are faced with a complex situation, a 4mm line could give you a great helping hand. On the other hand, always remember that you have the option to mount some more effective options against really sturdy undergrowth. I’m talking about the blade for brush cutter or of brush with steel wires.
3. Core and wire reinforcement
When we talk about the core, we refer to the core of the wire, which can count on the presence of different materials. The cheapest ones are always in hard plastic, but there are also some models of wire for brushcutters with a steel, aluminum or polymer core. The purpose of the reinforcement is to give the cable a longer life, due to the fact that it will not wear out easily, but without sacrificing flexibility. The advantage is clear: lasting longer, the change of the line in the head will be less frequent, so you will spend less money, also saving time and effort.
4. Power of the brush cutter
When you wonder how to choose the brushcutter line, always remember that you will have to take a product suitable for the power of the engine of the machine. If your tool has a motor with a large displacement, you can also use cables with a large diameter without problems. Conversely, if you have a machine designed for domestic use, with a reduced power, you will need to mount a wire with a diameter that is not too high. Here are some practical examples.
- Displacement 25 cc: wire from 2 to 2.4 mm in diameter.
- Displacement 30-35 cc: wire from 2.4 to 2.7 mm in diameter.
- Displacement 40 cc: wire from 3 to 3.5 mm in diameter.
If you have the possibility to use a brushcutter with a higher power, you can also mount the 4 mm diameter wires. Naturally, the latter are especially suitable for cleaning very dirty areas rich in difficult weeds such as brambles, such as undergrowth.
5. Thread colors
Do not pay too much attention to the color of the thread, as the latter can change according to different types of factors. Very often the color depends on the polymer used by the manufacturer, but in some cases it can indicate a certain diameter, so as to simplify your life during the purchase phase. Finally, know that sparkling colors such as yellow can actually come in handy for a practical question: they allow you to identify the broken pieces of the thread more easily, so as to collect them without leaving them on the ground.
How to store the strimmer line
Be careful, because once you have bought your line you will also have to understand how to store it correctly, to extend its duration over time. I’ll explain immediately why it is important: the wire needs a certain amount of water inside its structure, to remain flexible and therefore to make a precise and performing cut. Consequently, the reel should not be exposed to the sun or stored in a very hot place, such as small sheet metal houses.
In these cases the line would dry out and jump off, quickly wearing out and forcing you to throw away the spool and buy a new one. In summary, the cable must be stored in a cool place, possibly in a dark colored bag, which can protect it from the UV rays of the sun and wind. Humid places are ideal, since polymers (just like wood) are hygroscopic materials: they therefore tend to absorb moisture.
Some manufacturers even recommend cutting the section of wire that you will use and placing it inside a basin full of water, keeping it inside for a few days before using it.
Choosing the right print head
Before saying goodbye, I would like to say a few words about head for brush cutter, on which I will write a separate guide in next days. In fact, know that there are universal models, therefore suitable for every type of thread, but they are not always really. There are particular cables that require a special head, as in the case of the square ones with a serrated section. In general, however, the so-called multi-wire heads are compatible with all cables on the market, since the latter are produced following certain standards.
