Ballard Inc Darwin's Grip - String Trimmer Handle - Weedeater Grip - Version 5- Stihl, Echo, Red Max

I should preface this by saying I'm not a professional lawn care service operator; I bought this for residential use. I've had an older (10+ year old) Echo GT-225 curved-shaft string trimmer, and found myself avoiding string trimming my yard because my back would ache after any amount of use. I saw the Darwin's Grip on a YouTube video by a lawn care pro, who touted it's comfort for his guys that use string trimmers all day, every day. I decided to get the Darwin's Grip to see if it would save my back and, 3 months later, I'm wishing that I got it sooner. Installation was a snap, and the first time I used my trimmer with the Darwin's Grip, my back pain was 100% gone. Being able to stand up straight while using my trimmer has been a game-changer, and I've found that my accuracy/precision with my trimmer is better, too. I did have to play around with different attachment points on my trimmer to find the most comfortable mounting spot.A couple of minor caveats in my use case is that the shaft on my trimmer was smaller than clamping mount for the Darwin's Grip; I remedied this by wrapping electrical tape around my trimmer shaft to get it to mount and that seems to work just fine. Also, for curved-shaft trimmers, depending on where you mount the Darwin's Grip, it might bring the trimmer head closer to your feet/shins.The Darwin's Grip is made from quality parts and, when my old trimmer finally does die, will definitely be used in any future trimmers I own. The Darwin's Grip has been one of the single best bang-for-the-buck purchases I've made for my lawn care hobby; no more back pain, and I actually look forward to string trimming now!

I have worked yard care as a weedeater guy for years and I would constantly come home with a catch in my back! I was always hunched to one side all day and reaching with the weedeater and bending... This thing is magic though! I swear greastest invention ever! I stand straight now, incline is much easier though still an incline is still an incline but is so much more comfortable. My range on sweeps has doubled and takes me about half the time as before to do my yards. I don't know about other reviewers talking about plastic parts, I read them and was treating it with kid gloves for two weeks, what I received had no plastic parts and while I am leery of being to rough with it I am that way with all my stuff. I didn't trust it because of a few reviews but as I have gotten more confident through actual use it has been superb. My back has been 100% better and it will cut your time weedeating at least by a third!

Took a couple try's to get it setup just right. Works best for trimmers. I am 6'1" and using the stock grip on trimmers made me slouch forward and by the end of the day my back was killing me. Even when using a shoulder strap. Once i put the Darwin's grip on, my back was at a natural stance and didn't hurt at the end of the day. I no longer use the strap and can speed through trimming. Definitely recommend if you are a tall landscaper.

This product helps to reduce back strain, and gives a more balanced feel to usi g your brush cutter. My only complaint is the four machines screws that attach the handle tend to loosen and back out under normal use. I would recommend adding a lockwadher to prevent losing screws. I would also improve the locking handle lever, either be longer, or replaced with a t-handle. It is difficult to adequately tighten without the use of an added tool.

Actually works as advertised. I'm 6-6 tall, using a trimmer has been a back killer. With this I can stand more upright and no pain in lower back. Makes guiding the trimmer easier as well. Only reason for 4 stars the adjustment part is plastic so it can slip. I would really like to have that part metal. That would make a 6 star!

I learned about the grip from watching pros on YouTube. The pros normally use straight shaft trimmers. I get it and I would not recommend this application to them. Curved shafts are poor for trimming under bushes, trampolines, and such. Curved shaft trimmers can be more controllable and a little lighter. I like my lightweight curved shaft trimmer. I like it for cutting away things growing between my rocks that border many of my flower beds and trees. When I edge with it, I do not have to walk backwards like the pros using a straight shaft trimmer. The reason is there is no gearbox on the trimmer end of a curved shaft trimmer; reversing the direction of head spin. Still, when I edged with my curved shaft trimmer it would hurt my back. Not anymore. This did the trick. With my back warmed up after some good edging to try it out, I felt good enough to move four heavy planters. When I need to edge, I just flip it over and have a handle readily accessible for use. I used to have to loosen and flip the handle. Not anymore. The Darwin’s Grip only added a small amount of weight; nearly negligible. It was well worth the added weight.Edit: After some use I found that my left leg stride would be inhibited when trimming. I changed the grip to the “left hand” configuration by swapping the ends the grip and plug are on. The grip came off easily by using an air compressor to blow air into the end with the grip. (there is a small hole there). The plug took a small effort using a utility knife to get it started and then a screwdriver to finish. The grip now only slightly brushes my right leg at times, but not only is the bar out of the way with my left leg it is also out of the way of my line of sight when edging. The “bar” is also behind my hand when edging which actually improves my control/abilities. The Grip is very much still a welcome improvement to what I had before.

Love it! I do yard maintenance for a living and this thing is a god send! No more hunching over. No more stiff back. It does take a couple of weeks to get use to as it shifts the weight from your right arm to your left arm so its working out a new muscle (prepare to be a little sore for a few days) but once you feel it out, there is no looking back!