I assume you made your choice.

There were a few threads recently extolling the virtues of the "Little Wonder" brand of hedge trimmers. Many did have high regard for the quality of that trimmer. I personally do not have enough bushes to justify a hedge trimmer and thus do all mine with pruners.

So which one did you get?

Both are short life span units, These are real money makers for your local repair shops, they just love them, keeps them in business.

Look at units from Stihl, Echo, Tanaka, Little Wonder etc. to get a unit that will last and will not break gears also.

Either brand you list is fine for occasional use. We would all love to own a Stihl, etc., but the cost sometimes outweighs the benefit.

Back to your question. I purchased the Weedeater because it is much lighter than the Troy-bilt, and as you stated the differences were few. I also liked saving $40. (Not to mention the almost $300 price for Stihl's smallest machine.)

The Weedeater will be used for my companies maintenace jobs, and since I forsee having about 10 of those this year compared to over 200 design/build jobs. I decided to save on the trimmer, and invest in more install tools.

I also trust weedeater, because I have one of their string-trimmers at home, and it has worked without problems for 5 years.

Stihl makes some homeowner grade machines in your price point check them out the FS 45 is only around 130.00 and you work up from there. My first trimmer was a little McCulloch and it lasted for 16 years! When it died I bought a Troy-Bilt and quickly returned it. It is heavy like a more commercial grade machine, but I didn't care for the starting system and the carbs are no longer adjustable. BEfore you jump on a trimmer from a box store try your local stihl and echo dealer.

If you're wondering I bought a Stihl FS 55 for $200 and am very happy with it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stihl trimmers

The Troy Built handhelds are made by Ryobi... I sell parts for all of it and I'd say get the WeedEater... neither will last you but should something let go and you decide to fix it the Poulan WeedEater will have cheaper repair bills. If you want a good entry trimmer and can afford more than $150 look at Echo and Stihl.... $230+ will get you full commercial grade, (if your wife will let you pay that). ;-)

I have the weedeater hedge trimmer that you describe. The handle broke about a month after i got it. After a homemade fix with tiny screws and some scrap bits of steel it was back it business. I've had them for about 10 years now, but I only use them once or twice a year. Other than being very hard to start after sitting for a long time, they always run good and do a good job for me.