Sorry I cannot help on brands.

I use both hand grass shears and weed trimmers. I bought a pair of cordless shears once at a yard sale but they were worthless.

My hand shears I found used. They are twice a good as the new stuff Sears sold. They have foam around the handles which may account for some of the comfort. Fortunately, when I ran over a pair it was the Sears, so I still have the good pair.

It is only recently when my knees are getting a bit rusty than I have moved to trimmers. My Sears 18V that someone gave me doesn't eve have enough power for honeysuckle, so I'd suggest a 20-24V lithium.

Gas weed wackers are not for everyone, so make sure before you buy. Don't get the cheapest model, you'll regret it in the long run.