curved or straight, i use a straight shaft. the curved shafted 1's feel funny, head turning in the opposite direction. as far as make, i would purchase a better unit before wasting money and time on a cheap unit. you don't say what area you're in. if you do a search of commercial line trimmers, reveiws, it might help. i would stay away from the big box stores offerings and purchase from a mower supply store. if your buying new, expect to spend 300.00 for a capable, dependable weedeater.

For the record, I have a straight shaft Cub Cadet BC5090. (I am 6' tall ) It has a four cycle engine so you do not need to worry about oil/gas mixtures, and is a lot less sensitive to the gas and storage problems of two cycle engines. It comes with both a string head and a brush blade.

I have had it for several years now and do no special preparation for winter storage, yet it easily starts up the following springs. (Like all engines you must follow the starting instructions.)

It takes the larger diameter string so does not break as easily, and can cut some quite heavy grass and small plants. I use it to trim around the rocks in rip-rap that line a ditch, so would think the tombstones would be not be a problem

When you put the brush blade you can cut stuff as large as 1" and smaller stuff you do not intend.

I would recommend a straight shaft also , usually a little stout in the design than conventional curved shaft units . I currently have a Toro model purchased from Home Depot , $179.00 out the door has the Mitsubishi 2 - stroke engine I run Amsoil sabre at 80:1 ratio . Starts 1st pull and has never let me down .

I have two trimmers, a cheapy Homelite curved shaft, and a semi-pro Echo straight shaft which have both served me for years. Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages.

The Homelite SX135 was purchased at a fleamarket for $5 in 2001. Got it running, mainly by defeating the limiter caps to allow me to sufficiently richen the mixture to permit idling and high-speed acceleration. I also fitted a two-string head from a similar trimmer and upgraded to .080 line. Original was single .065. Engine is fine with the larger line, although it labored with .095, so I didn't go that far.

This is definitely a cheapy, with half crank design, direct drive with no clutch, single piston ring, and bushings vs. ball bearings in the engine and in the curved shaft. In spite of all these shortcomings, the SX135 continues to start regularly and runs well. I actually prefer it for intricate trimming jobs as it is lighter and more maneuverable than the Echo. It was used when I bought it, and is now in it's 16th season with me. Typically gets 50 to 100 hours use each year and I can't seem to kill it.

My Echo SRM2100 is my big boy. I consider it a "semi-pro" as it has all of the goodies, but does have a flexible drive shaft. It still has a 21cc motor, full crank supported by ball bearings and needle bearings on the rod big and little ends. Also uses two piston rings. It has a centrifugal clutch, and has quad ball bearings in the lower gearbox.

I got this machine second hand in 2006. Again had to defeat the limiter caps on the carburetor to get it to run to my satisfaction. I use a manual feed, dual string head with .105 line. I think Echo recommends .095, but my engine has plenty of torque for the .105. Trimmer is now in it's 10th season with me and typically gets 100 hours a year. I'm on an acre and have a drainage swale which need to be maintained using the Echo. That alone is a two day job, in the spring and fall. Also sees plenty of other work, which is more suited to the Echo than the Homelite.

As I said curved shaft and straight shaft have their advantages. Curved shaft is easy to maneuver and lighter weight. The straight shaft is better for reaching under things (such as trees and bushes) and generally doesn't require you to lean over as much, thus easier on your back. Previous poster is correct about rotation of head. Since almost all trimmers use engines which rotate the same way (clockwise from operator end), the string head will be reversed on a curved shaft vs. straight shaft with gearbox. However, I don't see this as a "show-stopper". It's more of a muscle memory thing. If I switch weedeaters, I'll occasionally forget and throw dirt on my shoes. I think if you decide on a single machine, you'll adapt to whatever you have, and it becomes a non issue.

If you have to limit yourself to a single machine purchase, I'd recommend a straight shaft. I think the important issue is the quality of the machine more than straight or curved design. Echo, Stihl, Redmax, Tanaka, and Shindaiwa are all excellent pro and semi-pro brands. You're better off buying a quality curved shaft rather than trying to save a few dollars purchasing a cheapy straight shaft.

I have a half acre yard with fruit trees, paver brick planter beds/small terraces, chain link fence, palm trees, palmetto's, some concrete, and too much lawn, I use my trimmer approx 2 hrs a week.

Almost 4 years ago I started with the Troy-Bilt 2-stroke box store special ($125, straight shaft). I also bought the pole saw, edger, and metal brush cutter attachments. Very quickly I replaced the stock bump head with a line hybrid head, and tried a 3 blade push in head.

I don't use the 3 blade because the plastic blades will break before I could get my money's worth. My complaint with this trimmer is that the clutch is weak. If you were only using this for light string duty and no attachments, I think you might get 1 to two years. I got 11 months out of mine.

I went back to the box store and got a Toro (I think the same as ssewalk1, same price, same store). This Toro (also under brand Homelight, straight shaft) has a stronger clutch and after 2+ years of flawless service with all attachments, its not the clutch that went, but the clutch drum bearing housing.

The front plastic cover has this bearing glued inside. I just ordered a replacement housing 2 days ago($24), though this is a weak spot, it did last 2 years without trouble, and still easy to start. My yard is hard on this equipment, or maybe it's the operator.

I also have a cub cadet BC 490 4-stroke straight shaft. I do prefer the lighter weight of the 2 stroke Toro.

The straight shaft gives a longer reach, more power to the string, and much more versatility.

The hybrid string head allows for bulk string buying and you can pre-cut your own lengths, saving money and hassle with a bump head.

Cutting grass with string chews it up, an arrow (air lifting) blade might do a better job.

The attachment capable trimmers allow you to also re-position the head for cutting comfort.

Also a must for your neck, and back, an adjustable sling harness, well worth it.