Review · String trimmer reviews
EGO ST1623T Review: Is LINE IQ Worth Paying For?
A researched EGO ST1623T review covering LINE IQ, POWERLOAD, owner complaints, the 4Ah kit, and whether automatic line feeding suits your yard.
Generated illustration of a trimming setting; not a product photograph or a test.
If winding trimmer line is the part of yard work you dread, the EGO ST1623T deserves a look. It helps with two separate chores: loading fresh line and feeding more line while you cut. Whether you want both automated is the main buying decision.
This is a research-based review using manufacturer information, published testing, and owner discussions. We have not personally tested the ST1623T. Research checked September 6, 2026.
The Short Answer
The ST1623T is a good candidate for someone who wants a capable cordless trimmer with less line handling. Its adjustable shaft and 4Ah kit also make it worth considering for regular trimming around a larger property. We would shortlist it for convenience, especially if you already own EGO batteries.
LINE IQ is the feature to think through before buying. It decides when to feed more line; you do not bump the head whenever you want a little extra. Published testing is positive, but some owners dislike waiting for the system to advance. If you prefer direct control, a conventional bump-feed model may suit you better even if it has fewer features.
EGO ST1623T — 16-inch cordless trimmer kit
Automatic line loading and feeding
EGO ST1623T
Standard kit with a 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger. Check the selected offer; extra-battery bundles are separate listings. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Check current price at AmazonPOWERLOAD and LINE IQ Do Different Jobs
POWERLOAD winds replacement line into the head after you feed it through. LINE IQ advances line during use. The ST1623T combines both systems with a telescoping carbon-fiber shaft, a 16-inch cutting swath, and dual 0.095-inch line. EGO lists a 4Ah battery and charger with this kit. EGO’s ST1623T information.
That distinction matters when comparing EGO models. A product with POWERLOAD does not automatically have LINE IQ. You might want easier loading while still preferring bump feeding. Read the features on the exact model instead of treating every EGO trimmer as the same machine with a different battery.
What the Hands-On Review Found
Pro Tool Reviews reported good cutting with the supplied line and found the automatic feeding convenient. Its review also flagged the lack of manual line advancement and noted that some replacement lines did not feed well. The publication reported 64 minutes at high speed with its kit’s 4Ah battery. That is its test result, not our measurement or a guarantee of 64 minutes cutting dense weeds. Pro Tool Reviews’ ST1623T test.
Our advice is to treat runtime as a planning aid, not an acreage rating. Long fence lines, repeated passes, and neglected growth can demand a different amount of work from a quick lap after mowing. Count the trimming you actually do, rather than assuming every half-acre property needs the same battery capacity.
What Owners Dislike About Automatic Feeding
An owner who identified the ST1623T in a Reddit post liked their EGO tools generally but wanted more control over line advancement. They described working with a shorter line while waiting for the head to feed. That is a specific usability complaint, not evidence that all LINE IQ heads fail. ST1623T owner’s line-feed question.
A separate discussion contains both criticism of feed behavior and a user who still preferred it to their earlier bump head. Some comments describe modified use or improvised workarounds, so we would not copy those into an operating guide. Keep the guard installed and follow EGO’s instructions for line and troubleshooting. Mixed LINE IQ discussion.
The useful question is personal: would occasional waiting bother you more than bumping a head? Automation is only an improvement if you like how it behaves during your normal work.
Fit Matters More Than a Quick Lift
Adjust the shaft and handle before judging the trimmer’s balance. You should be able to work without continually lifting a shoulder or bending over to get the head where it belongs. If two people share the tool, quick adjustment is worth more than it would be for a single user who sets it once.
Also evaluate it with a battery installed. A bigger compatible pack adds stored energy but changes the weight you carry. An existing mower battery may be useful for finishing a job without being your preferred choice for every session.
For a purchase comparison, add up the kit and any extra battery you actually need. Do not automatically buy the largest pack before finding out whether the supplied one covers your usual routine.
When to Choose Another Trimmer
For a small lawn where portability matters more than cutting width, read the WORX WG163 review. For an existing DEWALT battery setup and compact storage, compare the DCST922P1. Our large-yard trimmer guide covers the broader choice.
The ST1623T is worth considering because it addresses annoying parts of trimming, not because automatic feeding is right for everybody. Buy it if you want that help. Choose a different head design if controlling line length yourself is part of what makes a trimmer comfortable to use.