One day I was wrestling with my old trimmer having to manually wind the spool. Most of the time I would end up winding it backwards somehow even though every time I tried to reverse it (from what I thought it should be) so it wouldn’t be backwards and it would anyway every single time. That’s when I decided to try something different.
If you’ve ever wrestled with tangled trimmer line or struggled to reload a spool, the EGO ST1623T might feel like a game-changer. Built with innovative “LINE IQ” auto-feed technology and the brand’s signature “POWERLOAD” system, this cordless trimmer is designed to eliminate some of the most frustrating parts of yard work.
It’s powerful, efficient, and packed with smart features. However, like any tool, it has a few quirks worth mentioning.
Equipment Used
Key Features at a Glance
- 16-inch cutting swath for faster trimming
- “LINE IQ” auto-feed (no bumping required)
- “POWERLOAD” push-button line winding
- Telescopic carbon fiber shaft
- Brushless motor with variable speed control
- Up to ~60 minutes runtime with included battery
Performance and Cutting Power
The ST1623T delivers impressive cutting power for a cordless trimmer. Thick grass, weeds, and even light overgrowth are no problem thanks to its high-efficiency brushless motor.
The 16-inch cutting width helps cover more ground quickly, making it a great option for medium to large yards. Combined with the .095″ professional-grade line, it feels much closer to a gas trimmer than most battery-powered alternatives:
Above you can see a couple of seasons of caked on grass and that the trimmer cut through without any issue (don’t worry, we are going to clean it later in the review)!
“LINE IQ”: Automatic Line Feeding That Actually Works
One of the standout features is “LINE IQ”, which automatically feeds the line as needed. No bumping required!
In real-world use, this makes trimming much smoother. You don’t have to stop, tap, or think about line length. It just keeps working.
It’s especially helpful when edging or working around obstacles where constant interruptions would normally slow you down.
“POWERLOAD”: The Self-Winding Feature
This is where the ST1623T really shines.
Instead of manually winding line (arguably the worst part of owning a string trimmer), you simply:
- Feed the line through the head
- Press a button
- Let the trimmer wind it for you
That’s it.
Now, to be fair it’s not completely foolproof. You need to get the line sections even to not waste a bunch of line (I’ll share some aftermarket line I use later to avoid having to worry about this).
But even with that minor learning curve, it’s still dramatically easier than winding a spool by hand. Once you get the hang of it, it saves time and frustration every single time you reload.
Build Quality and Comfort
EGO uses a carbon fiber shaft here, which is both lightweight and extremely durable. It also features a telescopic design, so you can quickly adjust the length to fit your height.
Other comfort-focused features include:
- Adjustable front handle
- Balanced weight distribution
- Variable speed trigger with a high/low setting
It feels solid and well-built without being overly heavy, even during longer trimming sessions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong cutting performance (gas-like power)
- “LINE IQ” eliminates bump feeding
- “POWERLOAD” makes line replacement much easier
- Lightweight yet durable carbon fiber shaft
- Long runtime for a cordless tool
Cons
- “POWERLOAD” can take a couple tries to get the hang of
- Higher price compared to basic trimmers
- Slight learning curve for new users
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Your ST1623T
1. Use Aftermarket Line
The trimmer only comes with a small amount of replacement line that you will use relatively quickly. I had trouble even finding the replacement line but I no longer look after trying the aftermarket replacement.
These are precut sections of line that look like this:
Notice that it is different colors on each side? This makes it extremely easy to line up for the “POWERLOAD” feature to automatically load the trimmer.
I have only bought one box of these since I got the trimmer in 2024 and my original box of replacements is still going strong! This is the exact line that is on all of my pictures in this review.
2. Use High Speed Only When Needed
The high setting is great for thick weeds, but low speed is more efficient for regular trimming and extends battery life.
3. Keep Extra Pre-Cut Line Handy
Using pre-cut line segments can make reloading faster and more consistent.
4. Let “LINE IQ” Do Its Job
Avoid manually adjusting or overthinking line length. The system is designed to manage it automatically.
5. Clean the Head Occasionally
Grass buildup can interfere with smooth operation. A quick clean keeps everything running properly.
The picture above is right after I cleaned it for this season by blasting it with the hose!
6. Adjust the Shaft to Your Height
The telescoping feature isn’t just a bonus. It reduces fatigue and improves control when set correctly.
7. Extra Batteries
If you have a large yard having extra batteries helps a lot (at least one):
This becomes less of an issue if you get multiple EGO devices that share the same type of battery. At this point my mower, snow plow and trimmer are all using the same 56V EGO batteries but if you are just starting out having a spare really helps.
Final Verdict
The EGO ST1623T is one of the most advanced string trimmers available today. Between the “LINE IQ” auto-feed system and the “POWERLOAD” self-winding feature, it removes two of the biggest pain points in lawn care.
Yes, the line-loading process can take a little finesse at first but compared to manually winding spools it’s a massive improvement. This is a trimmer that both winds itself and feeds itself for you once operational.
If you want a powerful, low-maintenance, and genuinely smarter trimmer, this is one of the best options you can buy!
I’ve also reviewed my EGO mower counterpart in this review here!
