Cheap and cheerful please remember that. If you are looking at doing extensive, regular trimming then I would say buy a more robust trimmer. But for the Ryobi works a treat. Had it 6 months, no problems.

The Ryobi ExpandIt system.

A compromise when you don't want a shedful of tools that you might only use a couple of times a year. I bought mine to cope with a 12-15' leylandii (I know, I know. Hateful things) and so far, so good. I opted for the electric start which might seem lazy but I quite like it.

Obviously it cn't cope with thicker branches but then neither can many other hedge trimmers including my McCulloch so it's still a case of going up the ladder with secateurs or a saw but the trimmer on an extension pole makes things that much easier than constantly having to move and climb a ladder.

The strimmer is not bad and the bump-feed even works properly.