Is Back Pain from String Trimmers Getting You Down? We Test 3 Accessories to Find Out
If you're a professional landscaper or a dedicated homeowner with a lawn to maintain, you know the deal. String trimmers are essential for that perfect finish, but they often come with a side of back pain. You're not alone if you've ever finished a day of trimming feeling like your back's about to give out. I've been there! With a couple of herniated discs myself, I know firsthand how important it is to find ways to minimize that strain.
That's why I decided to test three of the most popular aftermarket grip options on the market: the Darwin Grip Pro Saddle Brace, the Ballard Flip Grip, and the all-new Midigator arm support. The goal? To see if these accessories truly live up to the hype and can make a noticeable difference in reducing back pain and improving the overall trimming experience.
Why Bother with Aftermarket Grips? Understanding the Problem
Before diving into the accessories themselves, let's talk about the issue they're trying to solve. What's wrong with the way string trimmers are typically used?
The OEM Handle Experience
Most string trimmers come with a basic setup: a shoulder strap and a forward handle. But how many of us actually use that strap? A lot of people ditch it and operate the trimmer handheld. The problem is, the standard handle often forces you to hunch over to get the trimmer head close to the ground.
If you're taller, like me (almost 6 feet), this problem is even worse. You have to bend over even further! Plus, depending on the trimmer model, your forearm might be constantly rubbing against the hot engine shroud. Over time, this posture can put a lot of stress on your lower back.
The Promise of Aftermarket Solutions
This is where aftermarket handles come in. They're designed to let you stand up straighter while operating the trimmer, promoting better posture and reducing strain on your back. If you're someone who spends hours each week trimming, that can make a huge difference.
Darwin Grip Pro Saddle Brace: Does It Live Up to the Hype?
The Darwin Grip has been around for a while, and there are already plenty of reviews online. But I wanted to try it for myself.
First Impressions and Build Quality
When I unboxed the Darwin Grip, I was immediately impressed. It comes with a length of trimmer line, a vial of red Loctite, and a tool for installation. The grip itself is made of aluminum, and the construction feels really solid – almost like something you'd find on a BMX bike. It features teeth for secure locking and a cam lever-style clamp.
Installation Process
Installing the Darwin Grip was straightforward. Just make sure you thread the screws properly when working with aluminum to avoid damaging the threads. The grip is adjustable, so you can fine-tune its position to find the most comfortable angle.
Initial Handling and Ergonomics
Using the Darwin Grip definitely felt different than the standard handle. It positions your body differently. I found myself wondering if it was designed for left-handed operation since it seemed to favor using the trigger with my left hand.
This got me thinking: Which hand do you use to pull the trigger? Is it your right or your left? I'm so curious to know how other people operate their trimmers.
The Darwin Grip also has an optional support accessory with straps for added rigidity. It feels pretty sturdy even without it, but the extra support might be helpful for long days of trimming.
Performance with Strap and Posture
Adding the strap definitely helped distribute the weight of the trimmer and gave me more control. It was comfortable in that regard. However, I realized that even with the improved posture, you still have to bend your neck downward to focus on the trimming head. That's just the nature of the job. I also noticed that having the handle too far back put some strain on my wrist.
Ballard Flip Grip: A Clever Idea That Needs Refinement?
Next up was the Ballard Flip Grip. Ballard is known for making innovative landscaping products, so I was eager to see what this grip had to offer.
First Impressions and Assembly
Like the Darwin Grip, the Flip Grip comes mostly pre-assembled. It features stainless-steel hardware, captured nuts, and rubber blocks in the clamping mechanism. These are nice features.
Installation Challenges
I ran into a few minor snags during installation, but nothing too major. It helps to not completely unscrew the components before sliding them on the shaft.
Handling and Ergonomics in Trimming Mode
In standard trimming mode, the Flip Grip felt wider than the original handle. It might reduce wrist strain for some people. However, it didn't seem to make a huge difference in my back posture. I still had to lean forward a bit.
The Flip Function and Edging
The Flip Grip's main selling point is its "flip" function, which is designed to make edging easier. You're supposed to be able to pull the grip out and flip it over. In practice, it felt a bit awkward and not very practical. I edge like that so I was hoping to flip it.
Grip Issues and Overall Impression
One of my biggest complaints about the Flip Grip was that the handle kept slipping off. You could probably fix it with some glue or even hairspray, but it's still annoying. The flip mechanism wasn't as smooth as I'd hoped, either. It took some effort to get it to flip.
Overall, the Flip Grip felt a bit "floppy" and lacked the rigidity I was looking for. A second-generation model with a better mechanism, a taller tower, and a more secure grip could be a real improvement.
The Midigator: An Arm Support Experiment
Finally, I tested the Midigator. Unlike the other two products, the Midigator isn't a grip, but it's more of an arm brace.
Introduction and Mounting
The Midigator mounts directly to the trimmer's handle.
Ergonomic Assessment
I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of the Midigator. The clamp felt intrusive, and it affected my hand positioning. More importantly, it didn't seem to make a noticeable difference in my back pain. It still put a lot of weight on my upper body.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
So, after testing all three accessories, which one is the winner? Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. I was really hoping that one of them would be a game-changer, but none of them completely solved my back pain issues.
The Unexpected Winner: The Original Setup
Believe it or not, I think I preferred the original steel strap with the OEM handle or the Darwin Grip with the strap. Living in Florida, I'm used to using dedicated edgers with blades, so the Flip Grip's edging function wasn't a big selling point for me. Plus, I had to consider how well these accessories would fit on my trailer rack.
Overall Disappointment
In the end, none of these accessories fully met my expectations. The Midigator felt flimsy, the Flip Grip was too awkward, and the Darwin Grip, while promising, still required me to bend my neck.
A Lighter Trimmer Alternative
Maybe the real solution isn't a fancy grip, but a lighter trimmer. Check out this video about building the lightest string trimmer EVER!. Getting the weight down to around 10 lbs could make a huge difference in comfort.
The Value of Avoiding Unnecessary Purchases
If you've been considering buying one of these accessories, I hope this review has been helpful. At the very least, it might save you some money on a product that doesn't live up to the hype.
Conclusion
Back pain is a common problem for string trimmer operators, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. While aftermarket grips like the Darwin Grip, Flip Grip, and Midigator aim to address this issue, they may not be the answer for everyone. Sometimes, the simplest solution – like using a lightweight trimmer with a properly adjusted strap – is the most effective.
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- Darwin's Grip Pro Saddle Brace String Trimmer Accessory
- Ballard Flip Grip String Trimmer Handle
- The Midigator arm support for String Trimmers
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