STIHL PolyCut 28-2 vs String Trimmer Line: Which One's Better?
Imagine if there was a way to make your string trimmer quieter, more energy-efficient, and cut through thicker grass with ease. Wouldn’t that be a dream? Enter the STIHL PolyCut 28-2 trimmer head, which promises all those things and more. It’s an upgrade you might not think you need—until you see it in action. Today, we’re diving deep into what sets this trimmer head apart from traditional line heads, how it performs in the field, and whether it’s right for you.
What is the STIHL PolyCut 28-2?
The STIHL PolyCut 28-2 is a trimmer head that swaps out your regular string line for polymer blades. These aren’t just any blades. They are precision-shaped for maximum efficiency, meaning they slice through the air (and grass) with less noise and turbulence than line. If you’ve ever used a string trimmer, you know that annoying, high-pitched whine that comes with using line. The PolyCut can drastically reduce that noise all while increasing the efficiency of the trimmer.
At first glance, the PolyCut blades may seem more durable than string, but as we’ll discover with testing, there are pros and cons to using them.
Unboxing and Features
The package comes with six blades, but you only need two at a time, giving you some refills right off the bat. The blades attach to your trimmer just like a regular bump head, but instead of dealing with tangled string, you simply pop the blades on.
What's cool is that these blades are reversible—you can use either side, which helps extend their lifespan. And in case you run out of blades while on a job, STIHL has designed them to be dual-purpose: You can also install a regular string line if needed.
Here’s where the cost efficiency comes into play:
- A replacement pack of blades costs around $13.99 and gives you 12 blades.
- A 272-ft spool of line typically costs $17.99.
Each blade swap will cost you roughly $2.33, while refilling the bump head with line costs about $2. In terms of cost per use, they’re almost identical. But when it comes to performance, we’ll soon see if paying the little extra for blades could save you hassle and time.
How to Install the PolyCut 28-2
Installing the PolyCut 28-2 is easy even for beginners. Simply remove the old bump head, screw on the PolyCut head, and you’re good to go. No need for special tools—you can even use a standard screwdriver to lock it in place.
Once installed, tightening it compresses the space between the hemispheres, making sure the blades stay securely in place. No hassle.
Testing the Noise Level: PolyCut vs String
The major selling point of the PolyCut head is the drastic noise reduction. To test this claim, we ran both the PolyCut and string head at three different power settings on a battery-powered STIHL trimmer.
The results? Well, if you’re sensitive to the high-pitched whine of string, you’ll love this:
- PolyCut Head on the highest power setting is quieter than the string head on the lowest setting.
- On a decibel scale, the PolyCut's lowest setting rated at -15 dB while the loudest string setting went up to -7 dB.
This means not only less noise pollution, but it also shows less turbulence and more efficiency, which could give your trimmer more runtime on a single charge.
Can the PolyCut Handle Tough Grass?
First up was Bahia grass, commonly known for being tough and hard to cut. Most landscapers stick with sharp mower blades because dull tools have no chance.
We started on the lowest power setting, but quickly bumped up to the second. The results? Surprisingly impressive. The PolyCut sliced through the grass in a way that string never could. Instead of shredding or tearing the grass like a line does, it cleanly sliced it.
Plus, the blades held up remarkably well. There was basically no damage to them, even after heavy use in thick Bahia.
Tackling Wild Grass
In our next test, we targeted tall, wispy wild grass. String heads typically stumble here, but this is where PolyCut's design really shines. These blades had no trouble, although we had to slow down in thicker, tougher patches. The real treat? After mowing through plenty of field grass, the blades still looked practically new. For those of you used to constantly re-feeding string, this is a game-changer.
St. Augustine Grass: Smooth Cutting?
Where the PolyCut head really impressed was in St. Augustine grass, a lush, thick variety commonly found in residential lawns. Cutting through this grass felt almost like mowing with a lawn mower. Even for an inexperienced user, the PolyCut made it easy to achieve a smooth, even cut.
We also tested it around obstacles like fences, trees, and poles. While the PolyCut performed admirably on grass, we did encounter some limitations.
When the blades hit a metal pole, they got slightly damaged. The blades leave a bit of plastic behind on hard surfaces, so if you’re working near houses or stone paths, this could be an issue over time. It’s not nearly as damaging as a metal blade, but more aggressive than string.
The Downside: Chain Link Fences and Brush
One area where the PolyCut really struggled was along chain link fences. String tends to get chewed up by fences, and the polymer blades were no exception. In fact, after just a few passes, the blades were noticeably worn out. If your yard involves a lot of fencing, you might want to switch back to traditional string for those jobs.
We also tested it on small brush—branches about as thick as a thumb. Surprisingly, the PolyCut handled the lighter stuff, but when it came to thicker plants, we started hitting the limit. While the blades did better than expected, these aren’t a heavy-duty replacement for a brush cutter.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Use the STIHL PolyCut 28-2?
After a full day of testing, here’s the bottom line: The STIHL PolyCut 28-2 is an amazing upgrade for most users.
If you hate constantly replacing string or rewinding, this blade head is a no-brainer. It’s durable, quiet, and delivers a cleaner cut than string. Lawn professionals or homeowners tired of their noisy trimmers will seriously appreciate how much calmer and more efficient the PolyCut makes their work. It’s also fantastic for getting nice cuts on thicker grasses.
That said, if you’re someone who edges a lot with your trimmer or you frequently deal with chain-link fences, this isn’t for you. The PolyCut will struggle with those tasks, and you’ll likely burn through blades quickly if you try.
Conclusion: Should You Make the Switch?
For trimming around homes, hotel lawns, or even large fields of thick grass, the STIHL PolyCut 28-2 is a game changer. Its quieter performance, easier handling, and clean cuts put it in a league of its own. However, if your work frequently involves edging or trimming around fences, you may want to keep a bump head handy as a backup.
All in all, the PolyCut 28-2 is well worth adding to any landscaper's toolkit. You just might wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
Looking for more detailed comparisons and gear reviews? Check out our related videos where we dive into the different string trimmer heads, brush cutters, and the overall cost-effectiveness of various tools. Let us know how PolyCut worked for you, and drop a comment to share any tips from your trimming experiences!
Product Discussed In The Video
- STIHL PolyCut™ 28-2 String Trimmer Head
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