My Mitsubishi TU-26 powered Kaaz trimmer I paid almost $500 for in 2005 still going strong.
Like a hand held executive car! Smooth, powerful and with a nice exhaust crack!

I think any of the Japanese brands are good but Husky and Stihl are better for parts availability and they're good also of course.

In conclusion, get a brand!!

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!