After chating with a few people, I'm still torn between getting a base type model but a good brand or spend another $200 and just get a half decent one from the start. I can get the Tanaka TBC-225C for $300 but I'm starting to lean towards the Tanaka TBC-230S which I can get for $470. Then I think, I may as well spend an extra $50 and get the TBC-270S for $520. Mmmmmmm... Where do I stop though?
I think the Tanaka is the brand to go for because of the reputation/reliability and also the weight factor.
The reason I want to go for the straight shaft now is because it puts the head futher from my feet and therefore less crap gets flung onto my legs/feet. Plus I really value my toes. They help me to walk!
I'll probably end up with the 270S cause I'm the sort of bloke who just can't settle for bottom of the range. I can see myself regretting not paying that little bit extra for a bigger/better machine even if the cheaper one would have done the job just fine.
Anyway, thanks for your help everyone!
