After a similar falling out with the old B&D strimmer we now have two.

The Bosch Accutrim cordless battery strimmer (ART26) is great as it does not use line at all but little plastic blades which are more robust and do a good job on most weeds.

We also have a Ryobi petrol strimmer (PBC3046YB) which is great for heavy jobs. It has the option of a rotor blade (not good in stoney areas) or a dual line feed which is easy to renew once you get the hang of it.

The Ryobi was suggested to us by the local nursery (they don't sell equipment) who said they usually only buy them or mountfield. We have a mountfield petrol mower which is v reliable but don't know anyone with a strimmer.

Hope this helps