My Echo PE-225 stick edger just died on me after a decade of faithful service.  It is strange because it has less compression, but not no/low compression.  I cleaned out the muffler and spark arrestor, checked electrical connections and replaced the spark plug, fuel and air filters without any luck.  The carb isn’t loose, the choke works and I can’t see any blow by around any gaskets.  The piston even looks good on the exhaust side (didn’t remove the carb to look at that side.). I am done fooling with it.

Being a really tall fella, my only complaint with the PE-225 is the curved shaft or I would just go buy a new PE-225.  The Stihl I had prior to that was straight shaft and was so much more comfortable for me to use.  

Here are my requirements:

Commercial unit preferred - But I am not brand loyal
Gas - No electric/battery need apply
Straight shaft
New - there is too much theft off of landscape trailers and people’s garages of this stuff.  I will not support the people doing it.
Budget is around $500, but I will go higher if there is a standout unit

Anyone have any recommendations?

You could get something like an Echo PAS-2620.  Straight shaft and you can just attach whatever you want on it.  Edger, chain saw, tiller, string trimmer head, whatever.

Tony