Is a 22-inch blade better than a 17- or 18-inch blade?

Longer blades cut a wider swath per pass and give straighter lines on long hedges, which retailer reviewers cite as a real time-saver. The trade-off, repeatedly noted in verified-purchase reviews, is added weight and more awkward handling on small ornamental shrubs—where a 16–17 inch trimmer is easier to control.