gas hedge trimmer

I've got a huge job ahead of me to trim hedges and bushes. I was looking at getting just a gas hedge trimmer. After looking today at local mower shop, I found an extended reach hedge trimmer, or the extension type that I can put different type accessories on. I just got a nice Kawasaki commercial weed wacker, about 1.5 yrs ago. I've got a blower, edger, wacker all in separates, but I like the idea of having the one motor and separates. I'm concerned about the separates because they are ran by a cable, I fear that cable is going to wear out and break. I want to know what you've got and why you chose that way. Local mower shop has Echo and STIHL, which one and why? Or what others would you suggest?