There’s a certain kind of satisfaction that comes from a freshly cut lawn. It’s a primal, rewarding feeling. But then there’s the next level—the kind of lawn you see at a professional ballpark or a pristine golf course. It’s defined by those deep, contrasting, and impossibly perfect stripes. For years, I believed that look was the exclusive domain of professional groundskeepers with their hulking, ridiculously expensive reel mowers. My own lawn, while tidy, lacked that “wow” factor. It was just a uniform sea of green. The quest for those stripes often leads down a rabbit hole of DIY solutions involving PVC pipes, sandbags, and questionable contraptions bolted to the back of a mower. These methods are often clumsy, ineffective, and can even damage your equipment. The frustration is real: you invest in a high-quality mower, you follow a strict watering and fertilizing schedule, yet that final aesthetic touch remains just out of reach. That’s the exact problem the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit aims to solve—to bring that professional finish to the suburban lawn, simply and effectively.
- Compatible with all EGO 21” mowers listed in the manual
- Add high-quality stripes and patterns to your lawn while you mow
- Easy to install and remove
What to Consider Before Buying a Lawn Mower Striping Kit
A lawn mower striping kit is more than just a cosmetic accessory; it’s a key solution for homeowners who take immense pride in their curb appeal. By gently bending the blades of grass in alternating directions, these rollers create a light-and-dark pattern that elevates a simple cut into a work of art. The primary benefit is purely aesthetic, but it’s a powerful one, capable of making your property look meticulously maintained and professionally cared for. It adds depth, dimension, and a polished finish that a standard cut simply cannot achieve. This simple mechanical action is the secret behind the stunning lawns that often seem unattainable to the average person.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who already owns a compatible EGO 21-inch mower and views lawn care as a hobby, not just a chore. They are the type of person who strives for the best-looking yard on the block and is willing to invest a little extra time and money to achieve it. Conversely, a striping kit might not be suitable for those with very small, oddly shaped, or heavily sloped lawns where maneuverability is the absolute top priority. Likewise, if your primary goal is to cut the grass as quickly as possible and move on, the added weight and slightly more deliberate mowing pattern required for striping might feel like an unnecessary complication. For those individuals, focusing on a high-quality mower alone is likely the better path.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Weight & Maneuverability: A striping kit adds significant weight to the back of your mower. The EGO AR2100, for instance, weighs over 14 pounds. This added weight is essential for effectively bending the grass, but it will make the mower harder to push, turn, and pull backward. If you have a self-propelled mower, the impact is lessened, but for a push mower, it can be a considerable workout.
- Compatibility & Installation: This is non-negotiable. A striping kit must be designed to fit your specific mower model. The EGO AR2100 is built for their 21-inch platform, but it’s always wise to double-check your exact model number against the compatibility list. Look for kits that offer a simple, tool-free installation, allowing you to attach and detach it in seconds.
- Build Quality & Durability: The roller will be making constant contact with the ground and occasionally with hardscapes like sidewalks and driveways. A durable, heavy-gauge steel roller will outperform and outlast plastic alternatives. Pay attention to the quality of the mounting brackets and ensure the entire assembly feels solid and robust, capable of withstanding the rigors of regular use.
- Effectiveness & Grass Type: A striper’s performance is heavily dependent on the health and type of your grass. Longer, healthier grass blades will bend more easily and create more dramatic stripes. Certain cool-season grasses like fescue and ryegrass stripe beautifully, while some warm-season grasses like St. Augustine can be more resistant. For the best results, you’ll want to mow at a higher setting to give the roller more blade to work with.
Keeping these factors in mind, the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit stands out in several areas, particularly in build quality and ease of installation for EGO users. You can explore its detailed specifications and user compatibility reports here.
While the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit is an excellent choice for enhancing your existing mower, it all starts with the right machine. For those exploring all their options, including powerful gas models that can handle the toughest conditions, our comprehensive guide is a must-read.
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- Powerful & Easy-Start Gas Engine: Get going quickly with the reliable 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine on this gas lawn mower. Features a convenient primer button for simplified cold starts, delivering...
Unboxing the EGO AR2100: A Heavyweight Contender for Lawn Perfection
Upon receiving the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit, the first thing we noticed was the sheer heft of the box. This is not a flimsy plastic accessory. Unboxing it revealed a pre-assembled, heavy-duty steel roller with a thick, durable black coating. The roller itself feels substantial and is attached to a robust mounting bracket. There are no bags of confusing screws or bolts; the design is elegantly simple. The immediate impression is one of quality and durability, a perfect match for the high standards set by EGO’s mowers themselves. It feels like an authentic, factory-designed upgrade, not a third-party afterthought.
Assembly is, quite literally, a snap. The kit is designed to clip directly onto the rear axle points of compatible EGO 21-inch mowers. We simply lifted the rear flap of our EGO Select Cut XP mower, aligned the hooks on the striper’s bracket with the designated mounting points on the mower, and it clicked securely into place. The entire process took less than a minute, with no tools required. Removing it is just as easy, which is a fantastic feature for when you need to mow in tight spaces or don’t feel like striping. This seamless integration is a testament to EGO’s ecosystem-focused design philosophy and a major selling point for any user who values convenience.
Key Benefits
- Creates deep, professional-grade lawn stripes
- Incredibly simple and fast tool-free installation
- Heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability
- Seamlessly integrates with EGO 21″ mowers, with or without the bagger
Drawbacks
- Adds significant weight, making maneuvering more difficult
- Can noticeably increase battery consumption, especially on hills
Putting the AR2100 to the Test: From Installation to Impeccable Stripes
An accessory can look great out of the box, but its true value is revealed only on the turf. We spent several weeks testing the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit on a variety of lawn conditions, from the lush growth of late spring to the tougher cuts of mid-summer. Our goal was to determine if this simple add-on could truly deliver on its promise of a professional-grade finish and whether the trade-offs in handling and battery life were worth it.
Installation and Compatibility: A Five-Minute Upgrade
The brilliance of the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit lies in its simplicity. As mentioned, the installation is tool-free and intuitive. We tested the compatibility across a couple of newer EGO 21-inch models and found the fit to be perfect every time. The hooks on the bracket are precisely engineered to latch onto the mower’s frame, creating a secure connection with no wobble or play. This is a far cry from universal striping kits that often require drilling, complex brackets, and constant readjustment. One user with a newer model confirmed our experience, stating, “All required parts were received in the packaging and installation was easy for me because I had a newer model mower.”
However, it’s worth noting that owners of older EGO models, like the LM2100SP, have occasionally reported minor compatibility hurdles. Some have had to swap out the mower’s rear rubber flap for one included with the kit to ensure a proper fit, while one user mentioned the instructions for their specific older model were unclear, forcing them to improvise. This seems to be an isolated issue with early-generation mowers. For the vast majority of users with recent models, the process is seamless. We found that lifting the bagger door provides a clear view of the mounting points, making the already simple process even easier. This level of effortless integration makes you far more likely to actually use the accessory regularly.
The Art of the Stripe: Performance and On-the-Ground Results
This is where the magic happens. On our first pass across a healthy stretch of tall fescue, the results were immediately visible. The heavy roller lays the grass down cleanly, creating a distinct line. But the true “ballpark” effect comes from the alternating passes. As you mow back and forth, the pattern emerges: a beautiful, shimmering checkerboard of light and dark green. The stripes created by the EGO AR2100 are deep, defined, and long-lasting. One user perfectly captured the transformation with before-and-after photos, stating, “The photo with the mailbox was mowed without the striper, the photo with the flagpole was with it on… Makes your stripes more defined.”
We discovered, as many users have, that technique matters. For the most dramatic results, a “double cut” is the way to go—mowing the entire lawn in one direction, then going over it again in the same pattern. This really presses the stripes in and makes them pop. We also found that cutting height is critical. We tested at levels 5 through 7 on our mower, and the higher cuts produced more dramatic stripes, simply because there’s more grass blade for the roller to bend. On shorter cuts, the effect is less pronounced but still noticeable. We even tested it on a patch of stubborn St. Augustine grass, which is notoriously difficult to stripe. Echoing a user’s experience, we found that while challenging, the AR2100 managed to lay down visible stripes where other methods would have failed completely. For anyone serious about achieving a premium look, the performance of the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit delivers in spades.
The Trade-Offs: Weight, Maneuverability, and Battery Life
Perfection often comes at a price, and with the AR2100, that price is paid in weight and energy. At over 14 pounds, the striper fundamentally changes the mower’s balance and handling. With our self-propelled EGO mower, moving forward was no issue; the motor handled the extra load without complaint. The challenge came during turns. The added weight at the rear acts like an anchor, requiring noticeably more effort to execute tight, zero-radius turns. You have to adopt a more deliberate, slightly wider turning pattern. As one user noted, “It’s a bit harder to turn but not nearly enough to keep you from buying this.” For those with a push model, the story is different. The extra drag turns mowing into a legitimate workout, a sentiment confirmed by a user who said, “It does add some fatigue since the roller weighs 30 some pounds [an exaggeration, but reflects the feel], so I’d recommend getting a self-propelled with this.”
The second major consideration is battery consumption. Pushing an extra 14 pounds and dragging a roller across the lawn requires more power. The impact varies based on your battery size, grass thickness, and terrain. In our testing with a 7.5Ah battery, we could still complete our roughly 5,000 sq ft lawn, but with less charge to spare than usual. This aligns perfectly with a detailed user report: “I have a 10AH battery and before I would have 3 bars left after a full mow… Now with the roller I’m left with one bar on the battery.” This is a significant but predictable increase in energy use. If you’re already cutting it close on battery life, you may need to have a second battery ready to finish the job, especially if you plan to double-cut for maximum stripe definition.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its core function. Many users echo our findings, with one simply stating, “As a striping kit, it does absolutely what it’s supposed to do. My lawn looks great using it.” Another who was initially hesitant admitted, “I have to admit I was a little skeptical about a $120 stripe kit for an electric lawn mower. The picture speaks for itself.” The ease of installation is a recurring point of praise, with comments like “Drops right on mower. Instant results,” and “I wish I had done this a long time ago. You just attach it to the mower no tools needed and go.”
However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms, which provide a balanced real-world perspective. The most common complaint centers on the added weight and its effect on maneuverability and battery life, which we also identified as the primary trade-offs. One user who ultimately returned the product felt the results weren’t dramatic enough to justify the cost and effort, noting, “plenty of grass length to lay down, it just wasn’t super effective.” This highlights how lawn type and personal expectations play a role. Another user pointed out a practical issue: “the metal ‘Rod’ did not do well with the small bits of sidewalk I went over… it definitely damages the finish.” This is a valid warning for users who have to cross concrete paths during their mow.
How the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit Compares to Full Mower Packages
The EGO AR2100 is an accessory designed to enhance a premium mowing system. The alternatives, by contrast, are complete, standalone mowers. The choice isn’t about which is a better striper, but rather which path a consumer should take: upgrading an existing high-end platform or investing in a new, more budget-focused system.
1. BLACK+DECKER 20-Inch 13-Amp Corded Lawn Mower
- CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the biggest jobs.
- POWERFUL ELECTRIC MOTOR – 13 Amp motor supplies ample power for cutting through thick grass and overgrowth.
- TOOL-FREE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT – A single lever adjusts the mower deck’s 7-setting cutting height between 1-1/2 in. to 4 in.
The BLACK+DECKER MM2000 represents the ultimate in budget-conscious lawn maintenance. As a corded mower, it offers unlimited runtime for a fraction of the cost of a battery-powered system, making it ideal for small, simple yards. However, it exists in a completely different category than the EGO ecosystem. A consumer would choose this mower for its low entry cost and simplicity. It will cut your grass reliably, but it lacks the power, features, and of course, the striping capability of an EGO mower equipped with the AR2100. This is the choice for someone starting from scratch on a tight budget, whereas the EGO striper is for the enthusiast looking to perfect their existing setup.
2. Greenworks 40V 20″ Twin Blade Mower
- CORDLESS 20” LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 40V push mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of run-time on a fully charged 4.0Ah...
- LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO USE – a lightweight 20” cutting deck allows for easy maneuvering through small to medium yards (up to ½ acre) more efficiently
- TWIN BLADES - offer better cut quality, superior mulching, and bagging capabilities
This Greenworks mower is a more direct competitor to the EGO platform itself. It offers a capable battery-powered experience with a 20-inch deck and dual batteries for extended runtime. For someone not yet invested in a battery ecosystem, this presents a compelling all-in-one package. However, it does not come with a striping kit. A user would have to source a third-party, universal striper to attempt to replicate the results of the AR2100, which would likely involve a more complicated installation and less-integrated feel. The choice here is about the system: buy into the well-regarded Greenworks ecosystem as a whole, or if you’re already an EGO owner, simply add the purpose-built AR2100 for guaranteed results.
3. Greenworks 40V Lawn Mower Blower String Trimmer Kit
- 40V CORDLESS MOWER - This 40V Brushless lawn mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. The battery completely charges in 120 minutes.
- 40V CORDLESS TRIMMER / EDGER (2-IN-1) - This 40V String trimmer Converts from trimmer to edger with push of a button;Trimmer head rotates 90° so you can trim and edge at multiple angles;Push button...
- 40V CORDLESS BLOWER - This 40V Blower delivers 350 CFM and 100 MPH for powerful leaf and debris clean up,with Two Speed Switch (High/Low)
This Greenworks kit emphasizes maximum value. For a very reasonable price, a new homeowner can get a mower, blower, and string trimmer—nearly everything needed for basic yard care. The trade-off is that the mower has a smaller 16-inch deck and is a more basic model compared to a premium EGO mower. This package is about getting the job done across multiple fronts. The EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit, on the other hand, is about doing one specific job—mowing—to the absolute highest aesthetic standard. This Greenworks bundle is for the pragmatist; the EGO striper is for the perfectionist.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Upgrade for EGO Mower Owners?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: for an existing owner of a compatible 21-inch EGO mower who craves a professional, beautifully striped lawn, the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit is an absolute must-have. It’s a brilliantly executed accessory that is built to last, is incredibly easy to install and remove, and most importantly, delivers stunning, professional-grade results. It transforms a great mower into a lawn-perfecting machine.
The trade-offs in added weight, reduced maneuverability, and increased battery drain are real and should be considered, especially for users with push mowers or very large properties. However, for those with self-propelled models and a passion for pristine turf, these are manageable compromises for the incredible aesthetic payoff. It’s not an accessory for everyone, but for its target audience—the lawn care enthusiast—it’s a game-changer that bridges the gap between a nice-looking yard and a show-stopping one.
If you’ve decided the EGO Power+ AR2100 Mower Striping Kit is the right fit to elevate your lawn care routine, you can check its current price and get one for your mower here.
Last update on 2025-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API