I've lots of Stihl 2 stroke chainsaws and one Echo chainsaw on a stick (COS), a PPT 280 w/ 4' extension. The PPT 280 will extend to 17+ feet for cutting.
You need to give more facts on what you are cutting and how often.
My "go to" COS is a HF Lynxx which shares batteries with my 14" Lynxx chainsaw does 90% of my COS work. Second is a 16' non-powered pole saw, good for the occasional limb cutting but tiring. And then I bring out the Echo about once or twice a year for those jobs the others can't do.
Note: Echo used to give a 20% off sale 1 day a year. I've been researching pole saws and deciding between an Echo or Stihl. I use to own an older stihl but sold it many years ago and recently borrowed a friends stihl and both did well. Now if you read on the Stihl website a lot of guys say the new model is breaking alot. I also don't want to buy new and there really isn't anything used for sale since it's such a rare tool for most people. I've come across a used Echo ppt-266 model which seems to have longer reach than the stihl and you can add a 4ft extension on it to get even higher. The only downside I see with the echo is the 25cc engine
Echo vs. Stihl Pole Saw. If I went new it would be the same thing but I could get the straight handle integrated into the pole vs the loop handle on the 266. Stihl has the bigger engine units but costs more money, they have the 4 moto engine, gonna have to buy new and seems like they have a gear box breaking problem or something . users?thoughts?