Ryobi 40V Brushless 625 CFM Whisper Series Backpack Blower Kit

The Ryobi 40V Brushless 625 CFM Whisper Series Backpack Blower Kit (RY40440-2B) attempts to combine the convenience of battery power with the performance of a gas blower, and it certainly has its strengths and weaknesses. After putting it through its paces, I found that it has some impressive features but also some significant drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of.

One of the standout features of this blower is its quiet operation. Rated at just 59 decibels, it's significantly quieter than many of its gas-powered counterparts. This makes it particularly suitable for use in residential areas where noise might be a concern. The quiet operation is achieved without sacrificing too much in terms of blowing power, as it delivers an impressive 625 CFM and 145 MPH. However, the quiet operation is somewhat of a double-edged sword; it can give the illusion that it's not as powerful as it actually is.

The Brushless motor and CROSSFORCE fan technology are designed to enhance power and efficiency. In practical use, this technology does translate to a more consistent and robust airflow compared to some other electric blowers I've used. The variable speed throttle and cruise control features are also quite handy, allowing for better control during extended use. These features make it easier to manage different types of debris, whether it's leaves, grass clippings, or even light snow.

Comfort is another area where this blower excels. The adjustable shoulder straps and contoured back design make it relatively comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. At 21.1 lbs, it's not the lightest blower on the market, but the weight distribution is good enough that it doesn't feel overly burdensome. The ability to attach two batteries also helps balance the weight, although it does add to the overall heft.

Now, let's talk about battery life, which is where this blower falls short. The included 40V 5.0 Ah battery provides decent runtime, but it's far from sufficient for larger tasks. On the turbo setting, which is often necessary for tougher jobs, the battery drains quickly—sometimes in as little as 10 minutes. This means that for any substantial yard work, you'll need multiple batteries, which can be quite an investment. The charging time is also a bit lengthy, taking up to four hours to fully recharge a depleted battery. This can be frustrating if you don't have extra batteries on hand.

The blower's build quality is generally good, but it's not without its issues. I encountered some minor problems with the trigger response and speed consistency. Occasionally, the blower would cycle up and down in speed without any input, which can be annoying and disrupt workflow. While these issues weren't deal-breakers for me, they are worth mentioning.

Another area where this blower struggles is in raw power compared to gas-powered units. Despite the impressive CFM and MPH ratings, it doesn't quite match the sheer force of a gas blower. For small to medium-sized yards, this isn't a significant issue, but for larger properties or more demanding tasks, you might find it lacking.

The 5-year limited warranty is a nice assurance, but the warranty support process leaves much to be desired. Getting repairs or replacements can be a hassle, especially if you don't live near an authorized service center. This is something to consider if you're relying on the warranty for peace of mind.

In summary, the Ryobi 40V Brushless 625 CFM Whisper Series Backpack Blower Kit has a lot to offer, especially in terms of quiet operation, comfort, and ease of use. However, its short battery life and lack of raw power compared to gas models are significant drawbacks. If you have a smaller yard and value quiet operation and user comfort, this blower could be a good fit for you. However, if you have larger areas to maintain or need more power, you might find it lacking.

Would I recommend this blower? It depends on your specific needs. For smaller, less demanding tasks, and if you're already invested in Ryobi's 40V ecosystem, it can be a convenient and effective tool. However, for more extensive or demanding yard work, you might be better off looking at more powerful gas models or higher-capacity electric options.