Ryobi 18V ONE+ 350 CFM Blower

I recently had the opportunity to put the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 350 CFM Blower (model PCLLB01B) through its paces, and I must say, it left me with mixed feelings. As someone who often tackles light yard work and general cleanup around the house, I found this blower to have several strengths, but also a few notable weaknesses.

First off, let's talk about the power this blower delivers. With a maximum air volume of 350 CFM and an air speed of 100 MPH, it's designed for lighter tasks like clearing hard surfaces and dry leaves. In my experience, it performed admirably when dealing with small leaf piles, twigs, and light debris on my patio and driveway. However, it struggled with wet leaves and heavier debris, which is something to keep in mind if your yard often deals with such conditions.

One of the standout features of this blower is its variable speed trigger. This allows for better control over the airflow, making it easier to adjust the power based on the task at hand. I found this particularly useful when working around delicate plants or when I needed a gentler touch to avoid scattering debris all over the place. The trigger is responsive, and adjusting the speed felt intuitive.

The lightweight design is another aspect worth mentioning. Weighing in at just 6.9 lbs, this blower is easy to handle and maneuver, even for extended periods. I appreciated this feature, especially when compared to heavier gas-powered blowers that can quickly become cumbersome. The open-end handle is comfortable to grip, and I didn't experience any significant fatigue during use.

However, the design isn't without its flaws. The blower's balance feels a bit off, particularly due to the placement of the battery and the forward position of the trigger. This imbalance can put extra stress on the wrist, especially during prolonged use. It’s something I noticed when trying to maintain a steady airflow, as I constantly had to adjust my grip to keep the nozzle aimed correctly.

Speaking of the battery, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ system is quite versatile, and this blower is compatible with any 18V ONE+ battery. The included 4 amp-hour battery provides a decent runtime, lasting around 20 minutes on a full charge. This was sufficient for my typical cleanup tasks, but if you have a larger area to cover, you might find yourself needing to swap out batteries more frequently. The battery indicator lights are a handy feature, letting you know how much charge is left at a glance.

One area where this blower fell short for me was noise. While it's not deafening, it's certainly not the quietest tool in the shed. There’s a noticeable motor screech when starting and stopping, which can be a bit irritating, especially if you're sensitive to noise. I found that wearing ear protection helped mitigate this issue.

Another aspect that could use improvement is the blower’s ability to stand on end. This might seem like a minor gripe, but it’s inconvenient when you need to set the blower down temporarily. The large intake grill also has a tendency to catch on clothing, which can be annoying during use.

On the upside, the assembly of the blower is straightforward. The tube attaches securely with a click-lock mechanism, and the overall build quality feels robust and durable. It's clear that Ryobi has put thought into making this tool user-friendly, even if there are a few quirks.

For storage, the blower is quite compact. It features a keyhole for hanging, which is a nice touch if you’re short on space. I found it easy to tuck away in my garage without taking up too much room.

In terms of overall performance, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 350 CFM Blower is best suited for smaller yards, patios, and decks. It excels in quick, light-duty tasks and offers the convenience of being cordless. The lack of fumes and the ease of starting compared to gas blowers are significant advantages, especially for those who prefer a more environmentally friendly option.

Would I recommend this blower? It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use tool for light yard work and general cleanup, this blower is a solid choice. Its variable speed trigger and compatibility with the Ryobi ONE+ system are definite pluses. However, if you need something with more power for heavier debris or larger areas, you might want to consider a more robust option.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 350 CFM Blower has a lot going for it, but it’s not without its limitations. It’s a great addition for those who already own Ryobi tools and are looking for a convenient, cordless solution for lighter tasks. However, for more demanding jobs, you might find yourself reaching for a more powerful blower.