Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Backpack Blower

Exploring the world of electric-powered outdoor tools, I recently had the opportunity to test out Ryobi's 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Backpack Blower, model RY404170. As someone who has extensively used both gas and electric blowers, I was eager to see how this battery-powered behemoth stands up to traditional gas models and other electric options on the market.

First impressions matter, and the Ryobi backpack blower certainly makes a statement with its robust build and modern aesthetics. However, the assembly process did throw a wrench in the works. The plastic tubes required significant effort to piece together, and the material felt somewhat brittle—raising concerns about long-term durability.

Once assembled, strapping on the blower was relatively straightforward. The contoured back and adjustable straps provided a comfortable fit, even though the unit, weighing in at 21.2 lbs, is undeniably hefty. This weight is compounded by the need to carry two 40V 6Ah batteries, which can make extended use tiring.

One of the standout features of the Ryobi backpack blower is its power. Boasting an impressive 730 CFM (cubic feet per minute) air volume and 165 MPH (miles per hour) airspeed, it promises to tackle heavy debris and wet leaves with ease. In practice, the blower delivers on this promise, especially when the turbo button is engaged. The turbo mode significantly boosts performance, making the blower comparable to a 51cc gas model. However, the turbo mode comes with a caveat: it only lasts for about 2-3 minutes before needing to be reactivated. This can be a bit of a hassle during prolonged cleaning sessions.

In terms of noise levels, the Ryobi blower shines. With a noise rating of 59 dB, it is considerably quieter than its gas-powered counterparts. This makes for a more pleasant user experience and is less likely to disturb neighbors—an important consideration for residential use. Despite being quieter, hearing protection is still advisable due to the blower's inherent noise.

Battery life is another crucial aspect when evaluating electric blowers. The Ryobi model includes two 40V 6Ah batteries, providing up to 52 minutes of runtime under optimal conditions. However, this figure drops significantly when using the turbo mode, where each battery lasts approximately 10 minutes. Additionally, the blower only comes with a single-node fast charger, which can be inconvenient. Charging one battery at a time means you'll need to keep an eye on the first battery, swap it out, and then wait for the second one to finish charging. This staggered charging process could easily be remedied by including a dual-port charger.

When it comes to performance, the blower works admirably well in standard mode, but to get the most out of it, you almost always need to use the turbo mode. This is where the blower's power truly shines, but it also highlights one of its main drawbacks: the constant need to reactivate the turbo button every couple of minutes. This design choice feels like an oversight and detracts from the overall user experience.

Despite these shortcomings, the Ryobi backpack blower does have several redeeming qualities. It's free from the fumes and emissions associated with gas blowers, making it an environmentally friendly option. Additionally, the blower starts instantly, eliminating the frustration of pull-starting a gas engine—particularly beneficial for those with physical limitations or injuries.

In terms of warranty, Ryobi offers a 5-year limited warranty on the blower and a 3-year limited warranty on the batteries. This provides some peace of mind, though it's always advisable to consider an extended warranty for added protection.

To summarize, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Backpack Blower is a solid attempt at bridging the gap between gas and electric blowers. Its power, especially in turbo mode, is commendable, and the reduced noise levels make it a more neighbor-friendly option. However, the weight, battery management, and the need to frequently reactivate the turbo button are significant drawbacks.

Would I recommend this blower? It depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize quiet operation, environmental considerations, and can manage the weight and turbo limitations, this blower could be a suitable choice. However, if you require a blower for extended, heavy-duty use and prefer the uninterrupted power of a gas model, you might find the Ryobi's limitations frustrating.

In the end, the Ryobi 40V HP Backpack Blower offers a glimpse into the future of electric outdoor tools, but it still has some growing pains to overcome.