Ryobi Compact Brushless Blower

The Ryobi Compact Brushless Blower (PSBLB01B) has quickly become one of my go-to tools for a variety of tasks around the house and in the garage. Despite its small size, this blower packs a surprising punch, delivering up to 220 CFM and 140 MPH of air speed. Whether I'm drying my car, clearing the driveway, or tidying up the garage, this blower has proven to be a versatile and efficient tool.

One of the standout features of this blower is its brushless motor. Brushless motors are generally more efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to their brushed counterparts. This translates to consistent performance and less maintenance over time, which is always a plus. The advanced electronics in this blower also contribute to its overall efficiency, ensuring that you get the most out of each battery charge.

Speaking of batteries, it's worth noting that this blower is part of Ryobi's ONE+ system, which means it's compatible with any 18V ONE+ battery. This is a significant advantage if you're already invested in the Ryobi ecosystem, as you can easily swap batteries between different tools. However, the blower is quite power-hungry, and I found that it drains batteries faster than some other tools in the ONE+ lineup. For extended use, I would recommend having multiple batteries on hand, especially if you're tackling larger tasks.

The blower's lightweight and compact design make it incredibly easy to maneuver. Weighing in at just 3.9 lbs, it's comfortable to hold and use for extended periods without causing fatigue. The variable speed trigger is another excellent feature, allowing for precise control over the airflow. This is particularly useful when working in tight spaces or when you need to adjust the power for different tasks. For instance, I found that I could use a lower speed setting when blowing dust out from under furniture, and then ramp up the power for more demanding jobs like clearing the driveway.

The blower comes with two extension tubes and a speed tip, which add to its versatility. The extension tubes are great for reaching high or hard-to-access areas, while the speed tip helps to focus the airflow for more targeted tasks. I found these attachments particularly useful when cleaning out the gutters or blowing leaves off the roof.

One area where the blower could improve is its noise level. It's quite loud, emitting a high-pitched noise that can be somewhat grating over time. While this is not uncommon for blowers, it's something to be aware of, especially if you plan on using it in residential areas where noise might be a concern. Wearing ear protection can help mitigate this issue.

Despite its compact size, the blower is surprisingly powerful. I was initially skeptical about its ability to handle more demanding tasks, but it exceeded my expectations. It's not designed to replace a full-sized gas blower for heavy-duty yard work, but it excels in smaller, more controlled environments. For example, it's perfect for drying off a car after washing, clearing debris from a patio or garage, and even blowing out dust from tight spaces in the house.

The blower's build quality is consistent with what I've come to expect from Ryobi. It's sturdy and well-constructed, with a design that feels both ergonomic and durable. The handle is comfortable to grip, and the overall balance of the tool is excellent, making it easy to control even at full power.

Battery life is a mixed bag. While the blower is compatible with all 18V ONE+ batteries, its power consumption is relatively high, which means that battery life can be quite short, especially when used at full speed. I found that a 4Ah battery lasted around 10-15 minutes of continuous use, which is sufficient for smaller tasks but might require additional batteries for more extended projects. Investing in higher-capacity batteries or having multiple batteries on hand can help alleviate this issue.

In terms of value, the Ryobi Compact Brushless Blower offers a lot of bang for your buck. It's priced competitively, especially considering its performance and the convenience of being part of the ONE+ system. If you're already invested in Ryobi's ecosystem, this blower is a no-brainer addition to your collection. Even if you're not, its performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Ryobi Compact Brushless Blower for anyone in need of a versatile, powerful, and easy-to-use blower for light to medium-duty tasks. Its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly user-friendly, while its performance is more than adequate for most household and garage applications. The noise level and battery consumption are minor drawbacks, but they are outweighed by the blower's overall effectiveness and convenience. Whether you're drying your car, clearing your driveway, or tidying up your garage, this blower is up to the task.