Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 350 CFM Jet Fan Blower

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Jet Fan Blower is an intriguing addition to my collection of yard tools. As someone who values a neat and tidy lawn but prefers minimal fuss, I was eager to test out its capabilities. The promise of a brushless motor, which typically offers better efficiency and longer runtime, had me optimistic. However, my experience with this blower was a mixed bag.

First impressions are often telling, and unboxing the blower was a straightforward affair. The lightweight design was immediately apparent and a pleasant surprise. At just a little over six pounds, it's easy to carry around, even for extended periods. It's a tool that could be handled by just about anyone in the household, including my five-year-old who delighted in helping out.

The blower runs on the well-known Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery system, which is a boon if you already own other tools from the Ryobi lineup. Compatibility across devices means fewer batteries and chargers cluttering up the garage. However, it became clear that the blower's performance is heavily dependent on the battery used. With a 4Ah battery, the runtime is limited to about 15 minutes on high power. This might be sufficient for small yards or quick cleanups, but for larger areas, you might find yourself swapping batteries frequently.

When I first powered up the blower, I noticed a slight delay before it reached full speed. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it's something to be aware of. The blower features a variable speed trigger, which provides excellent control over the airflow. This is particularly useful when working around delicate plants or narrow spaces where precision is key.

In terms of power, the blower delivers up to 350 CFM of airflow and a wind speed of 110 MPH. This combination is effective for clearing dry leaves, grass clippings, and light debris. However, it struggles a bit with wet leaves and heavier debris. For most residential tasks, it gets the job done, but it won't replace a more powerful gas blower if you're dealing with more demanding yard work.

One standout feature is the turbo mode, which turns up the power significantly. While this mode is quite effective, it does drain the battery quickly, usually within 10-15 minutes. If you're planning to use the blower extensively in turbo mode, having an extra battery or two on hand is a wise move.

On the downside, the blower does produce a high-pitched whine that can be a bit grating over time. It's not loud enough to require ear protection, but it's something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to noise. Additionally, the blower tends to suck in clothing from the back end if you’re not careful about how you hold it. Adjusting your grip usually solves this issue, but it can be an inconvenience.

One of the more frustrating aspects of my experience was the warranty service. While the blower comes with a three-year warranty, accessing service can be cumbersome if you’re not near an authorized service center. In my case, I had to travel a considerable distance for a simple repair, which was both time-consuming and inconvenient. Also, it’s worth noting that the blower occasionally has issues with the battery contacts, which can affect performance. Ensuring that the wires are correctly connected might be necessary if you notice any problems with the motor running in the wrong direction.

Despite these drawbacks, the blower’s build quality is commendable. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, capable of withstanding the typical wear and tear of yard work. The tube attachment can be a bit challenging to remove, but this isn’t a major issue for most users.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the blower is well-balanced and easy to maneuver. The trigger is comfortable to hold and doesn’t require much force, which is a relief during extended use. I particularly appreciated the ease of starting this tool. Unlike gas blowers that often require a good deal of effort to get going, this one is ready to use with a simple click of the battery.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Jet Fan Blower is a solid choice for homeowners with moderate yard maintenance needs. Its lightweight design, variable speed control, and compatibility with the Ryobi ONE+ system make it a convenient addition to your tool collection. However, its limited battery life, occasional noise issues, and the need for careful handling might be off-putting for some.

If you already own Ryobi ONE+ tools and batteries, this blower integrates seamlessly into your existing setup. For those with larger yards or more demanding tasks, investing in extra batteries or considering a more powerful blower may be necessary. Overall, I would recommend this blower for its ease of use and satisfactory performance in typical residential settings, but with the caveat that it may not meet the needs of those with more extensive yard work.