Full review
Longer notes from the same comments we summarized above.
What people reported
Owners have mixed experiences with the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 730 CFM blower. Some find its raw performance surprising, especially when hitting the turbo button, which one user reported "almost jumped out of my hand." It's considered good for lighter tasks like clearing decks, concrete, driveways, and patios. The convenience of "push a button and go" is a plus compared to starting gas blowers. Generally, Ryobi's outdoor tools are viewed positively by some owners.
Problems people mention
Several significant issues are reported. The air tube design is a common complaint, with one user stating it "kept blowing off" due to a cheap single-tab mechanism. Owners often feel the blower is underpowered for more demanding jobs, like moving heavy leaves or clearing large grass areas, especially when compared to gas backpack blowers. Battery runtime is also a concern, with one user reporting only about 20 minutes of use, even without constant turbo. Some find the blower to be overpriced for its perceived performance, suggesting gas alternatives in the same price range offer better value. The fixed speed settings and "stupid Turbo button" are disliked, with calls for a full-range trigger control. Additionally, a large number of comments not directly about the blower, but about Ryobi's 40V batteries in general, indicate a common need for battery resets to revive depleted batteries, sometimes after only a few years of use.
Where owners disagree
While some find the blower's weight "pretty light" compared to a backpack blower, others accustomed to similar Ryobi 40V whisper blowers mention the weight is a downside and suggest a strap would be beneficial for prolonged use. There is also disagreement on its overall power; some are impressed by its raw performance, while others find it "pretty weak" and "useless" for extensive yard work compared to high-end gas models.
Who it's for
This blower seems best suited for homeowners with smaller yards or those who primarily need to clear hard surfaces like driveways and patios. It's a good choice for quick, light-duty clean-ups where the convenience of battery power is prioritized over heavy-duty performance or extended runtime. Those with large properties, wet leaves, or professional needs will likely find its power and battery life insufficient.