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Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB Cordless Leaf Blower vs Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB Cordless Leaf Blower ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 6) and scores better on runtime, weight & balance. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit wins on blowing power, quietness.
The biggest complaint about the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB Cordless Leaf Blower is expensive; for the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit it's short runtime at full power. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB Cordless Leaf Blower | Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cordless leaf blowers | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Handheld high-power | Handheld high-power |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | — |
| Overall score | 3.7 | 3.8 |
| Blowing power | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Runtime | 5.0 | 2.0 |
| Weight & balance | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Quietness | 2.0 | 5.0 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–300 · $$$ over $300. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB Cordless Leaf Blower
- Expensive
Wirecutter's upgrade pick costs about $380, roughly $100 more than its EGO top pick. Husqvarna's cordless line covers lawn tools only.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Loud at the operator's ear
Pro Tool Reviews measured 97 dB(A) at the operator's ear, the loudest in its test. Noise level is a mixed aspect on Amazon.
- Long runtime comes with a weaker high setting
Pro Tool Reviews measured just 9.5 N on high versus 20.9 N on boost. Amazon owners are mixed on battery life (some say about 30 minutes) and durability; one reports it broke on day 40.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit
- Short runtime at full power
Pro Tool Reviews got 11 minutes 37 seconds on max power and 15 minutes 13 seconds in max-runtime mode with the 8.0Ah battery. It had the shortest runtime in the head-to-head, far below Ryobi's claim of over 85 minutes (on low).
- Heavy with the big battery
6.4 lb bare but 10.5 lb with the kitted 8.0Ah battery (Pro Tool Reviews).
- Earlier Ryobi Whisper blowers got mixed reviews
Wirecutter preferred EGO to the older 40V HP Whisper (RY40HPLBL0K): 19 minutes runtime and no quieter in its test. Reviewed found two older Ryobi Whisper models underpowered, with rear intakes that pulled in clothing. These tests were not of the RY40HPLB01.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Reviewed
Who should pick which
Pick the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB Cordless Leaf Blower if
Long cleanups on one battery
Comfortable, balanced handling
Wet leaves (scraper tip and boost)
Skip it if: You're on a budget; Noise at your ear matters; You want a broad battery system beyond lawn tools
Pick the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit if
Maximum blowing force
Noise-sensitive neighborhoods
Owners of Ryobi 40V batteries
Skip it if: You need long sessions on one battery; You want lots of owner reviews before buying; You don't shop at Home Depot (the main seller)
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