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Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit vs Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on handling & weight, easy start & upkeep. Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower wins on runtime.
The biggest complaint about the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit is slow recharge; for the Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower it's heavier and slower than the snowmaster. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit | Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in snow blowers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Two-stage | Two-stage |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | — |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Clearing power | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Runtime | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Handling & weight | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Easy start & upkeep | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Durability | — | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $300 · $$ $300–900 · $$$ over $900. 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
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit
- Slow recharge
The batteries need several hours to recharge (Bob Vila). Popular Mechanics suggests an extra battery for wet, heavy snow or large properties.
- Short rated runtime
Ryobi rates it at up to 30 minutes of runtime (or 20 car spaces), though Bob Vila got longer real-world use.
- An older Ryobi two-stage disappointed Wirecutter
Wirecutter's tested Ryobi RY40870 (a different model) had shorter runtime than EGO, uncomfortable handles and a hard-to-use spring-loaded battery compartment.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Heavier and slower than the SnowMaster
Wirecutter says the traditional two-stage design is slower and handles snow less well than its top pick. A comparable Cub Cadet 2X 24 weighs 215 lb.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Clunky chute controls
A hand crank turns the chute and a separate joystick moves the deflector, on top of manual speed shifting (Wirecutter). Popular Mechanics, by contrast, found the chute control intuitive.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Popular Mechanics - Electric start needs an outlet
The electric start works only when plugged in, so it's less useful if you shut it down away from the garage (Popular Mechanics).
Source: Popular Mechanics
Who should pick which
Pick the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit if
Owners of Ryobi 40V batteries
Larger driveways with wet snow
Self-propelled two-stage without gas
Skip it if: You need fast turnaround between storms; You want lots of owner reviews before buying; You don't shop at Home Depot (the main seller)
Pick the Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower if
Gravel driveways and lawn areas
Steeper driveways
Regular 6- to 12-in. snowfalls and big plow piles
Skip it if: You want the fastest, simplest machine; You have little storage space; You don't want gas-engine maintenance
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