Professional Tool Reviews for Pros

Battery-powered blowers are making huge strides in performance, but not everyone needs 20+ Newtons of blowing force or the price tag that comes with it. We brought in the Ryobi 40V Whisper Series 550 CFM Leaf Blower to determine who it’s a good fit for.

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Ryobi specs this model with 125 MPH airspeed and 550 CFM for air volume. As usual, we hooked up our handy dandy force meter to see how the performance compares to other blowers.

Using the 4.0Ah battery that comes in the kit, the brushless motor delivered 9.8 Newtons at full throttle and 13.9 with the turbo button. Switching over to a 6.0Ah battery, those values settled in exactly the same, though they did peak a little higher at the very start of the test.

Residential-level gas blowers start around 12 Newtons, so we use that as our benchmark. This model from Ryobi exceeds it using the Turbo mode and earns a thumbs up as a gas replacement.

We did our runtime tests with a 4.0Ah battery. On high, we were able to run the blower for 21 minutes, 26 seconds. Kicking it up with the Turbo button, it ran for 12 minutes, 43 seconds. For the majority of residential lawns up to a 1/2-acre or so, you’ll be in great shape with just one battery.

Any blower’s job is to move debris using airflow and some go about their work quieter than others. Ryobi touts 59 decibels for this model based on ANSI standards.

We like to measure from our operator’s ear (~36 inches) and the numbers always come out higher. At full throttle, we measured 72 dB(a) and 80 dB(a) using Turbo.

This is remarkably quiet considering most cordless blowers we test run 85+ decibels. Ryobi’s 730 CFM Whisper Series blower actually tested a little lower, though.

It’s pretty obvious right away that Ryobi’s design for this blower has a different look than most. Not only does the handle provide clearance for the battery, but it also pivots. To adjust the position, loosen the gray knob on the side, pivot the handle into the detent you want, and tighten it back again.

Tilting the handle back offers a little more nose-down angle and helps keep your wrist at a more natural angle. It may sound like a little thing, but it really does feel more comfortable when we’re using it.

The controls are straightforward with a variable speed trigger and Turbo button. There’s no cruise control, so you’ll have to feather the trigger if you want a lower speed than full throttle.

The blower weighs 6.7 pounds on its own and adding the 4.0Ah battery brings it up to 9.8 pounds. Even though it’s pushing the 10-pound mark, it isn’t burdensome to carry and use.

You have a couple of options to buy this blower at The Home Depot. As a kit with one 4.0Ah battery and a charger, it’s $199. You can add a second 4.0Ah battery and the kit is $338. There’s no bare tool option available.

Considering a 4.0Ah battery/charger starter kit runs $198 on its own, that $199 kit price is incredibly attractive.

When you’re blowing off hard surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks, Ryobi’s 550 CFM Whisper Series blower is a great choice and it’s remarkably quiet. It does a fine job of moving dry broadleaf debris around your yard for collection as well. When it comes to wet debris, it’s not as effective as some of the more powerful cordless blowers, including Ryobi’s own 730 CFM model. On the other hand, it’s not nearly as expensive, either.

On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay.

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Picked it up factory blemished for $130 plus tax. I wish it had a lock-on button, but for the price, I can’t complain. It’s even powerful enough to lift some rain-sodden decomposing vegetation that was caked onto edges of paths and decorative loose river stone.

I own this unit and like it a lot, it would be nice if you could latch it “on” as you mention. I notice mine ramps up much slower than my Milwaukee, it is significantly slower accelerating, not that it impacts performance but it was noticeable. The adjustable handle is great, love it.

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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros