It could be daunting to choose THE BEST leaf blower from the extensive leaf blower lineup offered by STIHL. With this comprehensive review / guide by Stu & Chip, you can pick the right blower that is BEST for you and your needs.
Comprehensive Review: Testing the 2024 Lineup of STIHL Blowers
Welcome back to another episode of Main Street Mower. Today, we are diving deep into STIHL's 2024 blower lineup, examining everything they offer—from handheld gas-powered to electric backpack blowers. We'll share our comprehensive test results, providing insights on which blower might be the best fit for your needs.
Introduction
In a bid to assess the performance differences between various STIHL blowers, we designed a practical test using a mock medium similar to artificial leaves. By marking off a 1,000 square foot area and evenly distributing ten scoops of the medium, we timed how quickly each blower could clear the designated space. Our goal was to understand the efficiency and effectiveness of each blower category.
Gas-Powered Handheld Blowers
BG50
The BG50 stands out due to its simplicity and affordability. Despite being the entry-level gas handheld blower, it performed exceptionally well in our tests, even outpacing some more expensive models. This blower is lightweight, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a basic but efficient blower.
BG56
The BG56 offers a few more features compared to the BG50, including an easy start mechanism and multiple kit options such as a flattened nozzle, gutter kit, and bagger kit. Although it shares the same Newton rating as the BG50, it is slightly heavier but comes with added conveniences.
BG66
A unique model in the gas handheld lineup, the BG66 features a silencer making it significantly quieter than other blowers. This would be an ideal option for anyone needing to keep noise levels to a minimum, such as those working in residential areas with noise restrictions.
BG86
The BG86 is the most powerful gas-powered handheld blower in STIHL's lineup. With a rating of 15 Newtons, it comes equipped with commercial-grade features like advanced air filtration, anti-vibration systems, and a more ergonomic design. There is also a BG86C model that includes an easy-start feature, adding to its user-friendly design.
Electric-Powered Handheld Blowers
BGA 57
The BGA 57 is the entry-level electric blower, perfect for smaller jobs and quieter environments. With a 9 Newton rating, it performed close to the BG50 in our tests, making it a solid option for those looking to switch to electric without compromising on performance.
BGA 60
New to STIHL's lineup, the BGA 60 boasts a 15 Newton rating, matching the power of the BG86. It’s available in a bundle with a high-capacity battery, making it an attractive option for homeowners who need more power and are looking to make a long-term investment.
BGA 100 and BGA 200
These models are geared towards professional use, offering substantial power ratings of 17 and 21 Newtons, respectively. They feature external battery packs worn on the hip or back, reducing arm fatigue during extended use.
BGA 300
The BGA 300 is the powerhouse of STIHL’s electric lineup, equivalent to the BR 430 gas blower in terms of performance. Though heavier and more expensive, it delivers the output expected from a high-end commercial blower.
Battery-Powered Backpack Blowers
BR 200
The BR 200 offers the comfort of a backpack blower but at a lower power rating. It’s a great option for those who need to reduce arm fatigue but don’t require the full power of a commercial-grade blower. This model is particularly useful for light-duty jobs and for users who have health limitations such as shoulder or arm issues.
BR 350, BR 430, and BR 450
These three models incrementally increase in power and features. The BR 350, rated at 17 Newtons, is ideal for heavy-duty homeowners or farm use. The BR 430, with its 26 Newton rating, stands as the entry into STIHL’s commercial lineup, providing a noticeable performance boost over the 350. The BR 450 adds further enhancements with a larger fan housing and adjustable components.
BR 600
While we expected significant improvements with the BR 600, our tests showed comparable performance to the BR 430. The 600 utilizes advanced fuel-saving technology, making it economical for long-term use without sacrificing much in output.
BR 500, BR 700, and BR 800
- BR 500: This model is a specialized low-noise blower, perfect for use in noise-sensitive areas like hotels and residential neighborhoods.
- BR 700: Despite a larger fan housing and increased air volume, the performance gains over the BR 600 were minimal in our tests.
- BR 800: The top-tier in STIHL's lineup, the BR 800 provides significant performance gains, ideal for large properties or commercial use. Its 41 Newton rating delivered the fastest times in our tests, making it the most efficient option for heavy-duty tasks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right blower depends on your specific needs:
- Homeowners: If you have a larger property, consider the BR 430 or the robust BR 800 for maximum efficiency. For smaller tasks, the BG50 or BGA 57 are excellent choices.
- Commercial Users: The BR 800 offers unparalleled power and efficiency for large properties, while the BR 430 and BR 600 provide reliable performance with fewer maintenance requirements.
Each blower in STIHL's 2024 lineup has unique features tailored to different needs, from quiet operation to sheer power. Selecting the right blower can save you time and effort, making your yard work or commercial projects more efficient.
Thank you for joining us in our comprehensive review. Stay tuned for next week's video, where we'll showcase some next-level blowers for even larger tasks. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more insightful reviews and tips to help you choose the best equipment for your needs.
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STIHL Gas Powered Handheld Leaf Blowers:
- BG 50, BG 56, BG 66L, BG 86 & BG 86C.
STIHL Gas Powered Backpack Blowers:
- BR 200, BR 350, BR 430, BR 450, BR 500, BR 600, BR 700 X, BR 800X, BR 800C.
STIHL Battery Powered Leaf Blowers:
- BGA 57, BGA 60, BGA 86, BGA 100, BGA 200, BGA 300, & BG-KM Blower Attachment for the STIHL KombiMotor.
- You can browse all of the products listed above on our online store, here:
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Here are the results of the tests conducted in the video:
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