EmailBest Reviewed
Leaf Blowers
- Best leaf blower for most Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51599 *Est. $75
- Cordless leaf blower Black & Decker NS118 *Est. $70
- Electric blower-broom Toro Power Sweep 51585 *Est. $40
- Handheld gas leaf blower Echo PB-251 *Est. $170
- Backpack blower Echo PB-265L *Est. $270
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Backpack blower
- Quiet and powerful
- Variable-speed throttle, cruise control
- Electronic ignition
- Five-year warranty
- Two-cycle gas engine pollutes
- Heavier than some models
- Doesn't vacuum
Reviews recommend this mid-priced backpack blower as for homeowners with big yards (and lots of leaves). Note that, in general, a backpack blower is probably overkill for average-sized driveways and decks, and they certainly cost more. Rated at 65 decibels, the Echo PB-265L is the quietest gasoline backpack blower in its price range. It weighs 13.3 pounds and is rated at 135 mph, 355 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Reviews say it starts easily and handles well. If you want to spend less for even more power, and use it for shorter periods at a time, you may want to consider the Echo PB-251 handheld gas blower (*Est. $170).
We found the best review of the Echo PB-265L at ConsumerReports.org, where it's ranked in relation to six other gas backpack blowers based on objective performance tests, handling and noise level. A detailed single-product review at ConsumerGuide.com covers a similar recently discontinued model, and a few owners review the Echo PB-265L at HomeDepot.com.
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
Consumer Reports' editors compare the Echo ProLite BP-260L with six other backpack leaf blowers, ranking them based on objective tests of performance in sweeping, loosening and vacuuming debris. Ratings for handling and noise are also provided.
Review: Power Blowers: More Punch for Plug-ins, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Sept. 2007
This review covers the Echo PB-265CL's predecessor (the PB-260L), but specifications are very similar. The PB-260L earns top marks for performance. Editors say it's easy to start and very quiet for a gas blower, with little vibration.
Review: Echo ProLite PB-260L Expert Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, June 5, 2008
Owners rate and review the Echo PB-265LC (the CARB-certified version of the 265L), but at last look, only about half a dozen had done so. Nonetheless, it's given an average rating of 3.5 out of five. Most comments are positive, but a couple of lawn-care professionals say it's not powerful enough to meet their needs.
Review: Echo 25.4 CC Backpack Blower, Contributors to HomeDepot.com
Leaf Blowers Runners Up:
3 picks including: Engadget.com, The Wall Street Journal…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
1 pick including: Consumers Digest…
Toro 51592 Super 12 Amp 2-Speed Electric Blower/Vacuum
 from Amazon.com New: $59.99 In Stock.
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