which blower?

[redfin92]

I am going to buy a hand held blower. I've narrowed it down to the Echo PB230LN or the Stihl BG 85. They are both the same price and both respectable brands. Just wanting opinions on both.
Thanks.

[carcrz]

Never used Echo blowers, but I definitely am happy w/ my BG 85.

[ed2hess]

I know the echo 210 is a solid blower but we also have the Stihl and I think I would go with it. I like the extra pading.

[fishinpa]

I am going to buy a hand held blower. I've narrowed it down to the Echo PB230LN or the Stihl BG 85. They are both the same price and both respectable brands. Just wanting opinions on both.
Thanks.

How much $$ are we talking here?

[redfin92]

I was quoted $220 for either one.

[Martino]

The Echo is built more solid and has a much better engine. The Stihl is underpowered, in my opinion.

[dmanindfw]

The Echo is built more solid and has a much better engine. The Stihl is underpowered, in my opinion.

Not sure how you can say the Stihl is underpowered. When you compare the specs of the models he listed, the Stihl seems to be the more powerful of the two easily. CFM * Air speed. Echo is 365 cfm * 160 mph = 58400 versus the Stihl at 341 cfm * 183 mph = 62403. Plus the Stihl has a larger engine...22.8 cc for the Echo and 27.2 cc for the Stihl. The Stihl also weighs a bit less which definitely makes a difference for hand held blowers. Less weight = less fatigue.

[redfin92]

Thanks for the opinions and info. I think I will go with the BG 85.

[josh1981]

I have the BG 85 and its a wonderful machine. You wont be dissapointed!

[Martino]

Not sure how you can say the Stihl is underpowered. When you compare the specs of the models he listed, the Stihl seems to be the more powerful of the two easily. CFM * Air speed. Echo is 365 cfm * 160 mph = 58400 versus the Stihl at 341 cfm * 183 mph = 62403. Plus the Stihl has a larger engine...22.8 cc for the Echo and 27.2 cc for the Stihl. The Stihl also weighs a bit less which definitely makes a difference for hand held blowers. Less weight = less fatigue.

Any idea how the mfgs. arrived at their specs? How they are measured? By what means? Where the measurements are taken from?

You can't solely rely on the specs, particularly with blowers......there is no "industry" standard way of measuring specs. You gotta try 'em out, side by side, to get a true comparison.

Another thing you can't do is rely on the cc size of the engine....that's a measurement of size, not power. Remember the Stihl FS 36/40/44 trimmers? 31.5cc, while their more powerful, commercial trimmers were coming in at around 24cc. For a 27.2cc engine (same one as on the homeowner line of equipment), I just think it underperforms.

[AndyTblc]

I'm telling you right now, that if you use a back-pack blower, you will be sorry that you ever bought a hand held. But if you're sure you want a hand held, go with stihl.:confused:

[lawnstriper23]

Just got the BG85 for Christmas and it is a solid blower. I have used it maybe ten times so far and no issues with starting, performance, etc. Can't go wrong with Stihl............

[Potchkins]

to answer your question BG85 C

I'm telling you right now, that if you use a back-pack blower, you will be sorry that you ever bought a hand held. But if you're sure you want a hand held, go with stihl.:confused:

wizzkid i agree totaly

[lawnboy dan]

ths echo230 is a pos! get the sthil 85

[redfin92]

Thanks guys. Gonna get the BG85 as soon as they come in. Been on order for about a month. Should be here any day now. :clapping:

[MikeLT1Z28]

if you have a dealer near, take a look at the redmax line also.

they actually have a decently priced entry level back pack blower, check it out here...

http://catalog.redmax.com/MyCart/ProductDetails/74/EBZ3000RH_Backpack_Blower.aspx

and they also have handhelds if you are set on it.

http://catalog.redmax.com/MyCart/ProductDetails/74/EBZ3000RH_Backpack_Blower.aspx

[redfin92]

Thanks but I picked up the BG 85 last week. Works just great for my needs.:usflag:

[toymaker]

In my opinion the best hand held blower in the $200.00 price range is the Red Max HBZ2600. Incredable power and only weighs 8 pounds.