Ryobi 730 CFM Blower Provides Impressive Power with Minimal Noise
Despite the increasing noise levels of cordless blowers as performance standards rise, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 730 CFM Leaf Blower stands out with its strong power and remarkably low noise. Ryobi refers to this technology as the Whisper series, and we set out to test these claims against other battery-operated blowers on the market.
Advantages
- Superior blowing force
- Exceptionally quiet performance
- Great value for money with two 4.0Ah batteries included in the kit
- Resilient and optimized performance with the flexible nozzle design
Shortcoming
- No obvious disadvantages
Blowing Power
While 700 CFM has been a significant achievement for blowers, Ryobi’s HP brushless blowers reach an impressive 730 CFM. Depending on the nozzle used, you can achieve an airspeed of up to 190 MPH.
To understand the significance of these numbers compared to other blowers, we use Newton’s force as a reference. With a fully charged battery, we measured a peak force of 11.3 N. When in Turbo mode, the power surges to 20.0 N.
But it gets even better. By cutting off a portion of the flexible nozzle, you can increase the CFM and achieve a total force of 21.7 N. Only five cordless blowers we have tested reached the 20 N mark, and two of them are from Ryobi. The other one is Ryobi’s 40V Backpack Blower. It is the most powerful blower out of the box, although we do not recommend using it with a very heavy battery configuration.
Runtime
During our tests, we obtained a runtime of 15 minutes and 5 seconds at full throttle and 10 minutes and 32 seconds with Turbo engaged. These times may seem short when compared to other blowers we have tested. However, the Ryobi kit includes two 4.0Ah batteries, effectively doubling the runtime compared to high-performance options that come with just one battery.
Noise Level
Blower noise ratings are typically based on ANSI standards for bystanders. However, we also test the blower’s noise levels as perceived by the operator. Most battery-powered blowers produce over 80 decibels of noise, with high-performance models reaching 85-88 decibels.
If you are accustomed to hair dryers of this class, you will be pleasantly surprised by the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Hair Dryer, which operates at 72dB on high and only 76dB on Turbo. Not only is it quiet for a high-performance model, but it also outperforms almost every cordless hair dryer we have tested.
According to ANSI testing, the blower is rated at 57 decibels. Achieving such low noise levels required meticulous engineering, including the use of sound insulation foam behind the blower.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 730 CFM Leaf Blower Design Notes
Weight and Balance
Without the battery, the blower weighs 6.4 pounds. With the 4.0Ah battery, it reaches 9.7 pounds, and with the larger 6.0Ah battery pack, it weighs 10.7 pounds.
The blower is longer than most, measuring 40 3/4 inches from front to back with a flexible nozzle. However, it is well-balanced and maintains a decent downward angle under load. The weight balance does shift slightly when using the heavier 6.0Ah battery.
Additional Features
- Variable speed trigger
- Cruise control
- Jet fan design
- Compatible with all Ryobi 40V batteries
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 730 CFM Leaf Blower Prices
The Ryobi 730 CFM blower is available for $179 as a standalone unit or for $299 in a kit that includes two 4.0Ah batteries and a fast charger. Considering its performance and features, this kit offers excellent value compared to other high-performance options.
Ryobi provides a 5-year warranty for the blower and a 3-year warranty for the battery.
The Bottom Line
Facing tough competition from other cordless blowers, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 730 CFM Leaf Blower stands out with its exceptional combination of power, low noise levels, and value. With Ryobi’s full potential showcased in the 40V HP brushless lineup, this Whisper Series blower gives you another compelling reason to consider Ryobi as your go-to choice for battery-powered lawn care.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 730 CFM Leaf Blower Specifications
- Model: Rimei RY404100
- Power source: Ryobi 40V battery
- Maximum airflow: 190 MPH
- Maximum air volume: 730 CFM
- Weight: 6.4 lbs (bare), 9.7 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Length: 40 3/4 inches (with flexible nozzle)
- Price: $179 (bare), $299 (kit with two 4.0Ah batteries and fast charger)
- Warranty: 5 years for the blower, 3 years for the battery
Learn more here.