The Stihl BGA 200 leaf blower leads the way in blowing power
Stihl is one of the top names in lawn care equipment and they know blowers. From the powerful BR 800 Magnum leading the backpack blower class to battery powered options, they always meet the needs of professionals and homeowners alike. We're taking a closer look at the Stihl BGA 200 battery-operated leaf blower to give you an idea of what to expect from a high-end cordless product.
advantage
- excellent blowing power
- High-capacity battery options provide long run times for professional workers
- Design reduces weight of blower battery
- Physical design maintains natural wrist position while keeping nozzle down
- Lightweight 7.1 lbs
shortcoming
- expensive setup
As Stihl's current leader in battery powered blow power, you get 553 CFM and up to 188 MPH combined for an impressive 21 Newtons of blow force. It was slightly higher (21.3 Newtons) in our tests.
You may notice that the blow force number is one of the few that exceeds 20 Newtons, but Stihl doesn't claim a CFM number in the 700+ range like some brands do. This is because this blower puts more emphasis on high wind speeds, which means it does a better job of moving heavier and/or wet debris than a blower with a lower rated airspeed and higher CFM.
Learn more about the relationship between CFM, MPH and Newtons here.
Stihl BGA 200 Battery Operated Leaf Blower Design
From the very beginning, the blower looked different. As it moves forward from the rear air intake, it curves down at an angle that other brands don't. It keeps the nozzles pointed at the ground in front of you while keeping your wrist in a more natural position, reducing fatigue.
One of the differences between this design and other cordless blower designs is that the BGA 200 does not use batteries that are mounted directly on the unit. It attaches to Stihl's backpack battery or battery strap. While it's a different way of doing things, it keeps the blower much lighter in your hands, weighing just 7.1 lbs.
For control, Stihl uses a control dial that is easily accessible on the fly. When you press forward to cycle through a level, the dial springs back to its original position rather than simply spinning.
Discover our top picks for the top cordless leaf blowers here.
other highlights
- 59 dB rating (measured from 50 feet per ANSI standard)
- Rubberized soft-touch handle
- hanging slot
- Indoor Friendly, No Emissions
- No natural gas and oil mixed
- No gas engine maintenance or freeze protection required
Stihl BGA 200 Battery Operated Leaf Blower Prices
Visit your local Stihl dealer or Stihl's website to order this blower. It costs $449.99 bare-bones, and you'll need to add a battery and charger if you're not already using Stihl's wireless platform.
the bottom line
Stihl designed the BR 200 Battery Operated Leaf Blower for professionals who want or need to get away from air blowers. So it's very effective and well designed. Combined with a high-capacity backpack battery, your crew has plenty of trigger time for post-mow or leaf cleanup. It's the highest-performing battery-powered option in the lineup…at least for now. As we write this, Equip Expo (formerly GIE) is taking place next week and we'll see what's next for Stihl.