If you’ve been searching for the best, most powerful backpack blower for serious yard work or commercial jobs, you know it’s not just about what the numbers on a box say. We brought together four of the biggest names in blowers—STIHL, ECHO, Redmax, and Husqvarna—and put them through a series of independent, real-world tests. The official stats don’t always tell the full story, so we weighed, measured, raced, and ran them dry to reveal what a pro or homeowner can actually expect on the job.

Before diving into the numbers and results, let’s get to know the contenders. These four backpack blowers are some of the strongest and most popular on the market, built for people who want raw power and reliable performance.

• Husqvarna 580BTS

  • Built by Husqvarna, a leading Swedish brand with a full lineup of outdoor power equipment.
  • Recently, Husqvarna acquired Redmax, so you’ll notice some shared design elements.
  • Available in variations with different throttle positions (hip vs. tube).

• Redmax EBZ8560

  • Redmax is a well-respected name in commercial blowers, now under Husqvarna’s ownership.
  • Its design and specs are very similar to Husqvarna’s big backpack, sharing many parts.

• ECHO PB-9010T

  • ECHO is known for building powerful, durable tools focused on commercial demand.
  • The PB-9010T is widely considered their current top performer.
  • Note: Shindaiwa models are not tested here, since ECHO owns Shindaiwa and offers nearly identical blowers under both labels.

• STIHL BR 800 X

  • The BR 800 X is STIHL’s lighter version of its biggest blower series.
  • There’s a slightly heavier "C-E" model with a hip start feature, but the tested “X” model keeps weight down.
  • Unlike the others, STIHL’s U.S. assembly is all in Virginia Beach, and it features tighter body panels and a different backplate design. Think of STIHL as the “Apple” of blowers—built with its own parts, distinct from the “PCs” of the other brands.

All these blowers are assembled in the United States, but STIHL stands alone for its unique build quality and features.

You can read manufacturer numbers all day, but a scale is honest. We weighed each blower fully assembled with its standard tube, all with empty tanks for a fair comparison.

Here’s how they stack up:

The STIHL BR 800 X is the clear winner for those who want the lightest blower. It’s about 2 pounds lighter than Redmax, and over 3 pounds lighter than the Echo or Husqvarna. This may not sound like much at first, but after hours on the job, it makes a real difference. Less weight means less fatigue for the operator, especially if you’re working through long leaves seasons or tackling big commercial jobs.

How do you really know which blower packs the most punch? Most manufacturers quote CFM (cubic feet per minute—how much air is moved) or MPH (miles per hour—the speed of the air coming out). But those can be misleading. A narrow jet at high speed isn’t always better than a slower, wider stream for moving debris.

The smarter way is to look at Newtons, a single number that represents air force by combining speed and volume (mass x acceleration). It’s the truest head-to-head comparison.

STIHL rates much lower in this “raw” number while the Echo PB-9010T is marketed as the “Alpha” with the highest possible output.

In a test familiar to anyone working in a mower shop, we raced the blowers to see which could push a mower battery across the smooth floor the fastest. We ran bracket-style rounds:

• Redmax vs. STIHL
• Husqvarna vs. Echo
• Winners faced off in the final

Surprise result: The STIHL BR 800 X won every battle, beating both the Redmax (higher Newton rating) and the Echo (the supposed “Alpha”). Echo lost all its rounds, even against Husqvarna.

Possible reasons?

• The slick floor test isn’t perfect. Battery friction, floor finish, and airflow patterns all play a part. But this method has settled a lot of on-the-ground arguments over the years.
• Echo may have lost some effectiveness due to its tube design, shaped differently for this kind of force.

We set each blower 12 inches above a digital scale and measured the actual air force pressing down. Here’s how they ranked:

1. Echo PB-9010T: Highest force ("hits the tens" on the scale)
2. Husqvarna 580BTS: Strong second
3. Redmax EBZ8560: Third
4. STIHL BR 800 X: Fourth in measured downforce

So, Echo wins on the scale (matching its high Newton rating), but didn’t translate that to real-world movement on the floor. Husqvarna and Redmax sit in the middle, while STIHL seems to deliver a punchier impact in practical use, even with its lower rating.

Both tests shed light on important differences: force on a chart doesn’t always mean real-life power that gets the job done.

All the power in the world isn't worth much if you're burning through gas every hour. We set up a simple, fair test: fill each dry tank with 32 ounces of premium fuel, start them all at once, and see which lasts longest. Then, calculate annual use and fuel spend for a working pro.

• Echo PB-9010T: 22 minutes 40 seconds (shortest runtime)
• Redmax EBZ8560: 25 minutes 53 seconds
• Husqvarna 580BTS: 27 minutes 17 seconds
• STIHL BR 800 X: 31 minutes 29 seconds (longest runtime)

This wasn't a fluke, either. Previous tests found STIHL consistently ran longer on the same fuel amount.

Taking the runtime and fuel used, here’s what you get for ounces burned per hour:

If you operate your blower about 620 hours per year (typical for commercial crews):

• Echo: ~410 gallons/year
• Redmax: ~357 gallons/year
• Husqvarna: ~340 gallons/year
• STIHL: ~296 gallons/year

That’s a potential difference of 113 gallons each year between the STIHL and the Echo!

• Assuming premium fuel costs about $4.50/gallon
• 113 gallons × $4.50 = $510/year saved with STIHL
• Add in premix oil at $1/gallon ($113) = $623/year total savings

Echo may have the power edge, but if you're watching the bottom line and operating several blowers, STIHL’s efficiency adds up fast. These savings are even more meaningful over a few years or a big team.

Let’s lay out the most important points to help you choose what matters most for you or your crew.

• Price: STIHL and Echo both come in lower than Husqvarna and Redmax, with all four generally priced in the $629–$659 range.
• Weight: STIHL is the lightest and most comfortable for long days.
• Power: Echo rated highest by Newtons and in measured force, making it the “muscle car” of the group. In practical push tests, STIHL delivered more bang than the rating would suggest, so don't ignore real-life performance.
• Fuel Efficiency: STIHL is the clear long-term cost cutter, running further on less gas than any rival.
• Choosing for Power: If your priority is pushing heavy material and raw output, Echo delivers, but you’ll pay more to run it.
• Choosing for Efficiency: STIHL burns the least fuel and feels lightest, with good but not record-breaking force.

Each of these blowers brings something to the table. STIHL’s BR 800 X stands out for saving you money and strain on your back. The Echo PB-9010T still rules the raw power contest if outright force is non-negotiable. Redmax and Husqvarna offer a solid balance of weight, muscle, and features for those who want a proven workhorse.

The best choice depends on your priorities—maximum strength, long-term savings, or everyday comfort. Want more? Visit Main Street Mower to learn about every brand and ask questions. Let us know in the comments which tests or products you want to see next time!

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Main Street Mower channel for more unbiased, real-world equipment tests and reviews.

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