Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Well my Sears $99.00 gas leaf blower has finally given up its ghost. Can't complain since I had it for about 6 years and didn't really think it would last that long. Need a new one as the leaves are starting to pile up. Thinking of getting the low end Stihl that lists at around $149.00. I have owned their low end weed whacker for at least 12 years and it continues to run strong. Any thoughts on a new blower? Is Stihl still reliable? Thanks for your thoughts and recommendations.

If it helps, i have a stihl bg86/sh86 and an echo pb251 ( now the echo pb255 ). As a vac/shredder, the stihl is the better unit. As a blower, the echo is superior. Additionally, the echo starts much more easily and is quieter. If your primary need is a handheld blower, i'd go with the echo. Even though the stihl is rated as having more cfms, in the real world the echo produces more blowing power.