joed

As a snowblower enthusiast, any snowblower can make sense, even if they are close or have overlapping qualities.  Same with shoes, automobiles, and woodworking tools, camera lenses, etc...The Snowmaster is, in my opinion, one good design.  But it is somewhat an in-betweener, a cross-over, hybrids, CUV.   IF you chose it for what it was designed for, you won't be disappointed.  It doesn't specialize in any category, and it has smart compromises in performance and handling.

For the current model 721QZE, there is no difference to the 721RC.  They both have the same engine.  The RC does not have Quick Chute, but has thicker paddles.  You can add Toro's thicker rubber paddles or aftermarket polyurethane paddles to make it into a 721QZE - C.  I think this adds to about $50-$80.  The thicker paddles lasts longer and can beat up on EOD piles a bit better, but you will notice increased vibration and noise.

I heard that Honda recalled or put on hold last year's HS720 models.  They tweaked something to take care of vibrations and noise.  I'm still disappointed about the chute and deflector design and finesse, and I'm expecting that next generation Toro SS will trample over the Honda.  There's some teething pains with Honda new SS and 2 stage models built in USA, but Honda is working on it.  :)  I'm excited of the new models, I may update my fleet sometime in the future.  I was a guinea pig in one of Honda's products in the past and I am not buying first production year again.

Thats a tough call.  I think the 8 hp Snowmaster has the remote deflector, would throw snow further and dig EOD piles better than the SS 721, but it will not maneuver as easily as a SS.    If you already have the 826OXE, you may find that the Snowmaster is not aggressive at EOD and maybe disappointed. 

The safe choice would be the SS 721.  It's proven design, has lots of power.  If only Toro make it with Quick Chute and remote deflector, I'd jump on it.  Maybe Toro will make it on the next generation of single stage snowblower.