Husqvarna 350iB Leaf Blaster Brings Cordless Power to Your Yard
If you’re a homeowner, you may not need a tool with all the bells and whistles of a Pro-grade model. With that being said, it feels nice to have a homeowner-focused tool that delivers commercial-like performance. That’s what the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster aims to achieve, and we’re looking to see what it brings to the table for the residential market.
Pros
- Excellent blowing force
- Well-balanced
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Competitive price point
- Plenty of runtime
- Lightweight design
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Husqvarna Leaf Blaster Performance
- Air Flow: 800 CFM
- Air Speed: up to 200 MPH
- Stated Blowing Force: 23 N
- Tested Blowing Force w/ Nozzle: 9.8 N (high), 23.3 N (boost mode)
- Tested Blowing Force w/o Nozzle: 10.1 N (high), 24.4 N (boost mode)
- Runtime: 38 min 4 sec (high), 13 min 55 sec (boost mode)
- Noise Level: 81 dBa (high), 86 dBa (boost mode)
Blowing Force
This leaf blower uses a brushless motor to generate airspeeds of up to 200 MPH. On the airflow side, the 350iB obtains up to 800 CFM at the top end. This is well into the upper levels as far as performance goes, especially for a battery-powered model. On top of that, Husqvarna states that this blower is capable of pushing up to 23.5 N, but during our testing, the 350iB topped out at 24.4 N on our force meter!
These numbers put it in league with similar residential models like the Ryobi RY40HPLB01 and the EGO LB8800. Moreover, this level of blowing force means that heavy broad leaves, weekly grass clippings, and stubborn debris won’t stand a chance!
What’s interesting about the 350iB is that there is such a large gap between the maximum blowing force in high and boost mode. On high, this blower tops out at 10.1 N, which is very similar to what you get from a residential gas-powered blower. Don’t get me wrong, it still delivers plenty of power on high, but this also plays a major role when it comes to the overall runtime.
Runtime
Runtime can be a tricky number to nail down because of environmental factors that come into play, such as temperature and ambient humidity. However, Husqvarna pairs this blower with a 7.5Ah battery, so we have high expectations.
For my runtime tests, I loaded up a freshly charged 7.5Ah battery and set the cruise control to max. On high, this blower ran for 38 minutes and 4 seconds, and boost mode yielded a total time of 13 minutes and 55 seconds. These are certainly some impressive numbers, especially when you consider that this blower’s power level is on the upper end in the handheld category.
Noise Level
One of the main benefits of making the switch to battery-powered equipment is the reduced noise level. Especially in the day and age of active HOA code enforcement, quieter lawn equipment is quickly displacing their louder gas-powered counterparts.
Husqvarna clocked the 350iB at 79.4 dB(A) from the operator’s ear. They don’t state what mode that’s in, but we ran our own tests to discover more. On our SPL meter, we measured 81 dB(A) on high and 86 dB(A) when using the boost mode.
What’s interesting is that Husqvarna stated readings measured from the operator’s ear rather than the more common ANSI standard, which is measured from 50 feet away. It’s a small detail, but we appreciate that they’re trying to paint the most accurate picture for prospective buyers.
Husqvarna Leaf Blaster Design
- Model: Husqvarna 350iB / Husqvarna 970569904
- Power Source: Husqvarna 40V battery
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 40.6 x 6.0 x 10.6 inches
- Weight: 5.7 pounds (bare), 9.9 pounds (with 7.5Ah battery)
- Tube diameter: 3.74 inches
Size and Weight
Weight is important to a leaf blower’s design since you should be able to comfortably use it for extended periods of time. The 350iB weighs just shy of 6 pounds bare, and adding a 40V 7.5Ah battery brings the weight up to 10 pounds. This makes it one of the lightest handheld blowers we’ve tested.
Ergonomics
Along with its lightweight design, the Husqvarna 350iB is remarkably well-balanced with the kitted 7.5 Ah battery. Thanks to the handle’s angle, the blower naturally points downward, making it easy to maneuver with little effort.
On the handle is also where you’ll find the control panel that includes a power button, boost mode button, and the cruise control.
Additionally, the blower tube is compatible with a concentrator tip and scraper tip designed to remove stuck-on debris that won’t dislodge with just air.
Husqvarna Leaf Blaster Price
This leaf blower retails for $229 as a bare tool and $379 as a kit, including a 7.5Ah battery and charger. Husqvarna backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
After getting some hands-on time with the Husqvarna 40V Leaf Blaster, it’s clear that the 350iB is more than just your ordinary leaf blower. It delivers top-tier performance for homeowners, even surpassing their other battery-powered handheld and backpack models in total CFM. This is a big win for Husqvarna’s product team, as the 350iB delivers excellent blowing force while maintaining a relatively lightweight design.
For me, the big win for Husqvarna is its blowing force. Topping out with 800 CFM of airflow, a 200mph airspeed, and hitting 24.4 N during our testing, the 350iB is certainly a formidable option in the handheld blower category. Not to mention, the price falls right in line with what we expect from premium models in the residential market. So, if you’re on the hunt for a powerful battery-powered blower, the Husqvarna 350iB is a great option.
