Harbor Freight Bauer vs Roybi vs Kobalt Cordless Jet Fan Blower Brushed vs Brushless

[@ClientGraphics]

What is your favorite cordless battery powered tool lineup? What value if any do you see in the Harbor Freight Bauer lineup? In the end I was able to get the Kobalt leaf blower and string trimmer combo on sale both for what the single Bauer setup would have cost.

[@BradsWorkbench]

ClientGraphics yea I think my blower trimmer ryobi combo was $150ish a year ago

[@jtsdeals]

I use Makita for my core tools and Ryobi for more niche tools. I picked up the Makita blower for about $100 tool only - it's pretty awesome (a guy on here compared 10 blowers from HD - Ego was the best, but Makita ended up being the best "tool family" version). I like Makita (over DeWalt or Milwaukee) because of the ergonomics, availability of their sub compact tools (sub compact drill does almost everything I need in a drill), technology (brushless tools, good batteries, performance head to head vs competitors). Ryobi makes some good value tools like their 18ga brad nailer, dual inflator, power inverter, caulk gun, fan, etc that I will not be using regularly, but are nice to have when I need them. Bauer appears to be taking on Ryobi with very similar tools with slightly better stats - but nowhere near the tool variety or battery variety. I don't get the Hercules cordless line at all - very little tool variety, not brushless, not cheap, 90 days warranty - I just can't see why anyone looking for pro tools would go this way. The Hercules corded benchtop tools I like - I feel like those are better positioned since you are buying a stand-alone tool and not a family.

[@scottthroop6208]

Its now 2023. Bauer has had a 5ah for a couple of years, and just released the 8ah. No power output increase, but very respectable run times. I use my Bauer blower at least weekly. Mostly for blowing excess water from my car after a wash, but also around the shop. Been running strong for about 3 years now. My only gripe is I also hate the roller switch.

[@Mexicanmike87]

Got the Bauer blower recently for my grandparents so they don’t need to pullout their extension cord anymore, got it with a 5AH battery and their faster charger for 89.99 with the blower being the free tool I chose. Absolutely solid 🤙🏽

[@vljenewein]

Bauer now has a 5 Ah battery along with the 1.5 Ah and 3.0 Ah battery. That one should work a lot better.

[@chaselesser3191]

I bought Bauer b/c of the color. After 2 yrs of using a $15 “For Parts Only” Impact Driver. That hasn’t quit. I have trust in them. The blower is great for a small lawn. I had to get the trimmer b/c my STIHL destroyed my siding. And I needed an edger.

[@rhsking05]

Damn, nice video! I went out and grabbed me a Kobalt Combo kit, string trimmer and blower combo, yesterday and I love it. It really blows.

[@cruggiere]

The Harbor Freight Blower is even stronger with the new 5AH battery. The string trimmer is also works very well.

[@TehShadowDeath]

A lot of my old coworkers kept buying Snap-On or Dewalt tools. I got mocked when I walked in to work with a drill/impact Kobalt combo. After a few months people started buying them. That was 2 years ago, I've since changed careers and they ride around in my brother-in-law's work truck now with the same batteries as well.

[@ClientGraphics]

I hear they hold up and I just picked up the 1/2 impact with 4.0Ah battery so I can use it with the other tools👍🏻

[@TehShadowDeath]

@@ClientGraphics I loved mine while I had them. I honestly bought them as a stopgap between what I had and Milwaukee but was so impressed with them that I just kept them up till recently.

[@michaelsteder6690]

I have the Bauer, with 5ah Battery,,,kicks major butt, blows like crazy, and a very inexpensive set-up, I have gone up to 20 min and still battery life left...my gas and my corded blowers are very lonely these days, probably never use them again..(the corded one for sure)..

[@Uptownfunkyouup843]

All I own is kobalt now and their tools rock. The XTR line is the way to go plus the weed eater and chainsaw are amazing . I beat on my tools and these haven’t failed me yet

[@ChrisPyke88]

Just a note, the sound doubles every 3 decibels. So 90dB is half as loud as 93dB. The number doesn't seem much larger, but that is why the Kobalt sounds so much quieter.

[@sniperking1990]

Incorrect every 10 decibels the sound doubles

[@gotsnopa]

@@sniperking1990 Actually you are both correct. 3DdB doubles the sound intensity but it takes 10dB before sound is perceived twice as loud.

[@PawOfRizzo]

Great video! All good products with different strengths and weaknesses, but I'd go Bauer since I already have some Bauer products. Next, I'd go Ryobi because of their other tools in the line, although I have none at this point. The Kobalt shines as well, but I would never have any plans for any of the Kobalt 24v as I've seen their hand tools dwindling, so would be concerned about their battery line going away.

[@ClientGraphics]

Totally understand as I thought I’d never buy into Kobalt. I feel if HF Bauer would have been brushless in the Jet Blower it would have helped battery life or would carry a 5 or 6Ah battery I probably would have stuck with it.

[@PawOfRizzo]

ClientGraphics Really when Kobalt released their 24v years ago I figured the line would not do well. I like their hand tools, but just figured their battery line would not catch on. But most videos of the Kobalt line seem to indicate they work well.

[@Mexicanmike87]

@@ClientGraphics you should compare the lynxx blower from harbor freight vs the kobalt it's also brushless and comes in a kit with battery and charger for 129 with a coupon

[@ClientGraphics]

Q-Pid Avenger That would have fixed a lot of my issues like the backwards battery indicator on the Bauer and the charge time is stated at 60mins on the Lynxx. They do have a string trimmer which is a plus and if you could catch both for $129 each that would be a good combo as you would have two batteries and two chargers. At that price point there is some decent gas powered options available. Would have been a good comparison to throw in!

[@rhmayer1]

I realize my comment is 2 years old now, but I'm shopping for a leaf blower and just saw the Kobalt 24V 4.0Ah blower at Lowe's that right now comes not only with battery and charger but also with an extra battery (while the current batch lasts; next shipment will be back to 1 charger, the sales guy said). And since the time of your video Kobalt added a Turbo boost thumb button. It's rated at 500 cfm and 120 mph (during boost; how all blowers seem to be rated now). Price is $139, which seems like a very good deal especially with the extra battery. I also liked it because it's lightweight at 5.4 lbs with the battery, so my arm won't get tired. There are actually a LOT of Kobalt 24V tools (pictures of 45 tools on the side of the box, from the photos I took at the store). Kobalt is the house brand of Lowe's. Unlike Harbor that has 3 quality levels, Lowe's just has the single Kobalt system line, though they do also make a 40V leaf blower. So I don't think the system line has dwindled but only grown over the past 2 years. I don't mean to sound like a Kobalt salesman. It's just fresh in my mind. I plan to go to Home Depot and Harbor Freight to compare what they have now. So far, from what I've seen online the EGO leaf blower seems best, but too heavy and expensive and beyond my needs. This is the only video I've seen so far showing the Kobalt 24V blower. So I'm eager to find more videos to do further comparisons. But so far that $139 deal seems good.

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Great comparison to these, gonna have to say I like the Ryobi tools a little more just due to my personal experience with reliability and the use of the same batteries forever lol

[@ClientGraphics]

Rustbelt Mechanic Love Ryobi for that simple fact of using the same battery compatibility for at least 10+ years!

[@waynewicks6814]

I'll stay with the bauer lineup over any of them I like the tolls I never had any problems with any of the cordless line up I like the fact that the battery are cheaper and they're coming out with a five and 8 hour battery platform

[@rigomartinez8252]

2 years later and still no 8 hour battery. Wishful thinking .....

[@John-xc5ko]

@@rigomartinez8252 That stinks. I'm glad we got the 5. It's enough for me to do a lot of trimming around my property without dying.

[@ti994apc]

The harbor freight Bauer has the most power and probably cost the least. One thing for sure, is i will NEVER EVER go back to a corded tool.

[@BradsWorkbench]

I got the ryobi in a package with a trimmer. I agree with your assessment of it 👍🏼

[@ClientGraphics]

Brads Workbench My neighbor has the Ryobi one and uses it weekly for the past 2yrs. It’s so convenient compared to gas. They are all good choices depending on which line is the best for you. I wanted the string trimmer and just couldn’t wait for Bauer and Ridgid doesn’t even have a string trimmer where Ryobi at least has a string trimmer.

[@ss4goku9695]

@@ClientGraphics there's an 18v brushless Ryobi blower. Not available in the states yet, but should be available soon.

[@tremainenash8345]

Bauer has a Combo kit with 5ah battery and charger. Just bought one today. Bauer also has a Combo kit with 6 tools and battery and charger at Harbor Freight .

[@Pro1er]

I'm glad I watched this. I have the Worx blower which looks like a clone of the Bauer. I've been wanting the Ryobi for a few years because I have several Ryobi batteries, but your tests have changed my mind. I don't like Worx tools and their batteries are outrageously expensive, but for a 20V blower it works pretty good.

[@handtoolreviews375]

HF Bauer looks decent, but the small battery limitation is a killer and they only provide a 90 day warranty on the battery.

[@Alexsdecants]

You can add a 2 year !

[@ColdWarVet607]

9 min for bauer, so many people have reviewed on HF that this lasts 20-30 or 35-40 if you don't use turbo & countless reviews boasted "I did this and that and still showed 3/4 left" I was looking for a straight run time test. 9 mins is pretty much worthless for yard. Thank you so much, think Ill go get a gas one.

[@Mo-Though]

I have the kobalt and love it and you can’t bet the price point or effectiveness of the tools also the warranties or amazing and convenient. It’s a ( 5 year tool warranty ) and a ( 3 year battery warranty ) standard on all tools!

[@ramcummins0521]

Don't know if you have seen the denl tools latest video but Harbor Freight it expected to take the baurline brushless and coming out with a 5 amp hour battery and an 8 Amp Hour battery

[@alex1701waller]

I use the Bauer to blow out trailers on driving truck. It works amazingly

[@branden3757]

Bauer now has a 5 amp hour battery and I actually prefer the rolling on and off switch never turns on by mistake keeps my hands fee and no lock lever to get in my way

[@sgtcote1]

5 years later, and Im using my Bauer blower and the new 12ah Bauer battery, giving it 45 minutes of runtime.

[@3rdgenfox]

I like the brauer also i have the 8 and 5 amp battery things a beast!!!!

[@_P0tat07_]

Your videos are getting really good!! Thanks for the video. Great comparison.

[@ClientGraphics]

Thank you, that means a lot! This was the first video I used the new microphone with and between all the testing and charging it was shot over 4 different days. I also learned how to shoot time lapse video instead of speeding it up while editing. Thank you for watching and commenting it means a lot.

[@_P0tat07_]

ClientGraphics you got it pal!

[@BOOGiNS]

Pro tip: you should always blow your grass clippings back into your lawn so your not making a mess in the street or on your neighbors properties. Also If you found a way to reduce the nozzle size on the kobalt it would increase the air speed coming out.

[@johnysilver1853]

Nice review I also wonder how long Dewalt will lastI know it 250 CFM vs Kobalt 210 CFM

[@WashingWizard10]

Do a video of the Cobalt testing flow using 2.0 4.0 & 6.0 it is a huge diff in power and out put

[@brandonkick]

Doesn't really make sense... just more cells in the battery. It's like a garden hose being connected up to a 1000 gallon tank vs a 5000 gallon tank. The water isn't coming out any faster or any different, you just have a lot more water to "use".

[@johnysilver1853]

There also extreme battery line

[@stewsmith3536]

What is the deal with the extended smaller nozzle for the Bauer blower? Is this an extra accessory?

[@stangdad7848]

I bought the Harbor freight Lnyxx 40 volt leaf blower. Kicks ass!

[@nickabel8279]

Sucks they dropped the line. I got the saw n 2 bats

[@felixf5211]

I have a use for a shop blower. Had a Metro Duster - a compact and powerful US made tool - that died about a week ago. Hard to complain after +10yrs of daily use, but nonetheless I'm not thrilled. It was like having portable shop air. I've looked at Makita's blower, but like the ones tested it's physically kinda big. I may have to bite the bullet and buy another Metro. The thing doubled in price. It's not cordless, but it's small with quite a bit of juice. Edit: I can almost hear Chris in my head, "Why don't you sell one of your drill presses and maybe there will be enough space for a real tool." ;) I'm finishing a 1955 Craftsman floor stander. Kinda planning on selling it, but it's so freaking beautiful that I'm having serious second thoughts. Should be done in a few days and at this point I'm not positive as to it's future.

[@ClientGraphics]

Felix F 10+ years at daily use, that sounds like you got your monies worth out of it. How many drill presses do you have? If you have more than two backups you need to sell one.

[@lynnwood1415]

The bauer has a 5 and 8 amp battery now 👍👍

[@truckerpeterose]

I’m liking the Kobalt but think the Ryobi is the best value.

[@billharris3049]

The harbor freight machine killed the other two.

[@thedgatmsn]

I have the corded Ryobi blower and it works well.

[@Dwayne1266]

Got the ryobi from a retail surplus store for 40 bucks no battery

[@coleyounger7229]

Harbor Freight for me it is much better than the others

[@danmckevittstoolsbagels3258]

One might say this video really..... blows?!?! No? I know I suck

[@danmckevittstoolsbagels3258]

@TheHound Is that so? News to me!

[@therrienmichael08]

I've used my neighbors Kobalt. I do not like it. Used a Dewalt rear facing ear splitting loud fan when working at U-Haul. Do not like it.

[@djyeeaah1]

The reason I prefer bauer is because I can take the same 3.0 battery and use it on my drill or my impact wrench. I'm considering buying the string trimmer next, which i can also use the same exact baterry on it.

[@thisguy2659]

You can do that with the Ryobi and Kobalt too

[@philstarkey6094]

U should really use the 5amp battery in the bauer

[@J_TRAIN]

Good video

[@tylerboltz1491]

Bauer has a 5amp hour battery now!!

[@mjshuja1948]

Now they OFFER 5.0Ah👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@biggregg5]

Good review

[@bmeach4940]

Bauer now has a 5 amp hour battery

[@DG-zo8bw]

4 yr update. Bauer has 5 amp hr battery

[@masterbastard7521]

modular speed, not variable

[@SgtJoeSmith]

Now compare them to stihl br600

[@ClientGraphics]

Joe Smith The Stihl BR600 is supposed to push around or over 200mph. Most consumer budget priced Wind Anemometers max under 70mph. It wouldn’t even be fair. But I want one!

[@ClientGraphics]

Maybe if I used all 3 jet blowers it might do the chair spin, but I doubt it.

[@SgtJoeSmith]

@@ClientGraphics attach all 3 to a creeper or something and make a jet sled and see if it pushes you on driveway.

[@chaselesser3191]

Yes! I wanted a budget blower. Since I had Bauer batteries I got Bauer. If I wanted something bigger. I’d go with a STIHL to match my Brush Cutter.