Quick verdict
Both are bare blowers for power-tool households at opposite ends of the size range. The DeWalt clears wet leaves on a FlexVolt pack; the Makita cleans a patio on an LXT pack. The platform decides, and so does the job.
DeWalt DCBL777B 60V MAX FlexVolt Blower
The DCBL777B is the DeWalt 60V MAX FlexVolt handheld blower rated by DeWalt at about 760 CFM, with a brushless motor, variable speed and a lock-on trigger, sold bare, on the FlexVolt packs that run DeWalt chainsaws and mowers.
DeWalt DCBL777B FlexVolt blower versus Makita XBU03Z 18V LXT blower: airflow, weight, batteries, noise and platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCBL777B 60V MAX FlexVolt Blower | Best Power-Tool-Platform Blower for Leaves | 8.8 | Check price |
| Makita XBU03Z 18V LXT Brushless Blower | Best Light Power-Tool-Platform Blower | 8.4 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
DeWalt DCBL777B 60V MAX FlexVolt Blower
The DCBL777B is the DeWalt 60V MAX FlexVolt handheld blower rated by DeWalt at about 760 CFM, with a brushless motor, variable speed and a lock-on trigger, sold bare, on the FlexVolt packs that run DeWalt chainsaws and mowers.
Reasons to buy
- About 760 CFM
- Moves wet leaves
- Runs on FlexVolt packs
- Lock-on trigger
Reasons to avoid
- Heavy
- FlexVolt packs cost more
- Amazon availability varies
Makita XBU03Z 18V LXT Brushless Blower
The XBU03Z is the Makita 18V LXT brushless handheld blower rated at 473 CFM and 116 MPH, with variable speed and a cruise control lever, sold bare, on one LXT pack.
Reasons to buy
- Light
- Quiet
- Runs on one LXT pack
- Cruise control lever
Reasons to avoid
- 473 CFM is light-duty
- Struggles with wet leaves
- Bare tool
Where these two differ
Both are bare blowers that run on power-tool packs. The DeWalt DCBL777B is a FlexVolt blower rated around 760 CFM that clears wet leaves. The Makita XBU03Z is a light LXT blower rated 473 CFM for patios. They overlap on dry debris and separate on everything else.
This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both blowers and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either blower ourselves.
| Specification | DCBL777B | XBU03Z |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow | About 760 CFM | 473 CFM |
| Battery | FlexVolt 60V | One LXT |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Noise | Loud | Quiet |
| Trigger | Lock-on | Cruise lever |
| Platform | DeWalt FlexVolt | Makita LXT |
Moving leaves
Dry debris on a patio moves for both. Wet matted leaves, gravel beds and the fence-line pile need the DeWalt.
Weight and noise
The Makita is light enough for an hour and quiet enough for an evening. The DeWalt with a FlexVolt pack is heavy and loud at full power.
Batteries and runtime
A FlexVolt 9 Ah pack on the DeWalt lasts a normal yard. A 5 Ah LXT pack lasts a long session on the Makita at low speed. Both assume packs already in the shed.
Platform
FlexVolt runs DeWalt chainsaws, mowers and big saws, and FlexVolt packs run every 20V tool. LXT runs everything Makita makes including the X2 mower and a bigger X2 blower. Neither household needs a second battery system.
Yard jobs this decides
October leaves on FlexVolt packs: the DeWalt. A patio and a quick clean on LXT packs: the Makita. Leaves on LXT packs: a Makita X2 blower rather than either.
Warranty and support
On the DeWalt DCBL777B, DeWalt covers it with a three-year limited warranty, one year of free service and a 90-day money-back guarantee. On the Makita XBU03Z, Makita covers LXT tools and batteries with a three-year limited warranty. Both makers run service networks in the US and both honor the warranty only with proof of purchase, so keep the receipt with the manual. Registration takes a few minutes online and is worth doing the day the tool arrives.
Care and storage
Both are brushless battery tools and both last longest with the same habits: hose or brush debris off after each use, store packs indoors at partial charge through the winter rather than empty or full, and keep the machine out of direct sun in a shed. Neither needs oil changes, spark plugs or fuel stabilizer. A pack left at zero through a cold winter is the most common cause of a dead tool in spring on either platform.
Accessories worth adding
A second pack is the accessory that changes ownership of either machine, because it turns a runtime limit into a swap. A spare blade or impeller cover, a mulch plug if one is not in the box and a rapid charger are the next three. Both makers sell these through the same outlets as the machine, and third-party packs are a false economy on either platform.
Common owner complaints
DeWalt owners mention pack cost and availability. Makita owners mention light airflow. Both are reliable.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCBL777B for leaves on FlexVolt. Buy the XBU03Z for light cleanup on LXT.
Our verdict
The DeWalt DCBL777B takes this comparison for leaf cleanup. The Makita XBU03Z is the better light blower for an LXT household.
How we research
This comparison is built from the published specifications, manuals and warranty terms of both products and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run either product ourselves; where the makers do not publish a figure we say so rather than guess.
What to look for
Airflow
The DeWalt moves wet leaves; the Makita moves dry debris.
Weight
The Makita is far lighter.
Platform
FlexVolt or LXT packs decide.
Noise
The Makita is quiet.
Our verdict
Both are bare blowers for power-tool households at opposite ends of the size range. The DeWalt clears wet leaves on a FlexVolt pack; the Makita cleans a patio on an LXT pack. The platform decides, and so does the job.
FAQs
About sixty percent more airflow by the makers ratings.
The Makita by a wide margin.
No; it needs a FlexVolt 60V pack.
Yes, the X2 36V models on two LXT packs.
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