RYOBI 40V HP 730 CFM Review

Introduction: The Quest for Cordless Dominance

The yard tool industry has spent years chasing a cordless leaf blower that can genuinely replace a gas backpack unit. RYOBI’s announcement of the 40V HP 730 CFM model raised eyebrows: 730 CFM is a number that, until recently, belonged only to high-end gas blowers. The question is whether the reality matches the spec sheet. Based on owner feedback and spec analysis, this review covers exactly where this machine shines and where it stumbles.

This is an honest, research-based review of the RYOBI 40V HP 730 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower. No lab coats, no fake test equipment—just real-world data and user reports.

Performance: The CFM King, But With a Tradeoff

The Unmatched Air Volume

The RYOBI 40V HP 730 CFM delivers on its headline promise. This is the highest CFM in the cordless handheld class. When the trigger is pulled, it moves a massive wall of air. Owners report clearing a 50-foot stretch of concrete driveway covered in dry maple leaves in under two minutes. Leaves don’t just scatter; they fly in a cohesive, wide stream. On wet leaves—the true test of any blower—this unit performs admirably, moving thick, matted piles that would stop lesser cordless blowers.

The key is the “HP” in the name. RYOBI’s High Performance brushless motor is paired with a specifically designed fan housing and nozzle. The result is an air volume that feels more like a gas backpack blower than a handheld. Users can stand at the edge of a lawn and blow leaves from a 15-foot radius without walking every step, saving battery and time.

The Airspeed Tradeoff

Here is the honest criticism. The CFM is incredible, but the airspeed is rated at 155 mph. For context, many smaller cordless blowers hit 170 to 190 mph. This lower speed means the air stream is wider and deeper, but it lacks the “laser beam” precision for dislodging leaves from tight spaces. To blow leaves out from under dense shrubs or between closely spaced fence boards, users must get closer or use a different nozzle position. For open areas and general lawn clearing, the high CFM more than compensates for the lower speed—the volume of air simply overwhelms the leaves. But for detail work like cleaning flower beds or tight deck corners, the lower speed is a notable drawback.

Battery Life and Power Management

The standard kit includes a 4.0 Ah High Performance battery and a standard charger. RYOBI offers a variable speed trigger and a cruise control lock. With cruise control set to about 70% power for general cleanup, owners report a consistent 22 to 25 minutes of runtime. At full throttle, that drops to about 15 minutes. That is realistic for a blower this powerful. The battery indicator on the tool itself is a useful feature, letting users know when power is low without stopping to check the battery.

The charger is a standard 40V unit, taking about 60 to 90 minutes to fully recharge a depleted 4.0 Ah battery. For serious yard work, a second battery is recommended. The good news is that RYOBI’s 40V system is vast, so owners of other 40V tools likely have spare batteries already.

Build Quality and Value: Heavy But Solid

The Weight Issue

This is the biggest con. With the 4.0 Ah battery attached, the blower weighs 7.2 pounds. That is heavy for a handheld tool. For context, a gas backpack blower weighs about 22 pounds, but the weight is on the back. Seven pounds held at arm’s length for 15 minutes will fatigue arms and shoulders. The balance is actually quite good for the weight—RYOBI designed the handle and grip to keep the center of gravity close to the hand. It does not feel like a brick on a stick, but the weight is undeniable.

For small yards with only 10 minutes of blowing needed, this is a non-issue. For large properties requiring 30 minutes or more, the included shoulder strap is strongly recommended. The strap transfers weight to the shoulder instead of the arm, enabling work for 40 minutes without significant fatigue.

Durability and Materials

The build quality feels excellent. The housing is thick, impact-resistant plastic. The nozzle is reinforced and locks into place with a positive click. The rubberized grip provides good traction even with gloves. The variable speed trigger has a progressive feel—it can be feathered for gentle cleanup or slammed to full power. The cruise control lock is a simple lever that holds the trigger at the desired speed; it is not a digital setting, just a mechanical lock. It works, though a more positive detent would be an improvement.

The air intake is large and relatively unprotected. When blowing near loose gravel or small debris, there is a risk of sucking something into the fan. The battery connection is solid and has a weather-resistant seal.

Value Proposition

This is where RYOBI wins. The blower comes as a complete kit with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger. Compared to a comparable gas blower plus the cost of fuel, oil, and maintenance, the cordless option becomes very attractive. Gas blowers require carburetor cleaning, spark plug changes, and fuel stabilizer. This blower requires nothing but pressing a button. The lack of maintenance is a huge value add.

There is a premium for the HP technology and the highest CFM in the cordless class. But the tool genuinely replaces a gas backpack blower for most homeowners. The cost per CFM is very competitive. For owners of RYOBI 40V batteries, the tool-only version offers even greater savings. For someone starting from scratch, the kit is a solid investment in the RYOBI 40V ecosystem, which includes chainsaws, trimmers, and hedge trimmers.

Who Should Buy the RYOBI 40V HP 730 CFM?

This blower is not for everyone. Here is a clear breakdown.

Ideal For:

• Homeowners with medium to large yards (half an acre or more). The power and runtime are sufficient for serious cleanup.
• People who hate gas engine maintenance. No mixing fuel, no pull cords, no carburetor issues. This is a true grab-and-go tool.
• Users who prioritize raw air volume over pinpoint airspeed. If moving massive piles of leaves quickly is the goal, this is the tool.
• RYOBI 40V ecosystem owners. With existing batteries, the tool-only price is a steal.
• Anyone who wants a single tool that handles both dry and wet leaves. The CFM is high enough to power through moisture.

Not Ideal For:

• Professionals using it all day, every day. The weight and battery runtime are limiting for commercial use. A gas backpack or larger cordless backpack unit would be better.
• People with very small yards (under a quarter acre). This blower is overkill. A smaller, lighter cordless model would be easier to handle and cheaper.
• Users who need to blow leaves out of tight, intricate spaces. The lower airspeed reduces precision. A smaller nozzle or different tool would be better for detail work.
• Anyone with significant arm or shoulder issues. 7.2 pounds is heavy, even with the strap. Research the weight in a store before buying is recommended.

Verdict: A Groundbreaking Cordless, But Not Perfect

The RYOBI 40V HP 730 CFM is the most impressive cordless handheld leaf blower on the market. It achieves what was thought impossible for a battery-powered handheld: genuine gas-level air volume. The ability to clear a large, wet lawn without a backpack or a cord is genuinely liberating. The build quality is excellent, the variable speed control is smooth, and the inclusion of a battery and charger in the kit makes it a complete solution out of the box.

However, the weight is a real factor. At 7.2 pounds, it is not a lightweight tool. The lower airspeed compared to some competitors is a meaningful tradeoff. The runtime, while respectable, means a second battery is needed for larger jobs. These are not dealbreakers, but they are important to know before purchase.

For the average homeowner who wants to retire their gas blower and never smell exhaust again, this is the best option on the market right now. It is not a replacement for a commercial gas backpack blower, but it is a massive leap forward for cordless technology. If the weight can be managed and raw power is valued over pinpoint precision, this blower is an excellent choice.

Final Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: Highest CFM in cordless class, battery and charger included, good balance despite weight, excellent build quality, low maintenance.

Cons: Heavier than competitors at 7.2 lbs with battery, airspeed is lower than some at 155 mph, runtime could be better for large properties.