Greenworks Pro has had the very popular Greenworks Pro 500 CFM GBL80300 80-volt 125 MPH 500 CFM battery powered leaf blower on the market for a few years. It has been our favorite for two years in a row. Greenworks Pro retooled their 60-volt version outfitting it with an 80-volt battery and created the Greenworks Pro 580 CFM, rated at 145 MPH and 580 CFM, which appears on paper to be a faster and more powerful leaf blower.
But how much faster, and is it worth the higher price? And do other design issues make it a better model?
On paper, the Greenworks Pro 580 CFM BL80L2510 has 16% more airspeed (MPH) and force (CFM) at the highest setting than the Greenworks Pro 500 CFM GBL80300. It also comes with a larger capacity battery at 2.5Ah whereas the Greenworks Pro 500 CFM GBL80300 unit comes with a 2Ah battery. Since they tout 22 minutes of run-time at constant full power for the new unit, the Greenworks Pro 580 CFM BL80L2510 may need the extra Amp hours to achieve that amount of run-time. And we feel 20 minutes of run-time is a minimum. To pack in this extra power, the new unit is also heavier by about 1 lb.
The older Greenworks Pro 500 CFM GBL80300 model has a 3-speed switch and the new model has a variable speed trigger. The trigger could add to fatigue if you are always managing your grip for the speed you want. But Greenworks added a speed lock they call Cruise Control to the new Greenworks Pro 580 CFM BL80L2510 model so you can maintain your chosen speed without needing to continue to hold the trigger.
- 125 MPH
- 500 CFM
- 80 Volt system
- 20 to 70 minute run-time
- 8.9 lbs with stock 2Ah battery
- Battery compatible with:
- Lawn Mower
- String Trimmer
- 26″ Hedge Trimmer
- 10″ Pole Saw
- Larger battery capacity options
- 3 speeds
- 145 MPH
- 580 CFM
- 80 Volt System
- At least 22-minutes run-time
- 10.0 lbs with stock 2.5Ah battery
- Battery compatible with:
- Lawn Mower
- String Trimmer
- 26″ Hedge Trimmer
- 10″ Pole Saw
- Larger battery capacity options
- Variable speed
Similiarites
Both of these units have impressive MPH and CFM ratings that are comparable to professional gas powered handheld leaf blowers. They both are powered by 80-volt systems. We have found better results in battery powered leaf blowers with a higher voltage. They have similar run-times, same optional batteries, and compatible tools. And they are both a part of an excellent family of battery powered yard tools. The use of a common battery can reduce your costs by allowing you to share it with several tools.
Differences
There are essentially 4 things different about the two units. Speed and force, weight, power control, and price.
- The newer Greenworks Pro BL80L2510 unit definitely has 16% more airspeed (MPH) and force (CFM). But we’ve found the Greenworks Pro GBL80300 to be quite powerful and sufficient to manage tough jobs around the house.
- The new unit is about a pound heavier which can add to fatigue but we found that to be a minor issue.
- We found the 3-speed choices of the older model to work well. We didn’t find much need to vary the speed any more than 3 choices.
- Finally, the Greenworks Pro BL80L2510 unit is more expensive.
Conclusion
We think the Greenworks Pro GBL80300 125 MPH – 500 CFM has the best value for the price. But this comes down to a nuanced decision. If you want that 16% extra power, and prefer a trigger design, and don’t mind the extra money, the Greenworks Pro BL80L2510 145 MPH 580 CFM is a better choice for you.
For more in-depth discussion on features to consider when buying a cordless leaf blower, see our leaf blower buying guide.
