Greenworks Pro 80V 125 MPH 500 CFM vs 145 MPH 580 CFM

Greenworks Pro has had the very popular [easyazon_link identifier=”B00R6Z4SEQ” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro 500 CFM GBL80300[/easyazon_link] 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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B01N11IBJU” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro 580 CFM[/easyazon_link], 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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B01N11IBJU” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro 580 CFM BL80L2510[/easyazon_link] has 16% more airspeed (MPH) and force (CFM) at the highest setting than the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00R6Z4SEQ” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro 500 CFM GBL80300[/easyazon_link]. It also comes with a larger capacity battery at 2.5Ah whereas the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00R6Z4SEQ” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro 500 CFM GBL80300[/easyazon_link] unit comes with a 2Ah battery. Since they tout 22 minutes of run-time at constant full power for the new unit, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01N11IBJU” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro 580 CFM BL80L2510[/easyazon_link] 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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B00R6Z4SEQ” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro 500 CFM GBL80300[/easyazon_link] 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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B01N11IBJU” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro 580 CFM BL80L2510[/easyazon_link] model so you can maintain your chosen speed without needing to continue to hold the trigger.

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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B01N11IBJU” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro BL80L2510[/easyazon_link] unit definitely has 16% more airspeed (MPH) and force (CFM). But we’ve found the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00R6Z4SEQ” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro GBL80300[/easyazon_link] 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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B01N11IBJU” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro BL80L2510[/easyazon_link] unit is more expensive.

Conclusion

We think the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00R6Z4SEQ” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro GBL80300[/easyazon_link] 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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B01N11IBJU” locale=”US” tag=”about10b-20″]Greenworks Pro BL80L2510[/easyazon_link] 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.