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Earlier this year, Bosch released the GBL18V-450N18X cordless leaf blower kit, and I just finished testing it. The Bosch GBL18V-450N handheld leaf blower has been around for a few years, during which it has earned praise for its power, performance, and lightweight maneuverability. The new kit pairs the highly regarded blower with the newly released Bosch Expert 18-volt 8-amp-hour high-power battery. If you’re thinking about buying a new leaf blower for your yard, you’ll want to read this review first.
Key Takeaways
- New Bosch leaf blower impresses with power and efficiency. The GBL18V-450N18X offers 450 CFM and 123 MPH performance with a lightweight design.
- Advanced battery technology enhances performance. The new Expert 18V 8Ah battery provides consistent power and faster charging.
- Ideal for various tasks but may need more power for heavy leaf seasons. Perfect for yard cleanup, patio drying, and workshop cleaning.
- Compatibility with AMPShare ecosystem adds versatility. The Expert battery works with all 18-volt AMPShare tools.
Bottom line: Bosch's new cordless leaf blower kit delivers consistent power and efficiency, thanks to its advanced battery, making it a versatile tool for various tasks.
Easiest to Maneuver
Photo: Amazon
What We Like
- Durable and lightweight build
- Convenient, comfortable controls
- Excellent blowing force
- Very quiet operation
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively narrow air column
Product Specs
- Power source: 18-volt 8 amp-hour battery
- Maximum airflow: 450 CFM/123 mph
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
Power, Noise, and Size
The GBL18V-450N moves 450 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) at speeds up to 123 miles per hour (MPH). That is plenty of blowing force to blow grass clippings off the driveway, collect fallen leaves, or clear debris from the shop floor. It features a brushless motor and an axial fan design for maximum airflow and efficient battery use. Operating at a quiet 64 dB, it is ideal for use in noise-sensitive neighborhoods. And it weighs less than 9 pounds with the battery installed (6.6 pounds without). Bosch’s Expert batteries use tabless cell technology that improves performance in almost every way compared to earlier battery designs.
I tested the Bosch leaf blower with the new Expert battery for 2 months before drafting this review. I used it for all the typical chores: cleaning up grass clippings and yard debris, drying patio furniture and dispersing standing water on my deck, cleaning my workshop, and stoking a bonfire. It was a solid performer for pretty much every task, though I would want more power during autumn’s leaf season. Generally, it offered the perfect balance of lightweight maneuverability and strong, precise blowing power.
Upgraded Battery
The limiting factors for power-hungry cordless leaf blowers have traditionally been related to battery performance: power delivery, recharge time, and functionality in extreme temperatures. State-of-the-art tabless cell technology improves battery performance in much the same way that brushless motors improved tool performance–by eliminating energy pinch points. That is what I experienced with the new Bosch Expert battery.
A couple of years ago, I tested a version of this kit with an 8Ah Bosch ProCore battery. In that test, I noticed a drop-off in maximum blow force roughly halfway through the battery charge. This blower, with the new Expert battery, delivered full power through the whole charge cycle every time. The runtimes were about the same, but I was more productive with the new configuration. Also, the Expert battery charged 20 minutes faster than the earlier one, reducing downtime. Best of all, Expert batteries are compatible with the whole 18-volt AMPShare ecosystem.
Where to Buy
Photo: Amazon