[MaintenanceMike]

Im in the market for a new backpack blower for this coming fall, ECHO, STIHL and REDMAX all have newer models out that exceed 200 mph, Does anyone out there have any feedback on any of these models

[tractornewbie]

I bought a Shindaiwa last spring and am real happy with it.

I got the 630RT.

http://www.shindaiwa.com/products/blowers/eb630.html

It works great.

[AZTLANLC]

My former boss runs stihls and I bough couple from him br420, they have a hard time to start and don't have much power compare to the redmax eb7001, I just don't think I will use another brand for now

Red max= easy start, plenty of power, reliable

Stihl = opposite to all of the above

[Pelican]

I've had a different experience with Stihl. I bought a BR400 8 seasons ago and used it for 2 seasons as my only blower. It finally crapped out so I replaced it with a BR420. I've had good luck with Stihl products, all my small equipment is Stihl.

[GLAN]

Redmax 7001 would be your best bet. the 8000 are prone to early costly failures

[Lawngodfather]

The Eb7001 will be like 2 Stihl blowers...

CFM is what you want. You already know wht MPH gets you, now look at the CFM

[cutntrim]

I'll second the Shindaiwa recommendation. I currently have three hand-held and two backpacks. The backpacks are the 600 series models. Prior to them I had a 500 series, and two 480's. All were/are reliable,easy starting and productive. I run Shindaiwa trimmers, hedge trimmers, and a stick-edger as well. All are solid machines.