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Stihl is one of the most well-known gardening equipment manufacturers out there. In that vein, they are a fruitful source of great deals and tools. This time we are looking into two back carried blowers.
These are Stihl BR 200 vs Stihl BR 350, two great additions to the Stihl roster. Following is a comparison of their specifications, meant to give a conclusive recommendation on which one to purchase.
Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
Before we go on similarities and differences between these two blowers, let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison chart.
| Name |
Stihl BR 200 |
Stihl BR 350 |
| Image |  |
 |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs | 22 lbs |
| Color | Orange, white, black | Orange, white, black |
| Power source | Gas | Gas |
| Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Power | 0.8 kW | 2.1 kW |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35.5 fl. oz. | 57.5 fl. oz. |
| Blowing Force | 12 N | 17 N |
| Airspeed | 125 mph | 168 mph |
| Airspeed(round nozzle) | 150 mph | 201 mph |
| Maximum airflow | 400 cfm | 436 cfm |
| Running Time | 131 min | 97 min |
| Price |
Stihl BR 200 vs BR 350 – Similarities
Power
Entrants are both gas-powered, as is standard for a number of models in Stihl’s arsenal.
Strap
Both have straps, allowing easier work and less fatigue for longer-term engagements.
Warranty
At 2 years the warranty on these two products will make sure you get decent use out of them before they break down, or at least have guaranteed replacement if they happen to malfunction.
Differences Between Stihl BR 200 and Stihl BR 350
Power
Stihl BR 200
Somewhat mediocre 0.8 kW leaves BR 200 to a rather unenviable position in this category.
Stihl BR 350
On the other hand, BR 350 has 2.1 kW of power in its engine, more than double the power of Stihl BR 200.
The Winner: Stihl BR 350
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Maximum Air Flow
This category tells us how many cubic feet of air a device can replace in a minute.
Stihl BR 200
It has 400 cfm which is fine and provides some mending to the lack of power showcased above and below this category.
Stihl BR 350
At 436 BR 350 exudes enough air to shorten your workload by a hefty number.
The Winner: Stihl BR 350
Read next – Toro 51619 vs 51621: Which Leaf Blowers are Better?
Maximum Air Speed
Stihl BR 200
The model is capable of reaching speeds up to 125 mph without the round nozzle although if you do put it on you’ll manage to reach 150 mph.
Stihl BR 350
Another option offers the performance of 168 mph, which goes up to boisterous 201 mph with the round nozzle.
The Winner: Stihl BR 350
Blowing Force
The name says it all, the category is about how strong your blower blows.
Stihl BR 200
With 12 N of force, BR 200 is decent for leaf blowing but may stumble when it comes to some sturdier junk on your driveway, such as pebbles.
Stihl BR 350
There’s 17 N of power on this model, providing effortless blowing for any troublesome bits. This rings especially true when we take a look at other blowing power-related aspects of BR 350.
The Winner: Stihl BR 350
Tank Capacity
Determines how much fuel can be stored in the fuel tank.
Stihl BR 200
At 27.2 cc our first Stihl model comes with 35.5 fl. oz. tank capacity.
Stihl BR 350
The BR 350 model provides a whole 57.5 fl. oz. of fuel tank capacity.
The Winner: Stihl BR 350
Run time
The specification showcases how long tool can run before needing to fill up the tank again. Especially fruitful if you require long-term blowing.
Stihl BR 200
Despite previously established inferior fuel tank capacity BR 200 offers enormous 131 minutes of running time for each full tank.
Stihl BR 350
Power comes at a price and for BR 350 this is manifested in form of its running time. Even though it possesses a superior fuel tank it can run for no more than 97 minutes before requesting refills.
The Winner: Stihl BR 200
Maximum Noise Level
Keep your environment less noisy by picking a choice that has lower decibels. Although it isn’t the deciding factor it is still a present one.
Stihl BR 200
While it is expected that a petrol-powered blower will produce loud volume BR 200 keeps it at a moderately loud 70 dB.
Stihl BR 350
The model’s power once again works against it as its engine produces 76 dB of noise when running.
The Winner: Stihl BR 200
Appearance
Stihl BR 200
The back-mounted BR 200 has very standard Stihl color palette of orange, white and black. Rather compact in design and at 12.5 lbs it is very lightweight.
Stihl BR 350
Possessing the same back-mounted look as well as standard palette BR 350 doesn’t have much to offer there to differentiate it. However, BR 350 is bigger and heavier at 22 lbs so you’ll get somewhat more tired with it on.
The Winner: Stihl BR 200
Pros and Cons
Stihl BR 200
PROS
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Quiet
- Long runtime
CONS
- Low power
- Mediocre tank capacity
Stihl BR 350
PROS
- Great speed
- Tank capacity
- High Power
- Good blowing force
CONS
- Loud
- Heavy
The Final Verdict
Our inquiry into the advantages and disadvantages of Stihl BR 200 and Stihl BR 350 showed a slew of positives to both. Stihl BR 200 possesses low volume, reducing the noise produced while you perform your job and offering healthier hearing if you are a long-term user. Other than that, however, the remaining positives are its relatively lightweight design and long run time. Of course, run time is always good to have but keep in mind that the power that BR 200 lacks in comparison to the other model will require you to spend more time blowing hence making the field more equal in terms of operating time. Speaking of Stihl BR 350, it instantly comes in with valuable airflow and airspeed numbers. This allows it to quickly clear any surface you need to blow. The power is further enhanced through strong blow force. While it is somewhat more cumbersome power provided is proficient in making work shorter and thus less exhausting.
Looking at it we can see Stihl BR 350 greatly escapes Stihl BR 200 in terms of blowing. Your money is well placed into BR 350 and 2 years of warranty is guaranteed to make it worth your while.