EGO Power+ LB6500 650 CFM Leaf Blower Review: Gas Power Without the Gas

Looking for a cordless leaf blower that can actually compete with gas-powered models? The EGO Power+ LB6500 is one of the most powerful handheld battery blowers on the market, delivering 650 CFM of airflow in turbo mode.

I’ve been testing this 56V lithium-ion leaf blower to see if it lives up to the hype. The LB6500 features a variable speed dial ranging from 225 CFM to 470 CFM, plus a dedicated turbo button that pushes output to the maximum 650 CFM with 180 MPH air velocity.

What immediately stands out is how lightweight and maneuverable this blower feels. Even during extended yard work sessions, I didn’t get tired from holding it. The high-efficiency brushless motor keeps things running smoothly, and the IPX4 weather-resistant construction means you can use it in less-than-ideal conditions.

Whether it deserves a spot in your tool shed depends on your specific needs. Here’s my honest take after putting the EGO LB6500 through its paces.

What I Liked

650 CFM Turbo Power

The turbo button on this EGO blower delivers impressive force. When you press it, the blower jumps from the standard 470 CFM maximum to a full 650 CFM, reaching air speeds up to 180 MPH with the tapered nozzle attached.

In real-world testing, this power makes a noticeable difference. The driveway cleaned up nicely with the turbo engaged—wet leaves, acorns, and debris moved without much effort. Pro Tool Reviews measured 20.8 Newtons of force with a 7.5Ah battery, which they noted rivals many gas-powered blowers.

High-Efficiency Brushless Motor

The brushless motor design contributes to longer runtime and extended motor life. Unlike brushed motors, there’s less friction and wear, which means more efficient power delivery to the fan.

For homeowners, this translates to reliable operation season after season without maintenance concerns. The motor handles both light cleanup and demanding turbo sessions without hesitation.

Quieter Than Gas

One of the biggest advantages of this cordless blower over gas models is noise reduction. EGO rates the LB6500 at 64 dB at the lowest setting, which is significantly quieter than typical gas leaf blowers.

Even at higher speeds, the noise stays manageable. You can use this blower in residential areas without disturbing neighbors or requiring heavy-duty hearing protection.

Variable Speed Control

The control dial lets you fine-tune output from 225 CFM all the way up to 470 CFM before even touching the turbo button. This flexibility matters more than you might think.

For light grass clippings on the patio, low speed works perfectly without scattering mulch everywhere. When tackling heavy debris or wet leaves, dial it up to high or hit turbo. The lock-on button is also convenient for extended blowing sessions.

Up to 90 Minutes Runtime

Battery life averages around 90 minutes on a single charge with the recommended 5.0Ah battery. EGO rates it at 15 minutes on turbo, 30 minutes on high, and up to 200 minutes on the lowest setting.

For most residential yard work, this is plenty of time to complete a thorough cleanup. The battery indicator on the blower shows remaining charge, so you’re never caught off guard.

EGO 56V Battery Ecosystem

If you already own EGO lawn tools, the LB6500 becomes an even better value. All EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries are compatible, from the compact 2.5Ah to the high-capacity 10.0Ah packs.

I can pop the battery out of my EGO lawn mower and slide it right into the blower. This shared ecosystem eliminates the need to buy additional batteries and chargers if you’re expanding your EGO tool collection.

What Needs Improvement

Battery Sold Separately

The biggest caveat with the LB6500 is that the battery is sold separately. If you’re new to the EGO ecosystem, you’ll need to budget an additional $150-200 for a 5.0Ah battery and charger, which significantly increases the total investment.

EGO does offer kit versions (like the LB6504) that include a battery, but they cost more upfront. For existing EGO tool owners, this tool-only configuration is actually an advantage—no redundant batteries cluttering the garage.

Turbo Mode Runtime

While 90 minutes of total runtime sounds great, turbo mode drains the battery much faster. Continuous turbo use gets you about 15 minutes before the battery needs charging.

For most yard work, you won’t need constant turbo. Use the variable speed dial for general cleanup and save turbo for stubborn debris. If you have a large property requiring extended turbo sessions, consider a second battery.

Weight With Battery

The blower itself is lightweight at about 4.8 pounds. Add the 5.0Ah battery and total weight climbs to roughly 9-10 pounds, which becomes noticeable during longer sessions.

A shoulder strap (sold separately) helps distribute the weight and reduces arm fatigue. It’s a worthwhile accessory if you plan on extended use or have a larger yard to maintain.

How It Compares

EGO LB6500 vs Toro 605 CFM

Despite Toro’s lower 605 CFM rating on paper, the EGO outperforms it in force testing. The LB6500 produces about 5 lbs 5 oz of thrust compared to Toro’s 4 lbs 11 oz, according to independent testing.

EGO also runs quieter—85 dB in turbo versus Toro’s 87.5 dB. The trade-off is price: Toro offers comparable performance at a lower cost, making it a solid budget alternative.

EGO LB6500 vs Greenworks Pro 580 CFM

The Greenworks Pro operates at 80 volts, higher than EGO’s 56 volts. However, higher voltage doesn’t automatically mean better performance. In head-to-head comparisons, the EGO delivers greater force output at equivalent settings.

EGO’s variable speed control also offers more flexibility, with true low, medium, and high settings. The battery ecosystem advantage goes to EGO if you’re already invested in their tools.

EGO LB6500 vs EGO LB7654 (765 CFM)

EGO’s newer 765 CFM model offers marginally more power on paper. Real-world testing, however, shows minimal perceptible difference in actual leaf-clearing speed between the two.

The 650 CFM model maintains slight advantages in balance and maneuverability. For most residential users, the LB6500 delivers more than enough power at a lower price point.

Final Verdict

The EGO Power+ LB6500 delivers on its promise of gas-equivalent power in a cordless package. With 650 CFM turbo capability, a high-efficiency brushless motor, and excellent build quality, it handles residential yard work with ease.

The 4.1 rating reflects a strong product with a few considerations. Battery sold separately adds to the initial cost for newcomers, and turbo runtime is limited. But for EGO ecosystem owners or anyone ready to make the cordless switch, this blower offers impressive performance.

It’s lightweight, powerful, easy to use, and works well across various yard tasks. The LB6500 earns my recommendation for homeowners seeking reliable, gas-free yard maintenance.