Cordless Blower Review
STIHL BGA 30 Cordless Blower – Specs, Pros & Cons
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⚡ Overview: A Small, Quiet Blower for Quick Cleanups
The BGA 30 is STIHL’s smallest battery blower, built on its 10.8V AS system. In the US it’s sold as a kit with two AS 2 batteries, an AL 1 charger, and two nozzles: a short round one and a long flat one. The tool weighs 3.4 lb on its own and about 3.8 lb with a battery, and it has a stepless force control on the handle.
It’s a light-duty tool. STIHL rates its blowing force at 5 N and its airflow at 224 CFM, and dealers pitch it for decks, patios, garages, workshops, and small gardens. I found no independent force test, so I can’t tell you how it does on a real pile of leaves. If a big lawn is the job, look at the stronger cordless blowers on this site.
Check the listing to see whether it’s the two-battery kit or the bare tool
Yes, if you want a light, quiet blower for patios, decks, garages, and workshops. It’s easy to carry and comes with two batteries, but its rated force is low. Choose a stronger blower like the EGO LB5302 if you have a lawn full of leaves, or the EGO LB7654 for big yards and heavy, wet debris.
Verdict Summary
Best for small, hard-surface cleanups where weight and noise matter more than power
- Best for: decks, patios, garages, workshops, and small gardens, especially for people who find bigger blowers too heavy
- Standout strength: a 3.4 lb tool with one-hand controls, quiet operation, and two batteries and a charger in the US kit
- Biggest weakness: a 5 N force rating, and short runtime per battery (about 8 to 25 minutes depending on force)
- Skip it if: you have a large lawn, wet or matted leaves, or you want a blower that can stand in for a gas handheld
Score basis: raised by the low weight, the quiet running, the complete two-battery kit, and a 3-year household warranty from STIHL’s US policy; lowered by the low force rating, short per-battery runtime, no independent test data, and dealer pages that disagree on several specs. It’s an editorial judgment, not a lab score, and it isn’t based on hands-on testing.
📊 Specifications
Core specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kit contents | BGA 30 blower with removable tube, two AS 2 batteries, AL 1 charger, short round nozzle, long flat nozzle | Arco Lawn; Martin’s Outdoor; Sutherlands; STIHL Canada |
| Battery system | STIHL AS system, 10.8 V. The AS 2 battery works with other AS tools | Screwfix; STIHL Canada |
| Controls | Stepless force control from the handle lever; multi-function handle usable left- or right-handed; LED battery lights that also show error codes | Scheels; Martin’s Outdoor; STIHL Canada |
| Air volume | 224 CFM at the nozzle | Arco Lawn; Martin’s Outdoor; Sutherlands |
| Air speed | Up to 96 MPH | Arco Lawn; Martin’s Outdoor; STIHL Canada |
| Blowing force | 5 N in standard mode. This is STIHL’s rating; I found no independent test | Martin’s Outdoor; Arco Lawn |
| Noise | 77 dB(A) sound pressure rating in the US listings | Arco Lawn; Martin’s Outdoor; Sutherlands |
| Weight | 3.4 lb tool only; 3.8 lb with one AS 2 battery | Martin’s Outdoor; Arco Lawn; Sutherlands |
| Runtime | Up to 50 minutes with two AS 2 batteries in the US and Canadian listings; UK and US dealers also give about 8 to 25 minutes per battery depending on force | Arco Lawn; STIHL Canada; Screwfix; Ellington Agway |
| Charge time | About 70 minutes for a full charge and 55 minutes to 80% with the AL 1 | STIHL NZ dealer |
| Vibration | 0.5 m/s² at the right hand, with no anti-vibration system | Screwfix; Gustharts |
| Storage and extras | Hanging loop, soft rubber grip, tool-free switch between nozzles. The Smart Connector 1.0 is optional | STIHL Canada; Martin’s Outdoor |
| Warranty (US) | 3 years from purchase for household use, covering the tool, batteries, and charger, when bought from an authorized US STIHL dealer | STIHL US limited warranty (2025) |
Figures that vary by source or region
These are the numbers where sources disagree. I show each one instead of picking a winner.
| Spec | What sources say | Why it differs |
|---|---|---|
| Air volume | 224 CFM (US dealers), 250 CFM (one dealer), and 430 m³/h (about 253 CFM) on UK dealer pages | Likely different test conditions or rounding; I couldn’t confirm which |
| Air speed | 96 MPH (US and Canada), 98 MPH (Screwfix), 40 m/s (about 89 MPH, a NZ dealer) | Regional spec sheets and rounding |
| Noise | 77 dB(A) (US), 75 dBA (Screwfix), 73 dB(A) at the operator (Gustharts), 50 dB(A) at 15 m, 84 dB(A) sound power | Different measurement types and distances |
| Weight | 3.4 lb (US), 1.5 kg or about 3.3 lb (UK, Canada), 1.8 kg (NZ dealer) | The NZ figure may include the battery or packaging |
| Runtime | Up to 50 min with two batteries (US, Canada); 8–25 min per battery (UK, Ellington); 7–15 min (NZ dealer) | Kit versus single battery, and the force setting you use |
| Battery system | One UK dealer page mentions AK batteries; most listings, and the 10.8 V rating, point to the AS system | Likely a dealer page error; I treat AS as correct |
| Warranty | 3 years (STIHL US policy), 2 years (UK dealers, domestic), 5 years (NZ dealer, domestic) | Terms differ by country and seller; the product graphic below may show a different term |
| Price | $149.99 and $189.99 (US dealers), $249.99 CAD (STIHL Canada), £94 for the bare tool (UK) | Different dates, sellers, and kits |
💨 Power and Airflow: What 5 Newtons Means
CFM sells blowers, but blowing force in newtons says more about how one handles a pile of debris. STIHL rates the BGA 30 at 5 N in standard mode, with 224 CFM and up to 96 MPH. That’s the manufacturer’s own figure, and I found no independent bench test for this blower.
For scale, Pro Tool Reviews measured the EGO LB5302 at 16.5 N in turbo and the EGO LB7654 at 15.9 N on high and 25.3 N in turbo. STIHL rates its gas BG 56 at 13 N. The tests and test settings differ, so treat this as a rough guide, but 5 N is about 30% of the LB5302’s turbo figure. In plain terms, this blower is meant to nudge dry, light material, not move heavy piles.
One UK retailer says a light trigger pull suits dry leaves and a full pull suits wet ones. With a 5 N rating, I’d expect wet, matted leaves to be a stretch, but that’s my inference from the specs, not a test result. I haven’t used this blower. If you’re comparing options, the current Amazon listing shows what’s bundled.
🔋 Battery, Runtime, and What You’re Buying Into
The BGA 30 runs on STIHL’s 10.8V AS system. The US kit includes two AS 2 batteries, which is how STIHL’s “up to 50 minutes” appears to be reached: roughly 25 minutes per battery at low force. I couldn’t find the battery’s watt-hour rating on the pages I opened, so I can’t calculate power draw. These are the runtime figures I found:
| Setting | Runtime | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full force | about 8 min | UK seller description (Buxtons) |
| Lower force | up to 25 min | UK dealers (Screwfix, Ellington Agway) |
| Both kit batteries | up to 50 min | STIHL US and Canada listings |
Runtimes are dealer and manufacturer estimates, not tests, and assume fresh, fully charged batteries. A NZ dealer lists even shorter figures of 7 to 15 minutes.
Estimated runtime (minutes)
In plain terms, expect minutes, not an hour, if you keep the force high. The two-battery kit helps because you can swap packs, but one battery won’t cover much if you run it at full force.
Charging and spare batteries
A NZ STIHL dealer lists about 70 minutes for a full charge with the AL 1 charger, or 55 minutes to reach 80%. That means a drained battery takes longer to refill than it takes to use up. STIHL sells a faster AS charger, but I haven’t verified its charge times. The AS 2 battery also works with other AS-system tools, which helps if you already own some.
If you plan to use it for longer than one battery lasts, the second battery in the kit is the practical fix. On cost, check the Amazon listing for what the kit includes today, since a bare tool needs batteries and a charger bought separately.
⚖️ Weight, Noise, Build, and Real-World Use
Weight and handling
The tool weighs 3.4 lb, and about 3.8 lb with an AS 2 battery. STIHL describes a multi-function handle for one-hand operation that works for left- and right-handed users, with a rubber soft-touch grip. The force control sits on the handle, so you can go from gentle to full power without stopping. The tube comes off, and per STIHL Canada you switch between the short and long nozzles without tools. One UK dealer notes there is no anti-vibration system, though it lists a low 0.5 m/s² at the hand.
Noise
US listings rate the BGA 30 at 77 dB(A) sound pressure, and UK dealers list 73 to 75 dB(A), with 50 dB(A) measured at 15 meters. Those aren’t the same kind of number, so use them as a guide only. Listings call it quiet and approved for indoor use, and a battery blower has no exhaust at the tool. Noise rules vary by town, so check your local ordinance.
Build, indicators, and durability
The battery has green and red LED lights that show charge level and error codes, and the tool has a hanging loop for wall storage. An optional Smart Connector 1.0 links to STIHL’s app to track usage, though it isn’t included. I couldn’t find an official weather-resistance rating, so keep it dry. I also found no long-term durability data for the BGA 30, so I can’t say how it holds up after seasons of use.
What the specs suggest, by job
These are reasoned from the specs and dealer descriptions, not from my own testing.
- Decks, patios, and balconies: a good fit for dry leaves, dust, and light debris, which is how dealers pitch it.
- Garages and workshops: low weight, quiet running, and indoor approval make it handy for sawdust and sweeping.
- Tight spots and corners: the short round nozzle suits shelves, tables, and small areas, per the listings.
- Driveways and larger areas: the long flat nozzle helps, but with 5 N expect to be slow on anything heavy.
- Wet leaves and big lawns: not what this blower is built for. See a stronger EGO blower instead.
⚔️ How the BGA 30 Compares
Blowing force is the only figure I could compare across sources. The BGA 30 and BG 56 numbers are STIHL’s own ratings, and the EGO numbers are Pro Tool Reviews bench tests, so this is a rough guide, not a like-for-like contest.
| Blower | Blowing force | Best for | Trade-off vs. the BGA 30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| STIHL BGA 30 (this kit) | 5 N (STIHL rating) | Light cleanups, decks, garages, workshops | Lowest force of the group; 3.4 lb tool |
| EGO LB5302 (530 CFM kit) | 16.5 N turbo (Pro Tool Reviews) | Small to mid-size yards | Heavier at 7.4 lb with its 2.5Ah battery, per EGO |
| EGO LB7654 (765 CFM) | 15.9 N high; 25.3 N turbo (Pro Tool Reviews) | Large yards, wet leaves | About 9.6 lb with a 5.0Ah battery; costs more |
| STIHL BG 56 (gas handheld) | 13 N (STIHL rating) | Small to mid-size yards with gas | 9.0 lb dry, plus fuel mixing, noise, and exhaust |
| DEWALT DCBL722B (20V MAX) | Not verified | DEWALT 20V MAX battery owners | 450 CFM and 125 MPH with the concentrator per DEWALT; tool-only listing excludes battery and charger |
Blowing force (newtons): STIHL ratings and Pro Tool Reviews bench tests
If your job is light and you value weight and quiet, the BGA 30 does what it’s built for. If you need real force, see my EGO LB5302 review or my EGO LB7654 review. If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, compare the DEWALT DCBL722B before buying into a different battery system.
⭐ Owner Feedback, Pros and Cons
I couldn’t find a meaningful sample of owner reviews for the BGA 30. The only ratings I saw were two five-star reviews on a Scheels listing and two five-star reviews on a UK retailer’s page, and Consumer Reports has a page for it that I couldn’t open because of a paywall. Those four reviewers called it lightweight, compact, quiet, and easy to use, with one saying it suits a small gardening job and another noting low noise and no fumes. Four reviews are too few to show a pattern, and none of them mentioned runtime or force, so treat this as a hint, not a verdict.
The points below are my analysis of the specs and sources above:
- Light: 3.4 lb tool, about 3.8 lb with a battery
- Two AS 2 batteries and a charger in the US kit
- Stepless force control and one-hand handle for left- or right-handed use
- Short round and long flat nozzles, switched without tools
- Quiet: 77 dB(A) in US listings, with no exhaust at the tool
- LED battery lights with error codes, and a hanging loop for storage
- 3-year household warranty in STIHL’s US policy, from authorized dealers
- Low 5 N force rating, and no independent test found
- About 8 to 25 minutes per battery depending on force
- AL 1 charger takes about 70 minutes per battery, per one dealer
- Dealer prices of roughly $150 to $190 US buy a light-duty tool
- Dealers disagree on airflow, noise, weight, and runtime
- Only works with STIHL’s AS system batteries
- No long-term durability data found
🎯 Who Should Buy It
Buy it if:
- You mainly clear decks, patios, garages, or a workshop
- You want a light, quiet tool that’s easy to hold with one hand
- You already own STIHL AS-system tools and batteries
Skip it if:
- You have a lawn full of leaves. Look at the EGO LB5302
- You have wet, matted leaves or a big yard. Look at the EGO LB7654
- You need it for professional work, since STIHL’s US warranty for this class of tool is aimed at household use
❓ STIHL BGA 30 FAQ
Is the STIHL BGA 30 powerful enough for leaves?
It’s best for dry, light leaves and debris. STIHL rates it at 5 N of blowing force, 224 CFM, and up to 96 MPH, and I found no independent test. For comparison, Pro Tool Reviews measured 16.5 N in turbo on the EGO LB5302. Wet or matted leaves and big lawns call for a stronger blower.
What’s included in the BGA 30 kit?
US and Canadian dealers list the blower with a removable tube, two AS 2 batteries, an AL 1 charger, a short round nozzle, and a long flat nozzle. Some sellers, including a UK retailer, sell the tool alone without batteries or a charger, so read the listing to see what ships.
How long does the battery last?
STIHL’s US and Canadian listings say up to 50 minutes with two AS 2 batteries. UK dealers give about 8 to 25 minutes per battery, depending on how much force you use, and one NZ dealer lists 7 to 15 minutes. Expect the short end if you run it at full force.
How loud is the BGA 30?
US listings rate it at 77 dB(A) sound pressure. UK dealers list 73 to 75 dB(A), plus 50 dB(A) at 15 meters. The methods differ, so use the numbers as a guide and check your local noise rules.
How heavy is the BGA 30?
The tool weighs 3.4 lb, and about 3.8 lb with one AS 2 battery, according to US and Canadian listings. A NZ dealer lists 1.8 kg, which may include the battery or packaging.
How long does it take to charge?
A NZ STIHL dealer lists about 70 minutes for a full charge with the AL 1 charger and 55 minutes to reach 80%. I couldn’t find a charge time on STIHL’s US pages.
Can I use the BGA 30 indoors?
US listings describe it as approved for indoor use, with low noise and no exhaust at the tool. It’s a good fit for garages and workshops, but wear a dust mask if you’re blowing fine dust.
What warranty does the BGA 30 have?
STIHL’s 2025 US limited warranty gives 3 years from purchase for household use on battery tools, batteries, and chargers, and it only covers products bought from an authorized US STIHL dealer. UK dealers list 2 years for domestic use, and a NZ dealer lists 5 years, so terms depend on your country and seller.
🏆 Final Verdict
The STIHL BGA 30 is a tidy little blower for small jobs. It’s light, quiet, and comes with two batteries and a charger in the US kit. What holds it back is the 5 N force rating and short runtime per battery, plus the lack of any independent test data.
If your work is a deck, a patio, a garage, or a workshop, it fits well. If you have a lawn of leaves, a stronger cordless blower will save you time. If it fits how you work, you can check the latest price, what’s included, and what other buyers say on Amazon.
Specs and availability change. Check the Amazon listing for current details.
📸 STIHL BGA 30 Photos
Click to see full view
📚 More Blower Reviews
EGO LB7654 56V Cordless Leaf Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A 765 CFM handheld for big yards and wet leaves.
EGO LB5302 56V 530 CFM Leaf Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A boxed 56V cordless kit with a battery and charger, and measured force.
DEWALT DCBL722B 20V MAX XR Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A light cordless handheld for DEWALT 20V MAX owners.
EGO Commercial LBX6000 56V Backpack Blower: Specs & Pros
A commercial handheld that runs from a backpack battery.
✅ Before You Buy: Quick Checklist
A few details vary by seller and region, so it’s worth a minute on the listing to confirm:
- Kit or bare tool: the US kit has two AS 2 batteries and an AL 1 charger; a bare tool has neither
- The seller: STIHL’s US warranty covers purchases from authorized US dealers
- Your jobs: decide whether 5 N of force and 8 to 25 minutes per battery will cover them
- Current price, availability, and what ships in the box
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