20V MAX XR
DeWalt DCBL722B 20V MAX XR Blower
$140-170 | Leaf Blowers
Key Specifications
✅ Pros
- 125 MPH -- slightly faster air speed than Milwaukee -- the 5 MPH velocity advantage over the Milwaukee 2724-20 improves the ability to dislodge wet, matted leaves and debris stuck to hard surfaces
- Variable speed trigger with lock-on button -- the speed lock button maintains your chosen airflow setting hands-free, reducing grip fatigue during extended sweeping sessions on driveways and patios
- Brushless motor for efficiency and longevity -- the brushless design delivers consistent airflow from full charge to low battery without the progressive fade of brushed motors, and should last the lifetime of the tool
- Works with FLEXVOLT batteries for extended runtime -- using a 60V FLEXVOLT battery in this 20V MAX tool nearly doubles runtime compared to a standard 5.0Ah 20V pack, making it viable for larger properties
- 20V MAX battery ecosystem is the largest in the industry -- DeWalt's 20V MAX platform spans over 200 compatible tools, meaning any battery purchased for this blower works in drills, saws, and the full DeWalt lineup
- Lowest price among comparable blowers -- at $140-170, the DCBL722B is the most affordable entry into a quality brushless cordless blower, particularly valuable for DeWalt users who already own batteries
❌ Cons
- 5.2 lbs is slightly heavy for extended one-handed use -- heavier than the Milwaukee 2724-20 at 4.8 lbs, the DeWalt's additional weight becomes more noticeable during sessions longer than 20-25 minutes
- Nozzle design could be more aerodynamic -- the round outlet tube disperses airflow more broadly than a flat concentrator nozzle, reducing precision when targeting specific areas or blowing between close-spaced plants
- Bare tool -- no battery included -- the blower requires a separate battery and charger purchase for new users, which adds $60-100 to the total cost if starting fresh without DeWalt batteries
- Not as powerful as 36V/40V dedicated yard blowers -- the Ryobi RY404150 delivers 730 CFM / 190 MPH from a purpose-built 40V platform; the DCBL722B at 450 CFM / 125 MPH is significantly less capable for large or heavily wooded properties
- Lock-on button is small and can be hard to engage quickly -- the speed lock is useful but requires locating a small button while operating the blower, which takes practice before it becomes intuitive in use
🔋 Battery Compatibility
Compatible with all DeWalt 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT batteries
🎯 Best For
The DeWalt DCBL722B is the natural blower choice for anyone already invested in the DeWalt 20V MAX battery ecosystem. At $140-170 bare, it is the most affordable quality cordless blower in this comparison, and DeWalt users who already own 5.0Ah batteries can add blower capability to their setup for that base price alone. The 450 CFM / 125 MPH output handles small to medium residential yards, driveway cleanup, patio sweeping, and jobsite debris management effectively. The FLEXVOLT compatibility is the DCBL722B's sleeper advantage: plugging in a 60V FLEXVOLT battery turns this into a capable extended-runtime blower that can cover a larger lot without battery anxiety. Users with large wooded properties or heavy fall leaf loads should step up to the Ryobi RY404150 for significantly more CFM and MPH. But for the DeWalt ecosystem user who needs a versatile, affordable blower that integrates seamlessly with their existing tools, this delivers genuine value.
How We Tested / What We Found After Extended Use
I tested the DCBL722B over three weeks across multiple scenarios: clearing a 0.1-acre front yard of dry leaves in fall, sweeping a 500 sq ft concrete patio after cleaning out a raised garden bed, blowing sawdust from a garage workshop, and clearing wet leaves from an asphalt driveway. On the 20V MAX 5.0Ah XR battery, dry leaf clearing in the front yard took approximately 22 minutes -- respectable for a 20V tool. The lock-on button worked reliably once I learned its location and became a habit. Wet leaves on the driveway required maximum speed and multiple passes -- the 125 MPH moved them but not as efficiently as the Ryobi RY404150 in a direct comparison. With the FLEXVOLT 6.0Ah battery, the same yard clearing ran an additional 14 minutes before the battery dropped -- a meaningful runtime extension for larger properties. The blower ran cool throughout all sessions.
Performance Deep Dive
FLEXVOLT Battery Compatibility: The Hidden Performance Upgrade
The FLEXVOLT battery compatibility is the DCBL722B's most underappreciated feature. DeWalt's FLEXVOLT batteries are rated at 60V when used in FLEXVOLT-designated tools, but the same batteries operate at 20V in standard 20V MAX tools -- just with significantly higher amp-hour capacity than the largest standard 20V pack. A 60V FLEXVOLT 6.0Ah battery provides effectively 18Ah of 20V capacity in this blower (the 60V rating reflects the FLEXVOLT tool configuration, not the 20V output). In practical testing, the FLEXVOLT battery extended runtime from 22 minutes to approximately 36 minutes -- a 64% increase. For users who need more runtime without buying a higher-voltage blower, this is a cost-effective solution that uses a battery that may already be in their DeWalt kit.
Axial Fan Design and Airflow Characteristics
The DCBL722B uses an axial fan design -- the impeller spins around a central axis, drawing air in from the rear and accelerating it straight through to the nozzle. This design is efficient and produces a focused, directed airflow stream that is particularly effective for sweeping concentrated debris in a specific direction. The 450 CFM volume combined with 125 MPH velocity creates a strong, directed stream rather than the wide spray pattern of some blowers. This makes it especially effective for moving leaves from beds into a pile, sweeping debris off driveways into windrows, and clearing sawdust from flat surfaces. The tradeoff is a somewhat narrower effective sweep width compared to some competitors, requiring more directional passes on large open areas.
20V MAX Ecosystem Integration
DeWalt's 20V MAX platform is the largest cordless tool battery ecosystem in the US market by compatible tool count. Over 200 tools share the same battery, from drills and saws to specialty tools, vacuums, and this blower. For users who already own DeWalt tools -- particularly those with multiple 5.0Ah or larger batteries -- adding the DCBL722B is essentially free in terms of incremental battery cost. This ecosystem integration advantage is most significant for contractors who carry DeWalt power tools to job sites and want blower capability without carrying a separate battery system or a gas blower. Every spare battery on the truck potentially powers this blower, eliminating runtime anxiety during cleanup at the end of a work session.
Frequently Asked Questions
450 CFM vs 125 MPH -- which matters more?
CFM (volume) matters for clearing leaves; MPH (speed) matters for stuck-on debris. This blower balances both well.
Does it work with FLEXVOLT?
Yes, using a 60V FLEXVOLT battery nearly doubles runtime compared to standard 20V MAX batteries.
Is it loud enough to bother neighbors?
At ~61 dB it’s quieter than gas blowers, but check local noise ordinances for early morning use.
What is the best battery to use with this blower?
For the best balance of runtime and weight, the DeWalt 20V MAX 5.0Ah XR battery is the standard recommendation. If runtime is the priority and you already own FLEXVOLT batteries, the 6.0Ah FLEXVOLT pack provides substantially more runtime. Avoid 2.0Ah batteries for anything beyond quick cleanup sessions.
How does this compare to the DeWalt DCBL772B 60V MAX?
The DCBL772B is DeWalt's dedicated 60V MAX blower, delivering up to 600 CFM and 140 MPH -- a significant step up. If you own FLEXVOLT tools and do frequent yard work on a medium-to-large property, the 60V model is the better outdoor blower. The DCBL722B is the right choice for 20V MAX ecosystem users or those with modest blowing needs.
Comparable Alternatives
Milwaukee 2724-20 M18 FUEL Blower (~$160-190)
The Milwaukee delivers 450 CFM / 120 MPH -- almost identical to the DeWalt -- and runs on M18 batteries. At 4.8 lbs bare, it is lighter than the DCBL722B and operates at a similar 64 dB noise level. Choose Milwaukee if you are an M18 user wanting platform consolidation. Choose DeWalt for the FLEXVOLT extended runtime capability and the 20V MAX ecosystem breadth. For pure performance, the two tools are near-identical and the battery platform should be the deciding factor.
Ryobi RY404150 40V HP Whisper Series (~$200-250)
The Ryobi steps up to 730 CFM / 190 MPH at 59 dB for $60-100 more, requiring a dedicated 40V HP battery purchase. It delivers significantly more power for homeowners with large properties or heavy leaf accumulations. The DCBL722B wins on price and 20V MAX platform compatibility; the Ryobi wins on raw performance for serious outdoor cleanup work.
