Stihl BR 800 X Vs Stihl BR 800 C - What’s the Better Leaf Blower?

Stihl BR 800 X Vs Stihl BR 800 C – What’s the Better Leaf Blower?

It’s not enough to have blowing power – you have to have control as well. The Stihl BR 800 X and the Stihl BR 800 C are two backpack leaf blowers that offer a healthy serving of both. But which one is best?

And perhaps the even more pertinent question is, ‘what’s the difference between the Stihl BR 800 X and the Stihl BR 800 C?’ Both offer great power and efficiency upgrades over the Stihl 70 and their specs are also almost identical.

So how can you tell one from the other? We took a close look at both of these leaf blowers to help you sort through the hard-to-determine differences and help you decide which is best for your maintenance needs.

Overview of the Stihl BR 800 X and the Stihl BR 800 C

On paper, there isn’t much that separates these two leaf blowers; but in practice you can tell that convenience was emphasized in one more than the other.

The main difference between the Stihl BR 800 C and the Stihl BR 800 X can be summed up in a single phrase: convenience features. The Stihl BR 800 C is exactly the same as the Stihl BR 800 X in terms of engine size, power output and even fuel capacity.

However, the Stihl BR 800 C (also referred to as the Stihl BR 800 C-E) has some extra features that are meant to increase operator comfort and enhance user friendliness.

Quick Facts Comparison Table

Specs	Stihl BR 800 X	Stihl BR 800 C
Weight	23.1lbs	25.8lbs
Noise Output	78db	78db
Fuel Capacity	67.6 ounces	67.6 ounces
Engine	79.9cc	79.9cc
CFM/MPH	912/239 MPH	912/239 MPH

Key Differences Between the Stihl BR 800 X and the Stihl BR 800 C

In terms of engine size and output, the Stihl BR 800 X and the Stihl BR 800 C are exactly the same.

In fact, both engines put out 4.4 HP. So it’s clear that Stihl put the exact same engine and internal parts into both of these leaf blowers. The differences are on the outside. Stihl added periphery features to the external parts of the Stihl BR 800 C that aren’t included on the Stihl BR 800 X.

Most of these extra features have to do with operational comfort. For instance, the Stihl BR 800 C has a telescoping tube that accommodates operators of all heights.

Stihl BR 800 X Key Features

All-In-One Control Handle – You can control the air speed and all the other controls right from the tube-mounted handle.
Purge Pump Primer – This feature allows the operator to prime the carburetor so that it is easier to start.
Throttle Lock – With the Stihl BR 800 X, you can stop the engine once it is started up and set it to the same speed when you start it up again.

Stihl BR 800 C Key Features

Side Mounted Starting Handle – The operator can actually start or restart the Stihl BR 800 C engine while it is still on their back.
One-Touch Stop – You can stop the engine of the Stihl BR 800 C simply by pressing a button.
Telescoping Tube – The length of the tube is adjustable so you can get into tight spots and multiple crew members can use the same leaf blower.

Price Comparison

The Stihl BR 800 X retails for about $660 while the Stihl BR 800 C generally retails in the range of $680 and $700.

Weight & Handling Comparison

This is another slight difference. The Stihl BR 800 X is slightly lighter at 23.1 pounds while the Stihl BR 800 C weighs just over 25 pounds. It seems like a significant increase but you really can’t feel it too much when you have these leaf blowers strapped on.

However, we will say that the Stihl BR 800 C is better at getting under decks, tables, lawn furniture and other obstacles because of the telescoping tube. While the difference in weight between these two blowers may be negligible, the Stihl BR 800 C was more maneuverable overall.

Power Comparison

There was absolutely no difference in practical power between these two leaf blowers. Both the Stihl BR 800 X and the Stihl BR 800 C have a 79.9cc engine, can hit max air speeds of 239 MPH and pump out 4.4 HP.

They are both equally suitable for maintaining properties up to an acre and will hold up well in most commercial situations. They were both very good at lifting wet leaves, acorns, twigs and even small, fallen branches.

Power Source

The Stihl BR 800 X and Stihl BR 800 C are both gas-powered leaf blowers and both sport a 67.6 ounce fuel tank.

What Attachments Are Available?

You can typically find after-market attachments for cleaning gutters for these leaf blowers.

Stihl BR 800 X Pros & Cons

Pros:

Good for commercial work
Comfortable “S” strap
Can be stored hanging
Not too loud

Cons:

No adjustable tube
No side-starter

Stihl BR 800 C Pros & Cons

Pros:

Adjustable tube length
You can restart it while wearing it
Adjustable harness
Purge pump primer

Cons:

Heavier than the Stihl BR 800 X
A bit more expensive

Which One Should You Buy?

The Stihl BR 800 C has all the power of the Stihl BR 800 X; but with convenient features so it is our general recommendation.

Three Similar Leaf Blowers

Stihl BR600

The BR600 has a 64.8cc engine and can generate max air speeds of 238 MPH. It also features Stihl’s anti-vibration system.

Echo PB-580T

This is a 58.2cc leaf blower that reaches max air speeds of 216 MPH. It also has a variable speed throttle and is easy to start.

Ryobi 760 CFM Leaf Blower

A good model for smaller properties, this Ryobi blower has a max air speed of 175 MPH and has a wide, wrap-around tube that hinders clogging.

Final Assessment

After using the Stihl BR 800 C, you likely won’t want to go back to the Stihl BR 800 X.

The Stihl BR 800 C is simply more convenient and allows you to handle trickier terrain and yard obstacles. It’s just as powerful as the Stihl BR 800 X and at only $40 more max, it is clearly the better leaf blower.