The biggest frustration many people have with blower/vacs -- especially cheap ones -- is how difficult it is to switch between modes. Some require tools, others employ so many parts that you need to snap on or screw in that it would exhaust just about anybody. Not so with the Troy-Bilt Electric QuickShift Blower/Vac TB125QS, which lets you move from blower to vacuum mode with the flip of a switch. Particularly if you find yourself requiring both modes in a single cleanup session -- blowing leaves into a pile and then sucking them up -- this model is a great choice, and at just $79, an inexpensive one as well.

The 157-mile-per-hour air speed is a little less intense than other blowers in this class, but the 10-to-1 mulching ratio is right up there with much of the competition. It lets you choose between two blowing speeds, which is okay, but not nearly as flexible as the infinite speed settings standard on more expensive electric models. The three-quarter-bushel bag is considerably smaller than some other models', as well. The Troy-Bilt Electric QuickShift Blower/Vac TB125QS is covered by a 2-year limited warranty.


Pros: Easy switching between modes, price
Cons: Low air speed, small bag