Stihl is entering spring 2026 with its most capable battery backpack blower yet. The BRA 280, unveiled at CES in January, is now landing at authorized Stihl dealers — and the numbers are making a real case for cordless among professional landscaping crews who’ve historically stuck with gas.
The Specs That Matter
The BRA 280 runs on two AP 300 S lithium-ion packs from Stihl’s AP battery system. When the first pack depletes, the tool automatically switches to the second with no interruption in output. With both batteries installed, total weight is 24 pounds — in range with gas backpack blowers in the sub-65cc class.
- Airflow: 571 CFM
- Air speed: 192 MPH
- Blowing force: 26 Newtons — 25% more than the BRA 200
- Weight (with batteries): 24 lbs
- Battery system: Stihl AP (2x AP 300 S recommended)
Stihl’s constant power technology delivers full output from the first trigger pull through the last seconds of charge — a meaningful advantage over lesser cordless blowers that fade as voltage drops.
Controls and Smart Features
A digital handle-mounted display shows battery charge, active speed mode, and service alerts. Three speed settings cover light clearing through heavy debris, with a boost mode that pulls maximum output for stubborn wet leaves or mulch. A built-in Stihl Connected chip integrates with the brand’s fleet management platform — useful for landscape companies tracking use and maintenance intervals across multiple crews.
Pricing, Availability, and Where to Buy
The BRA 280 is available through authorized Stihl dealers now. MSRP is $649.99 for the bare tool, or $999.99 for the set including two AP 300 S batteries and a rapid charger. Unlike EGO, Ryobi, or Greenworks, Stihl does not sell through Amazon, Home Depot, or Lowe’s. A dealer visit or Stihl’s dealer finder at stihlusa.com is required to purchase.
The AP 300 S batteries are cross-compatible with other Stihl AP-system tools — trimmers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers — so existing Stihl AP users get more value from the same packs.
How It Fits the Market
At 571 CFM and 26N, the BRA 280 competes with the EGO LB6504 (650 CFM) and Milwaukee M18 FUEL on raw airflow, but at a significantly higher price — and tied to a proprietary dealer-only battery ecosystem. The target buyer is a professional landscaper running Stihl’s AP system on the rest of their kit, not a homeowner shopping big-box for the best CFM per dollar.
If you’re evaluating cordless backpack blowers across brands, our best cordless leaf blowers guide covers the top picks from brands available at retail. For anyone building a full cordless outdoor kit, our best cordless string trimmers roundup covers the trimmer side, and our battery platform comparison walks through which ecosystems make the most sense for OPE-heavy users.
