I am enjoying the two speeds. The low speed gives more control around my potted plants in the patio. The high speed is perfectly adequate for everything else. There are two issues that I did not have with my B&D brand. First, the switch is very sensitive and you can move it from low to high unintentionally. Secondly, the hook for the cord is not long enough so the cord slips out and unplugs. I have a new cord and maybe the problem will rectify itself as the cord becomes more flexible. Even with these two issues, I would not trade it for a one speed.

This blower is the only one we've had, so I can't compare it to other brands, but it works great. I love being able to adjust the power across a wide range by turning a knob. It's easy to put together and use. Makes cleaning our large deck so much faster and easier than sweeping. Sucking up debris wasn't that easy, though, and it's messy. Also a pain dragging the canvas bag around and it doesn't like rocks, so probably won't use it for leaf pickup much. Still glad I bought it.

Not a good tool for my yard. Constantly clogs. Last use smelled burning from unit. Now it wont start up. Taking back to Toro dealer for repair/replacement. Saw all the great reviews and was excited to use. After a few uses, easier to rake leafs into a pile and bag than use this thing. Takes forever to mulch and longer to clear clogs every few minutes. Bag design stinks! Needs side zipper to dump into required paper bags without spilling.

My yard has large leafs so this may be the problem. Mower better option for me.

Bought this to replace an older version of the same model that suddenly quit after a leaf ended up blocking most of the intake and the motor just burned out. Unfortunately, you can't replace the brushes on these, so I was left with a useless item destined to add to the landfill. Very wasteful.
This newer model is slightly more powerful according to the description. The cord wrap thing on the nozzle is kind of useless as it's tough to wrap it around the end of the blower and is only handy if you want to keep your cord with only the blower, though I guess you could use it to wrap the cord and then take it off. The power is great, and the variable speed is handy too, though it results in essentially only three speeds. The balance is good, though vibration at full power seems to be much higher than previous version. Hope this one lasts.
The cord attachment system is handy, though pretty hard to use with heavier gauge cord, such as the 12 gauge I use. You really have to crimp it to loop it around and it barely fits through the opening designed to hold it.
Cannot comment on it's value as a leaf vacuum as I don't use it for that and likely won't.

Absolute power house! This is about the 51621 model. My gas powered leaf blower/vacuum broke so I thought I would try an electric one. This one beats the gas one hands down! Very powerful. It is heavy but solid. I like the many hand holds allowing for different holding positions. The mulch created is very small, See pictures to get an Idea. I am very satisfied with this device so far.