Stihl BG 50 vs BG 56: My Candid Take After Use

Thinking about the STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56? You might ask—is the BG 56 really worth more money? Both blowers have the same power, but they suit different users.

I’ve used both on my yard, from fall pine needles to spring cleanup. One is light and simple. The other starts easier and offers more comfort. If you’re stuck choosing, I’ll break down what really matters—based on real use, not just specs.

STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56: Simple and Honest Comparison

I’ve used both the STIHL BG 50 and BG 56 for years—clearing wet leaves after an Idaho storm and blowing pine needles off my gravel path. They may look the same on paper, but when you use them, the differences show up fast.

Engine Power: STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

Both blowers have the same 27.2cc 2-stroke engine. That means the same power, airspeed, and volume. You won’t feel a difference in how they blow.

Feature	STIHL BG 50	STIHL BG 56 C-E
Engine Type	2-Stroke Gas Engine	2-Stroke Gas Engine
Engine Size	27.2 cc	27.2 cc
Max Airspeed	159 mph	159 mph
Air Volume	412 CFM	412 CFM
Blowing Force	13 Newtons	13 Newtons

In side-by-side use, I couldn’t tell them apart. Both tackled heavy, wet leaves with no problem. Some people assume the BG 56 is stronger—but it just costs more.

Rating:

• BG 50: 10/10
• BG 56 C-E: 10/10

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Starting System: STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

This is where they split. The BG 50 uses a regular pull start. The BG 56 has STIHL’s Easy2Start™, which takes less effort—great when it’s cold.

Feature	STIHL BG 50	STIHL BG 56 C-E
Starter Type	Recoil Start	Easy2Start™ System
Choke Style	Manual	Semi-Automatic
Cold Start Ease	Medium	Easy

Starting the BG 50 in winter can be a pain. The BG 56? One easy pull—no sweat. If your shoulder gets sore or you hate fighting with pull cords, this helps a lot.

Rating:

• BG 50: 6/10
• BG 56 C-E: 10/10

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Weight and Balance: STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

The BG 50 is lighter and better balanced. The BG 56 is front-heavy due to extra parts and a bigger tank.

Feature	STIHL BG 50	STIHL BG 56 C-E
Dry Weight	7.9 lbs	9.3 lbs
Balance	Good	Front-Heavy
Fatigue Factor	Lower	Higher

After 20 minutes, you feel it. The BG 50 is easier to hold and swing. My wife uses it for fast jobs because it doesn’t wear her out.

Rating:

• BG 50: 9/10
• BG 56 C-E: 7/10

Fuel Capacity: STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

If you hate refueling mid-job, the BG 56 gives you more runtime.

Feature	STIHL BG 50	STIHL BG 56 C-E
Fuel Tank Size	14.5 oz	18.3 oz
Estimated Runtime	~30 mins	~40 mins
Refuel Needs	More Often	Less Often

During fall cleanup, I finished the front yard with the BG 56. The BG 50 needed a fuel top-up halfway through.

Rating:

• BG 50: 7/10
• BG 56 C-E: 9/10

Accessories: STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

The BG 56 works with STIHL’s vacuum and gutter kits. The BG 50 doesn’t.

Feature	STIHL BG 50	STIHL BG 56 C-E
Vacuum Conversion	No	Yes
Gutter Kit Support	No	Yes
Nozzle Options	Limited	More Available

I added a vacuum kit to the BG 56—it made flower bed cleanup easy. If you want more than a blower, the BG 56 adds real value.

Rating:

• BG 50: 6/10
• BG 56 C-E: 9/10

Noise Level: STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

Both models run around 70 dB(A). That’s okay for home use, but you should still wear hearing protection.

Feature	STIHL BG 50	STIHL BG 56 C-E
Sound Level	70 dB(A)	70 dB(A)
Good for Home Use	Yes	Yes
Hearing Protection Needed	Yes	Yes

To my ears, they sound the same. No clear winner here.

Rating:

• BG 50: 8/10
• BG 56 C-E: 8/10

Ease of Use: STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

The BG 56 starts easier. But the BG 50 has a throttle lock that helps on long jobs.

Feature	STIHL BG 50	STIHL BG 56 C-E
Start-Up Ease	Medium	Very Easy
Throttle Lock	Yes	No
Control Feel	Basic	Semi-Auto

I missed the throttle lock when using the BG 56 for 40 minutes straight. The BG 50 was less tiring thanks to that simple feature.

Rating:

• BG 50: 8/10
• BG 56 C-E: 7/10

Value for Money: STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

Both perform well. The BG 50 is cheaper. The BG 56 costs more but offers perks.

Feature	STIHL BG 50	STIHL BG 56 C-E
MSRP	$159.99	$219.99–$239.99
Core Performance	High	High
Extra Features	Few	Many

If all you need is a solid blower, the BG 50 is hard to beat. But if you want smooth starts and add-on tools, the BG 56 is worth the extra money.

Rating:

• BG 50: 9/10
• BG 56 C-E: 8/10

Overall: STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

Both are great—but they fit different needs. The BG 50 is simple, light, and strong. The BG 56 adds comfort, easy starts, and upgrade options.

Feature Summary	BG 50 ✅	BG 56 C-E ✅
Power	✅	✅
Ease of Use	✅	✅
Add-On Tools	❌	✅
Long Use Comfort	✅	❌
Best Value	✅	❌

If you want a basic, reliable blower, get the BG 50. If you want comfort, easy starting, and extras, the BG 56 C-E is worth it.

Final Rating:

• BG 50: 8.5/10
• BG 56 C-E: 8.5/10

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Handle Comfort vs. Power: What Matters More with STIHL Blowers?

It really depends on how long the job takes and what kind of mess you’re cleaning up. For quick sweeps on the driveway or around my fence, the STIHL BG 50 is my top pick. It’s light, feels balanced, and doesn’t wear out my arm—even when I move around a lot.

But when fall hits and I’m dealing with wet leaves or using the vacuum kit in tight spots, the BG 56 C-E makes things easier. The bigger tank means fewer stops. It also works with STIHL’s add-ons. Yes, it’s heavier—and I do miss the throttle lock—but the Easy2Start™ and extra tools are worth it for big jobs.

So, what matters more—comfort or power? In this case, both blowers have the same power. Your comfort depends on the size of the job and how often you use it. If you want light and simple, go with the BG 50. If you want less hassle for long work, the BG 56 C-E is worth the price.

Read More: Greenworks 60V vs 80V Snow Blower

Tips for Getting the Best Results with STIHL Blowers

• Mix your fuel right – Use a 50:1 gas to oil mix for smooth starts and long engine life.
  
• Clean the air filter – Do it once per season, or more if it’s dusty where you live.
  
• Wear hearing protection – Even though they aren’t loud, long use still affects your ears.
  
• Use the right nozzle – The flat nozzle works best on hard ground. The round one handles mulch or leaves better.
  
• Drain the tank before storage – This is key for cold winters, especially in the northern U.S.

Read More: Ryobi vs Milwaukee Blower

Final Thoughts on STIHL BG 50 vs BG 56

Both the STIHL BG 50 and BG 56 C-E offer strong, reliable power. If you want a light, simple tool for fast cleanup, the BG 50 is a solid choice—great for small yards and weekend jobs.

But if you want easy starts, longer run time, and the option to use accessories like a vacuum or gutter kit, the BG 56 C-E is worth the cost. It’s a bit heavier, but it gives you more comfort and flexibility.

In the end, both are quality tools. Just pick the one that fits your yard and how you like to work. I’ve used both here in Idaho, and trust me—knowing which one fits your style makes leaf season a whole lot easier.

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FAQs: Stihl BG 50 vs BG 56