Summary:
Outstanding.

Strengths:
I purchased this in Feb 2010 for home use (approx 0.6 acres). Had Stihl BG 75 for many years but got tired of holding it - arm would get a bit numb after holding it for 15 minutes. WOW- I should have purchased the backpack blower years ago. The BR500 is REALLY quiet- it has a low pitch rumbling sound that is not offensive. I use ear plugs to be extra safe but I do not really feel I need them. I use it at full power. I really like being able to use it at full power without being worred about disturbing my neighbors. Always starts on 1st pull. Feels very balanced on me.

Weaknesses:
None- for commercial use they might one more power but I love the power on this- it is very powerfull and excellent for home use, e.g. leaves, cleaning driveway and sidewalk after edging.

Summary:
This is a really good blower and I got a great deal for only $200. The dealership was having a special event last year with AQMD. This blower is supposed to be the quietest and cleanest running in it's class. That's a bonus I guess as I don't really care about how clean it runs, but the noise being so low is great. Neighbors will see me and comment on how coold my blower is.

Strengths:
Tons of power for what I do and it's very quiet. It sounds so different from any of the other blowers I've used. It looks like a cartoon blower! Reminds me of ninja turtles in orange.

Weaknesses:
Was told from the dealer this blower would need to use high quality gas and synthetic stihl oil to prevent problems. Oil is expensive and so is gas but I haven't had any problems in the 8 months I've had it. I have had to take it to the dealer to "adjust the valves" once because the blower got harder to pull the cord after a few months of using it. I'm told this is regular maintenance, but it's not a big deal. I got it back the same day I dropped it off.