WOW! THIS TOOL UPPED MY DETAILING GAME MASSIVELY

Introduction

Welcome back to the Forensics Detailing Channel, guys! Great to see you again. Don't forget to subscribe. In this video, we're going to review the new-to-market Flex GBL 790 EC leaf blower, which cost me £250 from Into Detailing. Initially, the price feels steep, but there's a deal where you get a free 18V battery worth about £120, making the blower's cost around £130, which is more reasonable. The deal also includes a custom-made short nozzle designed for car drying, adding convenience by making it easier to wield, especially for commercial or high-sided vehicles.

Initial Impressions

A pet hate of mine is stickers that don't come off easily, leaving behind glue. The Flex blower has one such sticker showcasing its specifications that annoyed me straight away. Nonetheless, after peeling it off, the tool itself is quite impressive. Weighing around 1.8 kilos (without the battery), it’s light and user-friendly. It includes a convenient on/off trigger with variable speed settings and a turbo function for increased power. The ergonomics are excellent, with a nice, rubberized grip handle that provides stability even when wet.

Usage and Performance

This blower feels significantly more powerful than the original Flex blower I used before. It’s a fantastic tool for blowing out crevices, removing water effectively from all those hard-to-reach places. While you can't depend solely on it to dry non-protected panels, it works wonderfully in combination with a towel, making overall car drying faster and more efficient.

Battery and Charger

Flex batteries are well-regarded, and I've found them to be reliable. The blower works seamlessly with existing Flex 18V batteries and chargers. For non-Flex users, however, purchasing a charger and additional batteries can be a downside, making the initial investment quite costly.

Competition and Alternatives

The Flex GBL 790 faces stiff competition from Ecoblower's 530 model, costing about £260-£280 with a battery and charger. The Ecoblower offers more power (900 M³ per hour compared to Flex's 790 M³) but weighs slightly more (2.2 kilos). Whether to go with Flex or another brand depends greatly on your existing tool ecosystem and needs.

Alternatives to Blowers

If you're exploring options, you have a few:

Towels: This is the most common method, used by nearly 99% of people.
Corded Blowers: These are more powerful but come with the hassle of cables and mobility issues.
Cordless Blowers: Flex leads this segment, providing convenience and efficiency.

Notable Features

The blower has a trigger for variable speed and a turbo mode, which is incredibly powerful for hard-to-remove sections of water. The stubby nozzle is highly valuable for precision drying, and the ergonomics are well-designed, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

Downsides

For non-flex users, the lack of an included charger is a significant downside. You will need to spend extra on a charger and potentially more batteries, making a one-time total investment rather hefty. There’s also no way to lock the turbo mode permanently, which can be slightly inconvenient.

Should You Buy It?

For existing Flex users, it's a no-brainer. This tool will seamlessly integrate into your toolkit, allowing you to make the most of your existing battery ecosystem. For new users, it’s a tougher sell unless you're ready to invest fully in the Flex system.

Summary

The Flex GBL 790 leaf blower is an impressive, efficient tool designed for both car drying and leaf-blowing duties. Its power, combined with the ergonomic design and additional features like the stubby nozzle, make it a valuable addition to any detailing toolkit. Just be mindful of the initial investment if you're not already in the Flex ecosystem.

Keywords

Keywords:

Flex GBL 790
Leaf Blower
Car Drying
Detailing Tools
18V Battery
Turbo Mode
Cordless Tools
Ergonomic Design
Competition (Ecoblower, Dewalt, Makita)
Corded vs. Cordless

FAQ

FAQ:

1. What makes the Flex GBL 790 EC Leaf Blower special? The Flex GBL 790 EC Leaf Blower offers a combination of lightweight design, powerful airflow, and an ergonomic handle, making it ideal for efficient car drying and leaf blowing.

2. How much does the Flex GBL 790 EC Leaf Blower cost? The blower itself costs around £250. However, with a current deal that includes a free 18V battery worth £120, the effective cost of the blower reduces to around £130.

3. What are the main downsides of this blower? The primary downside is the lack of an included charger, making it an expensive initial investment for non-Flex users. Additionally, the turbo mode cannot be locked permanently, requiring continuous pressure on the trigger.

4. What alternatives are available to the Flex GBL 790 EC Leaf Blower? Alternatives include Ecoblower's 530 model, which is slightly more powerful and similarly priced when including a battery and charger. There are also corded blowers, but they come with the hassle of cables and limited mobility.

5. Is this blower suitable for people who aren’t already Flex users? The blower is more suited to existing Flex users who already have compatible batteries and chargers. Non-Flex users would need to factor in the cost of these accessories, making it a more significant investment.