This is the first day of purchase. Upon testing the Craftsman 2-Speed Power/Vac, I found the tool to be most ergonomic, well balanced with sufficient power. We have a great amount of trees so this is an essential tool for us in clearing debris. The 12 amp motor has enough power to get the job done. We were using the Black & Decker Leaf Hog (Rated at 240) until the switch was rendered useless. The Craftsman is a more well balanced unit, with no wrist fatigue as associated with the Black& Decker. We've been using blower vacs for well over twenty years and can immediately recognize a good tell upon the initial test. A two year warranty accompanies the product which is very beneficial. We mostly use the blower and not the vacuum which does not impress us in any make or model. Tried the vacuum with other name brands as the suction is just too much bother; then one must clean the bag, and chute. The switch is always the focal point when purchasing a power tool, in that the conductivity is essential upon heavy use. This seems to be the weak point in electrical products. if the switch works, it works. Should there be any interruption upon an open circuit or faulty switch, there would be cause for concern. Owning many leaf blowers, this is the area (switch) which usually fails. After examining the Black & Decker, I found the armature, magnets, and brushes to be fine after ten years, but the switch failed. Now, we're trying the Craftsman which upon initial inspection appears to be as good as any other. Again, the balance of the unit is 'excellent', light weight and user friendly. The 2 speed switch engages the carrier effectively, as there seems to be no issue at present. Good power, and fairly quiet, more so than the Black & Decker Leaf Hog. Due to the fact that we constantly use the blower on rooftops, we would like to see a longer tube but the tube with the Craftsman looks to suffice. I am highly impressed with the 'well-balanced' blower. Many times, one knows right at the outset whether a tool is quantity or "quality". We consider the Craftsman 20-Speed Blower/Vac to be a quality product. You can purchase other name brands with a 12 amp motor but you will be paying significantly more and the 'switch' still remains the weak part of any blower/vac. For any to state that this unit is 'not balanced' really does not speak to those qualified in this field. We would highly recommend Craftsman and this unit specifically.

The on/off switch frozen in the on position after using it 3 times. Brought it back to the store while in warranty; no stock on the shelf. The manager referred me to the an offsite repair facility, which means an hour round trip time from home . . . and then pick up some time later . . . for a total of two hours travel time to repair a defective product. Add another two hours overhead and that's half a day lost. A smaller model on display at the store also had a frozen power switch. It's a great blower but a crummy power switch. Now I just unplug it.