I bought a PB-250LN a month ago at Home Depot, and my choice was based on its very low 65 db(A) noise level. It's way below the level that would require ear protection and subjectively it's no louder than the Honda GCV160 engine on my Husqvarna 7021P lawn mower. It's also as quiet as any handheld 4-stroke engined blower out there, but lighter and more powerful. It's actually the first 2-stroke powered lawn tool I've ever owned, and a far cry from the noisy, smokey and smelly 2-stroke MX bikes I used to own. I'm running Trufuel 50:1 premix in it to avoid issues with ethanol and low grade gas. So far it's been a 3-pull start with it (2 choke + 1 no choke) and a 1-pull once warmed up. For me the power is more than adequate, and light years better than my battery powered blowers, which are just good for light cleanup after mowing. My only complaint is that it vibrates throughout the speed range, which I find fatiguing. Kinda reminds me of my old Harley Sportster, which has a rigidly mounted engine. For me it's definitely a thumbs up.