Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Updates: Compact Shear Shrubber and 10-Inch Chainsaw

Introduction

Ryobi keeps expanding its 18V ONE+ HP outdoor lineup, and two fresh releases are worth a closer look: a compact brushless shear shrubber and an updated 10-inch brushless chainsaw. Both sit at the high-performance end of the platform, and both follow a Ryobi habit that stands out: comparing new models only to their own predecessors rather than throwing inflated claims at rival brands.

If you are already in the 18V ONE+ system, these are the kind of tools that make the platform easier to justify. Here is what each one offers, what it costs, and who it makes sense for.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Compact Brushless Shear Shrubber (PBLS01BTL)

The HP badge on Ryobi tools stands for high performance, which is the top tier of the lineup. The new shear shrubber, model PBLS01BTL, is sold tool only for $99, or as a kit with a 2Ah battery for $129.

Ryobi claims it is 22% more powerful and 37% more compact than its own previous brushed model, so the comparison is against the older Ryobi shear and shrubber trimmer rather than any competitor. That older tool has a strong track record of its own, with a 4.5-star rating across roughly 1,450 reviews at $79. The new model costs more, but it is brushless and part of the HP line.

It weighs about three pounds tool only and delivers around 30 minutes of run time on a full charge with the included 2Ah battery. If you already own 4Ah or 6Ah ONE+ batteries, you get even more run time from the same tool.

Two Blades, One Tool: How the Shear Shrubber Works

The main appeal is versatility. The tool converts between a grass shear and a hedge shrubber with a toolless blade change, so you can move between tasks without digging out a second trimmer.

The 4-inch shearing blade is aimed at trimming around flower beds and other delicate landscape areas where a larger tool would be excessive. The 8-inch shrubber blade has a 5/16-inch cut capacity for slightly heavier shaping work. Ryobi backs the tool with a three-year manufacturer warranty.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP 10-Inch Brushless Chainsaw

The second release is an update to a previous ONE+ HP 10-inch brushless chainsaw from a few years back. Pricing stays the same: $179 tool only, or $229 as a kit with a 4Ah 18V ONE+ battery. Note this is an 18V saw, not a 40V model, and it is intended for smaller jobs rather than heavy felling work.

Ryobi claims 30% faster cutting than its predecessor and up to 70 cuts per charge with the included 4Ah battery, which makes it a reasonable fit for routine tree maintenance or storm cleanup. The 10-inch bar and chain handles cuts up to 8 inches, and the saw includes kickback protection. Ryobi has a solid reputation for its chainsaws, and this one keeps the same price as the tool it replaces.

Should You Buy the Kit or the Tool Only?

For both tools, the answer depends on whether you already own batteries. The shear shrubber kit with a 2Ah battery costs $129 versus $99 tool only, and the chainsaw kit with a 4Ah battery is $229 versus $179 tool only. Sometimes the kit is the better deal if you do not already have batteries, so it is worth comparing before you buy.

If you are deep into the ONE+ platform, the tool-only versions are the obvious choice, and spare batteries will stretch the shear shrubber’s 30-minute runtime considerably.

Conclusion

Both tools are sensible, incremental upgrades within the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP line. The shear shrubber is a compact, three-pound detail tool for flower beds and light shaping, while the 10-inch chainsaw is a faster-cutting update for small pruning and cleanup jobs. Neither tries to be more than it is, and for ONE+ owners that is exactly the point.