Model 9917-03-01 · 170cc Subaru SP170 · 1,150 CFM · 200 MPH · 102 lbs · ~$600–$750
How we calculated 8.5/10: We weighted verified consumer reviews (Amazon, retailer) at 40%, expert testing at 25%, dealer consensus at 20%, and specialty commercial feedback at 15%. The 8.5 reflects competitive airflow and strong value — held back by heavier weight, shorter warranty, manual nozzle adjustment, and mixed quality control reports.
Aim Rite adjustable discharge nozzle — Tool-free adjustment directs airflow downward (wet matted leaves), horizontal (wide coverage), or forward (walls and curbs). Real versatility for different cleanup scenarios.
1,150 CFM at 200 MPH — Slightly edges the Billy Goat F601V's 1,090 CFM. More than double the airflow of comparably priced backpack blowers.
Folding padded handle — Collapses flat for compact garage storage. A genuine advantage for homeowners with limited space that neither Billy Goat nor Optimax models offer.
Flat-free wheels front and rear — Zero puncture risk, zero tire maintenance, consistent rolling performance on rough terrain.
Most affordable walk-behind option — Typically $100–$200 less than the F601V, making it the lowest-cost entry into walk-behind blowing.
Two engine options — Subaru SP170 (170cc) or Kohler SH265 (6.5 HP). The Kohler variant offers slightly more horsepower for buyers who prefer that brand.
102 lbs — 34% heavier than F601V — Multiple former Little Wonder owners cite weight as their #1 reason for switching to Billy Goat. Noticeable fatigue on larger properties.
Manual nozzle repositioning — Aim Rite adjusts tool-free but requires stopping to physically move the nozzle. No cable-operated handle control like Billy Goat's Aim-n-Shoot.
Shorter warranty — 2-year residential / 90-day commercial. Less generous than Billy Goat's 3-year engine warranty and Little Wonder's own 5-year Optimax warranty.
Steel construction susceptible to rust — Conventional steel chassis will corrode in humid or coastal environments vs. Billy Goat's composite housing.
Quality control inconsistencies — Some Amazon reviewers report engine starting issues and manufacturing defects out of the box.
Subaru SP170 lacks commercial features — No TransportGuard, no cyclonic filtration, shorter service intervals vs. the Vanguard engine.
The C5 comes with two engine choices. The primary model (9917-03-01) uses a Subaru SP170 at 170cc / 5.7 HP — a reliable 4-stroke single-cylinder with recoil pull start and ignition on/off switch. The alternate model (9917-06-01) swaps in a Kohler SH265 rated at 6.5 HP with 1,100 CFM. Both run on standard gasoline with no 2-stroke mixing.
The Subaru version is more widely available and typically less expensive. Neither engine matches the commercial-grade features of the Vanguard 205cc (no cyclonic filtration, no TransportGuard, shorter service intervals).
The C5 produces 1,150 CFM at 200 MPH through a 16" composite impeller — slightly exceeding the Billy Goat F601V's 1,090 CFM at the same air speed. In practice the 60 CFM difference is barely perceptible, and both machines dramatically outperform backpack blowers.
The composite impeller keeps weight manageable while delivering competitive airflow. However, it lacks the reinforcement of the all-steel impellers in the Optimax series.
The Aim Rite nozzle repositions tool-free to direct airflow downward, horizontally, or forward — but requires physically stopping to adjust. This is the key ergonomic gap vs. the Billy Goat's cable-operated Aim-n-Shoot that adjusts from the handle while walking.
The handle is thickly padded and folds flat for compact storage — a genuine advantage in tight garages. Remote throttle and ignition switch are handle-mounted. At 102 lbs, noticeably heavier than the F601V but lighter than Optimax machines.
Flat-free wheels front and rear eliminate puncture concerns. Steel chassis construction is durable but susceptible to rust over time in humid environments.
Warranty is the C5's weakest point: 2-year residential / 90-day commercial on the machine, engine warranted separately. Notably less generous than the Optimax's 5-year machine warranty and Billy Goat's combined package.
Designed for homeowners who need more power than a backpack blower but don't want to invest in a commercial-grade Optimax. Handles ¼ to 1.5 acre properties with moderate to heavy leaf fall effectively. The folding handle makes it practical for standard garage storage.
This is Little Wonder's entry point. If you need more power or commercial use, the Optimax 6.5 HP (1,700 CFM) is a significantly better investment with a longer warranty and heavier-duty construction.
The Little Wonder C5 is a solid entry-level walk-behind that brings meaningful power gains over backpack blowers. The 1,150 CFM / 200 MPH output is competitive, the Aim Rite nozzle adds genuine versatility, and the folding handle is a practical storage advantage. However, the 102 lb weight, shorter warranty, and lack of handle-mounted nozzle control put it behind the Billy Goat F601V in our rankings. The C5 makes the most sense for homeowners loyal to Little Wonder, or those who find it at a meaningful discount.