1) Ryobi cordless is now every bit as good and better than Makita cordless 15 years ago. I have both. I know pros look at Ryobi and think of the the blue plastic versions that could do barely half of what red, yellow, or teal can do. They are right about the old stuff. However the new stuff, produced in the last five years has moved the quality of tool from 40% of the big brand to about 80% the quality and in some cases, like the nailers, fans, and lights are just as good. I prefer Milwuakee and Makita, sonetimes the cost beteeen them and Ryobi isnt justified.
2) Ryobi is a great compliment line to red, teal, and yellow. Vacs, lights, nailers, glue guns, fans, and others round out people's line-ups well.
3) The OPE line-up is large and doeant break the bank. They have evey type of OPE need at thrid of the cost of the big boys. Spending 150 per sting trimmer, blower, and hedge trimmers is alot when i can those plus a pole saw, chemical sprayer, and chainsaw for rhe same price.