I bought into the Ryobi 18V Lithium Tool line back in 2012 and have accumulated quite a few tools & batteries for my shop as well as my yard since. Since I already have plenty of batteries and chargers, I ordered the Tool Only Ryobi P2300B 18V Edger last Spring.
Have owned my house since 1992 and had never owned or used a powered edger … done some hand edging with a spade a time or two but that is it. So the task at hand was indeed a challenge for this "non-gas-powered" tool last Spring.
Anyway, had to go slow to avoid tripping the circuit breaker and burned through 2 4Ah batteries total, maybe an hours worth of work. It was easy to operate and is certainly capable, but if you are used to a gas power one, you may not agree.
The blade was barely worn from the 1st use, so I did not even bother flipping it over when I re-edged again about a month ago. It was really hot out that day so I only did my front walks and driveway, saved the back patio area for later.
Key is to go slow and don't attempt with anything other than a 4Ah or higher capacity battery; the tool is only 18V and does not have a lot of torque.
I've recently bought a Greenworks 40V G-MAX Brushless 14" String Trimmer that is attachment capable and my brother has the edger attachment that I plan on borrowing to try out in my back yard. I'm sure with the brushless motor and double the voltage at the same 4Ah this tool will be more up to the job.
If Ryobi would re-design the P23008B with a more powerful Brushless motor like it has been doing with many 18V tools, it would be perform much better.
Doug