Great States 204-14 Hand Reel vs Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push

Design and build quality

The Great States 204-14 Hand Reel utilizes a durable steel side plate design intended to withstand regular use in various lawn conditions. Its construction focuses on longevity with alloy steel blades that are engineered to stay sharp for extended periods. In contrast, the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push incorporates polymer wheels and a manual push design that prioritizes lightweight handling. Both units forego gas engines for manual operation, reducing mechanical complexity. The Great States 204-14 Hand Reel leans towards a heavier-duty build with composite wheels, while the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push emphasizes ease of use through reduced weight.

Cutting mechanism and blades

At the core of these mowers is the reel cutting system. The Great States 204-14 Hand Reel is equipped with a 7-blade ball bearing reel, which generally provides a finer cut and better mulching capability compared to fewer blades. The alloy steel construction aims to maintain edge retention over time. The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push features a 4-blade reel according to its detailed feature list, made of heat-treated alloy steel. This heat treatment is designed to keep the blades sharp for years, and they can be sharpened when necessary. The scissor-action cut mentioned for the Earthwise model ensures a clean trim, though the higher blade count on the Great States 204-14 Hand Reel may offer a smoother finish on dense grass.

Performance on grass types

Versatility in grass compatibility is a key differentiator. The Great States 204-14 Hand Reel is explicitly rated for cutting bent grass, Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum. This wide range suggests robust performance across common warm-season turf varieties. The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push is marketed as a planet-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers but does not list specific grass types in the provided data. Users with specialized turf such as St. Augustine or Bermuda may find the specific compatibility claims of the Great States 204-14 Hand Reel more reassuring for consistent performance without tearing grass tips.

Adjustability and height range

Cutting height adjustment determines how closely the mower can trim the lawn. The Great States 204-14 Hand Reel offers an adjustable cutting height ranging from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches. This broader range allows for both very short cuts and taller maintenance levels. The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push provides an adjustable blade height of 0.5 inches to 1.75 inches. While both start at the same minimum height, the Great States 204-14 Hand Reel extends significantly higher, offering more flexibility for users who prefer longer grass or need to cut through slightly overgrown areas without scalping the lawn.

Maneuverability and wheels

Wheel size plays a crucial role in how easily a push mower traverses uneven terrain. The Great States 204-14 Hand Reel is fitted with 10-inch composite wheels. Larger wheels typically roll over bumps and debris with less resistance, reducing user effort. The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push comes with 8.5-inch polymer wheels designed to provide optimal maneuverability in smaller spaces. While the smaller wheels may offer tight turning capabilities, the 10-inch wheels on the Great States 204-14 Hand Reel are likely superior for rougher lawns. Both models rely on manual pushing, so wheel diameter directly impacts the physical effort required during operation.

Maintenance and durability

Both units are designed to minimize maintenance compared to gas engines. The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push highlights that it does not require extensive maintenance, oil, or gas. Its blades are noted to be sharpenable when necessary. The Great States 204-14 Hand Reel also positions itself as an planet-friendly alternative that matches gasoline push lawn mowers without the associated upkeep. The steel side plate design on the Great States 204-14 Hand Reel suggests a focus on structural durability. Since neither requires fuel or engine maintenance, long-term ownership costs are primarily limited to blade sharpening and occasional cleaning for both models.

Price and value

Cost is a significant factor for manual lawn care tools. The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push is priced at $89.99, making it the more budget-friendly option. The Great States 204-14 Hand Reel is listed at $122.99, reflecting its higher specification count including larger wheels and more blades. For users seeking the lowest entry price, the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push presents a compelling value proposition. However, the additional cost for the Great States 204-14 Hand Reel buys tangible upgrades in cutting width and height adjustment, which may justify the price difference for larger or more demanding lawns.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these manual mowers depends on lawn size and terrain. The Great States 204-14 Hand Reel is the better choice for users with larger lawns or uneven ground due to its 10-inch wheels and 16-inch cutting width. Its ability to handle a wider variety of grass types and cut higher makes it more versatile. The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push is ideal for smaller yards where budget and lightweight handling are priorities. If maximum performance and adjustability are required, the Great States 204-14 Hand Reel wins. If cost savings and basic functionality are the main goals, the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push is the suitable option.