Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Pu vs Earthwise 1816-18EW 18-Inch 5-Blade Push
Quick Verdict
For small, flat lawns under 2,000 square feet and budget-focused buyers, the Great States 204-14 is the clear winner. It costs significantly less, has a strong reputation from thousands of reviews, and is lightweight and easy to maneuver. The Earthwise 1816-18EW is the better choice for medium-sized lawns (up to 4,000 square feet) where the extra 4-inch cutting width and 5-blade reel provide a cleaner cut and faster mowing time, especially if you have slightly thicker grass or a more uneven surface.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | Great States 204-14 | Earthwise 1816-18EW |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.99 | $129.89 |
| Power | Manual push (no engine) | Manual push (no engine) |
| Cut Width | 14 inches | 18 inches |
| Blades | 4-blade reel | 5-blade reel |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 2,000 sq. ft. | Up to 4,000 sq. ft. |
| Weight | Approx. 20 lbs. | Approx. 24 lbs. |
| Rating | 4.3/5 (9,257 reviews) | 4.2/5 (1,765 reviews) |
Where Great States Wins
Price and Value – At $89.99, the Great States is $40 cheaper than the Earthwise. For a manual reel mower, this is a significant saving, especially if you only need to maintain a small patch of grass.
Proven Track Record – With over 9,200 reviews and a 4.3-star average, it has one of the highest review counts in the reel mower category. This indicates consistent quality and reliable performance across many users.
Lighter Weight – At roughly 20 pounds, it is noticeably easier to push and turn, particularly on slopes or tight corners. This makes it ideal for older users or those with less strength.
Simplicity – The 4-blade design is simpler to maintain and sharpen than a 5-blade reel. For occasional use, fewer blades mean less chance of alignment issues.
Where Earthwise Wins
Wider Cutting Path – The 18-inch cut width saves time. On a 4,000 sq. ft. lawn, you will make about 25% fewer passes compared to the 14-inch Great States.
Finer Cut Quality – The 5-blade reel creates more cuts per rotation, resulting in a cleaner, more manicured appearance. This is especially noticeable on fescue or ryegrass that tends to shred with fewer blades.
Better for Thicker Grass – The Earthwise’s extra blade and slightly heavier build provide more momentum, helping it slice through denser growth without stalling.
Durability – Earthwise uses a steel frame and rust-resistant components, which can hold up better in damp conditions or if you occasionally mow wet grass.
Which Should You Buy
Buy the Great States 204-14 if:
- Your lawn is under 2,000 square feet (small city lot or postage-stamp yard).
- You want the lowest possible cost.
- You prefer a lightweight mower that is easy to store and handle.
- You value the reassurance of thousands of positive reviews.
Buy the Earthwise 1816-18EW if:
- Your lawn is 2,000–4,000 square feet (medium suburban lot).
- You want a cleaner, more precise cut for a manicured look.
- You have thicker grass or slightly uneven terrain.
- You are willing to spend