Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Pu vs Sun Joe Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower with
Quick Verdict
The Great States 204-14 is the better choice for most homeowners seeking a reliable, affordable manual reel mower. It earns a significantly higher customer rating (4.3 vs 3.7) from a larger sample size, and its lower price point makes it a strong value. The Sun Joe model offers more cutting height adjustability, but its lower rating and higher cost make it a secondary option for those who need very specific height settings.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | Great States 204-14 | Sun Joe Manual Push Reel |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.99 | $114.99 |
| Power | Manual (push) | Manual (push) |
| Cut Width | 14 inches | 14 inches |
| Height Adjustments | 5 positions | 9 positions |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 1/3 acre | Up to 1/3 acre |
| Customer Rating | 4.3/5 (9,257 reviews) | 3.7/5 (6,014 reviews) |
Where Great States Wins
Price and Value — At $89.99, the Great States is $25 less expensive than the Sun Joe. For a manual reel mower with similar cutting width, this represents meaningful savings.
Customer Satisfaction — With a 4.3 rating from over 9,200 reviews, the Great States clearly pleases more users. The higher score and larger review sample indicate consistent reliability.
Simplicity — Five cutting height positions cover the most common grass lengths (typically 1–2.5 inches). Fewer adjustments mean less chance of mechanical issues and easier setup for the average user.
Durability Reputation — Great States has been manufacturing reel mowers for decades. The 204-14 uses a 10-gauge steel frame and hardened steel blades, which users often report lasting multiple seasons with minimal maintenance.
Where Sun Joe Wins
Cutting Height Versatility — Nine adjustable positions give the Sun Joe finer control over grass length. This benefits users who maintain different grass types or prefer very precise cutting heights (e.g., 0.5–2.5 inches).
Wider Blade Adjustment Range — The Sun Joe’s adjustment mechanism allows more variation between the lowest and highest settings. This can be useful for lawns with uneven terrain or mixed grass species.
Modern Design — The Sun Joe includes a composite grass catcher that some users find easier to empty than the Great States’ cloth bag. Its lighter overall weight (about 22 lbs vs 25 lbs) can make it slightly easier to push on flat ground.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the Great States 204-14 if: You want the best value for a standard, well-reviewed manual mower. It’s the smarter buy for most small to medium lawns (under 1/3 acre) where you only need basic height adjustments. The higher customer rating and lower price make it the low-risk choice.
Choose the Sun Joe if: You need more than five cutting height positions—for example, if you maintain a Bermuda grass lawn that requires very low cuts in summer and higher cuts in winter. The nine positions give you that flexibility. Also consider it if you prefer a slightly lighter mower with a modern plastic catcher.
Final recommendation: Unless you specifically need the extra height positions, the Great States 204-14 wins this comparison. It’s cheaper, more trusted by users, and performs the same core job just as well. The Sun Joe’s added adjustability doesn’t justify its higher price for most buyers.