I have a gas powered mower, but like this reel mower better.  I hate having to go get gas before I mow, and the maintenance of cleaning and maintaing spark plugs etc in a gas mower.  This did the trick in my small yard very well.  It is harder to mow if you let the grass get too tall or if the grass is wet, and small sticks can stop the blades from turning (until said stick is removed), but if you stay on top of the yard this is a great eco friendly and economic tool.  I have no plans to go back to my gas mower.