I have been debating between the two for a long time. I came to conclusion that the Mantis has the same proven gear box for years where Honda is new. Also I am using it mainly for de-thatching. The video I post below show how good the Mantis work, I just want to play it safe. I just order the Mantis with Honda engine with de-thatcher and aerator tines. Mantis have promotion. $449 for tiller, they kick in the kick stand, edger, free shipping, one year refund. Just can't refuse this. I mainly use it for de-thatching. If you have doubt of how well this little thing work for dethatching, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU7kUDcOhiU I choose Mantis over Honda FG110 because of the promotion and also the gear reduction ratio. Mantis is 42:1 vs Honda 35:1. Higher gear ratio of Mantis meaning the tines turn slower and have better torque. For de-thatching, slower turning should be better for the grass so it won't damage the grass as much. Also higher gear ratio means it won't labor the engine as much. I choose the Honda engine because the Echo is rated only at 0.9hp where as the Honda is 1.1hp. 0.9hp for the Echo engine is published by Mantis. Honda GX25 is rated 1.1hp in many documentation. I hate mixing oil. I have HC151 hedge trimmer with the same Echo engine, it is loud and harder to start. I have the Honda HHT31S trimmer and the engine is so quiet, the sound of the trim head spinning is as loud as the motor. You almost can get away without ear plug.( don't even think about it). I'll post my experience after I use it. It should be here in a week.

My praying mantis seemed to have gone on holiday for the last few years. That's why I was tickled pink when I found a mature one the other day. It's a whitish one, but I understand that it will probably grow darker as it gets older. They are my favorite bug and I was so surprised to find out that there are fan clubs and forums devoted to them. Some people keep them as pets. That's not going to be me btw...........Sometimes the journey to your goal is as much fun as the arrival. You seem to be enjoying all the prep work needed for you new garden. How many bulbs will you plant? It's the time now to order here and I've got a few coming myself, but no room for more then a few.......... White MANTIS: Maryl

I'm not Mantis either, but I do have an opinion. When you have one that multiplies rapidly like that there was likely damage to fans coming out the top of the crown. Your plant made several smaller fans coming up from the bottom of the crowns in an attempt to survive. Those fans look very healthy to me. If I were you, I would leave them be and see what happens next year. I've had some do this over the years that lived and went on to flourish for decades. This plant is definitely not ready to call it quits. Debra

The photo got selected from the recent additions and was in the front page scroll with a few other pics from the week. Maryl also had this honor in the past