-you might read "reel mower neophyte," below, for a thorough overview of reel mowers, and how to maintain them. Reel mowers are used on golf courses, where the quality of the cut is essential, so yes, they do cut very well, when they are maintained properly.

Reel mowers can be gasoline engine powered just as rotary mowers can. There are also push powered reel mowers. I think you are asking about the difference between reel and rotary - correct?

A reel mower if it is sharpened and adjusted and if you are cutting close as with a putting green will produce somewhat of a flatter cut if the underlying ground is also flat. Under most conditions that a homeowner will encounter there will be no perceptible difference in results from either design.