i'm with wahoowad regarding doing both. this is still pretty new to me but i have to say if i had to get a lot done i have no doubt the splitter (even electric) will be more efficient to get more done in less time. when using a maul, the first log normally stands straight (not always!) but then every split after that you need to get to stand up straight is a challenge. then when you swing the splits go flying in different directions and you need to round them up to stack them or split them again. even if its just 10 seconds saved per split and i think its more, if its over a couple hours its going to add up.