They work pretty good being a single stage.
Mine is a Craftsman 24" duel stage with a 10 hp Briggs. Heated handles and steering assist. It works really good.
Not much it won't go through. My driveway is 114 ft plus another 14 once past the city sidewalk soit earns it's keep. Bought it in 2009 and just replaced the second stage belt but has been trouble free but it also is well maintained too