I love my reel mower... I'm a classical musician, and I REALLY appreciate
the quiet. (I only have a small amount of grass to mow however).
Unfortunately, with large pine treese around, it's essential to rake before
mowing - because otherwise the blades will catch on pine cones and other
debris. Even after raking, this will happen several times while mowing. But
it doesn't take long to get everything going again.