As has been said before, the most important thing is to get a rear discharge. If you go with any of the brands that have been mentioned in this thread, I think you'll be happy. I have a Landpride 1560, which is their "economy" model, rear discharge. I used it all last season, and was very happy with it. I got it for $1200, which was a good buy. Get the best deal you can, and go rear discharge, as I said, any of the aforementioned brands will do you well.