[Mikado463]

another Ariens guy here myself. Bought a new one (30" Platinum series) last year and never used it (no complaints) , took it out last week for that little 3" dusting we got just to get a feel for it, much better than my previous model (8/24) in that there is noticeably less vibration of the engine which would be transmitted through the handles, plus they're heated which helps this old mans arthritis.

If you want something for the wife to handle I'd stick with the 24" variety, electric start makes it a piece of cake. I recommend buy from a real dealer instead of Home Depot or Lowes for the obvious reasons.