I agree 100% with both deejay and grumpy, and I think grumpy has summed up the selection process very well. I'm still experimenting with both 6 blade and 10 blade Scott Bonnar 45's, 10 blade on the back lawn, 6 blade out the front. The 10 blade certainly does give a nice finish at very low height but the reality is that there isn't much difference between the two for home use.
My back lawn is approx 5mm now and it needs a bit of work to stay looking good. I keep a maintenance schedule, mow daily, fertilise and check ph regularly, deep water often (and monitor rainfall), top dress, aerate, the list goes on... On the other hand I mow out the front with the 6 blade twice a week and fertilise as needed. Both front and back look great. The back lawn is definitely a little better but the huge increase in time and effort is not proportionately reflected.
My advice... The standard 6 blade SB45 is a great cylinder mower for home use and if well maintained and adjusted, does a fantastic job. Unless the height of cut will be very low, don't bother adding blades. If you want lawn of an absolute professional standard, look at upgrading to commercial turf care equipment - just be prepared to spend the time and money maintaining it daily as professionals do (and without the income they receive from the use of their greens)
