I believe I spotted 1 or 2 of your problems. 1 - you need to wrap both lines at the same time. I let the two lines trail from my hand as I wrap them, with a finger between the two. If you wrap one, then the other, the 2nd PINS the 1st under it and cannot unwind properly during usage. If you have the kind you tap to let more line unwind, tap it (gently my-lady) on pavement to get a solid bump. The lawn might not give a firm enough bump to let it unwind, PLUS you probably have one line trapped under the other, instead of along side it, when you wound new line on it in the 1st place. A trained Octopus helps. Mine has 2 notches to secure one cord in as I work the other through its opposite side feeder hole. [Or - Duct Tape - maybe?!?] 2- Yes, re-winding instructions drive me nuts too. The instructions are very probably drawn/written with the view being from the BOTTOM = as you turn it over to remove the "bump hub" so you can coil on new cord. There MAY be a re-wind direction ARROW imprinted into the plastic somewhere too. Look hard! Its color is probably the same as the spool or hub or whatever it is on. Make sure you are using the correct size cord. I go 1 size larger (lasts a bit longer), but that size works in mine. 2 sizes larger will not slide out the feeder holes in mine. 3- Electric hasn't as much power as gas, BUT it starts 'right now'. Whereas gas can be a bear, especially after a non-use season where it sets up and the 'lacquer' in the gas coats the tiny gas passages. It can be exhausting to start. I suggest looking at electric only. No particular brand recommendation, but check the wattage (Volts times Amps = Watts and Watts = power) it requires as that tells how "tough" a job it might handle (14 watts will generate more power than 12 watts, etc.) and that also lets you know the size (gauge) extension cord you need to adequately power it without generating too much heat in the cord. Of course, the LONGER the cord the more heat (resistance) the large the gauge you'd need [10 is larger than 12 & 12 is larger than 14, etc.]. Have the sales outlet give you a short course in the tool they are selling you or go elsewhere. Good hunting.

I have only used a B&D cordless weedwacker. I personally will never buy another cordless lawn/garden tool. It just did not have sufficient power to get the job done and was always needing to be recharged (I think it had NiCd batteries). Luckily, I only have to use my electric hedge trimmer about once a year so don't mind the cord.

My DH just bought his third Philips Norelco Rechargeable Tripleheader Cordless/Cord shaver. This one is 8270XL. He bought it at Costco. I think it was about $60. He likes it. I think there are also shavers one can use in the shower; I'm thinking one of those would survive being dropped into the sink..

If you haven't bought anything yet, consider your other needs and buy into a battery 'system'. For instance, the Greenworks tools are relatively inexpensive once you buy the first tool w/ the battery. Do you forsee a need a pole saw / hedge trimmer / cultivator / light-duty snow blower / etc? Look to see which brand might offer all the tools you need with a common battery setup. 40v might be a bit better if you need more power or have a larger outdoor area to work, but a 20v (see Dewalt) or 24v (Greenworks) system would be lighter and includes smaller power tools (drill, circular saw, etc...).