I've always had a reel that I lift out. Although there are disadvantages, it does help when the hose needs to go through a windy route, especially if it's around car tyres or similar. I have been known to carry it beyond the tyres, unwind to the windows, then walk the main reel back to the van to connect up. There aren't many jobs like that though.
For me I think the ideal scenario would be one fixed and one free.