Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda mower hard to start, starter rope, hard rubber

Question
My Honda mower starter rope is very hard to pull making it very difficult to start the engine. Twice when I finally overcame the engine compression the rope snapped back so hard it came out of my hand and a piece of the handle (hard rubber) broke against the  mower handle.  If I had held on it would have broken my hand! I thought that "easy start" engines would not make you pull against the entire engine compression to start.

Answer
 Hello Bill:

 You need to Check the Coil and Ensure it is Tight. Check the Flywheel Key. You Must Remove the Flywheel to Properly Check the Key.  You cant See Enough of the Key to Determine if it is Damaged. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John