Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Most water hoses are made out of vinyl rubber or polyester and latex. The most durable rubber hoses like the Briggs and Stratton 50-Foot Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose have a crush-proof, scratch-resistant shell. However, they’re typically more expensive and less flexible than their polyurethane and latex counterparts. To get the most use out of your garden hose while keeping your plants healthy, consider the following tips. Like most commercial grade hoses, the fittings are heavy duty. Sometimes this can make it difficult to attach to a spigot. All things considered, attaching this Ag Lite hose to the spigot was not that difficult (video below). The FitLife Expandable garden hose is great for small projects around the house like watering a flower bed or small garden. It is also great for those that want a hose that will store in small places without worrying if it will get kinked. Also great for those of you who want something ultra-lightweight.
If you’ve ever struggled to use or move a bulky, heavy hose around your outdoor space, you'll especially appreciate the Zero-G Garden Hose. Earning the best overall spot on our list, this hose stood out during our testing for its ease of use and durability. The lead-free couplings are designed to be crush-proof under loads up to 900 pounds. Plus, we loved how easily the hose connected to the spigot and we felt that its overall design was sleek compared to other options on the market. The FitLife expandable hose is not for every job. As I said, the flow rate compared to normal hoses is significantly lower. The hose is flimsy and can get pinched easily, especially around the spigot. Also, while this hose does expand as needed, if it is stretched out and released, it can launch itself similar to a rubber band.Couplings are the fittings on the end of a garden hose. Aluminum or brass couplings are the most common type, but some manufacturers use plastic fittings instead. Couplings are important because they allow users to connect the end of the hose to the spigot as well as pressure washers, sprayers, sprinklers, and other garden hose nozzles and accessories. Additional Features For weight, we measured dry weight, but remember, most 50 foot 5/8″ diameter hoses hold approximately 6.5 pounds of water when full, so take that into consideration. These kink-resistant vinyl hoses can be stiff, and hard to maneuver due to the kink-resistant properties. To read more, visit our article comparing rubber vs vinyl garden hoses. Hose Durability Rubber: Rubber hoses are second only to polyurethane in durability, and much more affordable. However, they can be quite heavy when filled with water. The Ag Lite hose has hand-shaped kink resisters that keep the hose from kinking at the ends of the hose which also help with grip. It has an octagon-shaped design and hand grip end fittings that make maneuvering this hose very easy.
This hose comes with high-quality brass fittings and includes a spray nozzle with eight different settings, so you don't have to worry about purchasing one separately. We tested 27 different 50 foot garden hoses across a wide range of criteria including weight, flow rate, crush resistance and ease of use. The Flexzilla 50 foot hose tested the best, proving to have a lightweight, easy-to-use design combined with a great flow rate and fittings that didn’t crush under the weight of an SUV. In this article we provide photos and videos of us testing these hoses so you can see them in action. A 25-foot garden hose may be too short if your spigot is located more than 25 feet away from the area you intend to water. Homeowners with large yards should opt for at least a 50-foot garden hose, if not a 75- or 100-foot hose. How long will my garden hose last? The material of this hose is made with a hybrid polymer blend that is both flexible and kink-resistant. Below is video of me straightening this hose out: Couplings, or fittings, are the end pieces that connect the hose to the water supply. "End fittings are just as important as the hose material," says Schenan. "Look for brass or plated brass alloy fittings for the longest life, something that's especially important if you are investing in a hose you expect to use for several years. Aluminum and plastic fitting are unlikely to last as long, but are lighter." More Garden Hoses to ConsiderRather than spraying water, which can evaporate before it reaches the ground, this soaker hose releases water slowly and steadily through its pores to give a deep, even soak to plant roots. Our testers took note of what looked like condensation on the outside of the hose as the water began seeping through the pores. According to the manufacturer, this flat soaker hose can release an impressive two gallons of water every two minutes. Overall, this hose had the best combination of weight, flow rate, crush resistance, and ease of use. I feel confident recommending it as a multi-purpose hose that can fill a wide range of needs, both for homeowners, and for commercial use.
The main thing to consider here is ease of use. Metal hoses, including this Tardigrade hose, are extremely responsive and easy to use. They won’t fight you like a heavy duty traditional water hose. And the puncture-resistant material adds a touch of durability that some homeowners need. Here I am straightening this hose: Latex: Another kind of plastic, latex is a common material in expandable hoses. It’s flexible and resilient, which allows it to expand and contract. But it’s not as durable as other materials. This article was written by Erica Puisis, who has years of experience researching and writing about the best products for indoor and outdoor living. To find the best options for garden hoses, she relied on first-hand product testing insights from The Spruce's Lab. The hoses were evaluated based on their usability, material, coupling, maneuverability, and value.
You should also take care not to leave the hose out in direct sunlight, because hot water can expand in the hose and "UV rays can weaken the material," says McCoy. "Also, make sure to store it out of the elements during winter." Do you need a garden hose nozzle for your hose? This coil hose in particular stands out for two reasons: its material and design. Like our best heavy-duty hose, it's made from UV-stabilized polyurethane, an extremely durable, flexible, and lightweight material that's resistant to punctures and abrasions. The couplings are made from lead-free brass. "I can see this lasting for many years," says one tester. In terms of design, this garden hose has unique straight tail ends as opposed to being coiled all the way through, which makes it easier to direct the flow of water and attach it to the spigot. Plus, it's drinking water-safe. This hose does have a rather small diameter at 3/8 inch, which can restrict the water flow, so it's best reserved for low-pressure watering. Although it is lightweight, we found this to still be a durable hose. The fittings are made with heavy-duty aluminum that did not crush when we ran them over with an SUV. Photo 3 in the section above shows the fitting after we ran it over.
Great Deal 
New Comment