Having the right garden hose can make watering your lawn, garden, and outdoor areas much easier. Flexible garden hoses are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and can fold up for compact storage. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which is the best flexible garden hose to buy?
When shopping for a flexible garden hose, here are the key factors to consider:
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Hose Length
Flexible garden hoses come in different lengths, usually ranging from 25 feet up to 100 feet. Consider the size of your yard and how far you need to reach when determining the right length. Longer hoses give you more mobility but are heavier and more cumbersome to lug around. Make sure to also account for any hose fittings when measuring the total length you need.
Hose Diameter
Standard garden hoses have a 5/8 inch diameter, but lightweight flexible hoses are often 1/2 inch. The smaller diameter makes them easier to maneuver. However, it also means lower water pressure and flow. If you need more power for tasks like washing cars, go for a 3/4 inch diameter hose.
Materials
Flexible garden hoses can be made from various materials:
- Latex: Lightweight and kink-resistant. Prone to cracks over time.
- Vinyl: Affordable option. Can be stiff when cold.
- Rubber: Durable with good flexibility. On the heavier side.
- Hybrid: Mix of materials for optimal durability and flexibility.
Consider your budget and needs. Latex and vinyl are affordable choices good for light duty use. Rubber offers ruggedness for heavy duty watering. Hybrids give you the best of both worlds.
Number of Ply Layers
More ply layers make a hose stronger and more kink-resistant. 2-4 ply hoses are common. Commercial grade hoses may have up to 8 ply layers and are very durable.
Fittings
Look for crush-proof and corrosion-resistant brass fittings. Plastic fittings may crack over time. Some flexible hoses come with useful accessories like storage bags, hose nozzles, and splitter valves.
Brand Reputation
Established brands like Gilmour, Craftsman, and Flexzilla have years of experience making quality hoses. Reading customer reviews can provide insight into real-world performance and durability.
Price
Expect to spend $15-$50 for a flexible garden hose, depending on the length, materials, and included accessories. Commercial grade hoses cost over $100.
Top 5 Flexible Garden Hoses
Based on the above criteria, here are 5 of the best flexible garden hoses:
| Brand | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Flexzilla Garden Hose | Lightweight, compact, abrasion-resistant outer cover, flexible in cold weather, crush resistant anodized aircraft aluminum fittings |
| Gilmour Flexogen Super Duty Hose | Durable double-ply reinforced design, 500 PSI burst strength, heavy-duty brass couplings, kink resistant |
| Tuff-Guard Perfect In Every Way Hose | Durable 4-ply construction, abrasion resistant outer cover, crush-proof steel couplings, flexible in any weather |
| Water Right Ultra Light Slim Hose | Super lightweight and flexible, durable polyurethane jacket, bend restrictor keeps kinks at bay, lead-free brass ends |
| Craftsman Premium Rubber Hose | Flexible rubber construction, weather and abrasion resistant, memory flex technology, brass accents |
1. Flexzilla Garden Hose
The Flexzilla Garden Hose is an extremely lightweight and flexible hose that makes maneuvering around the yard easy. It weighs only 3.7 pounds for a 50 foot hose and comes in lengths ranging from 25 to 100 feet.
This hose features a durable outer cover made from a proprietary blend of polymers that makes it abrasion resistant. It remains flexible even in cold temperatures down to -40°F. The inner tube has a smooth interior for maximum flow.
Fittings are made from durable anodized aircraft aluminum that is crush resistant up to 2000 lbs. You can choose between standard garden hose fittings, quick connect, or swivel ends. The fittings also have built-in O-ring seals to prevent leaks.
With its combination of flexibility, durability, and superior fittings, the Flexzilla is an excellent hose for watering gardens, washing cars, or any other outdoor task.
2. Gilmour Flexogen Super Duty Hose
Gilmour’s Flexogen Super Duty Hose is a commercial grade option designed for rugged durability. It features a double-ply hybrid polymer blend construction with added UV shielding. This provides excellent strength and kink resistance.
This flexible hose can withstand up to 500 PSI of burst pressure. It has a heavy-duty brass coupling at each end that creates a solid connection. The fittings swivel as you drag the hose around to prevent kinks.
The Flexogen is available in 50, 75, and 100 foot lengths. It remains flexible even in hot weather. The inner diameter is 5/8 inches for high water flow. A durable outer jacket protects against abrasions.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, the Gilmour Flexogen is ideal for those seeking maximum strength and durability from their flexible garden hose.
3. Tuff-Guard Perfect In Every Way Hose
As the name suggests, the Tuff-Guard Perfect In Every Way Hose is designed to be an ideal hose for any garden task. The key is its durable 4-ply construction.
The four layers include an inner PE liner, a tough weave reinforcement layer, a PVC braid for strength, and a abrasion resistant outer cover. This combination makes the hose very resistant to kinks.
The fittings are made from solid forged brass but coated in a crush-proof steel sleeve for added durability. The fittings swivel 360° to prevent tangled twisting as you move the hose around.
Available in 25 to 100 foot lengths, this flexible hose remains easy to maneuver in any weather. It can handle up to 12 BAR pressure. A 5-year warranty provides peace of mind.
4. Water Right Ultra Light Slim Hose
Weighing less than 1 pound, the Water Right Ultra Light Slim Hose is incredibly lightweight and easy to handle. It comes in 25, 50, and 75 foot variants.
This flexible hose is constructed using a durable polyurethane jacket over the interior tubing. This provides excellent strength and kink resistance while maintaining flexibility. The slim diameter makes it easy to coil up.
To keep kinks at bay when dragging it around, Water Right built in its WFeatured Owned bend restrictor. It also has lead-free brass ends and included washers for leak-free connections.
The ultra lightweight construction makes this flexible hose perfect for those who value easy portability. Just be aware that the slimmer diameter reduces water flow compared to standard 5/8″ hoses.
5. Craftsman Premium Rubber Hose
For a classic rubber hose that offers flexibility and durability, the Craftsman Premium Rubber Hose is a great choice. It uses a natural rubber interior tube and double-reinforced construction.
The Premium Rubber hose remains flexible even in cold weather. It has Craftsman’s MaxFlex technology which gives it improved memory flex so it lies flat without kinks after unwinding.
This hose has a tough outer cover that resists abrasion damage. The brass couplers provide a durable connection and feature rubberized soft grips. You can choose lengths from 25 feet to 100 feet.
Backed by a 5-year warranty, the Craftsman Premium Rubber Hose delivers time-tested performance and flexibility season after season.
Key Considerations When Buying a Flexible Garden Hose
Here are some final tips when evaluating the best flexible garden hose for your needs:
Usage
Think about your intended usage – light garden watering vs heavy duty washing. This affects the diameter, materials, and durability you need.
Manual vs Auto-Retracting Reel
For easy storage without kinking, consider an auto-retracting hose reel. But they are pricier and the mechanism can fail over time.
Hose Storage
Proper storage avoids kinks. Avoid tight coils and hang hoses when possible. Some come with storage bags.
Nozzle Types
Choose from basic squeeze nozzles, pistol grip, rotating, fan spray, and stationary sprinkler nozzles. Consider convenience and your needs.
Soap Application
Look for nozzles that allow soap attachment for washing cars and outdoor furniture. Or get a special soap/sprayer attachment.
Hose Length Markings
Length markings every 10 or 25 feet on the hose helps you accurately gauge how much you are unwinding.
Shut Off Valve
A shut off valve at the faucet end of the hose allows you to turn off water flow without going back to the spigot.
Warranty Coverage
Opt for at least a 5-year warranty. Better brands offer lifetime warranties against defects.
Conclusion
When choosing the best flexible garden hose, consider key factors like length, diameter, materials, and fittings. Look for kink resistance, weather flexibility, durable fittings and abrasion resistant outer layer. Brand reputation and warranty coverage also matter.
The Flexzilla Garden Hose is a top pick for its superior combination of flexibility, durability and performance. Gilmour, Tuff-Guard and Water Right also make excellent flexible hoses to consider. Investing in the right hose makes watering your outdoor spaces much easier.