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While testing hoses in our yards and gardens, we learned the importance of choosing the right size.
The Spruce
The lead-free couplings are designed to be crush-proof under loads up to 900 pounds.
We will say that this is quite a heavy, cumbersome hose weighing 10 pounds.
We also love the versatility of this hose.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
We were also able to attach it to a hose nozzle and spigot without any issues.
We only had one minor hiccup with this hose.
Other than that, we found it very reliable.
The Zero-G Lightweight Garden Hose easily connected to the spigot and had a steady, consistent stream.PHOTO: The Spruce
We love them for lightweight, stress-free watering, and had this exact experience testing the Hydrotech Expandable Hose.
We marveled when it filled with waterit goes from 18 feet when empty to 50 feet when full.
When we received this new hose, we were immediately intrigued.
At less than 5 pounds, its extremely lightweight and easy to drag around.
It did not take long at all to fill up, and the pressure remained steady while using it.
Our old vinyl hose used to kink with every use, but not this hose.
At 14.37 pounds, the 100-foot hose is one of the heaviest on our list.
We also noticed no wear and tear on the hose when dragging it around our property.
We found it easier to thread than other hoses weve used without it in the past.
Also, its only available in bright yellow.
This is impressively thick and durable, but one feature we really loved was the kink-resistance.
It felt about the same when filled with water versus not filled with water, too.
The Briggs and Stratton hose is a sturdy option that didn’t puncture or get damaged during testing.PHOTO: The Spruce
Along with its incredible ability to coil on its own and not get twisted up, its surprisingly powerful.
The water pressure remained steady at all times, regardless of how the hose was maneuvered or positioned.
We actually think it coils more easily than a lot of other rubber hoses.
The Briggs and Stratton hose is a sturdy option that didn’t puncture or get damaged during testing.PHOTO: The Spruce
When installed on a hose reel, it reeled up and dispensed very nicely.
We like that it comes with a spray nozzle, but it isn’t the best weve tried.
We had a great experience testing the easy-to-usePocket Hose Expandable Garden Hose.
It never kinked, and we attribute that to the soft, expandable material.
If youre seeking a soaker hose, we love theH2O Works Garden Flat Soaker Hose.
We wound each hose around a hose reel to see how easy it was to roll up and store.
Design:We connected each hose to a spigot and checked if the hose leaked.
We noted how easy they were to connect to hose attachments, and if they even leaked or kinked.
We maneuvered each hose around our yards and noted any punctures or other signs of wear.
If strength is a concern, check the ply, too.
(Ply usually ranges from 1 to 6, with six being the strongest.)
Generally, there are two options: brass and aluminum (or a combination of the two).
Aluminum couplings are more lightweight and less expensive, but may break down more quickly than brass.
Sizes range from .50 inch to 1.25 inches.
A high-quality garden hose typically lasts for five to 10 years, but many factors can affect the lifespan.
Bring hoses inside during the winter, as cold temperatures can cause them to crack.
However, if you have a kink-resistant hose, you’ve got the option to use anystorage solution.
One More Thing… A higher number means the hose is more durable.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Cathy Fallone
If you’re working with higher water pressure, look for a higher-than-average burst strength.
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The Ag-Lite Rubber Garden Hose has a grooved handle that’s comfortable to hold.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Hydrotech Burst Proof Expandable Garden Hose attaches easily to any hose nozzle.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Hydrotech Burst Proof Expandable Garden Hose attaches easily to any hose nozzle.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Stanley Fatmax Professional Grade Water Hose was our favorite heavy-duty (yet flexible) hose.PHOTO: The Spruce
This hose is great for trees or shrubs close to the water line since it is quite heavy.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Amazon
The Giraffe Tools Garden Hose was lightweight and easy to maneuver around our garden.PHOTO: The Spruce
The hose has anodized aluminum couplings which provide a secure connection to nozzles and spigots.PHOTO: The Spruce
The hose has anodized aluminum couplings which provide a secure connection to nozzles and spigots.PHOTO: The Spruce
Even though the Bionic Steel Garden Hose is made of metal, we were still able to use a hose reel.PHOTO: The Spruce
Even though the Bionic Steel Garden Hose is made of metal, we were still able to use a hose reel.PHOTO: The Spruce
It only took a few steps to mount the reel to the side of our house.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel gives you a great hose, nozzle, and storage.PHOTO: The Spruce
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