[JoeyO]

Where can I get a good-quality old-fashion garden hose that is extra thick, super rubbery, doesn’t kink up, and will last for many many years?

I need one for bucket washes when washing my car. I’m sick and tired of all the cheap quality hoses out there.

[slilley]

I've purchased at least 5 hoses over the last 5 years. I've tried the best that Lowes, Home Depot, and Ace had to offer. I also tried Amazon's top-rated hoses. Returned most of them, but I remember giving one away (couldn't be returned after using it) and stashing one as a spare under the back porch where it will probably never get used again. But this time last year I did FINALLY find a hose that I'm satisfied with! Is it perfect? Hell no! But I don't ever curse when using it.

Griot's Professional Water Hose, Item#94761
https://www.griotsgarage.com/professional-water-hose/

Expensive, but good. I got the 60' version. Next time I'll get the 100' version, because what I really need is a 80' version but they don't sell one of those.

If you look at the Griot's hose reviews, there are a surprisingly high number of negative reviews. I think that's because people aren't storing or using the hose with a proper hose reel. This is the one that I LOVE. I'm on my second one, because they only last me about 3-4 years. But they make it super-easy to use the hose anytime I want to wash the car:

NeverLeak Steel 150-Feet Container Hose Reel:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/NeverLeak-S...e-Reel/4363423

Good luck!

[CTPJ]

Eley makes great hoses and reels. They are not cheep but they are worth the premium price. Everything they make is high quality including their quick connects and nozzles. I have a number of their reels, hoses, and quick connects. They have all lasted many years.

https://www.eleyhosereels.com

[DrVenture]

Keep in mind that "extra thick, super rubbery, doesn't kink" tends to mean really heavy and hard to use with many hose reels. Not particularly flexible. I did have a 5/8' 100' rubber hose from a big box store that lasted 20 years. It did kink though.

I have had decent results with Flexzilla hoses. Very kink resistant, light weight and durable, for the most part. No idea if they will last 20 years. I do not like vinyl hoses. And commercial grade rubber hoses are very heavy and inflexible.

[Littlecoupe]

I also recommend a hose reel. I have a 100ft heavy duty hose that I picked up from Costco a few years back. It doesn't kink easily and feels durable, but I absolutely despise packing it around and storing it. I'm not weak, but it's rather heavy. Trying to coil it up for storage is a pain. I basically only use it for draining the Intex pool if we set it up since it has a good flow rate being a solid hose.

A hose reel may have solved the problems, but I cheaped out and bought another semi-collapsible one from Costco.

[biz77]

I second the Eley hoses. Expensive, but they are light, kink resistant and very well made with a good warranty. I've also had decent luck with Flexzilla garden hoses, although they tend to look nasty after sitting outside a couple of years.

[STATIC A$TRO]

[Littlecoupe]

Originally Posted by STATIC A$TRO

IMO, there is one glaring flaw with these hoses for bucket washes - flow rate or poor laminar flow. That valve on the end causes the water to come out in a spray pattern rather than a consistent stream. Why does this matter? A well coated car with good hydrophobic properties allows one to essentially "dry the car" with water. That smooth flow creates sheeting that sheds most of the water off the car, something I haven't been able to accomplish with these expandable hoses. With a standard garden hose, the smooth flow of water allows me to sheet off more than 90% of the water making an incredibly simple and efficient drying step.

[starlights]

Our Costco Hose (with self retracting reel) is going strong after 4 seasons. I do remove it and bring it into the garage in winter when it snows here.

[powerplaymike]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

Where can I get a good-quality old-fashion garden hose that is extra thick, super rubbery, doesn’t kink up, and will last for many many years?

I need one for bucket washes when washing my car. I’m sick and tired of all the cheap quality hoses out there.

Continental tends to be well regarded.

Yes, that Continental.

I picked quite a few of these up last year when HD had them on super clearance for like $12.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Continen...8070/100580705

Only had them a year, so time will tell, but seem very durable thus far dragging along my concrete driveway and always being scraped/pinch by the edge of my plastic fence door lol

[Mech Spec]

For a large diameter quality hose, but heavy and hard to move around.
Giraffe Tools Garden Hose 25ft x... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDB5CRCR...p_mob_ap_share

If you need longer than 25ft I would size down from 3/4 to 5/8.

No complaints with this hose so far

Flexzilla Garden Hose 5/8 in. x... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9OCWJO...p_mob_ap_share

[powerplaymike]

Originally Posted by slilley

I've purchased at least 5 hoses over the last 5 years. I've tried the best that Lowes, Home Depot, and Ace had to offer. I also tried Amazon's top-rated hoses. Returned most of them, but I remember giving one away (couldn't be returned after using it) and stashing one as a spare under the back porch where it will probably never get used again. But this time last year I did FINALLY find a hose that I'm satisfied with! Is it perfect? Hell no! But I don't ever curse when using it.

Griot's Professional Water Hose, Item#94761
https://www.griotsgarage.com/professional-water-hose/

Expensive, but good. I got the 60' version. Next time I'll get the 100' version, because what I really need is a 80' version but they don't sell one of those.

If you look at the Griot's hose reviews, there are a surprisingly high number of negative reviews. I think that's because people aren't storing or using the hose with a proper hose reel. This is the one that I LOVE. I'm on my second one, because they only last me about 3-4 years. But they make it super-easy to use the hose anytime I want to wash the car:

NeverLeak Steel 150-Feet Container Hose Reel:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/NeverLeak-S...e-Reel/4363423

Good luck!

That griots has aluminum fittings, so that’s a no-go for me and I’m even careful about disconnecting hoses when not in use.

For those recommending flexzilla … I’ve heard they’re good, and I’ve actually got some short ones for other uses, but like others have said they will get disgusting with what looks like mold.

(Granted it was picked up used, but I’ve got a flexzilla PW hose and no amount of cleaning seems to get it back to the original non-moldy color)

The flexzilla ones I have use aluminum fittings as well, so that’s another element to consider with them.

As mentioned above, if you’re diligent with proper hose care and storage (using a reel that’s covered, only having it connected to the spigot when needed, etc) those considerations likely won’t be as big of an issue.

But, let’s face it: there’s definitely plenty of people that just leave their hose sitting out in a bundle on the ground permanently connected to an exterior spigot.

[BWBike]

I do need a new hose and I’m liking the Eley hose. I have to be sure before spending that kind of money.

[stbm5]

the Eley look great but 500 for a hose and reel kinda sucks. I have the Continental hose and hate it, its heavy and kinks easily.

[StradaRedlands]

A few mentioned Costco, and I wanted to add that I have a great hose purchased from there... 10+ years old, still flexible and no problems. Love it.

[JoeyO]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Nice to see I’m not the only one who appreciates a good quality hose.

[CTPJ]

Originally Posted by powerplaymike

Continental tends to be well regarded.

Yes, that Continental.

I picked quite a few of these up last year when HD had them on super clearance for like $12.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Continen...8070/100580705

Only had them a year, so time will tell, but seem very durable thus far dragging along my concrete driveway and always being scraped/pinch by the edge of my plastic fence door lol

I can second the recommendation regarding Continental hoses. I currently have 3 that I have had for over 5 years. They are left outside year round and, other than a "red" one's color fading because it lays on the ground in direct sunlight all the time, I have never had an issue with any of them.

[BeEmVe]

IMHO buy a good quality pure rubber hose. It will last decades. I have several that are all from Craftsman. Not sure they can be found any more. As such, here is what I would suggest:

https://shop.briggsandstratton.com/p...rden-hose-75ft

Regardless of the brand, pure rubber is the way to go.

[Portimao Blue M440ix]

Originally Posted by BeEmVe

IMHO buy a good quality pure rubber hose. It will last decades. I have several that are all from Craftsman. Not sure they can be found any more. As such, here is what I would suggest:

https://shop.briggsandstratton.com/p...rden-hose-75ft

Regardless of the brand, pure rubber is the way to go.

Another vote here for 100% rubber hose. I have had some for well over 25 years always stored outside never drained of water in the winter. I have them on hose reels and never had a problem.

[jkoral]

Last year got rid of my 100% rubber Craftsman 75' hose bought in 1991. My wife was sick of it because it was too heavy. Would have lasted another 25 years or longer, it was like new after 33 years.

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by jkoral

Last year got rid of my 100% rubber Craftsman 75' hose bought in 1991. My wife was sick of it because it was too heavy. Would have lasted another 25 years or longer, it was like new after 33 years.

Got mine in 1989 - still going strong!

[e90Dawg08]

I'm a fan of the zero G hoses because they deflate when not in use. Less chance of damaging them and they don't keep water in them when not in use. The humidity and sun doesn't seem to wear them as quickly as some others like continental either. If you're not in a hot and humid climate, the pure rubber may be better.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Zero-G-NXT-...ode=1533&gQT=1