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Head-to-head · Best Garden Hoses

Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose vs Orbit 33185 ExoJacket Fabric Garden Hose

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose and Orbit 33185 ExoJacket Fabric Garden Hose score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose
Ranked #1 in Best Garden Hoses
Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose
4 sources3 derived$209as of Oct 4

The Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose delivers premium performance with its thick polyurethane construction and kink-resistant design. Reviewers noted it's easy to drag around and use, though its weight and price are significant drawbacks. The hose offers excellent water flow and durability, making it a top choice for those seeking a high-quality, long-lasting garden hose. It's best suited for users who prioritize performance over cost and convenience.

Strengths
  • — Durable polyurethane construction with thick materials
  • — Easy to use and maneuverable despite weight
  • — Actively resists kinking during use, per TechGearLab
Watch-outs
  • — Heavy weight at 0.15 lb/ft
  • — High price point
$209 · Buy at eleyhosereels.comFull review →
Orbit 33185 ExoJacket Fabric Garden Hose
Ranked #2 in Best Garden Hoses
Orbit 33185 ExoJacket Fabric Garden Hose
3 sourcesall derived$30.48as of Oct 4

Orbit's 33185 ExoJacket Fabric Garden Hose is praised for its kink-free performance and durable fabric construction that resists punctures. According to reviewers, it offers a lightweight yet sturdy design that's easy to handle and move around the yard. The aluminum couplings are noted for being tool-free, and users appreciate the uninterrupted water flow. While not extensively criticized, the hose lacks explicit mention of UV resistance or winter durability in comparison to competitors like Stanley FATMAX. This makes it a solid choice for everyday garden watering but may not suit those needing extreme durability in harsh conditions.

Strengths
  • — Kink-resistant design allows for easy handling and unobstructed water flow, per Deals of America
  • — Durable fabric construction provides puncture resistance and longevity
  • — Lightweight yet sturdy build makes it easy to drag around the yard
Watch-outs
  • — Users have reported issues with the hose bursting or needing frequent warranty replacements.
$30.48 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose

Unlike the Zero-G Ultra Flexible Durable Garden Hose, which is lightweight and kink-resistant, the Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose prioritizes durability with its thick polyurethane construction and heavy weight. While the Zero-G offers easier handling and storage, the Eley provides superior water flow and long-term performance, making it better for users who value longevity over convenience. Compared to the Stanley Fatmax Professional Grade Water Hose, the Eley's polyurethane material offers better resistance to kinking and wear.

Orbit 33185 ExoJacket Fabric Garden Hose

The Orbit 33185 ExoJacket Fabric Garden Hose is more durable and kink-resistant than the Project Source 50 Medium Duty Vinyl Blue Hose, but it's less reliable than the Stanley Fatmax Professional Grade Water Hose which has better leak prevention. While the Orbit offers a lightweight design and aluminum couplings, it lacks the durability of the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose and has reported burst issues. Compared to the Zero-G Ultra Flexible Durable Garden Hose, the Orbit is heavier and less flexible.

Specs side-by-side

SpecEley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden HoseOrbit 33185 ExoJacket Fabric Garden Hose
MaterialPolyurethaneFabric with polyester sheathing
Diameter5/8 in5/8 inch
Length6.5, 12, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 ft50 feet
Burst Pressure150 PSI—
Coupling Materiallead-free brassAluminum, wrench-free
Hose Length6-1/2 feet50 ft
Base MaterialPolyurethaneFabric
Warranty10-yearLifetime
FittingsBrassAluminum
Dimensions1500"L x 0.63"W600"L x 0.63"W
WeightUltra-lightweight—
FeaturesKink-proof design, shut-off valve, force control technologyKink-resistant, puncture-resistant
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