Hybrid Polymer vs. Rubber Garden Hose: Which Is Better?

Creating the garden of your dreams and having that lush green grass cannot be obtained without the one essential thing – watering. Whether watering grass, plants or trees, hoses for gardening needs and other essential tools will help you do these chores without a problem.

The feeling of frustration won’t be a problem anymore, thanks to the large selection of gardening hoses, which gives you the chance to pick the most appropriate model for you. However, two models seem to be the most commonly used by users: hybrid and rubber (traditional) garden hoses.

What Is a Hybrid Water Hose?

As the name suggests, user-friendly and lightweight hoses for gardening needs are made from a combination of different materials like rubber and polymer, making them the perfect option offered on the market.

Being made from this material makes this hose not only lightweight but also durable, thanks to its sturdy and abrasion-resistant outer cover and reinforced middle layer, which makes it stronger. It’s flexible, easy to use and able to stay in the same shape. Twisting is not an option with this hose, nor reshaping, and this is mainly due to the material used.

Generally speaking, you can choose from three types of hybrid hoses:

  • Standard – the most commonly used type, which is durable, flexible and easy to use daily.
  • Expandable – designed to stretch once filled with water and retract when empty. Even though it’s super space-saving and appealing, it’s not the most commonly used option.
  • Coiled – coming in spring-like design, these hoses are perfect for watering smaller areas.

Benefits

Practice shows that this hybrid hose doesn’t kink and its fittings stay put, leaving you to get the job done in no time. Aside from being durable, its cover is also non-slippery, which allows for maximum grip. When compared to traditional hose, this one also seems to be UV and weather resistant, which adds to its lifespan.

Given the fact that these hoses are made from a combination of materials, this also contributes to their ability to withstand the constant temperature changes. Whether exposed to freezing temperatures in winter or too hot in summer, hoses of this kind won’t show any sign of wear and tear.

These hoses are designed to be used under different weather conditions and circumstances, but they also allow for being used for both watering and cleaning without disrupting the water supply.

So whether in need to water some delicate flowers, wash your vehicle or clean a muddy area, this hose can come in handy. Aside from being used for home use, these hoses can also be used for industrial and commercial applications because they can withstand heavy daily use.

What Is a Rubber Garden Hose?

source: aussiegardener.com.au

Rubber hoses are just another type of durable and long-lasting types of hose that is also durable and able to withstand the elements, which is a huge bonus. However, when compared to the hybrid models, it seems that the rubber ones are heavier and more difficult to manoeuvre. But the worst thing of all about these hoses is that they tend to kink, forming a sharp bend and cutting off the water supply.

Benefits

Even though rubber hoses were considered flexible as they allow you to use them around the garden without a problem, it has been proven that they aren’t as flexible as the hybrid ones. Just like the hybrid ones, the ones made from rubber are weather-resistant and built to last. They can withstand the extreme temperature changes, which makes it a reliable choice.

Unfortunately, the traditional rubber hoses aren’t resistant to UV rays and chemicals coming from fertilisers and pesticides, and unfortunately, this can lead to deterioration over time. Plus, these hoses shouldn’t stretch beyond their length because this can weaken the material and lead to cracks and splits over time.

Which Option Is Better?

While both of these hoses seem to be durable and long-lasting, the hybrid ones offer the same durability and longevity without the bulk and weight. Even though hybrid hoses are a bit pricier when compared to rubber hoses, practice shows that they are a better, more durable and long-lasting investment.

Not to mention that these hoses don’t kink and bend, and this can certainly reduce the frustration and anxiety of not being able to do the job promptly and on time. Hybrid hoses also seem to be more cost-effective in the long run since they are extremely durable and long-lasting, which isn’t the case with traditional rubber hoses, which tend to deteriorate with time, especially when exposed to the elements and chemicals.
Regarding the material, it is considered that both of these materials are Eco-friendly. Additionally, both of them can be used for a range of home and commercial purposes, however, it’s the hybrid ones that are more versatile.