You Probably Haven’t Considered ALL the Pros and Cons of Retractable vs Manual Hose Reels (2024)

[@Forbes123]

I have 2 Eleys. Customer service is great. Earlier this year I had an issue with one of mine and opened a ticket. Someone with the last name Eley emailed me back and sent me a part immediately. Great experience. I love my Eley reels!

[@TheLawnShark]

I've had the Eley hose reel for over 3 years and I agree this is a Tank! My yard is relatively small compared to your yard, so I don't need a lot of hose length, but it is the best reel I have ever owned. Only had one issue with the reel and it was my fault. I failed to completely drain the line last winter and during a hard freeze it broke the brass fitting that connects the hose to the reel. Eley had a replacement part and it took less than 5 minutes to fix it. I would buy one again.

[@MrMadeinthe80s]

I love my hoselinks, going 3 years strong. My Giraffe broke within 6 months of using it and sagged on its mount in the heat.

[@davidszakacs6888]

I ve had an Eley for over 10 years. Love it. It developed a leak last year and they sent me a new brass connector part. Great service!

[@chrisH-uv5wx]

The answer is always ELEY. Everything about them is top quality

[@silverfeathered1]

I got a glahodden BEFORE your review. It's been a flawless workhorse to the point of me questioning all my efforts before getting it. I loved it so much that I bought one for my mother. (After the price increase 😭) On that note; This thing is a beast! I live in a different state from her, so we had to hire a handyman to install it for her. Take that extra cost into consideration for any of these. They are heavy, awkward and need to be mounted to a support that can handle it. If you are able-bodied, GET ONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You may just stay able-bodied longer because of it. The first time you use it, you'll understand just how much extra work you've been doing everyday for no good reason. It turned the chore of watering the garden into an enjoyable hobby, like it should have been all along.

[@dman357]

I wanna get one but looking at the reviews for it on amazon alot of people say it has retracting problems where it stops retracting.

[@silverfeathered1]

@@dman357 We have 4 now. The newest one was from the batch that had problems when they started making them in a hurry. I keep a rag by it and use it to wrap around the hose as it retracts to wipe it clean. There's been no sign that it wants to fail but we did want to play it safe with that one. The newest one is actually easier to retract compared to the older batches. Getting that tug just right to get it to return brings back childhood trauma from messing with roller blinds. 😂 We guide the hose in from the reel, I know a lot of people yank it and drop it to let it do its own thing. It might be a defect somewhere, but it also might not be up to the abuse some people do. 🤷

[@mpbc48]

Glahoden 5/8 x 90' Black Friday price a couple of days ago was $124.79 and I bought it based upon your first review. I just saw this video today and feared your change of opinion was going to be based on something failing. I'm glad it was price based. I've been watching these prices bounce around like they're on a trampoline, so put them in your watch list and check them frequently. Thanks for great review videos.

[@Hawkinson88]

I've already got hoses, so a manual reel would be my best solution. But man buying a 200-dollar on-sale reel seems like overkill. Then I bought the 25-dollar a pop quick connects. Then I talked myself into two reels. Thanks for the videos!

[@danielhancock8817]

The Glahoden 1/2" x 115' is $136 but has a $32 coupon available, the 5/8" x 100' version is $165 and has a $33 coupon as well.

[@micheleschuster0712]

where do you get coupon

[@danielhancock8817]

@@micheleschuster0712 was an option on Amazon. Looks like they have all the Glahodens on sale right now so no coupon available

[@rickwebermusic]

@@micheleschuster0712 Amazon. All you have to do is check the box to add the coupon to your order.

[@Brettsgrasscapades]

2 years of service for my hoselink and it's still going strong.

[@john27609]

Just bought the Glahoden on Amazon for $107.99 and used your link. Thanks for the recommendation! Can’t wait to get it!

[@GoFastGator]

Can't believe you didn't touch on the Eley hoses! If you are looking for a 5/8" hose, they make the best I have ever seen by far. Indestructible fittings, and a polyurethane outer jacket so the hose just glides across the lawn. That makes a noticeable difference in how much effort is required to wind up 125ft of hose and that outer jacket is easy to clean. They're also a nice off-white/grey color instead of bright blue/orange/green.

[@dchong073]

I don’t care about the price I care more about the hose or the hose system last 5 years or more especially living here in Phoenix Arizona where the summer sun just deteriorates everything outside from hoses to patio furniture. So far Eleys has survived 7 years and worth every penny.

[@markcameron318]

I have a Hoselink and it only lasted 3 years under light use and winter storage. Spring unwound and couldn’t be put back under tension. Warranty was 1 year.

[@bseant420]

i have 4 ely's with flexilla hose's pretty much a lifetime setup. the retractable one's seem nice but failure is guaranteed sooner or later. Ely's most def are tanks!!

[@SuperSaiyoon]

Thank you for the update. Very helpful.

[@calebevans8437]

Gardena I reckon is pretty good had mine for awhile now and if I wanted to move it to the front yard I would just buy another mount bracket and put it next to tap out there

[@TheLawnTools]

I agree. Gardena was a good choice. A little more expensive than some of the others but cheaper than Hoselink by a little.

[@calebevans8437]

@@TheLawnTools don't think we can get hoselink here in New Zealand so just went with something easy to get the hose also is the best hose they make

[@TheLawnTools]

@@calebevans8437 that makes sense!

[@GardenaCan]

And you can't beat our 5 year warranty! Glad you're enjoying yours Caleb!

[@302esky]

Hose link has now brought out newer versions now and the new versions you can rebuild them as well.

[@joekool5005]

In my experience, all auto hose reels are junk, including Hoselink. I've installed heaps for clients and eventually they all break and you can't get parts for it. I know everyone loves them, but Hoselink is even more of a nuisance because of the proprietary fittings. I give up and I'm going to build my own combination with a quality hose and brass fittings. Sure, it'll cost more but it will be good!

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

I have the Eley cart and in less than year, the internal connecting broke. I never called the company (my fault) but was stunned that what looked like such a durable hose reel broke so quickly. I've never had good luck with hoses.

[@rundmm]

They will fix whatever for 10yrs

[@Jimmy-Legs]

How about showing us how you installed the elay on the side of the house.

[@greghuizen]

Maybe I missed it, but for me a big consideration is the method of retracting. With the hoselink, you can hold the end and walk it in to avoid dragging your spray head pr quick connects, while the manual eley you have to let it drag. On a lawn, not a big deal...but if you're on a driveway, will cause damage to the hose end connect or sprayer.

[@TheLawnTools]

That’s true! Never thought about it since mine is just in my lawn.

[@Platoface]

I disagree. You are already at the end of the hose when watering so you walk it back to the reel and the wind it up. Thus no dragging. Or, if you have quick connects you just take the head off and drag across lawn. No damage either way.

[@philindeblanc]

walk the head back. Its what I would do, as you need to turn the water off, and you need to reel. I am not sure, as I want a retractable, BUT what to be able to replace the hose with one I like. I know to stay with the diameter it was made for, but hoses will over time get a kink, or leak at the head, etc. Who wants to spend 100-250 for an entire hose reel with a hose that will need replacing?

[@GoFastGator]

Walking it back also means you only have half the weight to reel back in at any given time.

[@erickmcgraw]

I have invested in my second @HoseLink and will stand by their quality and the ease of use. I don't like the looks of a manual, wrap-around reel. It looks so unkept and can cheapen your property. They may be a little more expensive but that is quality you are investing in. I'm considering my third one very soon.

[@philindeblanc]

Unless you can change the hose its not an investment. Does anyone know of a retractable that allows the hose to be changed?

[@rubenharris9241]

I have an Eley in the front and a Hoselink in the back. Not sure what that’s called but it works well. 🙂

[@rhus36]

I mostly worry about reparability. If the hose breaks on a manual hose reel, I replace the hose. If the hose breaks on an automatic hose reel, I have to replace the reel.

[@philindeblanc]

EXACTLY...so which one, or when will they trickle the better product to the public with less planned obsolescence?!! LOL

[@hybridmx5]

Man I can't find Hoselink for sale anywhere, well besides Hoselink but they won't ship to Hawaii. I should have bought it when it was on Amazon.

[@jasonwhitaker2726]

Glahoden is $110 for me, right now.... 5/28 at 2PM est

[@adrianob.965]

I just got the Glahoden for $102 including taxes (1/2' 100ft)!

[@paulmleziva6574]

It looked like with the Eley hose reel with the Flexzilla hose, the hose was flattened toward the center of the reel. Have you found that your flow isn't optimal if you don't unreel the entire hose?

[@philindeblanc]

Good question. yet the hose I have is pretty stiff, might be harder to real, but wont easily flatten out. Its a lifetime warranty from Home Depot.

[@danantitrump3206]

Great Channel - Thanks

[@J_Brian]

The retracta is still the best

[@TheLawnTools]

It’s not the best even if it works perfectly 😂

[@philindeblanc]

What about the automatics on replacing the hose with your own preferred hose? Any auto support that?

[@graemeoliver6418]

Are you using the same dollar value for all of them?

[@calidoja619]

What quick connects did you use on that woodford hydrant

[@danantitrump3206]

what are the quick disconnects you are using

[@lindawatson5188]

I have you looked at vego retractable hose reel?

[@mTechPenn]

it's only a $30 increase on the Glahoden AND its way longer. not sure that warrants stripping it of best bang for you buck. Hoselink is only 82ft at $249. vs 140ft at $169. What am I missing?

[@RobActiveShooterEngh]

how about manual hose reels that auto align the hose on the reel as you retract it?

[@Briangnc96]

Great reviews, so detailed and no questions but is the Eley wall mount able to be removed for winter storage or would you just remove the hose manually?

[@GoFastGator]

You can unbolt the reel from it's mount in many cases or at most, you just disconnect the leader hose at the spigot, unthread the big nut from the axle and the whole thing can be put into storage. To re-install, just thread the leader hose through the axle and rethread the nut.

[@robwaelchli1063]

do you know of any good retractable reels to get that don't come with a hose and you can use your own hose?

[@philindeblanc]

That seams to be the unanswered question! Which one allows you to open it up and slap a new hose of choice. All hoses go bad, and I do have one that has a lifetime warranty. SO far replaced 2 times over 18 years!! Yes I am getting the miles! hahaha. But I also have a couple stainless thinner hoses, 1/2. I dont mind the lower flow, but I would want to be able to put one in the retracatable reels.

[@GoFastGator]

Tough product to design. The retracts work best with lightweight hoses. If the OEM supplies the hose, they know how strong of a spring to incorporate in the reel. In order to spring rewind a 100 ft 5/8"+ hoses, you need to pull against a heavier spring than would be necessary to wind a 1/2" polyurethane hose. Even worse if you want to use a heavier hose material like rubber or something higher friction.

[@robwaelchli1063]

if one had there choice to pick from any of these for free, which one should they pick?

[@dippitydoinit]

I don't get the hype. I've had zero issues with my cheap plastic box hose reel that I bought at Lowes a 4 years ago. It works perfectly and looks better than any of these reels because you can't see it once the spring flowers grow in.

[@philindeblanc]

I know, but a reel is off the floor and easy to get at. I am not buying a reel I cannot replace the hose of...its just a matter of time, and with high heat, and kinks these retractables will need replacing.

[@keywestalert6329]

They look awfully similar to a wide car rim. A wide car rim at the junk yard would cost about $20. Now, how would you put it on bearing and mount it to the wall? Idk

[@thehydrosource]

I bought a giraffe a couple years ago. The hose kinks and now doesn't like to retract anymore. I would avoid the giraffe.

[@Briangnc96]

Does anyone who has a retractable hose have issues with them “flapping” back and forth in high wind, storms?

[@jmginthent651]

I’ve bought expensive gardenia auto hose reels . Lost my pressure 😢

[@DylanCox-pj5il]

Love the shirt! Where can I buy one?

[@wg8304]

I’m curious how the eley might take to hoses which have been spliced and repaired with hose clamps (asking for a friend).

[@TheLawnTools]

Creates a little bump in the wound up hose but no problem functionally

[@bseant420]

yea i agree its fine. when coiling up just try to keep the splice towards one end all is normal.

[@frankfinkelstein]

Who makes the shirt??

[@SerYessir]

The Eley is the most expensive out of all of them. Weird you didn’t bring up pricing.

[@TheLawnTools]

No it’s not. Hoselink is $250. Retracta even more. Eley is $180

[@sterlgirlceline]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@williammackey7243]

now do a video on hose reels for real men, like ReelCraft and Cox Reels etc

[@PooleingGs]

🦒

[@TheLawnTools]

Giraffe is hard for me to be passionate about one way or another. Not amazing but not bad.

[@davejones1959]

$250.. no thanks. I will wind my own hose.