I hate hose reels

ShaneB

ShaneB

New member
Pretty much all of them. They are typically cheaply made plastic, or made of steel and rust out. I havent bought one because I just dont want to deal with it. My entire life I have not dealt with a hose reel that was easy to use. Which is why when I decided I actually NEED one now for my business, I did some research and paid probably way too much money for one. I bought an Eley Rapid Reel Two Wheel Garden Hose Reel Cart.

This thing is like the Ferrari of hose reels! Bought it off amazon for well over $200 but fully expect it to last forever. Comes with a 10 year warranty too. Made of aluminum so no rust ever. The wheels are solid as well (like a hard rubber, not plastic) so they shouldnt have any issues either. I havent had a chance to use it yet but I assembled it and its a solid piece of work. On to pictures!

Small box IMO for whats inside
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All the parts laid out
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Fully assembled with my 100 Briggs and Stratton rubber hose rolled up on it
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It has this little brake as well thats adjusted to allow for a slight drag when unwinding so you dont unroll half the hose when you just want a few feet. REALLY COOL! It releases for when you want to reel the hose back up too.
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This thing stands solid. Hose unreels without tipping and winds back up effortlessly. The reel itself rides on 2 large nylon bushings so no real worry about corrosion. All the hardware (nuts/screws) are all stainless steel as well. They really thought of everything. Bit of an investment but should pay for itself in the long run as I dont think it will ever need replaced
 
I have had the wall mount variety for a number of years now. It is a properly engineered unit. You have got to view it as a "lifetime" tool.

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I keep looking for a new reel to replace my old plastic windup model, but $200 is a little steep. But a $200 wax is ok. Lol. Priorities.
 
I looked into hose reels extensively - and almost bought that exact one. However, I just cant afford to drop 2 bills on a hose reel at the moment - too much other stuff to buy.

So, I cheaped out and bought a plastic one for now.

But, the hose really also makes all the difference IMHO. Although the cheap plastic hose reel I bought will prolly leak one day - the hose rolls up easily on it with no tangles.
 
Swanicyouth said:
I looked into hose reels extensively - and almost bought that exact one. However, I just cant afford to drop 2 bills on a hose reel at the moment - too much other stuff to buy.

So, I cheaped out and bought a plastic one for now.

But, the hose really also makes all the difference IMHO. Although the cheap plastic hose reel I bought will prolly leak one day - the hose rolls up easily on it with no tangles.
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I was thinking about the same, but I decided to make an investment out of it. First one im buying and expect it to be the last. especially with the warranty
 
I have one wall and one cart. Its been 2 years. Before that nothing lasted a season. Ive purchased dozens of suncast and other reels. Now Im done. These are awesome.
 
I have the ceiling mounted robo reel power and the ceiling mounted robo reel air. The water is just too expensive and as much as I love tech toys. I just cannot justify it so I purchased 2 Eley reels, one wall and another on the cart with nice non kink hoses. (easier tro justify after seeing the big $ on the robo) and Im am happy with my purchase on all 3 items. Might actually add another robo power with a wall hanger and floor stand for when I need to work further than 50 from the center of the garage.


RaskyR1 said:
Why didt you go baller status and buy the $700 RoboReel? :D
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Ive lusted after the Eley reels for a few years. Theyre the best. Theres one thing about buying an Eley reel: it probably will outlast you. I have some of their quick-connects and their spray nozzle, and those are all cadillac pieces. (Believe it or not, their shower attachment sheets water better for me than a cut hose.)

I deal with just a 50-foot hose and figure I should learn better hose management practices before buying a reel. Ive considered buying a US$30–40 reel just to see if a reel would solve the problem I have: stepping, tripping, and slipping on excess hose on the ground.

Speaking of the RoboReel water hose reel, its available just in Austin, Texas, and its been that way for about a year, which tells me its not ready for prime time. Id rather have the Eley, especially for the money. People all over the world, not just in Austin, laud the Eley as the undisputed hose reel champ.

Some people complain about the reels being assembled in China. Well, sos the iPhone. Apparently, the Eleys have effective quality controls in place.

Enjoy your reel!

And dont forget to list it in your last will and testament. Your great-great grandchildren will enjoy it one day.
 
Swanicyouth said:
But, the hose really also makes all the difference IMHO.
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I believe so, too.

My wash experience improved dramatically when I switched from the Gilmour Flexogen to the Flexzilla. Theres still hose on the ground, but it doesnt fight me like the Flexogen. Gilmour says the Flexogen wont kink. Well, neither will steel pipe.

(And speaking of Flexzilla, I bought the new one with the hard plastic "swiveling" grips on the ends. One of the grips cracked and I tried to order a replacement grip. The customer rep from Flexzilla asked me for a couple of pieces of documentation and offered to replace the entire hose, which cost US$50, while allowing me to keep the one I have now.)
 
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