Orbit Coil with ABS Threads Review

Expandable hoses can fall into two categories: expansion and coil. Whereas expansion hoses rely on water pressure to expand and contract in size, a coil hose is designed like a spring; tightly wound and relying on the design to contract back into its original position. Across the board, we found that the coil-style hoses weren't as adept at shrinking back to their original size, especially when stretched to their maximum length. One of the best coil hoses we tested is the Orbit Coil with ABS Threads. This hose is one of the most resistant to over-stretching, and even after use, it recoiled to near its original size. It had great spray performance as well. If you're looking for a permanently mounted hose that can be used to water plants in close proximity without having to manually coil a large garden hose, this may be the best option for you.

Performance Comparison

Convenience

Coil hoses are, like most hoses, quite easy to use. We tested these the same way we tested other hoses in our lineup — evaluating how easily it expands and shrinks, how flexible or maneuverable it is, and how easy it is to screw onto a spigot or nozzle. The Orbit Coil is a very convenient and easy-to-use hose.

The Orbit re-coils or contracts back to its original size better than most other hoses we tested. At its baseline length, the hose measures 2.4 feet from tip to tip. When we stretched it out to its maximum length, 44 feet long, we felt very strong resistance. We wouldn't recommend stretching any coil-style hose to its maximum capacity. When we released the tension, the hose naturally shrunk back to around 5 feet. We heavily valued the ability to recoil well, which is one of the primary reasons for purchasing an expandable coil hose.

In use, the Orbit is relatively easy to move around with, unless you're at its maximum stretch length. The coils, as with other coil-style hoses, do tend to get caught on yard obstacles like shrubs and rocks. Connecting this hose is relatively easy. Though the threads are ABS plastic, they're still easy to screw onto spigots and nozzles.

Performance

The performance of the Orbit Coil is one of its strong suits, and we were very impressed while using it to water plants, fill dog bowls, and wash off muddy paws.

We experienced no leaks, kinks, or flat spots while using the Orbit. Though it is possible to manually kink a coil hose, we found it unlikely to occur naturally while testing, given the springy design of these hoses. The spray performance of the Orbit is exceptionally good, especially considering the narrow hose diameter. We had excellent spray volume and pressure, and the included nozzle is impressive as well. It has eight different functions, and each worked well.

Construction Quality

After several months of testing, we didn't notice any construction or durability concerns on the Orbit. We looked for signs of day-to-day wear, impact from exposure to the elements, and themes in online reviews related to durability.

Though the connectors on the Orbit were plastic, not metal, we didn't feel as though they were likely to break. Instead, the plastic may help prevent rust damage over time. Most negative reviews we found online were minor and unrelated to quality concerns.

Variety of Options

Unfortunately, the biggest downside to the Orbit is that it is only available in one size option. Still, given the specialized use case for a coil hose, we didn't find this to be detrimental to our opinion of the hose.

The Orbit can be purchased in a 50-foot length option, and the diameter is ⅜ inch. The nozzle has eight spray modes, which is a nice variety.

Should You Buy the Orbit Coil with ABS Threads?

If you're looking to mount a hose in your patio, greenhouse, or deck, a coil-style hose like the Orbit Coil may be the right way to go. It would also make a great option for a mudroom or washdown hose, given its great spray performance and nozzle modes. The Orbit excels in watering items within a 20-foot radius of the spigot and shrinks nicely for easy storage. All of these features, plus the budget-friendly price, make the Orbit our top choice for coil-style hoses.

What Other Expandable Hoses Should You Consider?

The use case for a coil hose is fairly niche, and they're ideal when you don't need to water items far from the spigot. Another coil hose to consider is the Flexon CH5850 Coil, which also coils back up close to its original size. The Flexon comes in two different length options and two different diameter options, though it doesn't stretch out to maximum length easily. If you're looking for a little extra reach but still want the benefits of an expandable hose, the expansion-style hoses in our lineup may be a better option. Hoses like the Pocket Hose Silver Bullet, Flexi Hose, and AmazingForLess Expandable are all great options for expansion-style hoses that expand and contract with water pressure versus coils.