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

Had a lot of people commenting on the last video that I should have included the Eley manual hose reel. The last video was automatic / retractable hose reels only, so this video will compare and contrast the pros and cons of the two different types.

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[Forbes]

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!

[davidszakacs]

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!

[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.

[silverfeathered]

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.

[MrMadeinthes]

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.

[john]

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

[mpbc]

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.

[Hawkinson]

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!

[chrisH-uvwx]

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

[Brettsgrasscapades]

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

[markcameron]

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.

[SuperSaiyoon]

Thank you for the update. Very helpful.

[danielhancock]

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.

[dchong]

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.

[bseant]

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!!

[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.

[calebevans]

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

[dontbanmebrodontbanme]

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.

[esky]

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

[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.