Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose Pipe Review

The Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose Pipe (23 Metres, Green) with 8-Function Spray Gun Nozzle is a popular entry in the growing market of compact watering solutions. This review provides a balanced look at its key features, performance, and common limitations.

Key Positives (The Pros)

• Exceptional Maneuverability and Storage: The primary appeal of this hose is its lightweight, kink-free design. It automatically expands to its full length (up to 23 metres) when water pressure is applied and quickly contracts when drained. This makes storage remarkably easy, as it shrivels down to a small, manageable size that can be stored in a bucket or small container, solving the traditional problem of kinking and heavy, bulky rubber hoses.

• Solid Brass Fittings: The "Upgraded" model includes 2cm solid brass fittings, which is a significant quality advantage over cheaper plastic connectors. Brass is much more durable, crush-proof, and resistant to leaks, rust, and corrosion, contributing to better long-term reliability and leak prevention at the connection points.

• Good Water Flow/Pressure: Unlike some earlier expandable hoses, the Flexi Hose often receives praise for providing a strong and consistent water flow, especially when connected to a standard 3/4-inch faucet. This is crucial for effective watering and cleaning tasks.

• Included 8-Function Spray Nozzle: The hose comes bundled with an ergonomic, anti-slip 8-function spray gun nozzle, offering versatility for different tasks, from a fine Mist for seedlings to a powerful Jet for cleaning patios or cars.

Points of Caution (The Cons)

• Durability and Wear Over Time: The main drawback, common to most expandable hoses, is long-term durability. While the outer shell is often a strong polyester fabric, the rubber or latex inner core, which expands and contracts, can be prone to puncture (especially from sharp objects like rose thorns or jagged rocks) or eventually splitting or leaking, particularly under high, sustained water pressure or extreme temperature fluctuations.

• Water Pressure Dependency: The hose's advertised length (23 metres) relies heavily on adequate home water pressure (typically requiring 40–145 PSI). If your water pressure is low, the hose may not fully extend to its maximum advertised length.

• Temperature and UV Sensitivity: While some reports indicate decent cold resistance, most expandable hoses degrade faster than traditional rubber hoses if left exposed to direct sunlight and freezing temperatures for extended periods. Careful storage (out of the sun and drained in winter) is required to maximize its lifespan.

• Connector Compatibility: Some users note that while the brass fitting is high-quality, it might require a tap reducer or adapter to fit smaller, non-standard UK taps, or additional connectors if you wish to attach it to push-fit systems like Hozelock.

Final Verdict

The Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose Pipe is an excellent choice for the average gardener or homeowner who values convenience, easy storage, and a kink-free experience. It represents a significant improvement over older expandable models, largely thanks to the inclusion of solid brass fittings and an improved inner tube material.

However, if you have a demanding garden environment (e.g., sharp rocks, prickly bushes) or consistently operate under extremely high water pressure, you should treat this hose with care and prioritize indoor or shaded storage when not in use to ensure its longevity. It excels as a lightweight, primary watering tool that makes garden chores far less burdensome.