Who wouldn't want a garden hose that's lightweight, expandable, and never kinks? But when those supposedly easy-to-use hoses were introduced a few years ago, most of the user reviews had complaints about how easily they broke. Now Consumer Reports has tested new versions that are said to be stronger. Four new expandable hoses were put to the test from XHose, Flex-Able Hose, and two from Pocket Hose; they ranged from $14 to $45.
In the past, the weak point seemed to be the fittings and connections at the end of the hose. Consumer Reports tested the strength of the new fittings. It turns out that those made of plastic are tougher than before. And the brass fittings are even stronger. They are even stronger than those on a regular garden hose.
Consumer Reports also tested the strength of the connection between the fittings and the hose. Each withstood over 100 pounds of force, which is good but no stronger than the older versions. That might explain why so many user reviews are still negative.
Here's the problem: Every hose has to have a connection between the rubber tubing and that connector, and if there's a sharp edge and it twists and turns and is bent and flexed, it's going to wear right at that point.
NBC 5 reached out to National Express Incorporated, the makers of the XHose. This was the company's comment on Consumer Reports' testing:
I determined that the X-Hose product depicted at 00.34 seconds represents an older version of our product, approximately two (2) years old. This is a concern, since the evaluation was to be conducted with new versions. We have made several changes to the X-Hose product since then, which we believe makes it an improved product.
Beginning at 1:20 seconds Mr. Deitrick with Consumer reports focuses attention on the fitting assembly of the hose. Upon close examination, I have serious doubts about whether the fitting in this segment is actually an authentic XHose fitting. There are very substantial numbers of counterfeit products on the market that purport to be an XHose, when they are not.
Additionally, it has been brought to my attention that the X-Hose purchased for this spot was purchased from a retailer that neither National Express nor our business partners sell to. I also question why a retailer would be an approximately two year old version of our product, raising further reasonable doubt as to whether the product tested is authentic.
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In closing of the piece at 1:56 seconds, the reporter makes reference to the X-Hose as being “repairable” this is not an act, practice or function in any way suggested and or supported by National Express. In the uncertain event a customer has a problem with their X-Hose, the customer should return it to the place of purchase for a replacement.
In light of the above, I do not believe that that evaluation conducted is an accurate evaluation of the new X-Hose. Simply said, the most recent version of our product was not used in the evaluation and further investigation is required to validate even whether the product used was an authentic XHose product.
Lewis R. Gotch
VP Operations & Risk
National Express Incorporated
We checked with Consumer Reports and it stands by its report.
Consumer Reports also tested a lightweight hose that doesn't expand—the Clear-Flow Garden Hose, for $60. It performed well, and at 3 pounds, it's only slightly heavier than the expandable hoses. Testers did find some kinks, but they easily correct themselves when the hose is fully extended.
If an expandable hose still appeals to you, Consumer Reports says to try the $20 XHose. It's the only one you can fix if it breaks at the connector.
Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports' website.
