I purchased this after a series of unsatisfactory purchases of Frontgate's more expensive hose reels. This unit is similarly constructed but uses a 5/8" hose vs. the 1/2" on the other units.
The major problem was that one could not rely on the unit to "latch" when the hose was withdrawn to within about ten feet of its full length. It took an extraordinary amount of tugging, and carefully letting the hose reel retract, hopefully to "catch" and stop. It operated properly so infrequently, we junked it and went with a manual roll up reel.
by
DIY
Verified Purchase
1 found this review helpful
Sep 7, 2011
This product is very convenient
Watering plants on the deck used to be a chore. With this auto-winding hose reel it is a simple task. What used to take 15-20 minutes is now done in less than 5 minutes.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Sep 6, 2011
LEAKS like CRAZY
Don't buy this.
The hose itself is of very poor quality AND it leaks like crazy inside, probably at some fitting. There are like 15 screws, otherwise I would open it up and tighten/fix, but that's too much work. Second one I've returned!
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Verified Purchase
1 found this review helpful
Aug 24, 2011
Product does exactly what it is supposed to do!
I am very satisfied with the self winding hose reel.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Aug 6, 2011
Hard to pull out, does not fully retract
I am 6'1 260lbs, and I have to really lean into the hose to pull it from the housing. I have yet to have it retract fully, even though I have tried shutting off the water, and draining the hose. The best I have gotten is about 5' remaining. This is inspite of the fact that the hose reel has a spooler than evenly distributes the hose across the drum.
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Verified Purchase
1 found this review helpful
Jul 29, 2011
Too heavy
It retracts without a problem but the unit is far too heavy for the wall mounting bracket.
The bracket is so flimsy and made from a cheap plastic, so if you tighten the mounting screws too tightly it would break.
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1 found this review helpful
Jul 9, 2011
OK, retracts easily
The hose leasks a little inside the cover and there is not way to tighten it
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Recommended
Jun 11, 2011
This product is one of the worst products I have ever purchased.
It is almost impossible to get the hose to easilt retract. And forget retracting the hose completely, if you do not empty the water completely from the hose. Even then, it normally takes several time to get the hose to completely retract. Do not buy this product!!!!!!!!!
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Verified Purchase
2 found this review helpful
Dec 2, 2010
quality
My wife can't use the reel, it was a gift for her garden, it is hard to pull and retract, after one year the retractable pin broke. good luck finding parts, it is made in Australia
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2 found this review helpful
Apr 26, 2010
Piece of junk
Broke in less than one week. Water starting pouring out of the bottom and the rewind mechanism is weak at best. The locking mechanism also broke. DO NOT spend your money on this piece of junk!
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2 found this review helpful
Nov 24, 2009
reel king hose reel
Great item. Has a strong rewind system. Could be a little hard to pull out but no problem with the rewind. Hose is 5/8' so the flow is good. Only problem is with the brass hose end fitting. It is 2 piece and can leak. could me made better. It can be replaced with a better fitting if you want.