Orbit 58322 Zinc Impact Sprinkler Review

Introduction: Why I Picked Up the Orbit 58322

I’ll be honest: when I first started looking for a lawn sprinkler to cover my medium-sized backyard, I was overwhelmed by the options. You have oscillating sprinklers, rotary sprinklers, and then impact sprinklers that look like they belong on a farm. I needed something that could handle a 5,000-square-foot area without breaking the bank, and the Orbit 58322 Zinc Impact Sprinkler kept popping up in my searches. The price was almost suspiciously low compared to brass models, but the promise of corrosion-resistant zinc and a simple diffuser pin adjustment caught my attention. After using it for several weeks on my own lawn, I’m ready to share my full experience.

I’m not a scientist in a lab coat. I’m a homeowner who waters his own grass and garden beds. I wanted a sprinkler that could throw water far, resist rust, and not cost me a fortune. The Orbit 58322 seemed to check those boxes. But as with any budget-friendly tool, I had to find out where the compromises were hiding.

How I Tested It

I set up the Orbit 58322 on a standard garden hose connected to my spigot, which delivers about 45 PSI. I tested it on three different areas of my yard: a flat, open section of lawn about 30 feet by 30 feet; a slightly sloped side strip; and a garden bed with taller plants. I wanted to see how it handled different terrains and what kind of coverage pattern I could expect.

For each test, I ran the sprinkler for 30 minutes and placed several empty tuna cans around the coverage area to measure water distribution. I also experimented with the diffuser pin-the little screw-like adjustment on the front of the sprinkler head. I tried it fully closed (longest throw, narrow stream), fully open (shortest throw, wide mist), and a few settings in between. I also tested the sprinkler on a tripod stand and then directly on the ground using the included spike base. I made sure to adjust the horizontal spread by rotating the collar that controls the arc, from a narrow 20-degree stream to a full 360-degree circle.

I didn’t use any fancy flow meters or pressure gauges beyond my basic spigot. This is a real-world test, just like what you’d do in your own backyard. I also paid attention to how easy it was to change settings with wet hands and whether the sprinkler would clog if the water had a bit of sediment.

Performance: Coverage, Pattern, and Adjustability

Coverage Area and Throw Distance

This is where the Orbit 58322 really shines for the price. With the diffuser pin fully closed and the arc set to about 180 degrees, I measured a consistent throw of around 40 to 45 feet at my 45 PSI. That’s impressive for a sprinkler that costs a fraction of what a brass impact model runs. On a full 360-degree setting, the diameter of coverage was roughly 80 feet, which easily covered my entire open lawn area without me having to move the sprinkler.

However, the coverage is not perfectly uniform. When I checked my tuna cans, the ones closest to the sprinkler head got significantly more water than the ones at the far edge. The water stream is powerful near the head, and the droplets are larger. As the stream breaks up farther out, the water is lighter. This is a common trait of impact sprinklers, but it’s more pronounced here compared to higher-end models that use a more gradual spray pattern. If you have a perfectly square lawn, you might notice some dry spots near the corners if you don’t overlap your sprinkler positions.

Diffuser Pin Adjustment: Simple and Effective

The diffuser pin is a small threaded rod that you turn to break up the water stream. Turning it clockwise pushes it into the water stream, creating a finer mist and a shorter throw. Turning it counterclockwise pulls it out, giving you a solid, long-reaching jet. I found this adjustment to be very intuitive. I could go from a gentle rain-like mist for my flower beds to a powerful jet for the far end of the lawn in just a few seconds. The pin is made of metal and feels sturdy. It didn’t strip or bind during my testing.

One thing to note: when you use the diffuser pin to create a fine mist, the water droplets are more susceptible to wind. On a breezy day, the mist can drift away from your target area. For calm days, it’s great for delicate plants. For windy conditions, keep the pin backed out for a heavier stream.

Arc Adjustment and Pattern Control

The arc adjustment is handled by a rotating collar on the body of the sprinkler. You simply twist it to set the coverage from a narrow 20-degree wedge up to a full 360-degree circle. The collar has clear markings, and it clicks into place. I found it easy to adjust even with wet hands, though you do need to apply a bit of force. The mechanism uses a simple trip lever that stops the sprinkler head from rotating at your chosen endpoints.

For a 180-degree pattern (half circle), the coverage was decent, but I noticed that the edges of the pattern got slightly less water than the center. This is typical for impact sprinklers. If you need precise, even watering for a rectangular lawn, you might need to overlap your patterns or use multiple sprinklers. For irregular shapes, the ability to set any arc between 20 and 360 degrees is a big plus.

Clogging and Water Quality

I intentionally ran some slightly silty water through the sprinkler to see if it would clog. The nozzle on the Orbit 58322 is relatively large compared to some micro-spray heads, so it handled the debris without issue. I didn’t experience any blockages. The internal mechanism is simple, with a spring-loaded arm that strikes the water stream. There aren’t many tiny passageways to get clogged. For most municipal water supplies, this sprinkler will run without problems.

Build Quality and Value

Materials: Zinc vs. Brass

The head and body of the Orbit 58322 are made of zinc, which is a major selling point. Zinc is corrosion-resistant, meaning it won’t rust like steel or develop green patina like brass. It’s also lighter than brass, which makes the sprinkler easier to move around and less likely to dent if you drop it. The zinc casting feels solid, and the finish is smooth. After several weeks of use and being left outside in the rain, there is no sign of oxidation or pitting.

That said, zinc is not as hard as brass. If you accidentally run over this sprinkler with a lawn mower or drop a heavy rock on it, it could dent or crack. For normal lawn care, the zinc construction is more than adequate. The spring and the impact arm are made of stainless steel, which is a good choice for longevity. I didn’t notice any rust on those components.

The Plastic Base: A Weak Point

Here is the most significant compromise: the base that holds the sprinkler to the ground is made of plastic. It’s a black plastic spike that you push into the soil. For light, loamy soil, it works fine. But if you have hard, clay-heavy soil or you try to push it in when the ground is dry, you have to be careful. The plastic can flex, and if you over-tighten the connection to the sprinkler head (which is metal), you can crack the plastic threads.

I experienced this myself. On my first use, I tightened the sprinkler head onto the plastic base a bit too much, and I heard a faint crack. The base still held, but it made me nervous. I recommend hand-tightening only until snug, then stopping. Do not use a tool. For long-term durability, you might consider buying a separate metal tripod stand or a metal spike base. The plastic base is functional but feels like the weakest link in an otherwise durable product.

Value for Money

This is where the Orbit 58322 excels. You can find this sprinkler for a very low price-often under $15. For that money, you get a sprinkler that covers up to 5,000 square feet, is made of corrosion-resistant zinc, and offers full arc and diffuser adjustment. Compare that to a brass impact sprinkler that can cost $30 to $50 or more. The Orbit gives you about 80% of the performance for half the price. If you are on a budget or you need multiple sprinklers to cover a large property, the value proposition is hard to beat.

You are giving up some uniformity of coverage and a more robust base. But if you are willing to work around those limitations, you save a significant amount of money. I consider it a high-value tool for the average homeowner.

Who Should Buy the Orbit 58322?

This sprinkler is not for everyone, but it fits a specific set of needs perfectly.

• Budget-conscious homeowners: If you want maximum coverage area for the least amount of money, this is your sprinkler. It outperforms most oscillating sprinklers in terms of distance and is much cheaper than brass impact models.
• People with large, irregular lawns: The ability to adjust the arc anywhere from 20 to 360 degrees makes it very versatile. You can water a narrow strip along a fence, then switch to a full circle for a wide-open area.
• Gardeners who need variable spray: The diffuser pin gives you control from a long jet to a soft mist. This is useful if you need to water both a lawn and nearby flower beds without moving the sprinkler.
• Anyone who hates replacing rusted sprinklers: The zinc construction is genuinely corrosion-resistant. If you have left sprinklers outside only to find them rusted solid after a season, this material will last much longer.

Who should skip it? If you are a perfectionist about even water distribution and need every square inch of your lawn to get the exact same amount of water, you will be frustrated by the uneven coverage pattern. Also, if you have very hard soil and don’t want to deal with a plastic base, you should either buy a metal stand or look at a brass model with a metal spike.

My Verdict

After several weeks of testing, I can say the Orbit 58322 Zinc Impact Sprinkler is a solid, practical tool for the money. It does exactly what it promises: it throws water a long distance, it resists corrosion, and it gives you simple adjustments for arc and spray pattern. The coverage is not perfectly uniform, but for most lawns, it’s more than adequate. You just need to be mindful of overlapping your sprinkler positions to avoid dry spots.

The plastic base is the biggest disappointment. It works, but it feels fragile compared to the rest of the sprinkler. If you treat it gently and don’t overtighten the connection, it will hold up. But I wish Orbit had used a metal base or at least reinforced the plastic threads. That one design choice keeps this from being a five-star product.

Overall, I recommend the Orbit 58322 to anyone who needs a reliable, long-throw impact sprinkler without spending a lot of money. It’s not the best sprinkler I’ve ever used, but it is one of the best values. For my own yard, I’ll be keeping it in my rotation, especially for those deep watering sessions on the far corners of my lawn. Just remember to hand-tighten the base, and you’ll get plenty of use out of it.