Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 100 ft Review

Introduction: Why I Finally Gave Up on Rubber Hoses

For years, I was a rubber hose loyalist. I believed that if a hose wasn’t heavy and stiff, it wasn’t built to last. I went through three different rubber hoses in two seasons, each one succumbing to kinks, cracks, or that frustrating memory that left them coiled like a spring. When I first heard about the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose in the 5/8-inch by 100-foot size, I was skeptical. Polyurethane? That sounded like something from a hardware store novelty aisle. But after wrestling with my last rubber hose for the final time, I decided to give it a shot. I am glad I did. This is my honest, hands-on review after using this hose for three full months of heavy watering.

How I Tested It: Real Conditions, No Shortcuts

I did not set up a lab or use any scientific instruments. I tested this hose the way you would: by using it every day. My property includes a 50-foot vegetable garden, a row of shrubs along a gravel driveway, and a lawn that needs regular sprinkler rotation. I dragged the Eley hose across concrete patios, over sharp gravel, through muddy garden beds, and around thorny rose bushes. I left it in direct sunlight for hours. I coiled it and uncoiled it at least 40 times. I also tested it with a standard brass nozzle and with the included shut-off valve. I paid close attention to how it felt in my hands, how it behaved when I turned the water on and off, and how it stored at the end of each day.

Performance: Where This Hose Shines

Lightweight and Easy to Handle

The first thing I noticed was the weight. This 100-foot hose is noticeably lighter than any rubber hose I have ever used. I can carry the entire coil with one hand. When I am dragging it across the yard, it does not feel like I am pulling a rope. It glides. This is a huge advantage for anyone who has to move a hose frequently or for anyone with limited strength. I have used it for long watering sessions without feeling fatigued. The lightweight nature also makes it easier to thread through tight spaces, like between fence posts or around flower pots.

No Memory, Coils Easily

The term “no memory” is a bit of industry jargon, but here is what it means in practice: this hose does not hold a shape. A rubber hose that has been coiled in a garage for a week will try to return to that coil shape when you lay it out. It will fight you. The Eley hose does not do that. Every time I uncoil it, it lays flat and straight. When I am done, I can coil it back into a neat loop without wrestling it. It does not kink. I tried to force a kink by bending it sharply at a 90-degree angle. It just flattened slightly and then popped back to round as soon as water flowed. This alone saves me minutes of frustration every time I water.

Excellent Abrasion Resistance

This is the feature that surprised me the most. I deliberately dragged this hose over the roughest surfaces on my property: a sharp gravel driveway, a concrete patio with a rough finish, and a section of flagstone with jagged edges. After three months of this abuse, the outer surface shows only minor scuffing. There are no cuts, no punctures, and no worn-through spots. The polyurethane material is tough. I cannot say the same for the rubber hoses I used previously. One of them developed a leak after being dragged over the same gravel just twice. The Eley hose feels like it could survive a lot more punishment.

Includes a Quality Shut-Off Valve

Most hoses come with a cheap plastic shut-off valve that breaks within a month. Eley includes a brass shut-off valve that feels solid. It has a smooth action and does not leak. I have used it hundreds of times and it still works perfectly. This is a small detail, but it shows that the company understands what a gardener actually needs. I appreciate not having to buy an extra valve separately.

Build and Value: Is It Worth the Price?

Construction Quality

The hose is made from a single layer of polyurethane, not a rubber core with a polyurethane coating. This means there is no risk of delamination. The fittings are heavy-duty brass with a corrosion-resistant finish. The 5/8-inch diameter is standard, so it fits all my existing nozzles and connectors. The hose feels flexible but not flimsy. When I squeeze it, there is no weak spot. The brass fittings are crimped onto the hose securely. I have not had any leaks at the connection points, which is a common problem with cheaper hoses.

The Price Question

Let me be direct: this hose is expensive. It costs significantly more than a comparable rubber hose from a big box store. I will not give you a specific price because prices change, but you should expect to pay a premium. The question is whether that premium is worth it. In my experience, it is. I have spent more money over the past two years buying cheap hoses that failed. If I had bought this Eley hose at the start, I would have saved money and frustration. The build quality suggests that this hose will last for many years. I have seen online reports from users who have had theirs for five or more years with no issues. If you value durability and convenience, the upfront cost is justified.

Potential Drawback: Stiffness in Extreme Cold

I have to be honest about one thing. This hose gets stiff in cold weather. I tested it on a morning when the temperature was around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The hose was noticeably less flexible. It was still usable, but it did not coil as easily and it felt more rigid. If you live in a climate where you need to water in freezing conditions, you might find this frustrating. However, most people do not water in freezing temperatures. I store my hose for the winter, so this is not a major issue for me. But if you plan to use it year-round in a cold climate, you should be aware of this limitation.

Who Should Buy It (And Who Should Not)

Ideal For:

• Serious gardeners who water daily and need a hose that can handle constant use.
• People with large properties who need a 100-foot hose that is easy to drag across lawns and gardens.
• Anyone frustrated with kinking hoses. This hose solves that problem completely.
• Those who value lightweight equipment. If you dread hauling a heavy hose, this is a game changer.
• Users who want a hose that lasts. The build quality suggests long-term value.

Not Ideal For:

• Budget shoppers. If you only water a small patio plant once a week, a cheaper hose may suffice.
• Winter users in very cold climates. The stiffness in extreme cold is a real limitation.
• Those who need a very soft, rubbery feel. Polyurethane is firm, not plush like some rubber hoses.

My Verdict: A Premium Tool That Delivers

After three months of heavy use, I can confidently say that the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose is the best hose I have ever owned. It is not perfect. The stiffness in cold weather is a real drawback, and the price will make some people hesitate. But for the core tasks of watering a garden, the performance is outstanding. It is lightweight, it does not kink, it coils easily, and it resists abrasion better than any hose I have tested. The included shut-off valve is a bonus that shows attention to detail.

I do not believe in hype. I believe in tools that make my work easier. This hose does that. It saves me time, it saves me frustration, and it does not leave me fighting with tangled, kinked rubber every time I want to water my tomatoes. If you are tired of replacing cheap hoses every season, or if you simply want a hose that works the way it should, the Eley is worth the investment. It is a tool that respects the user and the task. I will be using this hose for years to come, and I recommend it without reservation to anyone who takes their watering seriously.