Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade vs Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden
Both made our Best Garden Hoses Under $30 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. if you want thicker walled construction holds up to years of full sun exposure on a patio or driveway without splitting. Choose the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft. if you'd rather have 8-ply construction is unusually durable for the price point. Overall we rank the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Garden Hoses Under $30 list.
Winner overall: Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft.
Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. vs Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft. compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Garden Hoses Under $30 | #2 of 3 in Best Garden Hoses Under $30 |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Craftsman | Gilmour |
| Key features | POLYFUSION hybrid construction; Crush-resistant anodized aluminum couplings; 5/8-inch diameter, 50-foot length | 8-ply Flexogen construction; 500 PSI burst strength; 5/8-inch diameter, 50-foot length |
| Biggest strength | Thicker walled construction holds up to years of full sun exposure on a patio or driveway without splitting | 8-ply construction is unusually durable for the price point |
| Main trade-off | Heavier than hybrid polymer options, more noticeable in high heat when handling for long stretches | Heavier and stiffer than the polyurethane and hybrid polymer options here |
| Best for | hot climates | small yards |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. if…
- Thicker walled construction holds up to years of full sun exposure on a patio or driveway without splitting
- Crush-resistant couplings resist warping from being stepped on when hot and softened
- Bi-material grips stay comfortable to handle even when the hose body is hot to the touch
Best for: hot climates
Prefer the alternative? See the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft. section.
#2 pick
Choose the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft. if…
- 8-ply construction is unusually durable for the price point
- 500 PSI burst rating is well above typical residential water pressure
- Solid brass couplings hold up better than plastic threads over years of use
Best for: small yards
Prefer the alternative? See the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. section.
Pros and cons of each
Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft.
Pros
- Thicker walled construction holds up to years of full sun exposure on a patio or driveway without splitting
- Crush-resistant couplings resist warping from being stepped on when hot and softened
- Bi-material grips stay comfortable to handle even when the hose body is hot to the touch
Cons
- Heavier than hybrid polymer options, more noticeable in high heat when handling for long stretches
- Higher price than a basic vinyl hose
- Less flexible in cold weather than in warm weather
Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft.
Pros
- 8-ply construction is unusually durable for the price point
- 500 PSI burst rating is well above typical residential water pressure
- Solid brass couplings hold up better than plastic threads over years of use
Cons
- Heavier and stiffer than the polyurethane and hybrid polymer options here
- Coils less neatly, tends to hold a slight memory curve
- Fewer color options than newer hose lines
Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. vs Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft.: common questions
Which is better, the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. or the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft.?
Choose the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. if you want thicker walled construction holds up to years of full sun exposure on a patio or driveway without splitting. Choose the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft. if you'd rather have 8-ply construction is unusually durable for the price point. Overall we rank the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Garden Hoses Under $30 list.
What is the difference between the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. and the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft.?
The Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. stands out because thicker walled construction holds up to years of full sun exposure on a patio or driveway without splitting, while the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft. stands out because 8-ply construction is unusually durable for the price point. The trade-offs differ too: the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft.'s main caveat is that heavier than hybrid polymer options, more noticeable in high heat when handling for long stretches, and the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft.'s is that heavier and stiffer than the polyurethane and hybrid polymer options here.
Is the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. worth it over the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft.?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft. instead if heavier than hybrid polymer options, more noticeable in high heat when handling for long stretches is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft. instead of the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft.?
The Gilmour Platinum Flexogen 8-Ply Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 50 ft. suits small yards, while the Craftsman Heavy Duty Professional Grade Garden Hose 50 ft. is best for hot climates.