It is true that water hose reels vary across several points. There are however several general drawbacks that some reels share regardless of brand or type. You should be aware of these negative points so you are better able to find the best reels for your particular needs.
The functionality of water hose reels is of significant importance. Some consumers though are pretty much particular with the outer shell of the product. The most common reels have hoses that are overtly displayed. This is not much of a problem if you have a reel cart which you can easily keep in a shed every after usage. But if you have a reel fixed permanently in wall, then it is not that easy to transport. If you prefer your hose covertly kept, a new and creative reel design is highly recommended. There are new designs that have appealing exterior cases for the reels.
Some reels are not advisable because they are not easy to use. This is especially noticeable in the cranking mechanism. The least easy to use are fully manual reels. These require you to manually layout and untangle a hose before rolling it in. Some reels may conveniently sport automatic hose retractors. Do take note though that even some automatic models can have problems. Some require you to manually spread out a rolling hose to avoid jamming or bunching.
Portability is another issue with hose reels. Of course, if you get a wall mount reel, it is understood that you want your reel to stay put in one area. Even wall mounts though should have the option of being easy to take down. This is to protect hose attachments and the reel itself during harsh seasons. Permanent attachments may not always be good options.
Water hose reels are not always open to modifications. This may be potentially disadvantageous if you want to add features that cater to some specific needs. Some people prefer to add small cabinets, portable sinks or trays to their reels. These are possible only if balance and stability are not compromised.
Finally, there are reels that are made of less durable materials. Reels that are built using plastic are less sturdy compared to steel or aluminum. There are only few plastic reels that are tough enough to withstand use for outdoors. Should you still persist in buying a plastic reel, choose reels that are made of resin, which is a strong plastic.
It's not always easy to spot the bad points of a reel. If you aren't very good at visual inspections, you can rely on other people's experiences in relation to product use. Read product reviews so you can determine if a reel has some negative points. Aside from reviews, ratings also reveal a lot about reel quality. Consider getting a reel that is highly recommended by actual users.
The function of water hose reels is really simple. But this is not an assurance that its simple functionality can mean it can always work well and endure wear and tear. Considering the downside of reels is essential before you buy one. Doing so saves you from future snags and dissatisfaction.
