Flexi Hose Review

One impressive model that we tested is the Flexi Hose. This hose is very convenient to use, and excels at shrinking back to its original size. It is more expensive than some of the other top-performing expansion hoses, but it also includes both a valve and a nozzle. Due to its convenience, features, and high-quality construction, we believe this hose is the ideal choice for boat, RV, or camper owners seeking a hose to store onboard their vehicle while on the go.

Convenience

The Flexi Hose is one of the best expandable hoses we tested, as it shrinks back to its original size. Because expandable hoses expand and contract based on water pressure, we did notice a slight backward tug every time we sprayed water, but it didn't negatively impact performance in the long run. With no pressure, the Flexi is 17.7 feet long; when fully expanded, it reaches 51.4 feet long, expanding to almost three times its original length. We had no issues using the hose when it was fully expanded, and it was flexible and easy to maneuver.

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The connectors on the Flexi Hose were average. They were round in shape, versus hex, which we prefer for its ability to be tightened and loosened with a wrench. That said, it is easy to hand-tighten, and the valve is convenient in the event you don't have a nozzle.

Performance

The Flexi Hose can adequately accomplish everything a hose needs to do, but it doesn't stand out in any one category. We considered the job accomplished as long as a hose didn't leak or kink excessively. During testing, we sought features or attributes that enabled a hose to perform above and beyond this minimum level.

First and foremost, we experienced no leaks while testing the Flexi Hose. Like most other expandable hoses, we also didn't experience any flat spots or kinking, as the water pressure helps the Flexi actively resist any accidental kinking. We were slightly underwhelmed with the included nozzle. Though there are eight different settings, they don't click into place nicely. We were able to use the valve as a makeshift nozzle, which is a great bonus if you don't have one or don't want to use a nozzle.

Construction Quality

We tested the Flexi Hose in a variety of conditions over several months of testing, including direct sun, humid and hot temperatures, rain, and more. We drug it across rocks, dirt, grass, driveways, and even ran over it with our car. We noticed no issues with the hose, aside from normal wear and tear from usage.

The brass connectors and valve on the Flexi helped it withstand the elements well. The hose sheath is made of latex, and we observed no issues from exposure or abrasion during use. We also checked online reviews; there is a trend among reviewers stating that this hose worked great until, all of a sudden, it failed completely. However, we didn't experience that issue in our testing.

The sheath of the Flexi is a soft woven fabric that protects both the hose and whatever you might be using it on. This may not be as important in the home or garden, but if you're using it on a campervan or boat, protecting your paint job can be paramount. When testing this hose on our boat, we found that it slid around obstacles with ease and didn't scuff or scratch the boat's white gelcoat at all.

Variety of Options

Users looking for a variety of choices will be pleased with the different size options available for the Flexi Hose. When considering expandable hose lengths, it's essential to note that a slight extra length can be beneficial, as using the hose at maximum extension isn't always the easiest.

The Flexi can be found in 50, 75, and 100-foot options. This variety allows you to purchase the right amount of hose for your needs. The Flexi is only available in one diameter, ¾ inch, and we found this suitable for all kinds of intended usage. We like that the Flexi comes with some extra features like a valve and an included nozzle, adding to its attractiveness as an option.

Should You Buy the Flexi Hose?

If you own a boat, RV, or camper van, you've likely experienced the frustration of trying to fit everything you need into small storage compartments, as well as the frustration of dirt and mud everywhere. A compact hose like the Flexi can alleviate both of those concerns. It shrinks up small enough to be shoved under seats or in oddly shaped cabinets, and it expands long enough to wash off your entire vehicle and then some. Though this hose is more expensive than others in our lineup, we appreciated the convenience and features that it included and recommend it because of this.

What Other Expandable Hoses Should You Consider?

Expandable hoses are ideal for many people because they provide the advantages of a hose in a space-saving design. Not all expandable hoses are created equal, though; in fact, there are two separate types: coil and expansion. If you liked the concept of expansion hoses, most of the options in our lineup performed very similarly. The Pocket Hose Silver Bullet, AmazingForLess Expandable, and Flex-Able Xtreme all boast very similar features and performance. The other type, coil hoses, are ideal for watering items in a small space and can be mounted permanently for an even more convenient watering experience. Our favorite coil hose is the Orbit Coil with ABS Threads for its contraction and performance capabilities. On the other hand, if after reading this review you're not sure that expansion hoses are the best type of hose for your watering needs, we also tested hose reels. Hose reels combine the benefits of a top-rated garden hose in a space-saving design, retracting into a storage unit.