Reviews You Can Rely On

Dramm ColorStorm Premium Review

This well-made hose is a beast for yardwork; it resists kinking no matter the task and is available in custom size options to meet your exact needs
gearlab tested logo
Dramm ColorStorm Premium Review
Credit: Hale Milano
Price:  $199 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Dramm
By Hale Milano ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 1, 2024
86
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 12
  • Convenience - 35% 9.0
  • Performance - 35% 8.0
  • Construction Quality - 20% 8.0
  • Variety of Options - 10% 10.0

Our Verdict

If you're on the hunt for a hose that can reach all four corners of your yard, the Dramm Colorstorm may just be that hose. This burly garden hose is available in lengths up to 330 feet long! The hose is well-made, easy to use, and actively resists kinking. It also has a great spray performance — this hose checks all the boxes for an essential piece of gardening and yard equipment. The only downside is that this hose is heavier than most others in our lineup, and all that performance costs a pretty penny. Still, if you're looking for a hose that you can put in your yard, forget about, and have it be there ready to go when you need it, the Dramm Colorstorm is our top recommendation. See how it compares to the rest of our lineup in our review of garden hoses.
REASONS TO BUY
Variety of length and diameter options
Easy to handle and maneuver
Resists kinking
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Heavy

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
An Excellent Premium Garden Hose with Super Long Options
Editors' Choice Award
Best Premium Garden Hose
Editors' Choice Award
Best Garden Hose for Most People
 Best Buy Award
Best Garden Hose on a Tight Budget
Price $199 List
$176.00 at Amazon
$220 List$68 List
$60.49 at Amazon
$60 List
$50.16 at Amazon
$11.00 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
86
89
83
72
42
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line A premium hose that can be purchased in custom lengths up to 330 feet, making it ideal for large yardsThis quality hose is an investment, but the premium materials and handling make it a dream to use that will last for yearsAn ergonomic and user-friendly hose that is lightweight and easy to drag around the yardA metal hose that excels at resisting kinks but is tedious to coil and storeThis bargain hose can still get the job done without any trouble
Rating Categories Dramm ColorStorm Pr... Eley Polyurethane Teknor Apex Zero-G Bionic Steel Expert Gardener Lig...
Convenience (35%)
9.0
8.5
9.0
9.0
4.0
Performance (35%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
3.5
Construction Quality (20%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
5.0
5.5
Variety of Options (10%)
10.0
9.5
6.0
6.0
5.0
Specs Dramm ColorStorm Pr... Eley Polyurethane Teknor Apex Zero-G Bionic Steel Expert Gardener Lig...
Available Lengths 50, 75, 100 ft, and custom lengths up to 330 ft 6.5, 12, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 ft 25, 50, 100 ft 25, 50, 75, 100 ft 25, 50 ft
Nozzle Included No No No Yes No
Coupling Shape Hex Hex Round Round Round
Hose Material EPDM rubber Polyeurathane Tru-Flex polymer & woven fiber sheath 304 stainless steel Vinyl
Measured Weight Per Foot 0.20 lb/ft 0.15 lb/ft 0.08 lb/ft 0.10 lb/ft 0.12 lb/ft
Coupling Material Nickel plated brass Brass Brass and steel Steel and plastic Plastic
Valve Included No No No No No
PSI Limit 130 PSI 150 PSI 600 PSI 500 PSI 200 PSI
Measured Length Tested 50.67 ft 100.50 ft 99.17 ft 99.33 ft 25.17 ft
Measured Weight 10.3 lb 14.8 lb 8.4 lb 10.1 lb 2.9 lb
Available Diameters 5/8 in, 3/4 in 5/8 in 5/8 in 5/8 in 5/8 in
Diameter Tested 5/8 in 5/8 in 5/8 in 5/8 in 5/8 in

Our Analysis and Test Results

A great piece of equipment doesn't need to be complicated. Yard and garden tools can range from high powered battery leaf blowers to simple garden shovels that have remained unchanged in their design for decades. A garden hose may fall into the latter category, but that doesn't mean they haven't benefited from the latest and greatest materials and design upgrades. The Dramm ColorStorm is a quality hose that stands out with its eye-popping color, not to mention its excellent handling, performance, and jaw-dropping length option. This hose is one of our lineup's more expensive and heavy options, but that price is a necessary sacrifice for top-notch performance. This hose is ideal for heavy-duty yard applications, requiring durable materials and extra-long lengths.

Performance Comparison


dramm colorstorm premium - although the dramm doesn't come with a nozzle, we tested it by one...
Although the Dramm doesn't come with a nozzle, we tested it by one from the same manufacturer.
Credit: Hale Milano

Convenience


The Dramm Colorstorm is unlike other hoses in our lineup; its shape is hexagonal instead of round. During testing, we felt this shape, among other factors, contributed to a very easy-to-use experience and resulted in very little kinking.


Despite the larger circumference of this hose compared to others in our lineup, it is easy to coil and uncoil. We found that coils tended to lay flat when looped, which resulted in an easier time storing the hose when not in use. The Dramm also pulled out of coils easily and laid perfectly flat, making it stress-free to go from storage to usage with no kinks.

dramm colorstorm premium - the dramm hose is shaped like a hexagon and quite pleasant to hold...
The Dramm hose is shaped like a hexagon and quite pleasant to hold and use.
Credit: Hale Milano

During testing, the Dramm actively avoided kinking. Loops and twists in the hose were easy to pull out with a flick. The Dramm is also very flexible and maneuverable, impressive given the larger diameter and heavier weight per foot of the hose. We easily navigated garden obstacles but were most impressed by its ability to resist becoming stuck underneath car tires when we were washing our car. Even when pulling the hose at a 90-degree angle to the car tire, it slid right through.

dramm colorstorm premium - even during our manual kink test the dramm preferred to loop versus...
Even during our manual kink test the Dramm preferred to loop versus kink, a great feature that kept the water flowing easily.
Credit: Hale Milano

The large hex coupling on the Dramm female end of the hose is also easy to use. We were able to hand tighten or use a wrench to firmly tighten the connector to the spigot. On the male side, which would connect to a nozzle, the coupling is much smaller. We were able to hand tighten with no leaks, but it was less pleasant to use and didn't feel like we could tighten all the way.

dramm colorstorm premium - the female coupling (left) is pleasant to use with your hand or a...
The female coupling (left) is pleasant to use with your hand or a wrench. The male coupling (right) is much smaller and more challenging to use, though we didn't experience any leaks.
Credit: Hale Milano

Performance


Looking at how easy a hose is to use is one thing, but how well it works is another. We considered both in our assessment, and the Dramm performed just as well as it was easy to use.


We had no trouble with the Dramm across any of our performance metrics tests. Using a wrench to snug up the connections prevented any leaks. The hexagonal shape kept the hose flexible and maneuverable, and it felt as though the hose actively resisted any attempt to kink it. Even when uncoiling after a long period in storage, the Dramm stretched flat immediately.

The Dramm slides out from car tires easily.
Credit: Hale Milano

The larger size of the Dramm also benefits its spray performance. Although a nozzle isn't included with the hose, we tested the Dramm with their garden hose nozzle, a popular option with nine different spray settings. Each of the nine spray settings works well, and we experienced great spray volume and pressure. The nozzle has a squeeze trigger to control the water flow and a catch that allows you to lock the hose in the on position. We found this catch tended to move into the locked position on its own, which was mildly frustrating.

Each of the 9 spray settings on the Dramm nozzle is quite different, and we experienced great water pressure and volume through the hose.
Credit: Hale Milano

Construction Quality


The construction quality of the Dramm Colorstorm is also very impressive. This is a hose that we're confident we could use and abuse, not to mention leave out exposed to the rain, sun, and elements.


The thick, abrasion-resistant covering on the hose is both secure to grip and durable. We experienced no issues during our testing after dragging it across pavement, rocks, and more. We did note that scuffing and dirt show up easily on the bright yellow hose but do not detract from performance.

dramm colorstorm premium - the bright yellow shows dirt easily, but we noticed no wear or tear...
The bright yellow shows dirt easily, but we noticed no wear or tear after our months of testing.
Credit: Hale Milano

Variety of Options


The Dramm Colorstorm truly stands out in its variety of available options. Whereas most hoses are available in one diameter and a handful of length options, the Dramm exceeds expectations.


The Dramm is available in either a ⅝ or ¾ inch diameter, as well as four standard lengths and custom length options up to 330 feet long. That's over 100 feet longer than the next longest hose. The ability to custom order a hose length means you can pay for exactly the amount of hose that you need. While that might be overkill for the average gardener, if you need a long hose, this could be the hose you've been looking for.

dramm colorstorm premium - though we're confident you'd see the bright yellow color before the...
Though we're confident you'd see the bright yellow color before the text, the warning label is a nice feature.
Credit: Hale Milano

Should You Buy the Dramm Colorstorm Premium?


The Dramm is a burly hose designed for people who demand the best from their yard and garden equipment. It has great performance, is easy to use, and will likely last through years of use and abuse. That said, these benefits come at a cost and the Dramm costs a fair bit. Still, if you're looking for a top-quality hose or want the ability to purchase a custom hose length up to 330 feet long, the Dramm is our pick for you.

dramm colorstorm premium - we used the dramm for demanding chores as well as the easy ones like...
We used the Dramm for demanding chores as well as the easy ones like filling dog bowls, and loved it for all of them.
Credit: Hale Milano

What Other Garden Hoses Should You Consider?


There are several other hoses in our lineup that we recommend if you're on the hunt for the best hose money can buy. The Eley Polyurethane commands a premium price point, but its construction quality, handling, and performance are unrivaled. The Eley is also available in a variety of options and lengths up to 200 feet. It's a great pick if you're looking to splurge on a hose, and we don't think you'll regret it. That said, there are many other hoses that can accomplish the same things as the Dramm and Eley. The Continental ContiTech Premium is a heavy-duty hose well suited to the rigors of yard work and has great spray performance. The Giraffe Tools Hybrid is another high-performing option in our lineup that we liked for its ability to be purchased in smaller sizes, ideal if you have a small patio or yard that needs watered.

dramm colorstorm premium - while all hoses generally accomplish the same goals, depending on...
While all hoses generally accomplish the same goals, depending on your specific needs and preferences there are many different options that may work best for you.
Credit: Hale Milano

Hale Milano


You Might Also Like