What is better, Rainbird vs Hunter?
This has been a hot topic for debate for years, very similar to trying to decide whether Bud Light tastes better than Miller Light. (Pardon our beer reference, we’re just so excited that the warm months are here…time to enjoy a cold one as you enjoy your lush, beautiful landscape!) The truth is, most people could never tell the difference if you hid the sprinkler device from view. We feel both companies offer great products, this is why we are willing to customize your order. For his own home, one of our owners went with the Rainbird ESP control box, DV100 Rainbird Valves, Rainbird 1800 Spray heads, and Rainbird 5004 rotor heads.
Here is an explanation of the different parts that Rainbird and Hunter make and how they differ.
The leading manufacturers of sprinkler parts in the residential market are Rainbird and Hunter. They make hundreds of different parts for the industry, but the most commonly used parts for a residential sprinkler system are the following:
- Control Box
- Valves
- Spray Heads
- Spray Head Nozzles
- Rotors
- MP Rotary Nozzles
- Rain Sensors
In our opinion, the important thing to consider is what tier of product the contractor is supplying. Often the quality level is more important than the brand name, and both companies have tiered product lines to meet your specific needs. Make sure you are always getting the highest quality parts from both companies as dictated by your unique irrigation needs. If you live in an area which experiences long, cold winters or tough soil conditions, then you would be penny-wise and pound foolish to not buy the high-end line. The plastic shells are thicker, the springs are stronger, and the seals are tighter. It is well worth the extra couple hundred dollars.
Here is Rainbird’s high-end lineup:
- Rotors: The Rainbird 5004 rotor is the most popular rotor head in the world. It has the Rain Curtain technology which does a fantastic job of evenly distributing the water from the rotor head to the ground.
- Valves: The Rainbird DV100 has the lowest warranty/return rate of any valve in the market
- Spray Heads: The Rainbird 1800 series spray head is a very well built spray head
- Control Box: The Rainbird ESP is a well-built control box with a lot of bells and whistles
Here is Hunter’s high-end lineup:
- Rotors: PGP is a reliable, well-built rotor
- Valves: Hunter’s jar top valves are easy to work with
- Spray Heads: Hunter Pro-Spray Heads aren’t built as well as the Rainbird’s and the heads tend to stick in the upright position
- Control Box: Hunter’s Pro C Pro-C is a nice control box
The end-goal is a beautiful, Northern Virginia yard for enjoying and entertaining. Effective Affordable Lawn Sprinkler and Lighting lawn irrigation will keep your grass and plant-life vibrant. As for keeping your Bud or Miller Lites cold? You’re on your own!