Best Sprinkler Heads

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 18, 2024
Regardless of how sophisticated your sprinkling system may be, you will still need a proper sprinkler head to keep your garden and ...Read more
PROS

The combination of brass, bronze, and stainless steel will be able to ensure a much longer service life. Add to that a straight-through flow system and you may rest assured knowing that this is one of those brass sprinkler heads that will be able to last for decades to come, even if you use dirty or reclaimed water from ponds or canals. 

CONS

Uses quite a lot of water. 

OUR VERDICT

We would recommend Rain Bird 25PJDAC to the sort of people that do not particularly care for the latest advancements in the field and would much rather spend their money on a product that would be able to last for decades to come.

detailed parameters
Type

Impact sprinkler

Material

Brass, bronze, and stainless steel construction

Inlet size

1/2" male pipe thread

Sprinkler coverage patterns

full (360°) or part circle (20° to 340°)

Spray distance

from 20 to 41 feet

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

All of the machinery is contained within the body of the device, a solution that makes it far quieter compared to impact sprinklers. They are also far lower maintenance than the latter due to the use of plastic. Using the programmable rotation tabs located on top of the sprinkler, you will be able to adjust the sprinkler pattern with an effortless ease.

CONS

The design isn't particularly subtle so it stands out in the garden. 

OUR VERDICT

Irrigator Pro 525023 has quite a lot to offer and it will prove to be a good fit for all kinds of customers. However, those buyers who are looking for quiet operation first and foremost are the ones who will truly be able to appreciate it.

detailed parameters
Type

Gear driven sprinkler

Material

Plastic

Inlet size

3/4"

Sprinkler coverage patterns

Programmable rotation tabs

Spray distance

from 20 to 80 feet

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The model includes a selection of different spray nozzles that will offer you an almost unprecedented level of control over the spread as well as the distance. Plus, the engineered nozzles will be able to deliver even water distribution. The package contains a nozzle chart and an instruction manual.

CONS

Some packages come without an instruction manual. 

OUR VERDICT

If you're the kind of person who doesn't necessarily trust the standard settings and would like to have full control over the irrigating process, you cannot go wrong with the Hunter PGP-ADJ-KEY sprinkler head. 

detailed parameters
Type

Pop-up rotor head

Material

Plastic

Inlet size

3/4"

Sprinkler coverage patterns

40° - 360°

Spray distance

from 22 to 52 feet

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The spray distance starts at the distance of 5 feet, making this Toro sprinkler head an ideal choice for smaller yards. Though the head itself is made of ABS plastic, the retraction spring is comprised of stainless steel, the manufacturer's way of ensuring reliable pop-up and retraction. The patented X-Flow technology prevents the sprinkler head from wasting water.

CONS

The coverage area is somewhat limited. 

OUR VERDICT

Toro 53743 is the sort of sprinkler head that will only be useful for residential purposes. That said, if you have a small lawn, there is really no reason not to give this particular product a try.

detailed parameters
Type

Pop-up rotor head

Material

Plastic

Inlet size

1/2" NPT female threaded

Sprinkler coverage patterns

Static (fixed coverage area)

Spray distance

from 5 to 15 feet

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The model's enclosed body design prevents clogs from debris and dirt. The filter also keeps out debris. It will take a simple twist to remove the filter and a few seconds to clean it. You will be able to easily customize the flow rate using a whole tree of extra nozzles that come with the package. 

CONS

Doesn't do a great job irritating the closest surrounding area. 

OUR VERDICT

The reasons you should consider the Orbit 55662 Voyager II sprinkler head boil down to a few things: the silent operation that won't distract you or your neighbors, its water conservation properties, and all of the accessories that come with the device.

detailed parameters
Type

Pop-up gear drive rotor head

Material

Plastic

Inlet size

3/4" female threaded

Sprinkler coverage patterns

40° - 360°

Spray distance

from 25 to 52 feet

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Built to Last

First things first, Rain Bird 25PJDAC is an impact sprinkler, and that in itself already tells a lot about what is it that we're dealing with here. Just like the majority of its impact counterparts, the model from Rain Bird boasts durability above anything else. Where some of the newer gear driven or pop-up rotor models are made of plastic and older impact heads are usually made of zinc, this gardening appliance features a construction that is comprised of brass, bronze, and stainless steel. Suffice it to say, the latter combination of materials will be able to ensure a much longer service life. Add to that a straight-through flow system and you may rest assured knowing that this is one of those brass sprinkler heads that will be able to last for decades to come, even if you use dirty or reclaimed water from ponds or canals.

Of course, an orthodox construction also carries with it an orthodox sound. Though some people may certainly find it a tad too loud, others simply love that classic impact sound since it always assures them that the yard is getting the water it needs. Having said that, not everything about this model is quite as old school. For instance, the appliance comes equipped with a diffuser screw. A simple twist of that will break up the sprinkler system, thus creating smaller or larger droplets depending on your needs and preferences. Also, you aren't limited in sprinkler coverage patterns as the model will allow you to utilize full circle or part circle coverage, with the latter providing virtually infinite pattern adjustment.

To sum it up, we would recommend Rain Bird 25PJDAC to those people that do not particularly care for the latest advancements in the field and would much rather spend their money on a product that would be able to last for decades to come. Though the company has produced quite a number of models, this is easily one of the most impressive RainBird sprinkler heads.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $20.02
Stock In stock
ASIN B00002N8NR

Quiet Operation

Irrigator Pro 525023 isn't necessarily the most subtle product out there and, considering the rather bulky design, it will certainly stand out in the garden. That said, aside from the not so compact construction, this is easily one of the most convenient models on the market. Since this is a gear driven head, all of the machinery is contained within the body of the device, a solution that makes these types of sprinkler heads far quieter compared to impact sprinklers. They are also far lower maintenance than the latter due to the use of plastic, though they generally tend to trail behind when it comes to durability.

While its quiet operation is one of the best parts of this sprinkler head, it isn't the only thing it has to offer. Using the programmable rotation tabs located on top of the sprinkler, you will be able to adjust the sprinkler pattern with an effortless ease. It delivers a pretty impressive water pattern with a fairly high output, especially if you take into consideration the ridiculous spray distance that can throw water up to 80 feet. By the way, despite the fact that plastic gear driven heads generally do not boast impressive durability properties, the model in question is surprisingly sturdy, with plenty of customers saying that it served them for over a decade before finally showing any signs of damage.

All in all, Irrigator Pro 525023 has quite a lot to offer and it will prove to be a good fit for all kinds of customers. However, those people who are looking for quiet operation first and foremost are the one who will truly be able to appreciate it.

Last updated price $14.72
Stock In stock
ASIN B000H5SIJS

Control the Process

Hunter PGP-ADJ-KEY will prove to be a great choice for people who like to have full control over the irrigating process. Not dissimilar to the majority of pop-up rotor heads, you will have the option of choosing the arc setting, with coverage patterns ranging from 40 degrees all the way up to 360. But, unlike those models, the product from Hunter includes a selection of different spray nozzles that will offer you an almost unprecedented level of control over the spread as well as the distance. Plus, the engineered nozzles will be able to deliver even water distribution, the importance of which when it comes to lawns should not be underestimated.

It also includes an adjustment tool and if all of that sounds a tad too complicated to you, the package contains a nozzle chart and an instruction manual, though some customers claim that the package they received didn't include the said manual.

With that out of the way, it is time for some numbers. As we have already mentioned, the Hunter sprinkler head rotates 360 degrees, so it will be able to cover everything around it as long as that "everything" is in range. Speaking of which, the spray distance starts at 22 feet and has the ability to extend its reach all the way to 52 feet, which isn't too shabby as far as pop-up rotor heads go. The flow rate ranges between 0.5 and 14.1 GPM, while the recommended pressure range is 25 to 70 PSI.

To reiterate our earlier point, if you're the kind of person who doesn't necessarily trust the standard settings and would like to have full control over the irrigating process, you cannot go wrong with the Hunter PGP-ADJ-KEY. With it, adjusting sprinkler heads has never been easier.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $13.79
Stock In stock
ASIN B00NCADRUK

Water Smart

Toro 53743 is a bit of a specific model. With its 6-inch pop-up build, it will be great for clearing tall grass. That said, the maximum spray distance it offers is limited to about 15 feet, so it won't be able to irrigate a sizable garden or even a medium-sized lawn. On the other hand, the spray distance starts at the distance of 5 feet, making this Toro sprinkler head an ideal choice for small lawns.

Though the head itself is made of ABS plastic, the retraction spring is comprised of stainless steel, the manufacturer's way of ensuring reliable pop-up and retraction. Aside from this combination of materials, what makes the model durable is mostly a foolproof seal that protects the sprinkling system from debris and dirt. Finally, we would also like to mention just how water smart this product is. Utilizing a patented X-Flow technology, the model restricts the water flow the moment the nozzle is removed or damaged, thus preventing the sprinkler head from wasting water.

In terms of installation, the standard 1/2" NPT female threaded inlet will be able to fit virtually any modern sprinkling system, so you shouldn't have any problems trying to find the right fit. So, what else is there to say? Toro 53743 is the sort of sprinkler head that will only be useful for residential purposes. That said, if you have a small lawn, there is really no reason not to give this product a try.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $12.65
Stock In stock
ASIN B0062AJS3M

Keeps Debris Out

Orbit 55662 Voyager II may be one of the most affordable options on the market but the cheap price does not imply cheap construction or subpar characteristics. Named after the famous space probe that NASA launched over 40 years ago, the model in question won't be able to explore the outer space but it will keep your yard irrigated. But, before mentioning those irrigation characteristics, we would like to point out a few things pertaining to the construction. First off, the model's enclosed body design prevents clogs from debris and dirt. On top of that design, the Orbit sprinkler head comes with a filter that keeps out debris. It will take naught but a simple twist to remove the filter and a few seconds to clean it.

Moving on to the actual irrigation process, the model will be able to cover a spray distance from 25 to 52 feet and above, depending on the pressure range and the flow rate. Speaking of flow rate, you will be able to easily customize the latter using a whole tree of extra nozzles that come with the package. Similar to the majority of pop-up rotor heads, the coverage patterns range from 40 degrees all the way up to a full 360-degree rotation. And, with the help of an adjustment key that you will also receive free of charge, making on-the-spot adjustments to the arch swing will be a matter of seconds. Finally, the precipitation rate of this model is also far less compared to your average pop-up rotor head, meaning that far less water will go to waste.

Taking into account all of the above, the reasons you should consider the Orbit 55662 Voyager II sprinkler head boil down to a few things: the silent operation that won't distract you or your neighbors, its water conservation properties, and all of the accessories that come with the device.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $16.24
Stock In stock
ASIN B001SN81CC

What Is a Sprinkler Head?

There are plenty of different irrigation sprinklers and whole sprinkling systems out there that feature a number of complex solutions. But the most important part of any sprinkler is its head. Simply put, a sprinkler head is an outlet of a sprinkler system that usually looks like a valve with a couple of basic parts: a nozzle and a body. As you would imagine, the body of a sprinkler head provides a foundation while the nozzle distributes water through a number of holes. Though all of these devices serve a singular purpose, there are quite a few sprinkler head types out there that differ in terms of the way they operate. If you're looking to irrigate a fairly sizable area, we would suggest looking into an impact sprinkler head as they tend to offer better throw and the highest spray distance. Pop-up rotor heads, on the other hand, will generally prove to be a much better choice for open lawn areas or for irrigating along curbs and sidewalks. Finally, there are gear-driven sprinklers that are usually more versatile, offering all kinds of spray patterns and distances and being suitable for medium and large-scale sprinkler systems.

And if all of that sounds way too orthodox for you, you could always get yourself a smart sprinkler.

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