Orbit Plastic Fan Spray Water Nozzle w/Set Spike

One of my old sprayers cracked around the hose connector and won't stay on, so I needed a replacement. The Orbit was one of two different brands I decided to try. It is definitely the lesser of the two. In the "they don't make 'em like they used to" category, I have an older fan sprayer that's still working fine after 20 years. It's made of a very heavy plastic that feels almost like Bakelite® (if anyone still knows what that is). It has been dropped on the pavement and driveway countless times and shows a few chips and dings but otherwise works perfectly and is in no danger of falling apart. The Orbit feels like, if it hit the cement, it would be just like Humpty Dumpty. The plastic is eggshell-thin and feels extremely brittle. The dark color makes me think that it will not stand up to the sun very well...but that remains to be seen. To my mind, this is more of a soaker than a sprayer, which means that it puts out a good volume of water up to 5-6 feet from the nozzle as opposed to shooting for distance. That's not a criticism, if that's what you're looking for. One other problem, which has been mentioned by others, is that the shutoff valve leaks. When fully opened, it drips and when partly closed, it emits a needle-thin jet of water (see pictures). On the plus side, the sprayer feels good in my hand and the metal spike stays put in the handle recess.In short, I'm keeping it. It works OK and it was cheap but there are better options.

This is NOT a fan sprayer; see photos. I've owned 10 hose-end fan sprayers over 40 years, and this is not only not a fan sprayer, it has multiple flaws. It should spread the water out at angles, so that you can cover lots of areas quickly and efficiently; this comes out at the width of the sprayer and throughout the spray pattern, so that you cover only a 6-10" width of ground at each pass. That defeats the whole purpose of a fan sprayer! And, though I have very strong water pressure. the maximum distance it can reach is about 10-12'; others I've had will reach 20-25'. This means that you'll spend 5 times as long to water, and will probably be unable to water lightly. I guess the spray hole diameter is too large. Also, the shut-off valve leaks slightly at the valve, and doesn't shut the water off completely and instead dribbles on you and any other surfaces. Lastly, the metal rod to affix it to the ground does not lock in place, so you are constantly fighting that as it swings back and forth.I would strongly suggest not to buy this product, as it will be a waste of your money. I would rate it a "0"' if I could.

This is a very well designed item as far as efficiency of water flow. It soaks bushes and trees very well, with very low pressure, which is perfect. However, it is very fragile. Never use the built-in lever (poor quality), leave it permanently open and add an external one. Be very careful not to drop it, step on it or drag it by accident, the plastic is very thin. Overall very pleased, and we use it all the time in the very harsh current summer weather.