Are you looking for the best dripline hose? Read my reviews, opinions, selection guide and prices.
Simple yet ingenious, the drip hose was a real breakthrough for the irrigation industry. And, as I anticipated, this is nothing too complex: we are in fact dealing with simple sections of pipe with several drippers included, and placed at a certain distance from each other (a value known as step ). In a nutshell, this system is ideal for drip irrigation of vegetable gardens, orchards, olive groves, lawns and many other crops. In spite of its apparent simplicity, however, there are differences between the various models that should be clarified, before moving on to the reviews.
Table of Contents
Characteristics of the dripline tube
First of all, it is good to clarify that the dripline is nothing more than a very simple one hose to irrigate, only unlike standard pipes it already integrates the drippers inside. The latter are valuable, as they allow drip irrigation, thus reducing water waste and directing it exactly where it should go. A property that also allows to reduce the risk of weeds and weeds proliferation. Wanting to make an even more rapid synthesis, the drip hoses for irrigation represent a sort of “all-inclusive” and ready-to-use solution.
As I mentioned above, however, there are some differences from model to model, which determine not only the quality of the tube and its professionalism, but also the price. To give you some concrete examples, you may find products with a 20 or 33 cm pitch, with a flow rate (consumption) of several liters per hour, or with a different length. Secondly, it is essential to understand that there are different types of pipes on the market, from the self-compensating dripline up to the multi-season and the dripper pipe to be buried (sub-irrigation).
How to choose the drip hose for irrigation
1. Diameter of the tube
This feature is quite easy to understand, as it refers to the outer diameter of the wing tube. Generally the most popular models have a diameter corresponding to a measurement of 16 millimeters, since this is a sufficient value for small open-air irrigations. However, you can also find pipes with a smaller or larger diameter, around 20 millimeters, which are useful when you need a higher water flow rate and when larger lines have to be covered.
2. Pitch of the drippers
As I have already mentioned, the step is nothing more than the distance between a dripper and the next or previous one. It is the same value that we find in chainsaw chains, only in that case it refers to the distance between the rivets, and is measured in inches. On the contrary, in our tubes the pitch – therefore the spacing – is in centimeters. We can therefore find various models, such as the 20 step dripline, the 33 step (the most common) and even pipes that reach a spacing of up to 100 centimeters. For the record, the absolute smallest measure is the 15 cm step.
3. Water flow
When we talk about flow rate, we indicate how much water the individual drippers consume, and it is a value expressed in liters per hour. Generally the flow rate of a dripper is around 2 liters per hour, but there are pipes around that reach up to 4 liters per hour, starting from a minimum of 1 liter per hour. The flow rate of a dripper varies according to the water pressure, and this explains why this rule applies to common and cheap pipes: the longer the wing, the more the water flow rate will be different, due to the difference in pressure. from one dripper to another.
This point, however, I will clarify when I tell you about the differences between normal pipes and the self-compensating dripline, where the flow always remains stable.
4. Length of the tube
Irrigation drip hoses are always sold in reels, and clearly can change the square footage of each reel. The most classic options of all are those of 100 meters, suitable for example for drip irrigation of a small vegetable garden. There are also other “sizes”, which can even exceed 1,000 meters of reel. In summary, there is no shortage of options to meet everyone’s needs.
5. Coloring of the tube
Just take a look online to see that the coils of the drip tubes are always black or brown. Are there any differences? Actually no, since the color alone does not indicate the presence of certain technical peculiarities. In other words, it is a mere aesthetic factor, even if in most cases the manufacturers prefer to market the very classic black tubes.
Types of dripping pipes for irrigation
Now that we have clarified the meaning of the main technical terms, it is very important to move on to a study of the various types of driplines. This is a fundamental step, for a very specific reason: a certain type of hose may or may not meet your needs, or represent excessive expenditure in a given situation.
1. Dripping hose
There drip hose for irrigation it is nothing more than the cheapest version of the wings ever. It is a very light and flexible model, with little pretension in terms of durability, but very convenient for both garden irrigation and garden use. It usually costs around 25 euros or 30 euros for a 250-meter reel, with a pitch of 20 and a diameter of around 16 millimeters. The duration of these pipes generally does not exceed 12 months, because they tend to deteriorate, thus making them necessary to replace them.
2. Multi-season dripping tube
The multi-season wing is the best middle ground between simple hoses and self-compensating hoses, which we will discover shortly. What are its main features? First of all, it is a rigid plastic tube, therefore able to offer a much higher durability than flexible plastic models. Secondly, it integrates a series of higher quality and therefore more performing drippers when it comes to releasing the drop in the chosen point. Usually these drippers become more difficult to clog, which has a positive effect on maintaining the flow rate.
As for their resistance, plastics are able to resist the action of climatic agents (such as rain and UV rays from the sun), and are also more robust when they resist mechanical stress. Not surprisingly, they are called “multi-seasonal” precisely because they are able to withstand any climatic event or season, from the scorching summer heat to winter storms. In this case the price doubles, since with about 25 euros you usually get a 100 meter reel, with 33 cm pitch and 18 cm diameter.
3. Self-compensating dripline
The compensating tube is one of the most expensive ever, but there is a reason that justifies its price. Specifically, we are faced with wings capable of keeping the flow rate of each dripper constant. This means that, as the pressure varies along the pipe section, each dripper will maintain a specific flow rate, so as to ensure a much more precise and uniform water delivery. Of course, this is a useful system especially for irrigating valuable crops, which require homogeneous irrigation, or when you intend to cover very long lines or sloping land.
On a structural level, the self-compensating wings are much more robust, and resist great weather and mechanical stress (as in the case of torsion). As for the price, the latter doubles once again: on average a reel of 100 meters, with a pitch of 20 cm and a diameter of 16 cm, can cost around 50 euros.
4. Underground pipe for sub-irrigation
The underground drip irrigation is one of the most effective of all, as it allows the hose to better wet the chosen point, with a higher level water distribution. This is due to the fact that the water is given the possibility to reach directly the roots of the crops, avoiding, among other things, that it can evaporate. In general, pipes of this type must be buried at a depth from 10 cm to 75 cm, and are equipped with systems that prevent possible occlusions caused by the insertion of roots in the drippers.
If we talk about the price, a dripline tube of this type can cost around 80 or 90 euros for a reel of about 100 meters. Also consider that, in the pipes drip underground of the latest generation, the structure of the plastic is porous: in practice, the drippers are replaced by a series of capillaries that ensure further savings in terms of consumption and water waste.
Best dripline tubes
1. Rain Bird 932503 XFD-33CM-2-100MT Wheelbase 33 cm
In my opinion it is really difficult to find driplines of this quality, and quality as always you pay for. It is a particularly flexible hose: unlike the plastics of cheap products, which are rather rigid, this one bends easily and therefore does not cause any kind of problem, adapting to any irrigation path. The technical data? The distance between the drippers corresponds to 33 centimeters, while the diameter of the pipe is equal to 16 millimeters.
The color is brown, but this does not affect performance in any way, as it is only a matter of aesthetics. It optimally resists throttling, never clogs up, and is ideal if you need to make particularly tight curves, while avoiding blockages and without complicating the passage of water. Finally, it is extra-flexible but very resistant, so much so that it won’t suffer any damage if you leave it at the mercy of the sun or rain for several years.
2. Gardena 1362-20 Micro-Drip-System 4.6 mm 15 M
If you don’t need a high-end drip hose, and if you don’t need “exaggerated” technical data, then you might consider this super cheap model from Gardena. It is a soft plastic tube with a very small diameter, equal to 4.6 millimeters, and with a length corresponding to 15 meters.
Despite the competitive price, it integrates self-cleaning drippers, although obviously over time – if you do not do maintenance – they will tend to become clogged. The micro-drip irrigation is of good quality, and we are talking about a pipe for surface use and not to be buried. The fact that it has a limited thickness in some ways is an advantage, since it offers excellent flexibility and therefore allows you to place it just about anywhere.
3. Naturii Robusto 400 mt 16 Step 20 Self-compensating
If you are interested in a 20 step self-compensating dripline, here is this version of the Naturii in rigid plastic. The diameter of the tube corresponds to 16 centimeters, while the distance between the drippers (in fact) is equal to 20 centimeters. The reel costs money, also due to the fact that it offers 400 meters of pipe, so it is a perfect solution to cover vegetable gardens and crops with an important square footage.
It is self-compensating, therefore it keeps the delivery of each drip tray constant, even when the pressure varies over long distances. Secondly, the pipe in question adapts to any type of soil, and is capable of minimizing the risk of clogging. Consider that it is not very flexible, but it is normal, as we are dealing with a sturdy plastic wing. On the other hand, its structure allows it to resist trampling and mechanical stress in any weather conditions.
4. Naturii Mt 100 Dripping Wing Tube Step 20 cm
We remain in the category of dripping hoses for irrigation step 20, and we are once again talking about a Naturii product. Compared to the previous one it is not self-compensating, and the length of the reel is 100 meters in total. The diameter of the wing corresponds to 16 centimeters, and the quality and strength of the plastics is excellent as always.
It is not difficult to handle but it does not produce kinks or kinks that prevent water from passing through the hose, so it is really ideal. Able to withstand any climate for years, the Naturii 100 mt is an excellent solution for irrigating the garden and vegetable gardens. While not the best model around, it is sold at an excellent value for money, among other things lower than in specialized stores.
5. Ribimex PRTP50 Tube Porous Drop Pipes 50 M
I have also decided to introduce you to this porous drip tube from Gardena, which specializes in this type of model. In practice, in this case we do not find the classic holes for drip irrigation but a structure with a series of micro-capillaries (millions of tiny holes). The result in terms of effectiveness is very valid, and remember that this type of pipes is excellent especially for underground use.
The reel has a length of 50 meters, the quality of the materials is excellent and the tube withstands any weather conditions without problems. The internal diameter is equal to 12.5 millimeters, while the external one reaches 16, including the porous structure. It is very versatile, as you can use it to irrigate vegetable gardens and gardens, and it can also be used on the surface, as it is very resistant to the UV rays of the sun. Other advantages? It is quite flexible and guarantees constant watering.
6. Gardena Micro-Drip System 25 Meters 13 mm
Another lap, another race, another dripping hose for irrigation of the Gardena. The micro-drop technology is the Micro Drip, with excellent surface performance, as this is not a model that can be buried. As for the technical data, it has a pitch of 30 centimeters and a diameter of 13 millimeters, while the spool houses 25 meters of pipe. The performances are excellent as always, as is the strength of the plastic, and from this point of view the Gardena is an absolute guarantee of quality.
The Micro Drip system saves water during irrigation, thus avoiding water waste. Then mount self-cleaning drippers, although a bit of maintenance is required in the long run. It is a great hose for irrigating vegetable gardens, gardens and hedges, it guarantees uniform and constant spraying, it is very easy to install but it is a bit stiff, and therefore quite difficult to bend in tight curves.
7. Acquaverde Dripping Irrigation Kit Step 20 cm
Let’s change register, and discover together this real irrigation kit, which includes a 20 cm dripline inside. Withstands an operating pressure of up to 3 bar, and the length corresponds to 20 meters. In the package you will also find a series of essential accessories to create a complete irrigation system. In my opinion it is one of the best in terms of quality and price ratio, not only for the accessories.
The quality and strength of the plastics is also of an excellent level, although it is not a professional tube. As always it is very easy to assemble, and it is an ideal starter kit for those who want to set up a small plant in their vegetable garden or in their garden. Of course, due to its characteristics, the tube in question is especially suitable for use on the surface, and can withstand the most adverse weather conditions without problems.
Other important information
Before closing the selection guide, I want to list other important features that you should study.
- Self-cleaning system: the drippers equipped with a self-cleaning system have a series of mechanisms that prevent the formation of occlusions. Generally this happens thanks to some filters and membranes.
- Turbulent maze: the dripping pipes for irrigation equipped with turbulent flow labyrinths are able to guarantee a better stability in terms of flow rate of each single dripper.
- Anti-choke structure: in the quality rigid plastic models, the tube – even if it is bent in very tight curves – does not create occlusions and allows the water to flow without problems.
- Resistance to mechanical stress: the crushing of the pipe can be prevented by purchasing drip strips with a double plastic layer, able to resist foot traffic.
- Root anti-intrusion system: the best pipes have drippers with a system that prevents the roots from entering the holes. Although they are not always 100% effective, they still manage to limit this phenomenon almost completely.
In conclusion, a dripline hose can become a fantastic ally for irrigation and this applies to both small gardens and more complex crops.
