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Keeping a large lawn or several garden beds neat and green needs time and effort. It requires daily watering aside from weeding and other periodic maintenance activities. Automatic sprinkler systems can take the work out of watering. In this article, we’ll take a look at impact sprinklers and how the right impact sprinkler can make your gardening chores less exhausting and time-consuming.
Impact sprinklers, also known as impulse sprinklers, generally cover longer spraying distances than other sprinkler types. For this reason, buyers prefer them for application to large areas. They can be adjusted to spray fine mists which make them ideal for nurseries or gardens with delicate plants. As a quick primer on the anatomy of impact sprinklers, the turning part or head of an impact sprinkler includes an impact lever, a nozzle, metal flap, and a diffuser pin.
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Rain Bird 25PJLSP | Rain Bird P5RLSP | Gilmour 816783-1001 167SMB | Melnor Impact Lawn Sprinkler | GREEN MOUNT Lawn Sprinkler |
| Spray radius, minimum (ft) | 20 | 25 | 5 | 20 | 12 |
| Spray radius, maximum (ft) | 41 | 41 | 43 | 42.5 | 20 |
| Recommended water pressure (psi) | 50 | 50 | 70 | 100 | Not stated |
| Flow output (gpm) | 5 | 5 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Pattern (deg) | 20 to 360 | 20 to 360 | 20 to 360 | 20 to 360 | 20 to 360 |
| Material | Brass, bronze, and stainless steel | High-impact plastic and stainless steel | Brass, zinc, die-cast metal | Zinc, steel, and brass | ABS plastic, iron |
| Outlet connector | 3/4-inch female thread hose connector | 3/4-inch female thread hose connector | Female coupler | 3/4-inch female thread hose connector | Female thread hose connector |
| Base type | 8-inch metal step spike | 8-inch metal step spike | Sled type | Sled style | 2-wheel iron-added base |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | Lifetime warranty | 7-year limited warranty | 1-year warranty |
| Our review | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Where to buy |
What is the best impact sprinkler for you?
You will find various types and sizes to choose from, but always keep in mind that the best impact sprinkler for you will depend upon your application. This means that you should start your search by assessing your garden’s requirements. Consider the following:
1. Size of your garden
Measure the area you want the sprinkler to water. Pick out a sprinkler that will cover this area by repositioning the sprinkler the fewest number by times. Check out the specs, and look for the sprinkler’s maximum spray radius or spray distance. For instance, if you have a rectangular lawn that roughly measures 20 feet by 30 feet, a good impact sprinkler for this area will have a maximum spray radius of 10-12 feet. You may buy two units to ensure head-to-head coverage. One unit will also work but will need to be moved to hydrate the other half of the area.
2. Types of plants
What kinds of plants do you have in your garden? Impact sprinklers spray with force, and this may not work well with delicate foliage or newly-planted flower beds. Choose an impact sprinkler that’s easy to adjust and efficient at diffusing powerful jets of water to gentle mists. If you’re watering an orchard with fully-grown trees, this shouldn’t be a concern. You would also want to know the minimum and maximum output rate of your device and see how this compares with what your plants needs. The typical flow rate range is 3-8 gallons per minute (gpm).
3. Areas which you don’t want to get wet
There might be some areas which you want to leave out of the sprinkler’s arc—perhaps an adjacent patio, furniture, or footpath. The sprinkler you choose should be highly adjustable and capable of turning a wide range of patterns. In the specs, you will find this described as the angle of coverage in degrees.
4. Water pressure
What’s the water pressure in your system? Remember that it’s water pressure that drives the movement of the sprinkler head. Check the specs for the sprinkler’s recommended pressure. For the most part, you get optimum performance from sprinklers with water pressures running within the range of 30-60 pounds per square inch (psi). The best impact sprinklers are designed for high water pressures and made either of high-quality metal or heavy-duty plastic. Avoid thin plastic products since they easily break under pressure.
5. Water quality
The quality of your water source will also matter. The presence of particulates may cause debris to buildup and affect the rotating function of your sprinkler. If this is the case with your water source, choose a sprinkler head that tolerates dirty water conditions or has a filter screen at the point of hose connection.
Top 5 best impact sprinklers
1. Rain Bird 25PJLSP Hose-End Brass Impact Sprinkler on Large Spike
- Spray radius, minimum (ft): 20
- Spray radius, maximum (ft): 41
- Recommended water pressure (psi): 50
- Flow output (gpm): 5
- Pattern (deg): 20 to 360
- Material: Brass, bronze, and stainless steel
- Outlet connector: 3/4-inch female thread hose connector
- Base type: 8-inch metal step spike
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
At the top of our list is Rain Bird’s 25PJLSP, from the same company that brought us the world’s first commercial impact sprinkler ever produced. After eight decades, this industry leader continues to manufacture the top impact sprinklers for residential, commercial, and agricultural purposes. Like its earliest predecessor, the 25PJLSP is made of metal too. It integrates the same straight-through flow design to ensure reliable performance even when used with reclaimed water from ponds or canals. Let’s see below how this model keeps up with Rain Bird’s commitment to “The Intelligent Use of Water.”
- All-metal construction – if you’re looking for something that will last for many years then this may be for you.
- Easy to move – the heavy-duty stake makes inserting and transferring from one area of the yard to another a quick and simple task.
- Tolerates dirty water fairly well – if you’re sourcing water from a creek or an irrigation canal, a possible problem would be clogging. Water impurities, however, rarely affect a Rain Bird’s performance. Its straight-through design averts clogging.
- Robust and steady base – once driven on the ground, the spike stays put.
- Can be connected to a similar unit – you can hook two or more units to the same hose as long as you have adequate water pressure to power all devices.
- Reasonably priced – it’s not expensive at all considering the quality, durability, and reliability it offers.
- Requires strong water pressure – works best at 40-60 psi, so anything below this range may result in a sub-par performance. The throw distance will be shorter, and the water output will be lower than optimum.
- The stake may bend if constantly moved – avoid moving the sprinkler often. Wet the soil a little before driving down the spike.
- May stall with low pressure – when the water pressure is not strong enough, users report that it may take a few seconds after you turn it on before it rotates.
- The diffuser screw can be difficult to turn when wet – the tiny screw that disperses the droplets can be hard to handle. A simple design innovation, such as attaching a knob to it, would solve the issue.
- Some units reportedly have defective trip levers – trip levers that flip down on their own prevent full-circle operation.
2. Rain Bird P5RLSP Plastic Impact Sprinkler on Large Metal Spike
- Spray radius, minimum (ft): 25
- Spray radius, maximum (ft): 41
- Recommended water pressure (psi): 50
- Flow output (gpm): 5
- Pattern (deg): 20 to 360
- Material: High-impact plastic and stainless steel
- Outlet connector: 3/4-inch female thread hose connector
- Base type: 8-inch metal step spike
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Buyers typically prefer metallic impact sprinklers over plastic for the apparent reason of durability. That’s not true all the time, though, and it isn’t the case with the bestselling plastic Rain Bird P5RLSP. It is highly favored by homeowners and professionals alike. The reason why the P5RLSP has been so popular is clear—it works in low-pressure situations where metallic models mostly fail. The P5R plastic sprinkler head connects onto the same metallic spike mount with hose-end connection as the 25PJLSP (our first pick) and emits the classic Rain Bird impact sound. Let’s see what else P5RLSP has in store for us.
- Made of heavy-duty polymer – unlike thin plastics, this material is thick and sturdy. It’s also light which makes this model easy to move around the yard and store after each use. Though mainly made of plastic, it incorporates metal in the construction of its brass-added arms and stainless steel adjusting pins.
- Works well even with low water pressure – this plastic model adapts to varying water pressures better than the metallic 25PJLSP does. It beats the other models for use in homes with low water pressures.
- Rotates fast – though manufactured with the same slow-rotation design as the brass Rain Birds, the P5RLSP works faster than the others. This characteristic is probably due to its lighter mass which allows it to react faster.
- Customizable flow rate – you can use bigger nozzles (purchase separately) to increase water flow to as much as 12 gpm.
- It has a stainless inlet screen – it may seem like a minor part, but the sieve where the hose attaches plays an important role. This is especially true if your setup uses water from wells or irrigation canals. This screen filters debris from getting into the system. It’s a simple feature, but many sprinkler heads don’t have it.
- Directions are lacking – if you have never used an impact sprinkler before, following the tiny illustrations on the package can be fairly tricky. It’s easy to set up to the ground and connect to a water hose, but adjusting its watering patterns can be confusing without proper instructions.
- Not as long-lasting as metallic sprinklers – long exposure under the elements may turn this device brittle. To improve longevity, it’s a good idea to store it away when not in use.
- Settles low to the ground – since the stake sinks to the ground, this setup will be rather low. If your plants require a sprinkler that sprays from a higher elevation, then opt for the head-only P5R plastic Rain Bird and connect it to a high 1/2-inch pipe riser.
- Spray radius is shorter than that of its metallic equivalent – the P5R throws slightly shorter streams of water than the 25PJ does at the same water pressure.
- Does not provide full-curtain coverage – spraying is concentrated to the outer perimeter and less on the inner area.
3. Gilmour 816783-1001 167SMB Heavy-Duty Adjustable Circular Sprinkler
- Spray radius, minimum (ft): 5
- Spray radius, maximum (ft): 43
- Recommended water pressure (psi): 70
- Flow output (gpm): Not stated
- Pattern (deg): 20 to 360
- Material: Brass, zinc, die-cast metal
- Outlet connector: Female coupler
- Base type: Sled type
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Gilmour’s 167SMB is a heavy-duty sprinkler steadied by a sled-type base. Its build suggests that it is designed for daily use and could handle heavy applications. It has a slow-turning head which is perfect for soaking home lawns and mature shrubs. The forceful streams can be adjusted to gentle mists for more delicate plants.
- Heavy duty – this all-metal sprinkler is sturdily made and built to last. It has substantial weight and is certainly not flimsy.
- Has a flat, steady base – the base is metal and stays firmly in place, even when using high water pressure.
- Ideal for hard, rocky landscape – this sled-type base is perfect for rocky and compact soil types which are too hard for stake-type supports.
- Quick connection to the hose – the swivel-type coupling makes connecting the hose quick and easy.
- Easy to use and control – you can adjust the height and reach with just the turn of a knob. You may also increase or reduce the flow rate by turning your faucet.
- Settles low to the ground – it sprays low, minimizes the evaporation of water droplets in the air, and reduces the likelihood of the mists getting blown by the wind.
- Not easy to move around – if you plan to reposition it around your garden regularly, it’s not the best impact sprinkler to slide around your lawn. The edge of its base is designed in such a way that it grips the grass underneath. If you need to move it, you’ll have to carry it. That it doesn’t slide easily is good, though, because it fixes the sprinkler in place.
- Neglects the middle part of the area covered – it adequately waters the inner and outer perimeter but not the area in between. This is most noticeable when the knob is cranked all the way up and spraying a large area, but not so much when spraying with a shorter radius.
- It’s expensive – has previously been known to cost several times the price of other brands with the same spray range.
- Will not rotate at low water pressure – it requires substantial water pressure to start turning and throwing water at a decent range. Plastic sprinklers are more tolerant of low water pressure.
- Adjusting the screw is difficult, especially when wet – this is a common problem with impact sprinklers. Future designs should include a peg or handle instead of the fingertip adjustment that we find in Gilmour 167SMB and similar sprinklers.
4. Melnor Impact Lawn Sprinkler, Metal Head & Metal Sled
- Spray radius, minimum (ft): 20
- Spray radius, maximum (ft): 42.5
- Recommended water pressure (psi): 100
- Flow output (gpm): Not stated
- Pattern (deg): 20 to 360
- Material: Zinc, steel, and brass
- Outlet connector: 3/4-inch female thread hose connector
- Base type: Sled style
- Warranty: 7-year limited warranty
The maximum throw of Melnor’s Heritage model, or 3900H, compares with our previous three impact sprinkler picks, while being a typically cheaper brand. You’re looking at a competitively-priced product, since it already has its base integrated into the sprinkler head. It also has an impressive 7-year warranty. Let’s see how it fares when specs and actual performance are compared with our other picks.
- Impressive radius – it’s ideal for large lawns or orchards.
- The base is not prone to bending – the wide, sled-type support does not need to be driven into the ground, so it’s not likely to bend or break—this is the weakness of stake-type bases.
- The base will not tip over – since it is set flat on the ground, there will be no issues with stability.
- It has a durable build – its all-metal construction will last longer than those built with thin plastics. A thick enamel coating protects its exterior from rusting.
- Distributes water evenly – with adequate pressure and proper adjustments, 3900H provides uniform watering within its range including the inner perimeter.
- The hose inlet has a screen – this feature helps to prevent clogging.
- The perfect option for hard, rocky ground – if the hard ground in your area makes driving stake risers a tough job, 3900H could just be the best impact sprinkler for you.
- The base slides around when water pressure is very high – the base, though made of metal, is hollow. Users report that extremely high water pressures will send it jumping all over your place.
- Won’t work with low water pressure.
- The base may break over time – the part of the base near the hose connector is typically the first to crack.
- Instructions are inadequate – it’s quite straightforward to adjust if you’ve used one before. First-time users, however, take a while figuring out how to make it work. The only instructions are printed on the back of the box, with three diagrams and hardly any words.
- The diffusing pin is too small to turn with your fingers – this design flaw is quite common across different brands. You will need a pair of pliers to adjust the screw. If the device is operating while you tinker with it, be ready for a shower.
5. GREEN MOUNT Lawn Sprinkler
- Spray radius, minimum (ft): 12
- Spray radius, maximum (ft): 20
- Recommended water pressure (psi): Not stated
- Flow output (gpm): Not stated
- Pattern (deg): 20 to 360
- Material: ABS plastic, iron
- Outlet connector: Female thread hose connector
- Base type: 2-wheel iron-added base
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
This Green Mount lawn sprinkler is made for homes with small to medium size yards. As you can see, it has a much shorter range than any of the products on our list. What makes it unique, though, is its dual-head concept. Technically, only the head with the 20-ft spray radius is an impulse sprinkler. The other head is a rotating sprinkler with two arms and has a 12-ft spray radius. It’s definitely a case of “two heads are better than one.” You will appreciate this double feature more if you use a sprinkler to water both delicate and hardy plants. The impact head sprinkler emits forceful streams of water and will work for the hardy plants in your garden. The smaller rotating sprinkler head, on the other hand, sprays gentle mists and will be perfect for your delicate plants.
- Interchangeable heads – the dual function heads make the sprinkler highly versatile.
- Rust-free – it is constructed mainly of plastic which will not rust.
- Sturdy and well made – the craftsmanship is excellent. You shouldn’t find rough edges, and all the parts are well put-together.
- Portable – it has a wheeled base which makes moving around a breeze. It’s also lightweight because of its plastic construction.
- It’s easy to operate – it has large, easy-grip knobs and frictional levers for adjusting distance, droplets, and direction. Kids will love playing around it with its vibrant colors and gentle mists.
- The hose inlet has a screen – like the others we’ve shortlisted as the best impact sprinklers, this model filters dirt and debris from the water source.
- Not for heavy use – its short spray distance is one limiting factor. It is designed for small yards. Also, its plastic moving parts will turn brittle with constant exposure to the sun.
- Can be quite unstable – even with an iron-weighted base, a slight force can knock it over because of its light build. You may need to add weight to its base to keep it upright.
- Lacking specs from the manufacturer – the specifications do not include its flow rate and recommended water pressure.
- Has been known to be more expensive than some metal sprinklers.
- The base may rust – while most parts are made of plastic and are rust-free, the base has an iron component. The base is the part that will get wet most of the time making it prone it rusting.
Conclusion
You’ll need to weigh many factors to find the right impact sprinkler for you. The most important thing, though, is that its specifications match your purpose.
First, its range should cover the area you wish to water. It will be wiser to buy two or more units to cover one large area than buy one and move it every time. Frequent repositioning and adjusting do affect performance and longevity.
Second, find a device that will function properly given the average water pressure in your locality. Restricting your options to the most powerful and bestselling impact sprinkler may only frustrate you in the end if it fails to work at your water pressure.
Third, learn about impact sprinklers and how to adjust them correctly. Sometimes, impact sprinklers do not come with the best instructions. Just knowing how they work already brings you a few steps ahead of the game, so take time to learn.
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