Pocket Hose is an “As Seen on TV” expandable hose that grows to full size when attached to a water spigot. Drain the water and the hose collapses to a small and more easily managed coil.
This morning a representative for Pocket Hose left a comment to our Tuff-Guard garden hose post, and included a link to one of their recent “press releases”.
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The press release is titled Pocket Hose Review: Does it Work or is it “Hosing” Customers?, and is really an advertisement in disguise. One part that I especially liked is where it says that’s why Pocket Hose is starting to turn a trickle of users into a very big stream of happy, raving fans.
It’s true that Pocket Hose has raving customers, but they’re certainly not happy.
There are several Pocket Hose products available on Amazon, but the linked-to 50-foot version has the most reviews. As of 7/31/13, there are 1,137 customer reviews, with 779 of them awarding the product 1 star out of 5.
A major piece of crap.
Worst hose ever.
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Pocket hose sucks.
Garbage.
Just plain ole crap!!!
These are just some of the recent headlines. There are some positive reviews, with a few even being written by people who actually ordered it via Amazon, resulting in an overall 2/5 star rating.
The consensus is that these hoses leak, and they leak badly. Some start leaking right away, others develop leaks after few uses. Most leaks seem to be located where fittings are attached, but some users have complained about pinholes and bursting hoses.
Reviews at Walmart, Target, and other online vendors report more of the same, that the hoses leak at fittings, burst, or fail, many times even during the first time they’re used.
It is unclear as to whether the problem is with the design, quality of parts, or build quality, but what is clear is that there are very few Pocket Hose fans. A LOT of people that are unhappy with their purchases.
Stan
I’ve seen this item and given that it’s made in Taiwan, I am not at all surprised by the lack of quality this item is. I’ve heard similar complaints that this hose leaks near the fittings, but I’ve also heard complaints that after several uses, a horrid odor builds up inside this item.
This is really a gimmicky item at best and it’s geared towards people who think they are buying a top of the line product, but in reality, this is just some made in Taiwan product with over the top marketing buzz words.
If I am going to use a hose I much use a Tuff Guard hose or Swan branded hoses. 100% American made and built to last a vast amount of uses.
Stuart
I don’t think that’s fair, to say its quality is lacking just because it was made in Taiwan. Some products are going to be of poor quality regardless of where they’re made, and it seems like this is one such product.
Stan
Ah Stuart, seems that is there a slight misunderstanding. Whilst this product is made in Taiwan, my comment about the coo was more informative than anything else. Albeit that is to say, given that country of origin of this product, I am not exactly against the concept that the lack of quality doesn’t help in this matter
See I think the quality or lack of in this case is more less due to the fact this item in fact is nothing more than a gimmick at best. This pocket hose is flexible, but lacks the strength to handle constant usage as the material is far too thin to be support a constant flow of water constantly.
That is only my opinion, but I digress, that this product in question isn’t of decent quality.
Stuart
Ah, thanks for the clarification!
There is a fine line between gimmick and innovation. In theory this product does solve a problem, but in practice its design and apparent quality issues knock it way over to the gimmick side.
Paul in Leyden
I always liked Gilmour Flexogen hoses. They have a lifetime warranty which I have availed myself of. Just cut off and send back the two ends and a complete new hose is supplied free of charge.
Allen
I’ve got a pocket hose.
There, I said it. You all know you wanted to.
Jerry
I figured they wouldn’t be all that durable. Everything has trade offs. Common sense should tell you that you cant make a hose lighter, more compact, and durable all at the same time. I suppose technically one could, but not at that price point. When you take something that has to do a physical job, like a hose (or even a wrench, for that matter) as you make it lighter, you generally lose strength and durability, unless premium (and expensive) materials are used.
Keith
What more could anyone expect. The first company who made this product 2 years ago failed because of issues and they think making it a different color and even cheaper than before will make it any better! You can still buy the original version of this hose from hardware stores. But this infomercial for the green one has made it sell millions yet it’s a worse product. Just shows how gullible some people are.
Stuart
Unfortunately, a lot of companies operate on a similar principle, even major tool brands. To these companies, products don’t have to be good to be successful, they just have to sell.
Mr Michael L. Veach
T’hanks. I wondered if it wasn’t more hype than anything
Anton
I got one a few weeks ago and it seems to be fine for now. The instructions on it do say to empty it completely after use and not to store it in the sun or in freezing temperatures.
Javier
Dang dude, thats a high percentage of 1 star reviews on amazon.
Anthony
Ive got one and it seems to work fine.I bought it mainly so I could hose road salt off my car in the winter not have to lug the regular hose out there in the cold weather. Ive been using it though to water the garden occaisionally. Id say definatly drain it before rolling it up.
Quit Yer Moaning
This hose is unbelievable for the first few weeks. After that it breaks. If it held up it would be one of the greatest household innovations since the vacuum cleaner.
Butch
I like them! I’ve bought three of them and two are still working great a year later. one I threw away. probably should have used the warranty. My wife regally waters some plants about 75 feet from the house and this is much easier for her to use than manhandling two 50′ “quality” hoses. and at the price if one fails I don’t really mind replacing it.
elaine1286
I bought 4 of the 50 ft hoses and 2 have exploded. The outter covering split and the inner balloon grew really big and then exploded. The other 2 haven’t, but that’s only because I haven’t hooked them up yet. I want to return them, but Home Depot says I have to send them to the company that makes them. I can’t get a hold of them. Surprise, surprise…anyone know who I should contact?