Polyurethane vs Rubber Hose- Which one to choose?

Your choice of flexible hose will rely heavily on your specific requirements and personal preferences. To summarize, the primary distinction lies in the weight; the rubber hose is significantly heavier, approximately double that of the polyurethane hose. This difference becomes particularly clear when you extend or retract the hoses.

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When it comes to durability, the outer layer of the polyurethane hose is crafted from the same material used in roller skate wheels. This is the most robust material we've encountered. If the PU hose is dragged across a rough or sharp surface, like a rock, it experiences significantly less wear compared to the rubber hose, which is softer and more prone to tearing.

Regarding flexibility, rubber hoses are generally softer and offer superior flexibility compared to polyurethane hoses. The rubber hose can be easily wound on a reel, making it simple to manage. Although polyethylene soft hoses can be rolled onto a hose reel just as quickly, achieving a perfect storage configuration is more challenging than with rubber hoses. Both types of hoses maintain excellent flexibility, even in colder weather.

Kink resistance is another important aspect; rubber hoses are more susceptible to kinking, similar to traditional garden hoses. They can develop what is known as 'kink memory,' meaning they tend to kink in the same place repeatedly. Conversely, the flexible nature of polyurethane hoses allows them to 'flip' out of kinks rather than collapse into them, and they exhibit no kink memory at all.

In terms of pressure ratings, the poly hose is capable of sustaining up to 160 PSI, while the rubber hose is rated for 150 PSI.

Temperature ratings show that the poly hose operates between -40°F to 165°F, while rubber hoses can handle temperatures from -40°F to 190°F.

Additionally, the polyurethane's protective exterior is entirely non-marking, which alleviates concerns about leaving marks on clean surfaces. Meanwhile, the rubber hose, being softer, may occasionally leave marks or black residue on the user's hands after being rolled up.

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Rubber hose is a common choice for transferring water and oil in our daily lives. Polyurethane hoses are also safe for drinking water. The selection of the right hose hinges on individual requirements and personal preferences. To encapsulate, the key differences are as follows.

Weight

The weight disparity is significant, with a rubber hose weighing twice as much as its polyurethane counterpart. This difference is most noticeable during hose extension and retraction. Although both hose types provide a 5/8-inch inner diameter flow of water, the rubber hose's thicker cover contributes to its overall weight, limiting the amount of hose you can store on a reel.

HESPER offers extensive product details and additional information for your needs, so don't forget to check it out.

Fittings

Polyurethane hoses typically come with lead-free, crush-proof brass fittings, while many rubber hoses also boast lead-free brass fittings. This is critical for those needing hoses suitable for drinking water. Although the inner diameter of rubber hoses is often 5/8", the external crimp fitting's opening is usually smaller, potentially decreasing flow rate.

Kink Resistance

Due to their design, rubber hoses tend to kink more frequently, similar to traditional garden hoses, and exhibit "kink memory." Conversely, the rubbery nature of polyurethane hoses allows them to spring back from kinks, eliminating any kink memory.
For effective solutions to prevent kinking, you can review our previous article on how to have a non-kinked hose.

Durability

The outer cover of polyurethane hoses matches the high durability of inline skate wheels. This robust material withstands abrasive surfaces much more effectively than the softer rubber hose, which is prone to tearing.

Markerless

With a completely non-marking polyurethane cover, you won't have to worry about leaving marks on any clean surfaces. In contrast, rubber hoses can leave traces or small amounts of black residue on surfaces and your hands.

Flexibility

Rubber hoses are generally more pliable and easier to handle than polyurethane hoses. A rubber hose wraps smoothly on the reel, presenting a tidy appearance. While polyurethane hoses have some flexibility, they struggle to achieve a neat wrap compared to rubber hoses. Longer polyurethane hoses, in particular, are best suited for hose reels.

LUHONG's rubber hoses are designed to be abrasion, weather, and area-resistant. They are pressure-resistant, lightweight, and flexible, with excellent bending resistance, minimal deformation, and a quality surface finish. These hoses are ideal for pneumatic tools, air compressors, and air guns. They also work well for irrigation, transporting room temperature water, and general neutral liquids suitable for mining, industrial applications, and civil engineering projects. Please send us a message now for a quote.

For further details, check out the Ceramic Lined Rubber Hose.