Rainbird And Hunter Systems: Which Irrigation System Is Best?

Rainbird and Hunter systems are two of the most popular irrigation brands in the industry; while they have numerous similarities, they also have quite a number of differences. As brands that offer high-quality irrigation systems, homeowners are typically perplexed about which systems to choose. Considering this confusion, this article aims to provide a list of considerations and differences, ensuring you make the right decision. The choice between both systems will ultimately depend on specific factors such as your budget, needs, and preferences. That being said, both Rainbird and Hunter systems have solid reputations in the industry, so you can’t go wrong with either choice.

How Are The Rainbird And Hunter Systems Built?

Rainbird irrigation products are known for their innovative design, durability, advanced engineering, and high-quality materials. The same can be said for Hunter products, which offer robust construction and have been designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. What sets Hunter products apart is its "Pilot Command Center," which enables users to manage all aspects of their irrigation to fit a preferred style.

Durability

Hunter irrigation systems also have the edge as they are designed to handle a higher PSI, an essential factor when considering winterization, extreme weather, and water pressure. Since sprinkler heads tend to sit in the ground where extreme temperatures are prevalent, the plastic used to manufacture them can weaken over time. Hunter combats this by creating sprinkler heads that withstand winterization, possible lawn equipment damage, and other factors.

Valves

Homeowners should note that Rainbird products have valves that utilize screws that you can strip out easily. While this might not appear to be a big deal, it could cause an issue if the valve required maintenance. Dealing with stripped screws means the valve box in the ground will have to be dug up and redone just to fix a minor issue. Conversely, Hunter valves utilize a dual screw system where if one screw, the Phillips screw, for instance, is stripped, a secondary hex screw can be used to pull the valve out. This minor difference can save time and money when working on a valve.

How Do Rainbird and Hunter Systems Stack Up In Terms of Technology?

This section of the article will highlight the technology used in both Rainbird and Hunter systems, focusing on how easily their controllers can be programmed, their malfunction rate, and any other technology-related issues.

Controllers

Rainbird controllers tend to have a steep learning curve. Most homeowners attest that the instruction manual needs to be close by to understand each controller's features. These controllers are complicated, so much so that professional irrigation experts have trouble programming them since they have different operating procedures. Nevertheless, once you conquer the steep learning curve, you should have no problem understanding your controller and the features it offers. Conversely, Hunter controllers are a lot easier to program than Rainbird. It also helps that while Hunter provides various types of controllers, from outdoor and residential controllers to commercial and light commercial controllers, they all look the same and are programmed almost the same way.

Malfunction Rate

Rainbird and Hunter systems have extremely reliable controllers, so much so that they can operate for approximately five years without issues. This durability also extends to both heads; however, Rainbird sprinkler heads tend to malfunction more than Hunter's heads. It can be an ugly sight when a sprinkle head stops rotating, as it will transform your yard into a green strip with brown patches around it.

When To Use Rainbird And Hunter Systems

Rainbird and Hunter systems are closely priced, but Rainbird is the cheaper option. This lower price means little when you consider that Rainbird offers a slightly inferior product to Hunter, which can cost you more money in the long run.

Using Rainbird

Rainbird irrigation systems make sense if you want to prioritize innovative design while having a vast array of product options. These systems are also great for those who are okay with the steep learning curve of programming the controllers available to Rainbird. As a homeowner conscious about the environment, Rainbird’s drip irrigation systems are known for their efficient water delivery process.

Using Hunter

Hunter irrigation systems make perfect sense for those who want a robust and durable sprinkler system with components capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. Hunter's Hydrawise smart irrigation system provides advanced scheduling and water management features and utilizes easy-to-program controllers. Suppose you already use Hunter components such as sprinkler heads, valves, and risers. In that case, it might be wise to stick with Hunter, as its compatibility feature is unbeatable.

Conclusion

Both Rainbird and Hunter systems offer great value for money, with slight differences. Both manufacturers offer three product tiers: value line, middle tier, and high-end line. The product and manufacturer you choose will depend on where you live and the demands you require from your irrigation system. If you live in an area with tough soil conditions or long, harsh winters, you are better off purchasing a product from the high-end tier. The plastic shells are usually thicker, seals tighter, and springs stronger, making the additional hundred dollars worth it. Alternatively, you can consult an irrigation specialist like Pro Green Houston for expert advice.