The Teknor Apex Zero-G is a lightweight, kink-resistant garden hose designed for ease of use and storage. It features a pressurized design that expands when filled with water and collapses flat when empty, making it convenient for compact storage. Reviewers praised its spray performance and durability, though it lacks a nozzle and offers limited length options. It's suitable for most residential watering needs and is recommended as a top choice for general use.
Full review
Lightweight construction advantage
The Zero-G hose delivers on its promise of being 50% lighter than standard garden hoses, with measured weights of 8.4 pounds for the 50-foot model and 13.3 pounds for the 100-foot version. This significant weight reduction makes it considerably easier to drag across rough terrain or maneuver around the garden, particularly when compared to traditional rubber hoses that can weigh over 13 pounds for the same length. The lightweight design allows users to carry the hose without strain, especially beneficial for those with back issues or in larger properties where the hose must be moved frequently. The reduced weight also contributes to easier storage and handling, particularly during winter months when the hose needs to be coiled and stored in tight spaces.
Kink resistance performance
The hose demonstrates exceptional kink resistance during testing, with reviewers noting that it maintains consistent water flow without interruption even when stretched across long distances. Users reported that the hose does not shrink or retract like expanding hoses, which eliminates the common issue of water pressure drops when reaching maximum extension. One reviewer specifically mentioned that when using a 50-foot hose at maximum distance, the Zero-G maintains its shape and flow rate without the hose shrinking or requiring constant adjustment. The Tru-Flex inner core design prevents kinking while maintaining the hose's ability to expand and contract smoothly under pressure, allowing for uninterrupted watering sessions. This feature is particularly valuable for users who frequently extend the hose to reach distant areas of their property.
Durability and material performance
The G-Force High-Density jacket provides excellent resistance to abrasions, leaks, and punctures, with the hose demonstrating superior durability compared to traditional garden hoses. The woven fiber jacket resists damage from chemicals, gasoline, and fertilizers, making it suitable for use in areas where the hose might come into contact with harsh substances. However, Backyard Boss noted that the hose requires complete drainage before storage to prevent potential damage from residual water pressure. The commercial-grade crush-resistant couplings with brass inserts provide long-lasting performance, though Backyard Boss mentioned that the hose can be prone to leaking when connected to certain sprayers, suggesting that compatibility with specific attachments may require testing before purchase.
Storage and handling ease
The hose coils easily and compactly, with users reporting that it can be wound into small spaces without difficulty. The design allows for easy storage in tight areas, with one reviewer noting that the hose can be stored in a box or cupboard through winter months without taking up excessive space. The ergonomic grips and knurled male/female coupling design provide easy attachment to spigots and accessories, with users noting that the hose does not require excessive twisting to achieve proper sealing. The smooth outer surface allows it to glide easily over surfaces without snagging or tearing, making it ideal for use around delicate landscaping or on rough surfaces like gravel driveways.
Flow rate and pressure performance
The hose maintains consistent flow rates equal to standard 5/8-inch hoses, with test results showing it can fill a 5-gallon bucket in 59 seconds, matching or exceeding performance of competing products. The hose's ability to maintain pressure throughout its length, even at maximum extension, ensures effective performance for tasks requiring sustained water flow. However, some users noted that the hose's performance may vary depending on the specific water pressure available from their source, with optimal results achieved when connected to a standard household water supply with adequate pressure.
User experience and practical limitations
While the hose excels in most performance areas, users have identified some practical limitations that may affect certain applications. The hose does not self-coil like some expanding hoses, which some users find less convenient for quick setup and storage. One reviewer noted that while the hose is easy to coil, it requires more deliberate effort than automatic coiling systems, potentially making it less convenient for users who prefer minimal setup time. The hose also requires complete drainage before storage, which some users find inconvenient. Additionally, while the hose performs well with standard attachments, compatibility with certain sprayers and specialized accessories has been reported as inconsistent, requiring users to test specific attachment combinations before purchase.
Strengths
- +Ergonomic design with components that make it easy to tighten, coil, and store
- +Actively resists kinking thanks to pressurized design, per TechGearLab
- +Excellent spray performance that helps shoot water further for hard-to-reach plants, according to TechGearLab
- +Lightweight construction at 0.08 lb/ft, making it easy to drag around the yard
Watch-outs
- −Does not come with a nozzle included
- −Limited length options compared to some competitors, only available in 25, 50, and 100 ft
How it compares
The Zero-G Ultra Flexible Durable Garden Hose stands out for its lightweight design and pressurized expansion technology, which makes it easier to store and handle than the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose. Unlike the Stanley Fatmax Professional Grade Water Hose, which is also lightweight but lacks the Zero-G's kink-free design, the Zero-G offers superior spray performance and easier coiling. Compared to the Hydrotech Pro Series Expandable Max-Flow Hose, the Zero-G is more compact and doesn't require a built-in shutoff valve.
Rating sources
“Looking for a hose that is easy to use and can handle even the most demanding tasks? The Teknor Apex Zero-G is easy to use and compact for storage, yet it can still withstand the most demanding watering tasks.”
“The hose is equipped with an abrasion and puncture resistant outer cover for long lasting performance.”
“The hose itself works very well at high water pressure – up to 600psi – and the tough exterior means it is very durable.”
“zero-G hoses have solved every problem you have with traditional garden hoses through a lightweight, easy to handle, kink-resistant, advanced hose design and are setting a new standard in garden hoses.”
Our 4.4 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
