How to Select the Best Spray-Type Sprinkler:
Click here for an in-depth discussion of spray-type sprinklers and what facts you should consider when selecting one. You should read this before reading the reviews or deciding on a make or model to use.
List of Fixed Spray Type Sprinklers & Reviews:
Click here for a list of minimum standards for a good spray sprinkler.
Click here for a description of the feature codes used in the list below.
Note that many of the sprinkler model series listed include shrub and 2″ pop-up bodies, which do NOT meet my minimum standards.
| Manufacturer | Review | Part No. | Description | Features (optional if red) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckner by Storm | Does not meet my minimum standards | 18 | 1″ Pop-up body (NS) | Brass, gravity retraction |
| Buckner by Storm | Does not meet my minimum standards | BPHM | 2″ Pop-up body (NS) | Brass, gravity retraction,FS,UF |
| Buckner by Storm | SP3A | 3″ Pop-up body (NS) | FS,UF | |
| Manufacturer | Review | Part No. | Description | Features (optional if red) |
| Champion | Does not meet my minimum standards | 18 | 1″ Pop-up body | Brass, gravity retraction |
| Champion | Does not meet my minimum standards | 2102 | 2″ Pop-up body | WS,SR,FS, |
| Champion | Click for Review | FP Series | 2″,4″ Pop-up body w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF |
| Manufacturer | Review | Part No. | Description | Features (optional if red) |
| Hit Products/RainPro | 700 series | 2″,3″,4″,6″,12″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF or UM,SI(12″)CV,,NP | |
| Hit Products/RainPro | 900 series | 2″,3″,4″,5″,6″,12″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF or UM,CV,PR,SI(6″ & 12″),NP | |
| Hit Products/RainPro | 900T series | 7″,13″ Telescoping Pop-up body (NS) (body is shorter) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF or UM,CV,PR,SI(6″ & 12″),NP | |
| Hit Products/RainPro | HP series | 2″,4″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,CV | |
| Manufacturer | Review | Part No. | Description | Features (optional if red) |
| Hunter | Click for Review | PS Ultra series | 2″, 4″, 6″, Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,MP,UF, CV |
| Hunter | Click for Review | SRS-xx (discontinued) | 2″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, CV,NP |
| Hunter | Click for Review | PRO Spray series; | 2″,3″,4″,6″,12″, Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, CV,NP |
| Hunter | Click for Review | PRS series; | 4″,6″,12″, Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM,PR MP,UF, CV,NP |
| Hunter | Click for Review | INST-xx (discontinued) | Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,PR, CV,NP |
| Hunter | Click here for Review | MP Rotator MPxxxx | Stream Rotor (Nozzle Only) | FS, CC, Arc:90-210° |
| Manufacturer | Review | Part No. | Description | Features (optional if red) |
| Irritrol | Click for Review | SL Series | 2″,4″,6″ Pop-up body | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, CV |
| Irritrol | Click for Review | HS3 | 3″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, CV,NP |
| Irritrol | — | I-PRO Series | 3″,4″,6″,12″, Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, SI,CV,NP,PR |
| Manufacturer | Review | Part No. | Description | Features (optional if red) |
| Orbit note –> | Orbit’s inconsistent product names and part numbers make them near impossible to list or review. There are many products on the store shelves that do not appear on their website. It is possible they assign custom and exclusive names & part numbers for large store chains. | |||
| Orbit (Watermaster) | Click for Review | 54115 54118N 94230 | 2″,4″ Pop-Up w/ nozzle “Hard Top” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,VR |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | Click for Review | 54113, 54114N | 2″, 4″ Soft Top Pop-Up w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | Click for Review | 54100-54117N, 54459, 94101, 94231-94232 | Orbit Pro 5400 series 2″,4″,6″,12″ Pop-Up w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | — | 91037,91038 | Orbit Eco-Stream Rotator series 4″ Pop-Up w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | — | 55137,55138 | Orbit Pressure Regulating Eco-Stream Rotator series 4″ Pop-Up w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,PR |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | — | 54221 through 54245 | 400 Series SLPU 2″,4″ Pop-Up w/ brass nozzle | WS,SR,FS |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | — | 54181 through 54196, 54280 – 54283 54580 – 54583 94152 through 94178 | 400 Series SLPU 2″,4″ Pop-Up w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | — | 94097 through 94513 | Orbit Slim Springloaded Series 2″,4″ Pop-Up w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | Click for Review | 54228 through 54266 | Orbit Economy Series 2″,4″ Pop-Up w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | Does not meet my minimum standards | Brass Pop-up 54072,54071,54070 | 1″ Pop-Up w/ nozzle | Brass, gravity retraction |
| Orbit (Watermaster) | Does not meet my minimum standards | Plastic Pop-up with Brass Nozzle 54029,54028,54027 | 1 3/4″ Pop-Up w/ nozzle | Gravity retraction |
| Manufacturer | Review | Part No. | Description | Features (optional if red) |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | SP-25 series SP-25-AP | 2 1/2″ Pop-up body w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS,MP,UF |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | SP-40 series SP-40-AP | 4″ Pop-up body w/ nozzle | WS,SR,FS,MP,UF |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1802 series | 2″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, PR,PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1803 series | 3″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, PR,PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1804 series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, PR,PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1806 series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,SI, PR,PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1812 series | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,SI, PR,PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1804-SAM series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) “Seal-A-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,CV, PR,PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1806-SAM series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) “Seal-A-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,SI,CV, PR,PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1812-SAM series | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) “Seal-A-Matic” | WS,SR,F,RM, MP,UF,SI,CV, PR,PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1804-PRS series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,PR, PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1806-PRS series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,SI,PR, PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1812-PRS series | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,SI,PR, PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1804-SAM-PRS series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) “Seal-A-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,CV,PR, PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1806-SAM-PRS series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) “Seal-A-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,SI,CV,PR, PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | 1812-SAM-PRS series | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) “Seal-A-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,SI,CV,PR, PCD,NP,VR |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | US-2 series | 2″ Pop-up body (NS) “UNI-Spray” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, CV |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | US-4 series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) “UNI-Spray” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, CV |
| Rainbird | Click for Review | US-6 series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) “UNI-Spray” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, CV |
| Rain Pro | For RainPro sprinklers see “Hit Products” above. | |||
| Richdel | Richdel products are now made under the “Irritrol – Lawn Genie” name. | |||
| Sprinklites | Click for Review | Micro-Sprinklers & Lights | ||
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 53100 53101 53102 53104 53105 53106 53732 | 3″ Pop-up body w/ nozzle “570 Series” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 53700 53309 53699 53733 | 4″ Pop-up body w/ nozzle “570 Series” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 53395 body | 2″ Pop-up body (NS) “570 Series” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 53396 body | 3″ Pop-up body (NS) “570 Series” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 53397 body | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) “570 Series” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 53398 body | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) “570 Series” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,SI |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 53710 body | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) “570 Series” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,SI |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-2P series | 2″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-3P series | 3″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-4P series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-6P series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,SI, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-12P series | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,SI, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-2P-COM series | 2″ Pop-up body (NS) “Check-O-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,CV, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-3P-COM series | 3″ Pop-up body (NS) “Check-O-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,CV, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-4P-COM series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) “Check-O-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,CV, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-6P-COM series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) “Check-O-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,CV,SI, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-12P-COM series | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) “Check-O-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,CV,SI, PR,PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-PRX-4P series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,PR, PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-PRX-6P series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,PR, PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-PRX-64P-SI series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,PR,SI, PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-PRX-4P-COM series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) “Check-O-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,PR,CV,PR, PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-PRX-6P-COM series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) “Check-O-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,PR,CV,PR, PCD,NP |
| Toro Irrigation | Click for Review | 570Z-PRX-6P-SI-COM series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) “Check-O-Matic” | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UM,PR,CV,PR,SI, PCD,NP |
| WaterMaster | For WaterMaster products see “Orbit” above. | |||
| Weather-Matic | Click for Review | LX3 series | 3″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, NP |
| Weather-Matic | Click for Review | LX4 series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, NP |
| Weather-Matic | Click for Review | LX6 series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, NP |
| Weather-Matic | Click for Review | LX12 series | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF, NP |
| Weather-Matic | Click for Review | LX4-CV series | 4″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,CV, NP |
| Weather-Matic | Click for Review | LX6-CV series | 6″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,CV, NP |
| Weather-Matic | Click for Review | LX12-CV series | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM, MP,UF,CV, NP |
| West Ag | 47602 | 2″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM | |
| West Ag | 47603 | 3″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM | |
| West Ag | 47612 | 12″ Pop-up body (NS) | WS,SR,FS,RM | |
*Caution: Part numbers for these products don’t appear to follow in a logical pattern that clearly identifies related products. Don’t rely on the part numbers alone!!! Carefully check the descriptions, product labels, and look over the product itself to assure you are getting the correct item.
(NS) means nozzle sold separately.
Other Products related to Spray Heads:
- Mammoth Grip Sprinkler Spacers. Mammoth Grip Sprinkler Spacers are used to stabilize and accurately install sprinkler heads.
- Sprinkler Buddy Sprinkler Head Indicator. The Sprinkler Buddy keeps grass from growing next to or over the sprinkler head, thus it makes the sprinkler location obvious in the lawn.
Minimum standards:
It is my opinion that any spray sprinkler worth spending money on should have the following features:
- Pop-up at least 3 inches (stream height above top of the case).
- Not be a discontinued or test-run product (generally that means at least one year on the market).
- Positive spring retraction for the riser piston. Gravity retraction results in mowed-off nozzles.
- A wiper seal on the riser piston.
- A filter screen.
- Matched precipitation rate nozzles.
Without the above features a sprinkler is not a bargain at any price, maintenance and repairs will cost you more than it would have to just buy a good-quality sprinkler.
Note:
I have not reviewed sprinklers and nozzles separately. It is assumed the sprinkler body will be used with the standard nozzle recommended by the manufacturer. In other words, if you use an ABC brand model ZZZ series body, I assume you will use it with a nozzle supplied by ABC brand for use with their ZZZ series body. The reason I point this out is that the nozzles for many spray-type sprinklers are interchangeable with those made by other manufacturers. They tend to have either “Toro style” nozzles with male threads on the nozzle, or “Rainbird style” nozzles with female threads on the nozzle. In general, I don’t recommend mixing different brands of nozzles and bodies.
Feature key:
The following abbreviations are used in the reference chart below for various features of the spray sprinkler models:
- WS = Wiper seal. A wiper seal around the pop-up riser keeps dirt out of the sprinkler and reduces water waste.
- SR = Spring retraction. A spring pulls the pop-up riser back into the body after irrigation.
- FS = Filter screen. A screen installed inside the sprinkler helps protect the nozzle from debris in the water which might get caught in the nozzle. This is not a substitute for cleaning out the pipe when installing! Most screens are only partially effective.
- RM = Ratchet mechanism. Ratcheting allows the riser to be turned independent of the body. To realign the spray direction you don’t need to turn the entire sprinkler, just the riser. The ratcheting mechanism holds it in the new position. Sometimes called a “friction collar” or “adjustable stem position”.
- MP = Matched precipitation rate nozzles. You can mix various nozzles made by the manufacturer on the same valve zone. For example you could use a 10′ radius quarter circle, 15′ radius full circle, and a 4’x15′ strip spray nozzle all on the same valve zone and the water application uniformity remains constant. Without this feature you get wet and dry areas and lots of wasted water.
- UM = Universal male thread nozzle. This sprinkler uses universal male thread pattern nozzles. That means the nozzle will fit on any brand or model spray sprinkler that also uses universal male nozzles. I strongly recommend that all the spray-type nozzles on a valve zone be made by the same manufacturer. The matched precipitation rates of Brand A nozzles will probably not match those of Brand B.
- UF = Universal female thread nozzle. This sprinkler uses universal female thread pattern nozzles. That means the nozzle will fit on any brand or model spray sprinkler that also uses universal female nozzles. I strongly recommend that all the nozzles on a valve zone be made by the same manufacturer. The matched precipitation rates of Brand A nozzles will probably not match those of Brand B.
- Sediment basin or trap. A sediment basin is a recessed area at the bottom of the sprinkler body where sediment can settle and become trapped. When the sprinkler is turned off, small grains of sand and other particles (sediment) that were caught on the nozzle screen often drop off the screen and settle down to the bottom of the sprinkler. Then the next time the sprinkler is turned on the swirling water rushing through the sprinkler body and riser pushes this sediment back up and eventually it again gets stopped by the nozzle screen. This process repeats each time the sprinkler is run. A settlement basin or trap is a deep recessed area in the bottom of the sprinkler body where this sediment can settle out away from the turbulent flow and it will not be repeatedly blown up into the nozzle screen. This helps the screen stay cleaner and also reduces abrasive wear on the internal parts of the sprinkler that result from sediment repeatedly being swirled up against them.
- CV = Check valve. The check valve keeps water from draining out of the pipes through the sprinkler head when the system stops running. A “must have” feature if your irrigation is installed on a slope or hillside. Without this feature the water in the pipes will drain out every time the valve is closed. This creates puddles or mud pits around the lowest heads where the water drains out. It also causes excessive air discharge the next time the sprinklers are turned on (the sprinklers spit, burp, and cough, which is not good for them or the pipes.) This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra). Most check valves can be easily added as a retrofit item after the sprinkler is installed. You just unscrew the top, pull out the guts, snap in the check valve, then reassemble. No need to dig up the sprinkler. Retrofit check valves can be difficult to find, you may need to special order them from the factory.
- PCD = Pressure Control Discs. These small disks fit into the bottom of the nozzle or are built into the screen. They are essentially a rubber disk with a small hole in it that restricts the water flow. They control the water pressure and flow into the nozzle. They are very handy for reducing the radius of a spray-type sprinkler and they work much, much better than the radius reduction screws on the nozzles. The sprinkler manufacturer will have a chart showing which disc to use with each nozzle to give the exact radius you need. I use PCDs to adjust the radius on all my spray sprinkler systems. If you adjust the radius of a sprinkler using the screw on top of the nozzle, and then the next time you turn it on the sprinkler no longer sprays water, installing a PCD will cure the problem. PCDs are not generic, you must get the specific one made for your brand and model of spray head.
- PR = Pressure regulation. An built-in pressure regulator maintains uniform pattern under varying pressures. These are basically for correcting problems with existing sprinkler systems. Unless installed on a hillside, a well-designed system shouldn’t have pressure variations in it that would require a regulator at the sprinkler. It is generally less expensive to utilize a single pressure regulator at the valve or at the water source. Exception: this pressure regulation feature is helpful when you have sprinklers installed on a steep hillside where the sprinklers at the bottom of the hill will have much more pressure than those at the top. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
- SI = Side inlet. An optional side inlet allows the pipe to be installed into either the side or bottom of the sprinkler. This allows the use of a shallower trench. Warning: If you use the side inlet it is very difficult to replace the sprinkler if it breaks! On many brands the pressure regulation and check valve features will not work if you use the side inlet. In general I do not advise using the side inlets. All sprinklers that have a side inlet also have a bottom inlet, so having a side inlet isn’t something to avoid when selecting a sprinkler. It is something to avoid using when you install them! Many 6″ pop-ups and most 12″ pop-ups come with a side inlet whether you want it or not.
- NP = Non-potable water markings. Purple-colored markings are available for the sprinkler, generally with the label “Do Not Drink” on them. In most cases this is a replacement cap for the sprinkler, some are snap on covers that go over the standard cap. Purple is the universal color for identifying a water source that is unsafe for human contact. In many places treated sewage and “gray water” (untreated waste water from sinks or showers) are used for irrigation water, thus these warning labels are needed. This item may be optional, that is, you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
- VR = Vandal Resistant. Has a feature that makes the sprinkler more vandal resistant. In most cases this is a lock screw that prevents easy removal of the sprinkler without a special tool, probably an Allen wrench. Sometimes a metal cap is also part of the package. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).