In order to choose the right sprinkler, knowledge of the properties and performance data of the sprinklers available on the market is necessary. This can be found mostly on the manufacturer’s websites or sometimes hidden in operating instructions or planning documents produced by manufacturers. I have compiled this information and put together an overview of the most important key data such as throw distance, flow rate and precipitation rate of the sprinklers commonly used in private use on this page. Important attributes such as MPR capability, the option of pressure regulation, the number of model versions, available nozzle sets and much more are also listed for each sprinkler.
If you would like to know which sprinkler model from which manufacturer I personally recommend buying, visit the buying section of this website! There you will also find purchase recommendations for pipeline, connectors, control units, solenoid valves, etc.
A brief explanation of the technical terms listed here, such as flow rate, precipitation, MPR capability, pressure regulation, etc. can be found at the very end of this page following the performance data listed.
The geared sprinklers available on the market, also known as rotary sprinklers, are presented on this page. The smaller spray sprinklers (or just sprayers), which have a completely different functionality and other areas of application, are covered in the separate blog post “Overview of the spray sprinklers available on the market” . The Hunter MP rotators and Rain Bird R-VAN, which as rotating nozzle sprinklers actually form their own category and which can be used both in place of a geared sprinkler and in place of a sprayer, are included in both places for the sake of clarity.
The comparison is broken down by manufacturer. It starts with the Hunter products, followed by Rain Bird, Toro and Orbit. Each manufacturer is preceded by a short introductory text in which the manufacturer’s product range is summarized. This is followed by the essential performance data and a tabular overview of throw, flow rate, etc. at specific pressures or for specific models. I have also added my personal rating and a comment to each sprinkler and at the very end there are web links to purchase options for the corresponding sprinkler.
There are also larger Hunter I-sprinklers, but these are aimed at commercial users with large areas to be irrigated and are not dealt with here. The Hunter SRM is also left out, which can’t do anything that the other products presented couldn’t do either.
The sprinkler models presented still have subgroups. These are distinguished by an additional number after the sprinkler designation (e.g. PGP Ultra-04) and represent different heights of riser, with the number indicating the height of the riser in inches. Thus, the PGP Ultra-04 designates a sprinkler with a 4-inch riser, the PGP Ultra-12 the variant with a 12-inch riser and if there is a -00 after the sprinkler name, it means that the sprinkler has no riser at all, i.e. it is a non-retractable standpipe sprinkler.
The Hunter MP Rotator is actually a completely separate category – located between a geared sprinkler and a spray sprinkler. This came into the Hunter range as part of the takeover of the Walla Walla Sprinkler Company in 2007 and has a completely different technology than the other Hunter sprinklers. The Walla Walla engineers were way ahead of their time and have already taken many things into account whose importance and usefulness are widely accepted today. They also differ from geared sprinklers in that the body and the actual sprinkler, including the nozzle, are separate. Sprinklers and nozzles can be combined with a suitable body according to the user’s choice. Since there is nothing else like it in this category and since they can be used like a rotor, the MP rotators are included in the rotors.
Now a brief definition of what fundamentally distinguishes the sprinkler types presented:
Classification of Hunter sprinklers
The Hunter PGJ is the entry-level model. A stripped down sprinkler, reduced to the basic functions, at a very reasonable price
The Hunter PGP is the battleship Hunter introduced to revolutionize the sprinkler market in 1981 and is still the world’s most sold sprinkler. A solid, well-functioning sprinkler, which is now getting a bit old and does not contain things that are state of the art today.
The Hunter PGP Ultra is the successor to the Hunter PGP, which incorporates the findings of almost 30 years of market observation. It’s a bit more robust than the PGP, and Hunter offers a five-year warranty instead of the two-year warranty. In addition, more nozzle sets can be used and, above all, MPR nozzles can be used in this sprinkler, which makes it possible to adjust the precipitation rate. It also has (in the “PRB” version) a pressure regulating body that ensures that the pressure in the sprinkler is regulated down to a maximum of 45 psi. There are also practical things such as remembering and returning to the set sprinkler circle if the sprinkler is rotated manually.
The Hunter I-20 was introduced a few years before the PGP Ultra and does essentially the same thing as the PGP Ultra. The only difference that I can see is that it is a little more robust (according to Hunter sports field suitability) and that the I-20 is also available in a stainless steel version.
As previously written, the Hunter MP Rotator is a model with a completely different technical philosophy. Like a spray sprinkler, it releases the water in all directions at the same time, but not in one gush of water, but divided into many fine water jets by rotating the sprinkler head. This happens at a low flow rate, so the sprinkler releases water relatively slowly. This has the advantage that a relatively low water pressure is required and that more sprinklers can be operated in one sector. The MP-Rotator has an integrated MPR principle. This automatically ensures an even precipitation rate for all nozzles and models. In conjunction with a pressure-regulating body, the pressure is automatically reduced to 40 psi or 30 psi. You could describe the MP-Rotator as something like the carefree package among sprinklers that automatically prevents many possible sources of error that lurk in the implementation of irrigation. It is very suitable for small and medium-sized gardens and is also my top purchase tip for them.
Hunter PGJ
Minimum possible radius: 11.3 ft.
Maximum possible radius: 37 ft.
MPR capability: No (possible to some extent by using different nozzle sizes)
Pressure regulating body: No
Versions available: 4 (PGJ-00 = shrub modell, PGJ-04 = with 4 inch riser, PGJ-06 = with 6 inch riser, PGJ-12 = with 12 inch riser)
Available nozzle sets: 1 (only standard set “red” with 8 different nozzles)
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 1/2 inch
Price: From 11 USD
Rating
3 out of 5 points
Comment: The Hunter PGJ is Hunter’s entry-level model, but it’s already a solid sprinkler. The precipitation rates can be adjusted manually (MPR) using the 8 nozzles that are included as standard. There is no option to regulate the pressure, and no other nozzles can be used apart from the nozzle set that is included. I rate the PGJ 3 out of 5. There are better sprinklers out there from Hunter, but the Hunter PGJ offers pretty decent performance for the price.
MPR capability: No (possible to some extent by using different nozzle sizes)
Pressure regulating body: No
Versions available: 1 (also offered as PGP-Adj-B with blue instead of red standard nozzle set)
Available nozzle sets: 3 (standard set “red” (12 different nozzles), “blue” (8 nozzles, significantly higher flow rate), “grey” (low angle nozzle set, 7 nozzles, nozzle angle 13 instead of 25 degrees, shorter throw and, like blue, higher flow rate))
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 3/4 inch
Price: From 11 USD
Note: Also known as a PGP-Adj! The same sprinkler is also sold by the manufacturer Orbit under the name Orbit Voyager II.
Rating
3.5 out of 5 points
Comment: The Hunter PGP is a very solid sprinkler, it was the best selling sprinkler in the world for many years with good reason. Compared to the Hunter PGJ, it also has the advantage of a larger throw distance and that you can choose from a total of 3 nozzle sets. In principle, you can’t go wrong with the purchase of this sprinkler even today. Except that there are now even better ones that also handle MPR, pressure regulation and a few other small things. Rating of 3.5 out of 5 points. A bargain for this price! If you want it very cheap but still good, an alternative worth considering.
Performance Data Hunter PGP
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available nozzle sets. For better clarity, this data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding nozzle set variant:
Pressure regulating body: No/Yes (No by default, the “PRB” version (Pressure Regulation Body) contains a pressure regulation to 45 psi)
Versions available: 4 (PGP-00 Ultra = shrub modell, PGP-04 Ultra = with 4 inch riser, PGP-12 Ultra = with 12 inch riser, PGP-04 Ultra PRB = with 4 inch riser and pressure regulation to 45 psi)
Available nozzle sets: 7 (standard set “blue” (8 nozzles), “grey” (low angle nozzle set, 4 nozzles, nozzle angle 13 instead of 25 degrees), “black” (short radius nozzle set, 6 nozzles, significantly lower throw distance), “dark green” (set with high flow rate, 4 nozzles), “MPR 25” (matched precipitation rate, red, throw up to 25 feet, 4 nozzles), “MPR 30” (matched precipitation rate, light green, throw up to 30 feet, 4 nozzles), “MPR 35” (matched precipitation rate, beige, range up to 35 feet, 4 nozzles))
Adjustable arc: 50° to 360°
Inlet size: 3/4 inch
Price: From 15 USD (in the pressure-regulated PRB version from 34 USD)
Rating
4 to 4.5 out of 5 points (see comment)
Comment: The Hunter PGP Ultra is the further development of the PGP, in which the knowledge from several decades has flowed. The most important advantage is the possibility to use MPR nozzles, i.e. to coordinate the precipitation rate. The automatic arc return feature, which ensures that the sprinkler waters the correct sector if someone accidentally turns it, is also very pleasant in practice. I rate it 4 out of 5. Since it costs little more than the Hunter PGP Adj, you don’t need to think twice and can immediately go for the better model. A very good sprinkler at a top price!
The PGP Ultra is now also available as “Ultra PRB” in a version with a pressure-regulated body. The water pressure at the sprinkler is automatically reduced to 45 psi. Since the lack of pressure regulation was the last remaining shortcoming, I am increasing the rating for the PRB version to 4.5 out of 5 points. At the current time, a small negative aftertaste is the very strong price difference between the normal and the PRB version. Hopefully the price will fall as well.
Performance Data Hunter PGP Ultra
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available nozzle sets. For better clarity, this data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding nozzle set variant:
Pressure regulating body: No/Yes (No by default, the “PRB” version (Pressure Regulation Body) contains a pressure regulation to 45 psi)
Versions available: 8 (I-20 -00 = shrub modell, I-20-04 = with 4 inch riser, I-20-06 = with 6 inch riser, I-20-12 = with 12 inch riser, I-20-04-SS = with 4 inch stainless steel riser, I-20-06-SS = with 6 inch stainless steel riser, I-20-04-PRB = with 4 inch riser and pressure regulation to 45 psi, I-20-06-PRB = with 6 inch riser and pressure regulation to 45 psi)
Available nozzle sets: 7 (standard set “blue” (8 nozzles), “grey” (low angle nozzle set, 4 nozzles, nozzle angle 13 instead of 25 degrees), “black” (short radius nozzle set, 6 nozzles, significantly lower throw distance), “dark green” (set with high flow rate, 4 nozzles), “MPR 25” (matched precipitation rate, red, throw up to 25 feet, 4 nozzles), “MPR 30” (matched precipitation rate, light green, throw up to 30 feet, 4 nozzles), “MPR 35” (matched precipitation rate, beige, range up to 35 feet, 4 nozzles))
Adjustable arc: 50° to 360°
Inlet size: 3/4 inch
Price: From 21 USD (in the stainless steel version from 25 USD, in the pressure-regulated PRB version from 34 USD)
Note: Optionally available in stainless steel version
Rating
4 to 4.5 out of 5 points (see comment)
Comment: The Hunter I-20 is practically identical to the PGP Ultra in terms of performance data, it also uses the same nozzle sets. It is made a little more robust (according to Hunter sports field suitability) and is offered in a stylish stainless steel version. Like the PGP Ultra, I rate it 4 out of 5. Here, too, a “PRB” version with pressure regulation is now available. For this I increase the rating to 4.5 out of 5 points.
From my point of view, the additional robustness is not necessary for normal private use, the PGP Ultra is also very robust. Therefore I would – because the I-20 is a bit more expensive – resort to the PGP Ultra, which can do exactly the same thing. Unless you absolutely want a chic stainless steel version, which is only available on the I-20.
Performance Data Hunter I-20
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available nozzle sets. The nozzle sets of the I-20 are identical to those of the PGP Ultra. For the sake of clarity, the data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding nozzle set variant:
Important note: With the MP-Rotator, unlike the other sprinklers, the actual sprinkler including the nozzle and the associated body are separate! All MP Rotator models can be screwed into the same body.
MPR capability: Yes (already integrated in the sprinkler!)
Pressure regulating body: No/Yes (pressure regulation when choosing the right body: Hunter Pro Spray PRS30 = regulated to 30 psi, Hunter Pro Spray PRS40 = regulated to 40 psi)
Selectable sprinkler versions: You can choose from 4 different models of the MP-Rotator, which have different throw distances and can be combined with each other:
MP1000 -> radius up to 15 feet
MP2000 -> radius up to 21 feet
MP3000 -> radius up to 30 feet
MP3500 -> radius up to 35 feet
There are 3 versions of each of these models depending on the circle sector to be irrigated:
-90 -> circle sector adjustable from 90 to 210 degrees
-210 -> circle sector adjustable from 210 to 270 degrees
-360 -> Can only be set to full circle
Selectable body versions: There are 4 different Hunter body series. All 4 can be used with the MP-Rotator sprinklers:
PS Ultra -> cheaper series
Pro-Spray -> More expensive series
Pro-Spray PRS-30 -> Pressure-regulated Pro-Spray version, regulated to 30 psi
Pro-Spray PRS-40 -> Pressure-regulated Pro-Spray version, regulated to 40 psi
Each of these series is available in different riser versions:
PS Ultra
PSU02 -> 2 inch riser
PSU04 -> 4 inch riser
PSU06 -> 6 inch riser
Pro Spray
PROS-00 -> shrub modell
PROS-02 -> 2 inch riser
PROS-03 -> 3 inch riser
PROS-04 -> 4 inch riser
PROS-06 -> 6 inch riser
PROS-12 -> 12 inch riser
Pro Spray PRS-30
PROS-00-PRS30 -> shrub modell
PROS-04-PRS30 -> 4 inch riser
PROS-06-PRS30 -> 6 inch riser
PROS-12-PRS30 -> 12 inch riser
Pro Spray PRS-40
PROS-00-PRS30 -> shrub modell
PROS-04-PRS30 -> 4 inch riser
PROS-06-PRS30 -> 6 inch riser
PROS-12-PRS30 -> 12 inch riser
Available nozzle sets: None (nozzle is permanently integrated in the sprinkler)
Possible sector setting: 90 to 360 degrees (depending on the selected model version)
Inlet size: 1/2 inch
Price: Sprinkler from 12 USD, bodies from 3 USD (pressure-regulating bodies from 10 USD)
Rating
5 out of 5 points
Comment: The Hunter MP Rotator is my top pick! I give it a maximum of 5 points. It automatically provides an even precipitation rate (MPR) using built-in functionality, and when used with Pro-Spray-PRS bodies, it also has built-in pressure reduction to 40 or 30 psi. With its low water pressure and water volume requirements, it is also a good alternative when resources are scarce and it allows more sprinklers to be operated in one sector. The price is also good, even if you go for the more expensive pressure-reducing case, which I definitely recommend. The very easy exchangeability of sprinklers is also practical: If, for example, the range of the MP2000 turns out to be too short, an MP3000 is simply screwed into the housing and it fits again. You don’t have to pay attention to the precipitation rate, as this always remains the same across models in the MP1000, MP2000, MP3000 and MP3500 universe. Even if you change sector or throw distance! You could therefore describe this sprinkler as something like the carefree package among sprinklers, which ensures that the user automatically gets many things right.
Performance Data Hunter MP-Rotator
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available models and model variants. For the sake of clarity, the data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding variant:
This is a so-called strip sprinkler, which was specially developed for sprinkling long, narrow areas. To irrigate a strip, 3 sprinklers “left corner”, “right corner” and “middle” must be installed.
Important note: With the MP-Rotator, unlike the other sprinklers, the actual sprinkler including the nozzle and the associated body are separate! All MP Rotator models can be screwed into the same body.
MPR capability: Yes (already integrated in the sprinkler!)
Selectable sprinkler designs: To irrigate a strip, the following 3 sprinklers must be combined with each other:
MPLCS515 -> Left Strip (Left Corner)
MPRCS515 -> Right Strip (Right Corner)
MPSS530-> Side Strip, to be placed in the center of the strip
This is how the 3 sprinklers are arranged
Selectable body versions: There are 4 different Hunter body series. All 4 can be used with the MP-Rotator sprinklers:
PS Ultra -> cheaper series
Pro-Spray -> More expensive series
Pro-Spray PRS-30 -> Pressure-regulated Pro-Spray version, regulated to 30 psi
Pro-Spray PRS-40 -> Pressure-regulated Pro-Spray version, regulated to 40 psi
Each of these series is available in different upgraded versions:
PS Ultra
PSU02 -> 2 inch riser
PSU04 -> 4 inch riser
PSU06 -> 6 inch riser
Pro Spray
PROS-00 -> shrub modell
PROS-02 -> 2 inch riser
PROS-03 -> 3 inch riser
PROS-04 -> 4 inch riser
PROS-06 -> 6 inch riser
PROS-12 -> 12 inch riser
Pro Spray PRS-30
PROS-00-PRS30 -> shrub modell
PROS-04-PRS30 -> 4 inch riser
PROS-06-PRS30 -> 6 inch riser
PROS-12-PRS30 -> 12 inch riser
Pro Spray PRS-40
PROS-00-PRS30 -> shrub modell
PROS-04-PRS30 -> 4 inch riser
PROS-06-PRS30 -> 6 inch riser
PROS-12-PRS30 -> 12 inch riser
Pressure regulating body: No/Yes (pressure regulation when choosing the right body: Hunter Pro Spray PRS30 = regulated to 30 psi, Hunter Pro Spray PRS40 = regulated to 40 psi)
Available nozzle sets: None (nozzle is permanently integrated in the sprinkler)
Possible sector setting: In principle, the sector is fixed. The throw distance according to the performance table can be reduced by a maximum of 25% both in length and in width.
Selectable sprinkler versions: You can choose from 4 different models of the MP-Rotator, which have different throw distances and can be combined with each other:
MP1000 -> radius up to 15 feet
MP2000 -> radius up to 21 feet
MP3000 -> radius up to 30 feet
MP3500 -> radius up to 35 feet
There are 3 versions of each of these models depending on the circle sector to be irrigated:
-90 -> circle sector adjustable from 90 to 210 degrees
-210 -> circle sector adjustable from 210 to 270 degrees
-360 -> Can only be set to full circle
Inlet size: 1/2 inch
Price: Sprinkler from 12 USD, bodies from 3 USD (pressure-regulating bodies from 10 USD)
Rating
4.5 out of 5 points
Comment: Irrigating long, narrow strips is one of the most difficult tasks in irrigation technology. Sprinklers usually irrigate in a circle, but here a spray pattern that is as rectangular as possible is required. From my point of view, this is probably never possible in a 100% form. Even the MP-Rotator side stripe sprinkler does not succeed perfectly, but in an appealing way that you can work with. In view of the other advantages of the MP-Rotator model series also contained here (see evaluation of the MP-Rotator sprinkler above), I rate it with 4.5 out of 5 points.
Below is a tabular listing of radius, flow and precipitation rate for the three strip models:
Like Hunter, Rain Bird has a wide range of rotors. Part of it is explicitly aimed at commercial users such as golf courses and large parks and not only makes no sense for private users, but would also not be usable at all due to the sometimes very high water pressure and water volume requirements. Therefore, the sprinklers of the Eagle series and the 500 and 700 series are not presented here. The Rain Bird 8005 is also left out, as its use makes no sense for 99% of readers.
It is obvious that almost every Hunter sprinkler has a counterpart at Rain Bird and vice versa. The Rain Bird 3500 is comparable to the Hunter PGJ, the Rain Bird 5000 is the counterpart to the Hunter PGP Ultra and the Rain Bird R-VAN is clearly modeled after the Hunter MP rotator. You can see that there is fierce competition between these companies and good ideas from one are immediately incorporated into the product range of the other.
The Rain Bird Maxi-Paw has a unique selling point in the Rain Bird range. It is not a geared but an impulse sprinkler. So the classic sprinkler that you know from fields or large meadows and which makes the noises typical of impulse sprinklers when sprinkling by breaking the jet. Impulse sprinklers are indeed also offered by other manufacturers, but not – as by Rain Bird – in a retractable version.
Rain Bird R-VAN is the counterpart to the Hunter MP-Rotator – i.e. a hybrid of sprinkler and sprayer – and (almost) equal to it.
Now a brief definition of what fundamentally distinguishes the Rain Bird sprinkler types:
Classification of Rain Bird sprinklers
The Rain Bird 3500 is Rain Bird’s entry-level model and a direct counterpart to the Hunter PGJ. A properly functioning sprinkler reduced to the basic functions at a very attractive price.
The Rain Bird 5000 is my favorite Rain Bird sprinkler. The counterpart to the Hunter PGP Ultra and absolutely on a par with this very good sprinkler. It can be used with MPR nozzles and is available with a pressure-regulating housing. Compared to the PGP Ultra, the pressure-regulated version has a clear price advantage at the time of my research.
The Rain Bird Maxi-Paw is the only retractable impulse sprinkler available on the market and an interesting alternative for fans of this sprinkler shape and if the slightly higher noise level is not a problem.
The Rain Bird Falcon 6504 is already very close to the limit of a sprinkler for the purely commercial sector. Very robust and the only sprinkler with a so-called “high-speed mode” (particularly fast rotation). However, important functions such as MPR and pressure regulation are missing.
Rain Bird R-VAN is the counterpart to the Hunter MP Rotator. So actually not a sprinkler, but a sprayer with a rotating head. The Rain Bird version of the multi-jet rotary sprinkler is also very successful.
Rain Bird 3500
Minimum possible radius: 11.3 ft.
Maximum possible radius: 35 ft.
MPR capability: No (possible to some extent by using different nozzle sizes)
Pressure regulating body: No
Versions available: 3 (3504-PC = standard sprinkler with 4 inch riser, 3054-PC-SAM = 4 inch riser with additional Seal-a-Matic (SAM) check valve, which ensures that the lowest sprinkler does not form puddles in sprinkler areas with larger height differences, 3500-S-PC-SAM = shrub modell with SAM)
Available nozzle sets: 1 (only standard set with 6 different nozzles)
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 1/2 inch
Price: From 12 USD
Rating
3 out of 5 points
Comment: The Rain Bird 3500 is the Rain Bird entry-level sprinkler and direct opponent of the Hunter PGJ. Just like this one, it’s a very solid sprinkler. With the 6 nozzles included, only a very rough adjustment of precipitation rates is possible. There is no way to regulate the pressure and no other nozzle sets that can be used optionally. I rate the Rain Bird 3500 3 out of 5. If the demands are not too high, a good alternative, especially for the low price!
Pressure regulating body: No/Yes ( No by default, the “PRS” version (Pressure Regulated Stem) contains a pressure regulation to 3.1 bar)
Versions available: 8 (5004-PC = standard sprinkler with 4 inch riser, 5006-PC = sprinkler with 6 inch riser, 5004-PC-SAM = 4 inch riser with additional SAM check valve, that ensures that there are no puddles in irrigation areas with larger height differences formed at the lowest placed sprinkler, 5004-VC = sprinkler with 4 inch riser in full circle mode (runs through instead of turning at end of arc), 5004-PCR = sprinkler with 4 inch riser with built in pressure regulation to 45 psi, 5004 -PC-SAM-RSS = 4 inch riser sprinkler with built-in 45 psi pressure regulator and stainless steel SAM check valve, 5006-PC-SAM-RSS = 6 inch riser sprinkler with built-in 45 psi pressure regulator and SAM check valve in stainless steel construction, 5004-PCR = sprinkler with 4 inch riser and built-in pressure regulation to 45 psi)
Available nozzle sets: 5 (standard set (8 nozzles), low angle nozzle set (4 nozzles, nozzle angle 10 instead of 25 degrees), “MPR 25” (matched precipitation rate, red, throw up to 25 feet, 4 nozzles), “MPR 30” (matched precipitation rate, turquoise , throw up to 30 feet, 4 nozzles), “MPR 35” (matched precipitation rate, brown, throw up to 35 feet, 4 nozzles))
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 3/4 inch
Price: From 13 USD (in the pressure-regulated PRS version with stainless steel riser from 27 USD)
Rating
4 to 4.5 out of 5 points (see comment)
Comment: The Rain Bird 5000 is an excellent sprinkler, very reliable and has all the important features. He is the direct opponent of the Hunter PGP Ultra and on the same level. MPR nozzles can also be used with the Rain Bird 5000 and thus achieve a uniform precipitation rate. And it can also be purchased with a 45 psi case pressure-regulated body (Rain Bird calls this option “PRS”). So here too there are 4 points for the standard version and 4.5 points for the more expensive version with PRS.
It is worth mentioning that the price of the Rain Bird 5000 with PRS is significantly lower in my research compared to the Hunter PGP Ultra PRB counterpart. And with the PRS versions, Rain Bird gives you the stainless steel version for practically the same price. Not that you would necessarily need it, but it definitely looks chic.
Performance Data Rain Bird 5000
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available nozzle sets. For better clarity, this data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding nozzle set variant:
Available nozzle sets: 2 (MPR nozzle set (5 nozzles), low angle nozzle set (4 nozzles, nozzle angle 11 instead of 23 degrees))
Adjustable arc: 20° to 340°
Inlet size: 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch (sprinkler always has both connection options)
Price: From 27 USD
Note: The only retractable impulse sprinkler among the sprinklers presented!
Rating
4 to out of 5 points
Comment: The Rain Bird Maxi-Paw is the only impulse sprinkler in the ranking, only Rain Bird offers this as a pop-up sprinkler. Compared to geared sprinklers, impulse sprinklers have the disadvantage of louder operating noises. I also find the rather large head of the sprinkler and thus the large outlet that it occupies in the lawn a disadvantage of the Maxi-Paw. One advantage is better watering in the immediate vicinity of the sprinkler. This could play a role above all if you don’t want to implement the irrigation in the very clean way with double overlapping (square or triangle formation). In this case, it could be a good alternative to use an impulse sprinkler because of the better close-up irrigation, provided the neighborhood allows it due to the loud noise.
Like all other Rain Bird sprinklers, the Maxi-Paw is a mature product that works well and reliably in principle. A coordinated precipitation rate is possible using MPR nozzles, a pressure-regulating housing is not offered. I rate the Maxi-Paw 4 out of 5.
Performance Data Rain Bird Maxi-Paw
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available nozzle sets. For better clarity, this data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding nozzle set variant:
Minimum possible radius: 30.0 ft. (28.0 ft. in the high-speed version)
Maximum possible radius: 65 ft.
MPR capability: No (possible to some extent by using different nozzle sizes)
Pressure regulating body: No
Versions available: 5 (F4-PC = standard sprinkler with 10 inch riser, F4-FC = sprinkler with 10 inch riser in full circle mode (runs through instead of turning at end of arc), F4-PC-SS = sprinkler with 10 inch riser in stainless steel design, F4-FC-SS = 10 inch stainless steel sprinkler in full circle mode, F4-PC-SS-HS = 10 inch stainless steel sprinkler in high speed variant (higher rotation speed))
Available nozzle sets: 2 (standard set (8 nozzles), high-speed set (8 nozzles)
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 1 inch
Price: From 65 USD
Note: Optionally available in a particularly fast rotating high-speed mode (approx. 1 minute for 360 degree rotation)
Rating
3.5 out of 5 points
Comment: The Rain Bird Falcon 6504 is without a doubt a very good sprinkler. Very robust design and with a long throw. For the private user, however, it is oversized with a 1 inch connection and large pressure and water hunger. In return, you miss important functions such as MPR and pressure regulation. Apart from that, the high price should also deter private individuals. A good choice for sports fields and large lawns, this sprinkler makes no sense for the usual private garden.
Performance Data Rain Bird Falcon 6504
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available nozzle sets. For better clarity, this data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding nozzle set variant:
Important note: With the Rain Bird R-VAN, unlike the other sprinklers, the actual sprinkler including the nozzle and the associated body are separate! All R-VAN models can be screwed into the same body.
MPR capability: Yes (already integrated in the sprinkler!)
Pressure regulating body: No/Yes (pressure regulation when choosing the right body: Rain Bird RD 1800-P30 = regulated to 30 psi, Rain Bird RD 1800-P45 = regulated to 45 psi)
Selectable sprinkler versions: You can choose from 3 different models of the R-VAN models, which have different throw distances and can be combined with each other:
R-VAN14 -> radius up to 14 feet
R-VAN18 -> radius up to 18 feet
R-VAN24 -> radius up to 24 feet
There are 2 versions of each of these models depending on the circle sector to be irrigated:
-Without addition -> circle sector adjustable from 45 to 270 degrees
-360 -> Can only be set to full circle
Selectable body versions: There are 2 different Rain Bird body series in 4 different versions that can be used with the Rain Bird R-Van:
Rain Bird 1800 -> cheaper series
Rain Bird RD 1800 -> More expensive series
Rain Bird RD 1800-P30 -> Pressure-regulated RD 1800 version, regulated to 30 psi
Rain Bird RD 1800-P45 -> Pressure-regulated RD 1800 version, regulated to 45 psi
Each of these series is available in different riser versions:
Rain Bird 1800
1802 -> 2 inch riser
1804 -> 4 inch riser
1806 -> 6 inch riser
1812 -> 12 inch riser
Rain Bird RD1800
RD-04-S-NP -> 4 inch riser
Rain Bird RD 1800-P30
RD-04-S-P30-F -> 4 inch riser
RD-06-S-P30-F -> 6 inch riser
RD-12-S-P30-F -> 12 inch riser
Rain Bird RD 1800-P45
RD-04-S-P45-F -> 4 inch riser
Available nozzle sets: None (nozzle is permanently integrated in the sprinkler)
Possible sector setting: 45 to 360 degrees (depending on the selected model version)
Inlet size: 1/2 inch
Price: Sprinkler from 12 USD, bodies from 3 USD (pressure-regulating bodies from 13 USD)
Rating
4.5 out of 5 points
Comment: Rain Bird R-VAN is the direct opponent of the Hunter MP Rotator and is also a very good sprinkler. Like the MP rotator, R-VAN automatically maintains an even precipitation rate (MPR). When using an RD-1800 P30 or P45 body, the pressure at the sprinkler is automatically reduced to 30 psi or 45 psi. R-VAN even has 2 small advantages over the MP rotator: You only need 2 models instead of 3 to cover all sector possibilities. And the adjustment of sector and radius can be done manually – without tools. From my point of view, a clear disadvantage is the higher precipitation rate: R-VAN has a precipitation rate of 0.70 inches/hour, the Hunter MP-Rotator manages with only 0.40 inches and thus has a clear advantage if you only have little water available or if you value slow irrigation. The Rain Bird R-VAN is also at a disadvantage in terms of range. With the Hunter MP rotator, up to 35 feet are possible, with the R-VAN only 24 feet. However, you can get by with this in combination with a Rain Bird 5000 with MPR nozzles, which has about the same precipitation rate and achieves a range of up to 35 feet with the MPR-35 nozzles. All in all, the Rain Bird R-VAN is almost an equal opponent to the top product Hunter MP-Rotator, the only thing that really bothers me is the higher precipitation rate, which means a higher water requirement in the same period. Rating with a very good 4.5 out of 5 points.
Performance Data Rain Bird R-VAN
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available models and model variants. For better clarity, this data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding nozzle set variant:
This is a so-called strip sprinkler, which was specially developed for sprinkling long, narrow areas. To irrigate a strip, 3 sprinklers each “left corner”, “right corner” and “middle” must be installed.
Important note: With the Rain Bird R-VAN, unlike the other sprinklers, the actual sprinkler including the nozzle and the associated body are separate! All R-VAN models can be screwed into the same body.
MPR capability: Yes (already integrated in the sprinkler!)
Pressure regulating body: No/Yes (pressure regulation when choosing the right body: Rain Bird RD 1800-P30 = regulated to 30 psi, Rain Bird RD 1800-P45 = regulated to 45 psi)
Selectable sprinkler models: To irrigate a strip, the following 3 sprinklers must be combined with each other:
R-VAN-LCS -> Left Strip (Left Corner)
R-VAN-RCS -> Right Strip (Right Corner)
R-VAN-SST -> Side Strip, to be placed in the middle of the strip
This is how the 3 sprinklers are arranged
Selectable body versions: There are 2 different Rain Bird body series in 4 different versions that can be used with the Rain Bird R-Van:
Rain Bird 1800 -> cheaper series
Rain Bird RD 1800 -> More expensive series
Rain Bird RD 1800-P30 -> Pressure-regulated RD 1800 version, regulated to 30 psi
Rain Bird RD 1800-P45 -> Pressure-regulated RD 1800 version, regulated to 45 psi
Each of these series is available in different riser versions:
Rain Bird 1800
1802 -> 2 inch riser
1804 -> 4 inch riser
1806 -> 6 inch riser
1812 -> 12 inch riser
Rain Bird RD1800
RD-04-S-NP -> 4 inch riser
Rain Bird RD 1800-P30
RD-04-S-P30-F -> 4 inch riser
RD-06-S-P30-F -> 6 inch riser
RD-12-S-P30-F -> 12 inch riser
Rain Bird RD 1800-P45
RD-04-S-P45-F -> 4 inch riser
Available nozzle sets: None (nozzle is permanently integrated in the sprinkler)
Possible sector setting: In principle, the sector is fixed. The throw distance according to the performance table can be reduced by a maximum of 25% both in length and in width.
Inlet size: 1/2 inch
Price: Sprinkler from 12 USD, bodies from 5 USD (pressure-regulating bodies from 13 USD)
Rating
4.5 out of 5 points
Comment: In principle, strip irrigation is one of the most difficult tasks. Rain Bird’s R-VAN Strip Nozzles are the counterpart to the Hunter MP-Rotator Side Strip Nozzles. And I think they serve their purpose just as well! It has to be said here again: A 100% rectangular spray pattern is not possible, but it works in an appealingly good way. Also included are the other advantages of the R-VAN model (see points above). I rate it with a high 4.5 out of 5 points, which is the same as the MP-Rotator counterpart.
Below is a tabular listing of radius, flow and precipitation rate for the three strip models:
The Toro Mini 8 is Toro’s entry-level sprinkler, making it a direct competitor to the Hunter PGJ and Rain Bird 3500.
The Toro T5 is a larger radius sprinkler and a competitor to the Rain Bird 5000 and Hunter PGP and PGP Ultra
The Toro T7 is a sprinkler with a very large radius up to 83 feet
Toro Mini 8
Minimum possible radius: 15 ft.
Maximum possible radius: 35 ft.
MPR capability: No (possible to some extent by using different nozzle sizes)
Pressure regulating body: No
Versions available: 3 (Mini 8-4= standard modell with 4 inch riser, Mini 8-6 = with 6 inch riser, Mini 8-12 = with 12 inch riser)
Available nozzle sets: 1 (only standard set with 5 different nozzles)
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 1/2 inch
Price: From 15 USD
Rating
2.5 out of 5 points
Comment: The Toro Mini 8 is the antagonist to the Hunter PGJ and Rain Bird 3500. As with these sprinklers, there is only one nozzle set and no other option to swap. The opponents are rated 3 out of 5 points. I rate the Toro Mini 8 a little lower because the throw range is significantly smaller and the documentation for the sprinkler is comparatively sparse. For example, the performance of throw and flow is only given for 3 pressure values, no information is given about the precipitation rate. That deducts half a point and is then enough for 2.5 out of 5 points.
MPR capability: No (possible to some extent by using different nozzle sizes)
Pressure regulating body: No
Versions available: 6 (T5P-RS = standard modell with 5 inch riser, T5PCK-RS = with 5 inch riser and check valve, T5PSS-RS = with 5 inch stainless steel riser, T5PCKS-RS = with 5 inch stainless steel riser and check valve, T5S-RS= shrub modell, T5HP-RS = with 12 inch riser)
Available nozzle sets: 2 (standard set with 8 different nozzles, low angle nozzle set, 4 nozzles, nozzle angle 10 instead of 25 degrees)
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 3/4 inch
Price: From 14 USD
Rating
3.5 out of 5 points
Comment: The Toro T5 – if you look at the throwing range – is positioned as an opponent of the Rainbird 5000 and Hunter PGP Ultra or Hunter PGP. In my opinion, it cannot keep up with the first two because it lacks essential functions such as MPR capability and pressure regulation. I see it on par with the Hunter PGP, a solid sprinkler but showing its age and lacking improvements that have been made in recent years. In comparison to the Toro Mini, the documentation for the Toro T5 is also available in sufficient form. Therefore, I rate it the same as the Hunter PGP with 3.5 out of 5 points.
Performance Data Toro T5
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available models and model variants.. For better clarity, this data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding nozzle set variant:
MPR capability: No (possible to some extent by using different nozzle sizes)
Pressure regulating body: No
Versions available: 8 (T7P-02 = standard modell with 5 inch riser, T7P-02E = with 5 inch riser and effluent rubber cover, T7P-02L = low flow modell with 5 inch riser, T7P-02LE = low flow modell with 5 inch riser and effluent rubber cover, T7PSS-02 = with 5 inch stainless steel riser, T7PSS-02E = with 5 inch stainless steel riser and effluent rubber cover, T7PSS-02L = low flow modell with 5 inch stainless steel riser, T7PSS-02LE = low flow modell with 5 inch stainless steel riser and effluent rubber cover)
Available nozzle sets: 2 (standard set with 8 different nozzles, low angle nozzle set, 4 nozzles, nozzle angle 10 instead of 25 degrees)
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 1 inch
Price: From 60 USD
Rating
3.5 out of 5 points
Comment: With 83 feet, the Toro T7 has a very long throw, making it one of the geared sprinklers with the longest throws. As with the Toro T5, essential functionalities such as Matched Precipitation (MPR) and pressure regulation are missing. So I rate it like the T5 with 3.5 out of 5 points.
Performance Data Toro T7
Below you will find tables with radius, flow and precipitation rate for all available models and model variants.. For better clarity, this data is only displayed after clicking on the corresponding nozzle set variant:
The Orbit range consists of tried and tested sprinklers, but they are not quite up to date and they lack some features offered by other manufacturers. Some of these are produced for Orbit by other manufacturers.
The Orbit Voyager II is technically identical to the Hunter PGP
The Orbit Saturn III is a smaller radius sprinkler than the Orbit Voyager and technically identical to the Hunter PGM
The Orbit Saturn IV has the same radius as the Saturn III with a different nozzle set
Orbit Voyager II
Minimum possible radius: 25 ft.
Maximum possible radius: 52 ft.
MPR capability: No (possible to some extent by using different nozzle sizes)
Pressure regulating body: No
Versions available: 1
Available nozzle sets: 1
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 3/4 inch
Price: From 12 USD
Note: Identical to the Hunter PGP-Adj!
Rating
3 out of 5 points
Comment: The Orbit Voyager II is Identical to the Hunter PGP making it a solid sprinkler like it. The disadvantage is that Orbit does not provide exact performance data, from which one can read throw distance and water consumption at different pressure conditions. Therefore, half a point deduction in the rating compared to the Hunter PGP.
Performance Data Orbit Voyager II
Unfortunately, unlike other manufacturers, Orbit does not provide any detailed performance data for its sprinklers.
MPR capability: No (possible to some extent by using different nozzle sizes)
Pressure regulating body: No
Versions available: 1
Available nozzle sets: 1 (4 nozzles: red (0,75 GPM), blue (1.5 GPM), green (3.0 GPM), black (4.0 GPM)
Adjustable arc: 40° to 360°
Inlet size: 1/2 inch
Price: From 10 USD
Note: Identical to the Hunter PGM (predecessor of the Hunter SRM)
Rating
2.5 out of 5 points
Comment: The Orbit Saturn III is in a league with the Hunter PGJ or Hunter SRM, but unlike Hunter, Orbit doesn’t provide detailed information on precipitation rate, so I rate the sprinkler half a point lower than the Hunter PGJ.
Below is a short glossary with explanations of the technical terms used on the site:
Riser
That part of the sprinkler that moves up out of the ground when irrigation starts. The height determines at what height the sprinkler head sits when watering. Standard are 4 or 6 inches, if obstacles have to be overcome, a higher climber can make sense.
Pressure regulation
With the help of a pressure regulation, the pressure is reduced to a certain predetermined value. Some sprinkler bodies have built-in pressure regulation, sometimes in several variants, e.g. for 30 psi or 40 psi. This ensures that you reliably know that the sprinkler is being supplied with this and no higher pressure and that all sprinklers in the irrigation circuit are therefore working with the same pressure.
Nozzles (nozzle sets)
With most sprinklers, the sprinkler nozzles can be swapped out. Depending on the size selected, the nozzle then lets more or less water through and ensures a smaller or larger throw distance. When purchasing these sprinklers, a standard nozzle set is included with the sprinkler. Additional nozzle sets can also be purchased in some cases. These are intended for specific applications, e.g. extra flat spray, high flow, short radius or MPR (matched precipitation rate).
Flow
Indicates how many liters of water the sprinkler consumes per hour in the given constellation – i.e. with a certain water pressure and a certain sector setting. Note: This consumption information always refers to the throw distance according to the table. If this throw distance is reduced manually using a disruptive screw – some models allow a reduction of up to 25% – then the flow rate is also lower than stated!
Continuous sprinklers
By default, common sprinklers work by moving in one direction until they reach the boundary of the specified sector. In the case of a sprinkler with a fixed 360 degree sector, the sprinkler head would rotate once around its own axis. Once the specified sector has been covered, the sprinkler head turns around and moves back to the starting point. In addition to these reversible sprinklers, some manufacturers also offer continuous models, at Rain Bird these are referred to as “full circle sprinklers”. These water in 360-degree mode, i.e. the entire full circle around the sprinkler, but do not turn around as soon as they arrive back at the starting point, but continue to move in the same direction.
Impulse sprinkler
The sprinklers presented on this page are all geared sprinklers. With one exception: the Rain Bird Maxi-Paw is an impulse sprinkler or impact sprinkler. These sprinklers were also used in the private sector in the past, but were then gradually replaced by geared sprinklers. Their main disadvantage was the somewhat louder operating noise produced when sprinkling. This plays no role in the irrigation of agricultural land or soccer fields, but it can be a nuisance for the neighbors in private gardens. Impulse sprinklers move forward in jerky motion. The water jet shoots through a nozzle and deflects the jet separator in the jet. Spring tension causes it to swing back again, rotating the sprinkler a certain degree each time it swings back. The deflection of the jet by the jet separator also produces the noise typical of the impulse sprinkler.
Minimum possible throw distance
The smallest radius that can be achieved with this sprinkler. So if the sprinkler is operated with the minimum possible pressure and maximum utilization of the manual throw reduction (interference screw).
Maximum possible throw distance
The largest throw distance that can be achieved with this sprinkler. So if the sprinkler is operated with the maximum possible pressure.
MPR (Matched Precipitation Rate)
Is the principle of having the same precipitation rate over the entire irrigated lawn and thus not having to irrigate for an unnecessarily long time (so that even the poorest areas receive enough water). This can be done using your own MPR nozzles, which automatically coordinate the precipitation rate depending on the irrigated sector of the district. An MPR nozzle set contains 4 nozzles (Q, T, H, F). Depending on which circle sector you water, you use the nozzle for the quarter circle (Quarter), third circle (Third), half circle (Half) or full circle (Full). The MPR nozzle sets are also available in different versions 25, 30 or 35. This number indicates the throw distance that you can cast with the variant in feet. The second alternative to implementing the MPR principle is to use sprinklers that already have the MPR principle built in (Hunter MP-Rotator, Rain Bird R-VAN). In the following blog post you will find even more background information on adjusting the amount of precipitation.
Precipitation
The precipitation is given in the output tables in inches per hour. Precipitation rates are reported for 2 types of irrigation: square pattern irrigation, denoted by a ∎ and triangular pattern irrigation, denoted by a ▲. The specified precipitation rates are only achieved if the sprinklers are placed on the lawn according to these principles! On its own, each sprinkler would have a completely different, much lower, precipitation rate. Note: Precipitation rates are given for most sprinklers when operating as a half-circle sprinkler, but in some cases also when operating as a full-circle sprinkler. This is detailed in the manufacturer’s descriptions.
Sector setting
The specified sector setting indicates which sectors of a circle can be irrigated with the sprinkler. A section of 40 to 360 degrees means, for example, that the section of the circle that is irrigated must be at least 40 degrees. A very narrow section of 30 degrees, for example, would not be possible with this. In this case, any section of a circle up to a full circle (360 degrees) would be possible, going beyond 40 degrees. With the MP-Rotator, the possible sector setting depends on the choice of sprinkler model variant, which can either only be operated as a full circle, from 210 to 270 degrees or from 90 to 210 degrees.
Water pressure
The water pressure listed in the comparison tables is the water pressure that actually reaches the sprinklers and consequently determines their range.
I am an enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer and have been running this blog on the subject of garden irrigation for more than 6 years now. In over 150 specialist articles, I share my own experiences and know-how from years of research and numerous product tests. -> More about me
