Why We Choose Hunter Over Rainbird for Sprinkler Systems
At River Cities Systems, we’ve been serving the community for over 20 years, providing high-quality sprinkler solutions to homeowners. Throughout our years of experience, we’ve worked with a variety of brands including Nelson, Toro, Hunter, and Rainbird. Initially, we allowed customers to choose the brand that suited them best, but after about five years of observing customer preferences, we noticed a clear trend: Hunter and Rainbird products were the most popular.
While both brands offer reliable products, after extensive use, we found that Rainbird didn’t quite measure up to Hunter in certain areas. As a result, we made the decision to exclusively offer Hunter products, and we’ve been confident in that choice ever since.
Here are the top 5 reasons why we believe Hunter is the superior option:
1. Durability
Hunter products are known for their exceptional durability. They’re designed to handle higher PSI levels, making them more resilient in terms of water pressure, winterization, and extreme weather conditions. Since sprinkler heads are often exposed to fluctuating temperatures, you need products that can withstand the stress of freezing weather, intense sun, and even the weight of equipment running over them. Hunter’s durability ensures that your system performs reliably year after year.
2. Valves
One common issue with Rainbird valves is their screws, which tend to strip easily. While this may seem like a minor concern, it can cause major frustration during maintenance. If a valve requires attention and the screws are stripped, the job can go from a quick fix to a long, complicated process—especially when the valve box is buried underground. Hunter’s valves, on the other hand, feature a dual-screw system, allowing you to use a hex screw if the Phillips head strips. This small difference makes a big impact, saving you significant time and money on repairs.
3. Controllers
Programming a sprinkler system controller should be simple and intuitive, and Hunter excels in this area. Their controllers are easy to use and share a consistent programming interface across different models, whether for residential, light commercial, or commercial applications. Once you learn to use one Hunter controller, you can quickly adapt to others in the range. In contrast, Rainbird controllers vary widely in design and programming, often requiring you to reference the manual just to understand the basic functionality. From our experience, Hunter controllers are more reliable and easier to work with, offering better design and functionality.
4. Malfunction Rate
While both Hunter and Rainbird heads are built to last, we’ve found that Hunter heads tend to malfunction less frequently over time. A malfunctioning head can result in an uneven lawn, with green patches where the head is stuck and brown areas surrounding it. Hunter’s consistent reliability minimizes these issues, ensuring that your lawn remains uniform and healthy.
5. Price
Though Rainbird products are generally cheaper upfront, their lower cost doesn’t always make them the best value. When you factor in the cost of repairs and replacements over time, Rainbird can become more expensive in the long run. At River Cities Systems, we offer competitive pricing on Hunter products, and we’re proud to back them with a 3-year warranty. We are confident in the quality of the products we install, and we believe our customers get better value from the durability and performance of Hunter systems.
In conclusion, while Rainbird offers a lower initial cost, we believe that Hunter products deliver greater reliability, longer-lasting durability, and ultimately better value. If you’re considering installing a new sprinkler system or upgrading your existing one, we strongly recommend Hunter for your next investment.
Interested in learning more or getting a free estimate? Fill out the form below, and we’ll get in touch with you soon. We look forward to helping you keep your lawn lush and healthy!
