I've had three different ones and they were all great and easy to use when they worked. Unfortunately all three broke within a fortnight. The hose head would break off in mid use giving me a good soaking as well as the garden.

My only experience of these is this - one of my clients bought herself one 2 or 3 years ago. She used it for a couple of months, but since then, its been laying, forgotten and walked over, in the alleyway. I never used it myself, preferring the longer, traditional hosepipe she already had. I can only assume it wasn't that useful for some reason, since its been laying unused and ignored for the last 2 years, so likely more of a 'gimmick'.

I inherited one from my sister and it must have been three years old when I got it. I was fed up with carting the heavy "normal hose" on a reel about and the crinkly one lasted for another three years when it gave up the ghost - it collapsed internally - last summer. I shall be getting another longer one this year.

I was thinking of carrying them in the nursery that I work for, until I started hearing many reports of them bursting easily. That was a few years ago, and I have heard reports that the situation has improved--with an increase of cost, of course!--but I have also heard continuing reports of them bursting. Still waiting for more info and experience now! :)

Oh dear! It sounds as though Camomile was just lucky! Maybe I should think again. Thanks all!

I shall check out reviews on new ones, they are certainly lightweight and easier to deal with.