The Best Impact Sprinkler You Can Use for Your Lawn! Best 2023 Update

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Maintaining the look and feel of our garden is very important as this is what brings freshness to our homes.

Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can do that. But the best one is to use a garden impact sprinkler.

But then again, you need to consider a lot of things to find the best one. And that’s what we’re going to talk about in this article.

Here, we’ll be teaching you the things you need to know to get the best one. We’ll also be suggesting to you the best impact sprinklers you can buy.

Take away key points:

  • Best impact sprinklers are ideal for healthy lawns and other garden needs
  • You can adjust and manage the systems for your watering needs and similar standards
  • Look for durable and reliable models to keep your lawns optimal

What is an impact sprinkler?

There are many types of garden sprinklers, and one of those is the impact sprinkler.

These impact sprinklers are driven by a circular motion made possible by the force of the water. It then pivots around its top using the threaded attachment nut found in its structure.

Though there are some places that replace these with gear-driven rotor head sprinklers, the use of impact sprinklers is still pretty much alive in other parts of the world.

The benefits of having an impact sprinkler

Here are some of the crucial benefits the lawn sprinklers offer you:

1. Huge coverage

The best thing about having an impact sprinkler is its huge coverage.

Compared to other garden sprinklers, impact sprinklers can cover a bigger area because of the mechanism and the way that the water sprinkles out of it.

It’s because of this that impact sprinklers are the sprinkler of choice of homeowners who have big gardens or lawns.

There are even some cases when these impact sprinklers are equivalent to two pieces of standard garden sprinklers.

2. Water efficiency

What’s great about these impact sprinklers is their water efficiency.

They are best known for their water-efficient design because it uses minimal water. But even though it doesn’t use much water, it can still cover a huge area.

That’s what separates them from the other sprinkler types.

When you have one of these, you’ll surely experience a reduction in your water bill because it uses just enough water it needs to sprinkle on your garden or lawn.

3. Automation

are impact sprinklers efficient

These are made for the sake of convenience because of their automated design. This means that you don’t need to be physically present to turn the impact sprinkler on or off.

Though this has been the case for previous models, there are now premium sprinklers that have an automated switch feature that has a built-in timer.

All you have to do is set the time when they’ll sprinkle water or when they’ll switch off.

4. Healthier plants

What happens when you use an impact sprinkler is that your garden or lawn benefits greatly from it. Why?

It’s because it supplies them with enough water, not too much or not too little. It supplies them with the right amount of water which in turn makes them healthier.

And when this happens, you’ll notice your garden looking fresher and more alive than ever. It would turn lush green, which would then add beauty to your home.

This is very important, especially since your garden is what adds freshness and is what relaxes your senses.

5. Prevents flooding

Just like what was mentioned earlier, having an impact sprinkler would save you the hassle of having to turn it on or off manually.

This is because of its automation. And with its automation comes the right supply of water needed to keep them healthy and looking freshly green.

It does this without the risk of flooding because it supplies the right amount of water to the area you intend to water.

Best impact sprinklers money can buy: Our top 10 favorites

These are the best impact sprinklers you can currently find on the market! Choose according to your needs!

$Rain Bird AG-5 All Gallonage Pop-Up Impact Sprinkler

Best for water pressure, regardless of its strength. The design and swivel connection make the sprinkler ideal for severe weather conditions, and it lasts longer.

But you need extra tools to install and remove the sprinkler, unlike other models.

$Rain Bird P5-R PLUS Plastic Impact Sprinkler

Best for an affordable price and reliable construction. The sprinkler works well with high and low pressure and you can adjust the distance to cover more or less square feet.

Still, you might find it hard to use the system.

$Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler

Best for both high and low pressure, for more or less square feet coverage area. The affordable price makes it more attractive, and the durable construction is crucial for multiple robust uses.

However, the sprinkler has a poor adjustment spray system, unlike most sprinklers.

$$Orbit Zinc Impact Sprinkler

Most flexible and adjustable system with multiple positive reviews from different users. The sturdy construction easily operates with cold water and you can manage the distance and pattern to meet your standards and square feet.

Yet the settings should not be changed.

$$Rain Bird LG3HE In-Ground Impact Sprinkler

The most versatile construction with various positive reviews and a healthy lawn. The reliable and strong construction resists all weather elements, and you can use it for an extended period.

Anyhow, the low-pressure sprinkler has a shorter battery slot.

$$STYDDI Heavy Duty Impact Sprinkler

Most effective and efficient unit even with low-pressure methods, and its durable design makes it ideal for more robust applications.

The impact sprinkler doesn’t offers reverse direction.

$$Orbit Heavy Duty Brass Lawn Impact Sprinkler

Bet durable material and square feet coverage to ensure optimal performance and water flow for your needs. The brass impact sprinkler works as a low-pressure impact sprinkler and you can adjust it to your watering standards.

It offers a way too bulky design.

$$ – Hourleey Impact Sprinkler

Best heavy-duty construction for optimal use and more reliable performance. The strong and sturdy construction makes it ideal for different robust applications.

Nevertheless, the sprinkler cannot work with low pressure.

$$Melnor 3900H Impact Lawn Sprinkler

The most durable with a stable base and secure connections. Ideal for current or new irrigation systems, and different watering needs.

Nonetheless, the system cannot operate well with low pressure.

$$Orbit 55025 Satellite 2 Impact Sprinkler

Most adjustable and versatile impact sprinkler system. The spray distance, patterns, and similar features are versatile enough to offer you great watering standards.

Sometimes, the mechanism can cause multiple issues.

#1. Rain Bird AG-5 Pop-Up Impact Sprinkler – Best for design

  • Brand: Rain Bird
  • Material: Plastic
  • Style: In-ground/pop-up nozzles
  • Best for: distance adjustment

The best competitive product on the list is from a renowned and familiar manufacturer in the field, Rain Bird. This Rain Bird AG-5 is an upgraded version of the previous Rain Bird P5-R that we will mention below.

As expected, this impact sprinkler is one of the best-sellers in the market with various advantages.

The most outstanding of this sprinkler is the pop-up design that can retract out of sight when finishing its jobs. Thus, you can use it even in the high-traffic area without the fear of someone might kick it and destroy it.

In terms of performance, this AG-5 sprinkler is very reliable, with adjustable spray distances between 24 to 45’. Apart from infinite pattern adjustment, the spray arc can be tuned from 20 to 360 degrees to meet your needs.

Also, it comes with five additional nozzles that can help you with various watering rates from 1.5 gallons per minute to 8.4 gallons per minute.

Pros
  • Smart design to retract out of sight when not in use
  • Multiple interchangeable nozzles for variable watering rates
  • Easy to assemble
  • Excellent for hard water, well water, and high-mineral water
Cons
  • Need a special tool to install and remove

#2. Rain Bird Plastic Impact Sprinkler – Best for price

  • Brand: Rain Bird
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Style: Plastic, inlet nozzles
  • Best for: a flow rate of the watering area

The Rain Bird P5-R PLUS Plastic Impact Sprinkler is another one worth reckoning.

This has a double-weighted arm that’s made of brass, giving it a solid look and performance.

It also has a diffuser screw that makes small droplets of water for uniform coverage.

But the main highlight of this sprinkler is its removable nozzle that features a bayonet design, allowing you easy access to its interior when cleaning it.

Pros
  • The materials this one is made of can clearly be seen as of high quality.
  • Its adjustability feature makes this as one of the best performing sprinklers out there.
  • It also is visually pleasing thanks to its sleek design.
Cons
  • The features are a bit tricky to use.

#3. Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler – Best for high and low-pressure systems

  • Brand: Rain Bird
  • Material: Brass
  • Style: Rotary
  • Best for: durable materials

The Rain Bird Brass Impact Sprinkler is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and long-lasting sprinkler. Constructed of brass, bronze, and stainless steel, this heavy-duty sprinkler is designed to last longer than competitors’ zinc sprinklers.

The Rain Bird sprinkler head is easy to install and adjust, with a full or part circle spray pattern that can be adjusted from 20° to 360°. The straight-through water flow design provides superior dirty water performance, making it ideal for any landscape and irrigation system.

The heavy-duty construction is patterned to ensure all robust applications. The garden sprinkler adds a classic touch to your outdoor space while its adjustable spray distance of 20 – 41 feet ensures you get just the right amount of coverage for your lawn or garden.

With its solid construction and reliable performance, you can trust that this Rain Bird water sprinkler will keep your landscape lush and green all year long.

Whether you’re looking for an upgrade from your current system or starting from scratch, the Rain Bird model is an excellent choice.

With its durable construction and adjustable settings, it’s sure to provide years of reliable service while keeping your outdoor space looking beautiful.

Pros
  • water pressure
  • irrigation system
  • water flow
  • water coverage
Cons
  • poor spraying distance adjustments

#4. Orbit Zinc Impact Sprinkler – Best for flexibility

  • Brand: Orbit
  • Material: Zinc
  • Style: Zinc
  • Best for: water output

The Orbit Zinc Impact Sprinkler is one you should try if you have a large lawn or if you want to cover a huge area.

But even though this is great for large lawns, this will still be effective in small areas because of the adjustability feature it has.

Its spray pattern can be adjusted from a partial circle to a full circle or vice versa.

You can also adjust its tripod base from 16 inches to 37.5 inches. That’s how versatile and flexible this impact sprinkler is. It’s because of this that it had been one of our favorite impact sprinklers.

It even has its own 1/2-inch male impact head that’s threaded.

Pros
  • It’s got a pretty good coverage as it can cover a huge area. You won’t be short of coverage when you got this one.
  • And even though it has huge area coverage, it’s still very flexible as you can adjust it if you’re going to use it on a smaller area.
  • Its quality is also pretty nice. You can see that it’s very sturdy and premium made.
Cons
  • It’s a bit inconsistent especially if you’re going to always adjust its settings.
  • It’s best if the settings are left unchanged.
  • Its tripod material also feels a bit cheap because of its texture. Its surface is also not that smooth.

#5. Rain Bird LG3HE In-Ground Impact Sprinkler – The most versatile design

  • Brand: Rain Bird
  • Material: Stainless steel, brass
  • Style: Impact sprinkler, Click-N-Go connect
  • Best for: high and low water pressure for a healthy lawn

The Rain Bird In-Ground Impact Sprinkler is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient sprinkler for your entire lawn.

This water sprinkler has a double-weighted mechanism that slows rotation and increases the distance of watering up to 41 feet. It also works with a full range of water pressures, from 25 to 55 PSI, making it perfect for any size yard or garden.

The best model eliminates the hassle of having to set up and remove it each time you spray water your lawn. It installs in just one small hole without any trenching required, so you can spend more time enjoying your yard instead of working on it.

The Click-N-Go hose connector makes attaching and detaching garden hoses quick and easy, while still providing the exclusive watering efficiency of the garden sprinkler.

The water sprinkler pops up when you need to water your lawn, then retracts out of sight when you’re done so you can mow right over it without worrying about damaging the sprinkler head.

Plus, once you set it up, there’s no need to adjust or re-adjust the settings every time you use the watering system – just attach your hose and go!

Pros
  • water pressure
  • water coverage
  • sturdy base
Cons
  • battery slot issues

#6. STYDDI Heavy Duty Impact Sprinkler – Best for efficiency

  • Brand: STYDDI
  • Material: Metal, zinc
  • Style: 360, adjustable, pulsating
  • Best for: slower rotation and low water pressure

The following lawn sprinkler is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and durable sprinkler. The all-zinc alloy construction ensures that the lawn sprinkler is rust and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for extreme weather conditions.

The STYDDI zinc impact sprinkler also features a heavy-duty metal base which helps to keep the sprinkler from tipping over with proper water pressure. The durable metal base offers heavy-duty and stable construction without wasting water.

The adjustable circular zinc pulsator makes it easy to customize the coverage area of the sprinkler, so you can get just the right amount of water where you need it.

The adjustable tripod base also makes it easy to set up and adjust the height of the perfect sprinkler, allowing you to reach higher areas with ease.

Overall, this is an excellent lawn sprinkler for anyone looking for a reliable and durable impact sprinkler for your irrigation needs. It’s easy to set up and adjust, and its sturdy construction ensures that it will last through even the toughest weather conditions. So, the water pressure sprays water through the adjustable deflector flap regardless of external impacts.

Pros
  • tripod impact sprinkler
  • low pressure and high-pressure management
  • irrigation systems
  • durable metal
Cons
  • no reverse direction

#7. Orbit Lawn Impact Sprinkler – Best for coverage

  • Brand: Orbit
  • Material: Brass
  • Style: 360, adjustable
  • Best for: a durable material

The Orbit Heavy Duty Brass Lawn Impact Sprinkler has coverage of 7,800 square feet.

This is equivalent to a 100-foot diameter coverage, which is more than enough if you’ve got a medium-sized to large-sized lawn. The tripod can also be easily adjusted thanks to its smooth mechanism.

If you want to adjust its sprinkling pattern to a partial circle, then simply flick the switch. Or, if you want to bring it back to sprinkling full circle, do the same process again.

If you’re the kind of person who’s always on the go, and you wish to bring this sprinkler with you, then you won’t have any problem with it. It’s because its tripod is retractable.

The gooseneck-type connection also provides an easy hose connection.

Pros
  • Despite its affordability, it still has a lot of great features that are very useful.
  • This one’s a user-friendly sprinkler.
Cons
  • It doesn’t look good because of its bulky design.
  • This one is only highly effective on small lawns.

#8. Hourleey Impact Sprinkler – The most reliable and strongest design

  • Brand: Hourleey
  • Material: Brass
  • Style: Adjustable, misting
  • Best for: heavy-duty brass design

This brass impact sprinkler is an exceptional piece of technology that exceeds my expectations in more ways than one. I’ve used several sprinklers before, but none of them come close to the Hourleey Impact Sprinkler. It’s incredibly easy to install and delivers a powerful spray that covers a wide area.

The brass impact sprinkler has advanced durability. It’s made from high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it perfect for outdoor use.

The adjustable spray distance and rotation angle also make it incredibly versatile and suitable for watering any size or shape of your lawn. Thus, the double brass weighted arm resists all external impacts.

Additionally, the water-saving technology is a game-changer. The brass impact sprinkler has adjustable water flow and pressure, which ensures that water is distributed evenly without wasting it. This feature helps you save money on your water bill while keeping your lawn looking green and healthy.

If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting sprinkler that will help you save money on your water bill, then the Hourleey Brass Impact Sprinkler is a great choice.

Pros
  • easy to install and use
  • water pressure
  • heavy-duty brass construction
  • diffuser screw
  • larger lawn size
Cons
  • needs a high water pressure

#9. Melnor Impact Lawn Sprinkler – Best for durability

  • Brand: Melnor
  • Material: Metal
  • Style: oscillating
  • Best for: the metal base and spray distance

Next on our list today is a product from a leading producer of lawn and garden watering equipment in North America, Melnor Impact Lawn Sprinkler.

This sprinkler is suitable for those who are looking for a serious sprinkler that they can count on for at least seven years. It is wholly built of durable and non-corrosive metal that can last season after season under the beating of weather.

Namely, the base is made of durable zinc and carefully coated in enamel to resist water and corrosion for long-term uses.

In terms of radius, this sprinkler works well with medium and large lawns with a maximum reach of 50 feet. You can easily adjust the spray radius to tackle smaller watering tasks.

Also, you can fine-tune this Melnor impact sprinkler between 20 degrees to the full 360 degrees for a circular shape of a maximum of 7,850 square feet.

Moreover, you can also change the sprinkling patterns with a push-down tab.

Pros
  • All parts are made from high-quality metal
  • Backed by a 7-year warranty
  • The maximum radius of 50 ft, or a circle of 7,850 sq ft
Cons
  • Requires high water pressure to operate properly

#10. Orbit 55025 Satellite 2 Impact Sprinkler – Best for adjustable distance

  • Brand: Orbit
  • Material: Plastic
  • Style: Pop up
  • Best for: adjustable water spray and sturdy base

The Orbit 55025 Satellite 2 Impact Sprinkler is another one that we’d recommend. This one is highly recommended because of its adjustable distance.

But it’s not just that, as this one’s also got a diffuser pin that gives you total control over how you want your impact sprinkler to water your garden.

This also has an easy-to-adjust pattern that lets you choose if you want it to sprinkle water in a full circle or in a part circle.

What we also like about this one is its heavy-duty canister that has ¼-inch and 3/4-inch dual inlets. This makes the installation process easier than other sprinklers that don’t have this feature.

And if you have a dirty water supply, don’t worry because this is made to handle situations like these.

Pros
  • It is very easy to install thanks to its advanced but simple features.
  • Adjusting this one is also easy to do. It won’t even take you five seconds to do it.
Cons
  • There are times when the mechanism sticks. To avoid this from happening, you better wash it frequently.
  • The spread is also not that remarkable.

Things to check when choosing an impact sprinkler

These are the crucial factors to consider for the best impact sprinklers:

1. Coverage

There are a lot of things you need to consider when choosing an impact sprinkler.

But the first one should always be the coverage. It’s because this is what impact sprinklers are meant for, which is to sprinkle water into your intended area of coverage. So make sure that it will reach the place you intend to water.

You also need to know if you’re going to use it on a small lawn, a medium-sized one, or a huge lawn.

2. Durability

Make sure that it’s durable so that you’ll get the most out of your money. It should have a long service life so that you don’t need to buy a new one just after a few months or years of use.

Ensuring the durability of an impact sprinkler also gives you the assurance that it won’t easily be damaged because it’s of high quality. You can do this by touching the surface and feeling any bumps on its texture.

The surface of the impact sprinkler should be as smooth as possible, as these are a few signs that it has undergone a precision-crafted process.

3. Material

how does an impact sprinkler work

Also, make sure that it’s made of high-quality materials.

There are already a lot of impact sprinklers that are made from new synthetic chemicals that are mixed. But be cautious of these sprinklers as these mostly have a below-average quality.

As much as possible, stick to impact sprinklers that are made of stainless steel or perhaps brass

4. Look

Making sure that it looks good might be nonsense for some, as there are a lot of people who tend to disregard the visual appearance of a product.

Well, in the case of an impact sprinkler, you need to make sure that it looks good. It’s because this is going to be placed in the garden. And when it’s placed there, there are a lot of people who are going to see it. Hence, you need to make sure that it looks good.

Because if not, then it would be an eyesore not only to them but to your home as well. You see, the visual look of a product is a reflection of your own home. If it doesn’t look good, then chances are that you might not be keen on the details.

Take note, too, that being keen on details is as important as maintaining the feel of your home.

5. Price

Then there’s the element of price that you should never disregard. This is very important because this is where you’ll see if the product is worth buying or not.

When choosing an impact sprinkler, be sure that it’s not over-priced. Though you might think that an expensive product is of high quality, then you’ve got it wrong. Yes, this might apply to some, but not to all. But you should also make sure that it’s not too cheap.

Those impact sprinklers that are very affordable are most of the time made of low-quality materials, so you need to avoid these kinds of products.

To keep it safe, choose those that are in the mid-range price so that you’re assured that it’s not overly priced or cheap.

FAQs

How does an impact sprinkler work?

Impact sprinklers are a type of irrigation sprinkler that use the force of the outgoing water to drive the sprinkler head in a circular motion. This motion causes the water to be sprayed in a circular pattern, which is ideal for watering large areas such as lawns.

The sprinkler head is connected to two arms, and when the water is released it impacts the stream of water coming out of them, causing it to rotate. This rotation can be adjusted by changing the angle of the arms or by using different cams on the sprinkler head.

When to use an impact sprinkler?

Impact sprinklers are best used in warm weather as they should not be used with hot water.

How to change an impact sprinkler head?

First, locate the sprinkler head and turn off the water supply. Then, use an impact sprinkler wrench to pry up the top of the sprinkler and unscrew the internal mechanism.

Next, remove any debris from the area surrounding the head and insert a new one. Make sure it is firmly in place before turning on the water supply again.

How many impact sprinklers can I run at once?

Generally, you can run up to two sprinklers with a 10 gpm flow rate at your spigot.

How much water do impact sprinklers use?

Impact sprinklers use 20 to 30 liters per minute (5 to 8 gallons per minute).

Why is my impact sprinkler not rotating?

The most common issue is the lack of pressure or flow to power the sprinkler. If you’re sure there is sufficient water pressure in the system and a single head won’t rotate, the problem could be a clog in the pipe to which it’s attached.

Additionally, trapped dirt or debris in the filter, poor water pressure, broken irrigation lines, and a damaged sprinkler head can all cause an impact sprinkler to stop rotating.

Which is the better: impact or the rotor sprinkler?

Impact sprinklers are great for larger areas, as they can spray water in a circle over a large area. Rotor sprinklers, on the other hand, are better suited for smaller areas because they cover a smaller area with more precise water distribution.

In terms of cost, impact rotors tend to be more expensive due to their construction out of bronze or brass. However, they can last for years and have a longer field life than plastic sprinkler heads.

On the other hand, rotary sprinklers are driven by internal gears that disperse the water exactly where you want it in the desired volume but may not last as long as impact rotors.

And the final winner is…?

Finally, if you have ever asked which product is the best on the list, the answer will be the Rain Bird AG-5 Impact Sprinkler because of the following reasons:

– High performance with extensive coverage and adjustable radius

– Interchangeable nozzles for multiple uses

– Possessing a filter to deal with hard water

– Easy installation and maintenance

So if you want to have the best impact sprinkler, then this one’s your best choice. You’ll surely see the wonder of it when you use it.

Conclusion

Now you can understand the best impact sprinklers better and choose your final winner. Whatever your choice might be, all these models are more advanced than standard sprinklers, so they won’t let you down.

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Ben Bareja

Ben Bareja, the owner-founder-webmaster of CropsReview.com. This website was conceptualized primarily to serve as an e-library for reference purposes on the principles and practices in crop science, including basic botany. Read more here

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