This item is good & sturdy, it should hold up well under Gulf coast conditions...it survived Ike!! The negative: this reel doesn't hold the length of hose as specified though (maybe 125', but definitely not 150').

Once installed it's solid and far superior the the plastic models I used before. One issue: following the instructions you have to work around the hose reel to tighten the mounting bolts on the right hand side. I'd suggest modifying the instructions so that you feed the hose in, tighten all bolts and THEN finish assembly.

This hose reel is a top quality product that is obviously designed to last. The included hose leader is plenty long enough. Instructions were complete and easy to follow. Although designed for 5/8" hose, I have 3/4" rubber hose on it now. The only issue with that is the product includes a kink-free spring for only a 5/8" hose.

Best product that I have purchased in a long time. Plus made in the good old USA.

I was very pleased with this product. It takes the bull work out of dragging heavy, water-filled hoses. My wife had hand surgery and I had back surgery so we needed a simple, reliable way to handle heavy hoses with less effort, bending, pulling etc. This answered our needs very well. I first saw the product being used on a daily basis at a local commercial flower nursery so that says something for durability. Like some other reviewers, I might have preferred more pre-assembly at the factory but assembling it was not too difficult. It is a winner!