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The beautiful green lawn is something we all hope to achieve. All the nutrients and trimming in the world won’t get you the healthy grass you are looking for without adequate water. This might not be a problem depending on winter, but in warmer weather, a sprinkler system is going to be like a magic wand for your lawn.
We are going to look at two of the sprinklers from the popular brand Rain Bird. We will compare the features of the Rain Bird 42SA vs 5000. All of the information will be added to a comparison chart for quick viewing and we will follow up with some pros and cons of each.
We will start by looking at what the Rain Bird 42SA and the Rain Bird 5000 have in common.
Rain Bird 42SA vs 5000 – Similarities
Quick Glance
With quite a few different features, it might be easier to get an overview of the Rain Bird 42SA and the Rain Bird 5000 with the following comparison chart.
Rain Curtain Technology
Equipped with Rain Curtain Technology, the Rain Bird 42SA and the Rain Bird 5000 produce larger water droplets. This prevents misting and airborne evaporation so that your lawn gets the right amount of water exactly where you need it, allowing you to save money.
The Pressure
The Rain Bird 42SA and the Rain Bird 5000 have pre-installed 3.0 GPM gallons per minute nozzle with an average residential water pressure of 45-55 psi.
Closed-Case Design
With the closed case design, the Rain Bird 42SA and the Rain Bird 5000 are ideal for creeping grass, sandy soil, and other harsh surroundings that you may experience in your lawn. Both have standard rubber covers for added protection.
The Arc
You can set the arc of the Rain Bird 42SA and the Rain Bird 5000 water spray can be set at an arc from 40º to 360º for complete, all-round coverage. When you first purchase them, they are set at 180º, but you can change this, even when the sprinklers are in use. Just be sure to adjust them in the same direction as they are moving (either clockwise or anticlockwise).
Inlet
The base of the Rain Bird 42SA and the Rain Bird 5000 are both ¾ inch NPT female bottom-threaded inlets.
There are a couple of differences between the Rain Bird 42SA and the Rain Bird 5000 and we will discuss those now.
Differences Between Rain Bird 42SA and Rain Bird 5000
Pop-up Height
The pop-up height refers to the height of the nozzle from the ground. The higher the nozzle, the better it is for clearing taller grass.
Rain Bird 42SA
This has a pop-up height of 4 inches.
Rain Bird 5000
You have various buying options with the Rain Bird 5000. You can choose from the 4-inch, 6 inch, and 12-inch pop-up heights.
The Winner Is- The Rain Bird 5000
The Rotor
As the name implies, the rotor is what makes the nozzles rotate. It is essential that they function correctly to ensure that water is spread evenly across the area.
Rain Bird 42SA
The gear-driven rotors are water-lubricated so that they are reliable and will last for a long duration.
Rain Bird 5000
This rotor includes a triple blade wiper seal making it one of the most leak-resistant rotors on the market.
The Winner Is- The Rain Bird 5000
Spray Distance
Probably one of the most important features of sprinkles is the spray distance.
Rain Bird 42SA
The Rain Bird 42SA has an adjustable spray range of between 26 and 38 feet.
Rain Bird 5000
This nozzle is suitable for residential and light commercial use. The spray range can be set to between 25 and 50 feet.
The Winner Is- The Rain Bird 5000
Value for Money
Prices will vary greatly depending on the features we have discussed. Rain Bird generally sits in the average price range compared with other brands.
Rain Bird 42SA
The best value for money is probably the 4 pack which comes at a price between $55 and $65. There is no information on the warranty.
Rain Bird 5000
For just a few extra dollars, you can buy a pack of 6 sprinkler heads and adjustment tools. On top of this, the pack comes with an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
The Winner Is- The Rain Bird 5000
Pros and Cons
Just before we deliver our final verdict, we have some pros and cons of the Rain Bird 42SA and the Rain Bird 5000.
Rain Bird 42SA
Pros:
- These sprinkles are very simple to adjust
- They are a great option if you are looking to quickly replace the nozzle heads of an existing system
- You will save money on water and on using a professional to install nozzle heads
Cons:
- It would be nice if they came with the adjustment tool
Rain Bird 5000
Pros:
- They are incredibly durable
- They have excellent coverage
- The pack is really good value for the money
Cons:
- They aren’t quite as easy to install
The Final Verdict
It is certainly true that the quality of these sprinkler heads is impressive. We loved how easy they were to adjust to exactly the right arc and coverage that you need for your lawn. Better yet, you can make the adjustments as they are in use, so you don’t have to guess, turn them on, turn them off adjust, etc.
When it comes to choosing one overall winner, we felt that the Rain Bird 5000. The additional water spray range, the adjustment tool, and the amazing 5-year warranty make the Rain Bird 5000 a great choice for multiple lawns.