If you are on the market for sprinkler heads or rotor sprinklers, there are numerous options. Two of some of the options you can consider are the K-Rain and the Rainbird. The K-Rain and the Rainbird are similar in some ways and dissimilar in some. Both operate using the same style i.e. the pop- up style. They actually have more or less the same pop up height. They have the same arc rotation which ranges from 40 degrees to 360 degrees. They differ substantially in their spray distances or coverage. Their build quality and water savings capacities differ as well. Let us discuss more on how the K-Rain fares against the Rainbird.
Table of Contents
K-Rain Vs Rainbird: Comparison Table
| K-Rain | Rainbird | |
| Style | Pop up | Pop up |
| Pop Up Height | 5 inches | 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 9.9 ounces | 10.4 ounces |
| Dimensions | 10.2 × 3.19 × 2.95 inches | 2.5 × 2.5 × 6.6 inches |
| Arc Rotation | 40 – 360 degrees | 40 – 360 degrees |
| Coverage | 22 – 51 feet | 13 – 18 feet |
| Build Material | Plastic | Heavy duty |
| Water Savings | Average | 75 percent |
| Certifications | None | ICC-ES & EPA |
| Price | Check Price On Amazon | Check Price On Amazon |
| K-Rain |
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| Rainbird |
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K-Rain Vs Rainbird: Build Material
The K-Rain is largely made out of plastic. The Rainbird is made out of hard, heavy duty material. This makes the K-Rain a little less durable than the Rainbird. On the other hand, the K-Rain is much easier to handle and work with due to its flexibility and smoothness. The plastic material of the K-Rain makes it easier for pattern adjustment. This is not the case with the Rainbird’s hard heavy duty material. Pattern adjustment will tend to be harder with the Rainbird. In the end, the nature of the K-Rain’s build quality is more preferable. After all, getting the best operational user experience is what is best.
K-Rain Vs Rainbird: What Is Included In The Package
When you purchase the K-Rain it comes with the rotor, nozzle rack, an adjustment key, and installation instructions. The Rainbird also includes the same items in the package. In fact one of the aspects that customers love is the inclusion of the brand-specific adjustment tool. This saves people the hassle of having to look for one as it may not be readily available.
K-Rain Vs Rainbird: Design And Features
The Rainbird comes with a part or full circle pattern pop-up rotor with flow shut-off. It also has a self-cleaning arc adjustment screw. The Rainbird also has a heavy duty cover assembly. This augments its robustness and durability. It also has a heavy duty retract spring. This is essential for positive pop-down. The Rainbird has rain curtain nozzles. This features a slip clutch mechanism to ensure quick adjustment on installation. Just like The K-Rain, the Rainbird has 40 degrees to 360 degrees arc rotation and reversing full circle rotation. The Rainbird is a step ahead when it comes to certifications. It is ICC-ES and EPA certified. Additionally, the design of the Rainbird enables it to save water by up to 75 percent.
K-Rain Vs Rainbird: Arc Rotation And Coverage
The K-Rain and the Rainbird both have the same arc rotation range. You can adjust both of them from 40 degrees to 360 degrees. This is all good because you can cover more area and faster. Their pop up heights differs slightly; merely separated by just 1 inch. The K-Rain has a pop up height of 5 inches and the Rainbird has a pop up height of 4 inches. This means they are ideal for more or less the same types of grass or lawns. The major difference between the K-Rain and the Rainbird is their coverage. The K-Rain has a coverage ranging from 22 feet to 51 feet and the Rainbird from 13 feet to 18 feet. That emphatically makes the K-Rain the most preferable option.
Pros Of K-Rain
The K-Rain is generally cheaper than the Rainbird. The K-Rain is also easier to work with e.g. in pattern adjustment. The K-Rain also has a bigger coverage i.e. up to 51 feet. Especially you intend to water medium to large lawn spaces, the K-Rain would be ideal. K-Rain sprinklers also feature multi-stream technology. This enables them to withstand wind thus delivering wide coverage. The K-Rain features patented reversing mechanism. Its gear drive is designed for both residential and light commercial applications.
Cons Of K-Rain
Due to it being made out of plastic, it is less durable than the Rainbird. The K-Rain is not backed up by any reputable certifications. This means it may be risky to work with the K-Rain. The K-Rain does have some considerable water saving capability. However, it is not that substantial. This means you still will spend more money on water.
Pros Of Rainbird
The Rainbird is made out of hard heavy duty material. This means it lasts much longer. The Rainbird’s water saving capability is impeccable, reaching 75 or more percent. This culminates in cost reduction due to less money spent on water. Rainbird has two notable certifications namely, ICC-ES and EPA. This makes it a more reputable and safer option to work with. There is significant time saving when using the Rainbird.
Cons Of Rainbird
Due to the hard heavy duty material Rainbird is made out of, it is hard to work with. This is because considerable force may be needed for pattern adjustment. The Rainbird is also costlier compared to the K-Rain. However, this is not that substantial given that it is still less than $20. If you are looking for something cheaper, the Rainbird is not ideal. The Rainbird has a lower coverage too – only up to 18 feet. This means the Rainbird will not be ideal when the area to be covered is quite big. The Rainbird would be great for small residential lawns or areas. For commercial spaces which tend to be large, not so much.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Sprinkler Head
When looking to purchase a sprinkler head you must consider a number of factors. First off, you have to consider the size of the area (i.e. lawn) in question. Coverage of sprinklers differs so you have to factor that in. You also have to factor in the type of grass. Some grass types require heavy and frequent watering whereas some do not. You must also consider the soil type. For instance, some soil types have high water retention thus reducing the need for frequent watering. Another factor is the flow rate of the sprinkler head. This may depend on your location but some locations have water restrictions regulations. That is another factor to consider. The other factor you must consider is the placement of the sprinklers. This will inform on the number of sprinklers you will need.
K-Rain Vs Rainbird: Our Pick
Settling for which is the best between K-Rain and the Rainbird may vary from person to person. Our best pick between the two is the K-Rain. This is because it has a much higher coverage, of which coverage matters in sprinkler head choice. Delivering an adjustable distance ranging from 22 feet to 51 feet, the K-Rain far eclipses the Rainbird. You can comfortably use the K-Rain or areas ranging from medium to large size. The K-Rain is also easier to work with due to the flexibility of its plastic build material. The bonus of picking the K-Rain is that it is cheaper. Though the Rainbird may be considered more durable, the K-Rain does still have considerable durability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Common Types Of Sprinkler Heads?
There are several different types of sprinkler heads. The most common types are spray sprinkler, pop up sprinkler, rotor sprinkler, impact sprinkler, gear drive rotor sprinkler, and drip-line sprinkler. The type of sprinkler head to settle for depends on a number of factors. Some of the common ones are the size of the areas, soil type, type of grass, water pressure of source, flow rate of source, applicable water restriction regulations, and more.
What Is The Flow Rate Of A Rainbird?
This differs depending on the specific type of Rainbird in question. Flow rates span from 0.28 to 6.82 gallons per minute. This is the same as 62 to 1549 liters per hour. Such flow rates deliver the best water distribution.
What Is The Most Efficient Sprinkler Layout?
The most important consideration is overlapping of sprays. Thus the head to head layout is most recommended. This is so that areas covered by each sprinkler head should meet or overlap. This is only possible if you set up the sprinklers equidistantly in the respective zones.
What Is The Best Type Of Sprinkler For A Large Area?
The best type for large areas is a rotating sprinkler. This is also known as the rotor sprinkler. This is because of its working mechanism which enables the dispersion of water in a totally circular fashion. This ensures the water is distributed evenly plus often in swift motions. Rotor sprinklers enable water savings and effective irrigation. That is why when there are water restrictions, rotor sprinklers are ideal.
What Is The Recommended Depth To Run PVC Pipes For A Sprinkler System?
A trench depth ranging from 6 to 12 inches is recommended.
Conclusion
Both the K-Rain and the Rainbird are good sprinkler heads. The choice for either will depend on what your specific needs and circumstances are. If coverage and price point are your key considerations, then the K-Rain is the best for you. If you are more concerned about durability then the Rainbird is for you. Overall, it all comes down to the K-Rain if you want a sprinkler head that ticks the most convenient boxes. After all, their prices are almost the same plus they are both durable. The K-Rain’s biggest strength is that it has a huge coverage, far eclipsing the Rainbird. If you want something certified, more durable and suitable for small areas then the Rainbird would do for you.
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