In for info on this thread.
I've been using two
Swan Soft & Supple hoses for almost twenty years. They've given fine service and the one that works hardest is due for replacement this year as its outer housing is cracking (although it hasn't started leaking yet).
I've been happy with Swan, and I see they've licensed the Goodyear name for one of their lines. I'll bet those *are* good hoses, as those who have reported on their ownership are saying.
In general, rubber will remain more flexible down to lower temperatures than synthetics like PVC or polyurethane. It's also heavier, most of the time (companies are working on lower density rubber compounds to address that).
I've spent forty years in and around polymer science and technology, and it's frustrating for companies to use nonspecific terms like "hybrid". Sure, it's a popular buzzword, but I'd like to know what the hose construction is *really* based on to make decisions.
