Ordering Fire Hose

[u/F1REM3DIC]

I work at a small full time department covering approximately 60 square miles and was just tasked with placing an order for new fire hose. I’m not sure where to begin and what to research. We use Fire Chief low pressure nozzles and plan on sticking with that. All attack lines are 200’ triple loads.

We use 1 3/4” and 2” for attack lines (200’ each) and 3” (500’) and 5” (1000’) for supply.

Our hose racks are starting to get bare, so I’ll order enough to outfit two fire engines (enough for each station to outfit one engine) minus ordering the 2000’ of 5” and 1000’ of 3”.

I think in the past we have used Key and Mercedes. And have a combination of the 2.

We’re looking for durability, maneuverability, and something that loads/lays nicely in the hose bed

Just looking for opinions and any help pointing me in the right direction. Thanks!

[u/-JackMagnum]

Flow water with a flow meter attached to see actual flow and pressure of different brands and lines you are considering. I called total bullshit on a hose a vendor was recommending until I saw how it performed and still flowed water with a kink. Went with NAFHC DBak hose. Moved all 1 3/4 lines to this anti kink option. Low psi, flexible around corners and stairways still had great flow.