Impact sprinklers are the classic lawn sprinklers. The ones that make that ch-ch-ch-ch sound. They throw water farther than any other hose-end sprinkler type. They are nearly indestructible. And they work great even with lower water pressure. Here are the 7 best impact sprinklers for every lawn size and budget.
Our Top 7 Impact Sprinklers
| # | Sprinkler | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orbit 58308 Tripod Impact | Brass head on tripod | Best overall for large areas |
| 2 | Rain Bird P5RLSP | Plastic head on spike | Best budget impact sprinkler |
| 3 | Orbit 56186N Brass Impact | Brass head on wheel base | Best portable brass impact |
| 4 | Rain Bird 2045PJ Maxi-Bird | Brass impact head | Best for in-ground systems |
| 5 | Melnor XT Metal Pulsating | Metal head on spike | Best mid-range all-purpose |
| 6 | Orbit 56667 Tripod Zinc | Zinc head on tripod | Best value tripod sprinkler |
| 7 | Rain Bird LG-3 Low Gallonage | Low-flow impact head | Best for low water pressure |
1. Orbit 58308 Tripod Impact — Best Overall for Large Areas
The Orbit 58308 combines a solid brass impact head with an adjustable metal tripod. The brass head will outlast you. The tripod extends from 22 to 48 inches. Raising the head higher helps the spray clear tall grass and reach farther.
Coverage is up to 90 feet in diameter. That is about 6,400 square feet from one position. The spray pattern adjusts from a narrow wedge to a full 360-degree circle. Perfect for big open lawns, pastures, and large garden areas. Around $40 to $45.
2. Rain Bird P5RLSP — Best Budget Impact Sprinkler
The Rain Bird P5RLSP uses a plastic impact head instead of brass. Plastic is lighter and cheaper but still surprisingly durable. Rain Bird builds this with the same internal mechanism as their professional heads. The plastic body just costs less.
It sits on a large metal spike that pushes firmly into the ground. Coverage is 25 to 41 feet depending on water pressure. Adjustable from 20 degrees to a full circle. At around $15 to $20, this is the best value impact sprinkler you can buy.
3. Orbit 56186N Brass Impact — Best Portable Brass Impact
The Orbit 56186N puts a brass impact head on a metal wheeled base. The wheels make it easy to move around the yard. Just drag it by the hose. No carrying. The heavy base keeps it stable even at full pressure.
The brass head delivers the classic impact sprinkler performance. Up to 90 feet diameter. Adjustable pattern. Works great with well water and lower pressure systems. Around $30 to $35.
4. Rain Bird 2045PJ Maxi-Bird — Best for In-Ground Systems
The Maxi-Bird is Rain Bird’s professional-grade impact sprinkler for in-ground systems. It is designed to replace gear-drive rotors in areas with dirty water or high debris. Impact heads handle dirty water better than gear drives because the impact mechanism is self-cleaning.
Coverage is 26 to 41 feet. The brass and stainless steel construction handles years of continuous use. This is what you find on golf courses and commercial properties. Around $18 to $22 per head.
5. Melnor XT Metal Pulsating — Best Mid-Range All-Purpose
Melnor calls this a pulsating sprinkler. It is an impact sprinkler with marketing language. The head is metal. The spike is metal. The coverage is up to 4,500 square feet. It works well as an all-purpose sprinkler for medium to large lawns.
The quick-connect fitting speeds up setup. The spike pushes into firm soil with minimal effort. The adjustment controls are easy to use. Around $25 to $30.
6. Orbit 56667 Tripod Zinc — Best Value Tripod Sprinkler
The Orbit 56667 uses a zinc impact head instead of brass. Zinc costs less than brass but is more durable than plastic. The adjustable tripod is the same quality as the more expensive Orbit models. You save about $10 to $15 versus the brass version.
Coverage is up to 85 feet diameter. The zinc head produces the same spray pattern as brass. For most homeowners, the zinc head will last just as long. Around $30 to $35.
7. Rain Bird LG-3 Low Gallonage — Best for Low Water Pressure
The Rain Bird LG-3 is designed to work with very low water flow rates. As low as 0.5 gallons per minute. Most impact sprinklers need 3 to 5 GPM minimum. If you have a well with low output or low municipal pressure, this sprinkler will still work.
Coverage is 26 to 36 feet. Adjustable pattern. Pop-up version available for in-ground systems. This sprinkler solves a specific problem that no other impact sprinkler addresses. Around $17 to $20.
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