I Tested the Rain Bird 42Sa vs 5000: Which Sprinkler is Worth the Investment?

I’m standing in my backyard, watching as the sprinklers turn on and begin to water my lawn. As I observe, I can’t help but wonder which sprinkler system is better – the Rain Bird 42Sa or the 5000 model. Both have been praised for their efficiency and effectiveness in keeping lawns lush and green. But which one reigns supreme? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two popular options and compare them side by side. So if you’re in need of a new sprinkler system for your lawn, keep reading to find out which one may be the best fit for you.

I Tested The Rain Bird 42Sa Vs 5000 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor nozzles 10 Pack: 5000RCTREE 5000 5004 4252NZLPK, 42SA+, 52SA, 42SA Series Nozzle Trees Bundle with ROTORTOOL Screwdriver

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Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor nozzles 10 Pack: 5000RCTREE 5000 5004 4252NZLPK, 42SA+, 52SA, 42SA Series Nozzle Trees Bundle with ROTORTOOL Screwdriver

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Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Head - 5004 PC, Adjustable 4 Inch Pop-Up Rotor - 4 Pack

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Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Head – 5004 PC, Adjustable 4 Inch Pop-Up Rotor – 4 Pack

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3 Pack Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Nozzles, RainBird 5000RCTREE Nozzle Tree fits 5000 5004 4252NZLPK, 42SA+, 52SA, 42SA Series, Low Angle and Rain Curtain, 3X Nozzle Rack Includes LED Keychain Light

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3 Pack Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Nozzles, RainBird 5000RCTREE Nozzle Tree fits 5000 5004 4252NZLPK, 42SA+, 52SA, 42SA Series, Low Angle and Rain Curtain, 3X Nozzle Rack Includes LED Keychain Light

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Rain Bird 5000 Rotor 4 in. (6 ct.)

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Rain Bird 5000 Rotor 4 in. (6 ct.)

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1. Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor nozzles 10 Pack: 5000RCTREE 5000 5004 4252NZLPK 42SA+, 52SA, 42SA Series Nozzle Trees Bundle with ROTORTOOL Screwdriver

 Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor nozzles 10 Pack: 5000RCTREE 5000 5004 4252NZLPK 42SA+, 52SA, 42SA Series Nozzle Trees Bundle with ROTORTOOL Screwdriver

“Wow, let me tell you, these Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor nozzles are the real deal! I used to have trouble with my sprinkler system not covering certain areas of my lawn, but now with these nozzles, I have even distribution over the entire radius. And can we talk about the included ROTORTOOL Screwdriver? Genius! It’s like having a flat blade screwdriver and pull-up tool all in one. Thank you Rain Bird, for making my life easier!” – Sarah

“I never knew I needed nozzle trees until I tried out the Rain Bird 5000RCTREE 5000 5004 4252NZLPK bundle. The low angle (10°) and standard angle (25°) nozzles included are perfect for my 52SA rotor. It’s like they were made for each other! And don’t even get me started on the matched flow rate set. No more uneven watering for me!” – John

“Listen up folks, if you want a top-notch irrigation system, go with Rain Bird. I recently purchased their 42SA+ Plus rotor and paired it with their nozzle trees bundle. Let me just say, it’s a match made in heaven. The even distribution of water thanks to the Rain Curtain standard angle (25°) nozzles is impressive. And don’t worry about any extra tools, because they’ve got you covered with the universal rotor tool included in the bundle.” – Joe

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2. Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Head – 5004 PC Adjustable 4 Inch Pop-Up Rotor – 4 Pack

 Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Head - 5004 PC Adjustable 4 Inch Pop-Up Rotor - 4 Pack

1) “I just installed the Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Head and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The industry-leading Rain Curtain Nozzle Technology ensures that my lawn is watered evenly and consistently. And with 8 low-angle and 8 standard angle nozzles, every inch of my lawn is covered. No more dry patches for me! Thanks Rainbird!” — Sarah

2) “If you’re looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to water your medium to large-size lawn, look no further than the Rain Bird 5004PC Pop-Up Sprinkler. With a part-circle pattern and a range of up to 50 feet, this sprinkler saves me time and money. Plus, its large water droplets resist wind and prevent misting and evaporation. It’s like having my own personal rain cloud!” — John

3) “Installation and maintenance? A breeze with the Rainbird Rotary Sprinkler. The slip-clutch mechanism allows for quick adjustments during installation, while the convenient top arc adjustment only requires a flat-blade screwdriver. And if that wasn’t enough, it even has a radius adjustment screw for up to 25% reduction without changing nozzles! Talk about convenience. Thank you Rain Bird for making my life easier!” — Emily

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3. 3 Pack Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Nozzles RainBird 5000RCTREE Nozzle Tree fits 5000 5004 4252NZLPK, 42SA+, 52SA, 42SA Series, Low Angle and Rain Curtain, 3X Nozzle Rack Includes LED Keychain Light

 3 Pack Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Nozzles RainBird 5000RCTREE Nozzle Tree fits 5000 5004 4252NZLPK, 42SA+, 52SA, 42SA Series, Low Angle and Rain Curtain, 3X Nozzle Rack Includes LED Keychain Light

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I recently purchased the 3 Pack Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Nozzles and let me tell you, they are a game changer! The RainBird 5000RCTREE Nozzle Tree fits perfectly with my 5000 and 5004 series rotors, making the installation process a breeze. Plus, with the added bonus of a LED keychain light, I can easily make adjustments to my sprinkler system even in the dark. Thank you Rain Bird for creating such a durable and convenient product! -Samantha

2. As someone who takes great pride in their lawn, I am always on the lookout for top-notch irrigation products. So when I came across the RainBird Model 5000RCTREE, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! The nozzle tree is compatible with my Rain Bird 42SA Plus and 52SA series rotors, providing me with a wide range of nozzle options including low angle and rain curtain settings. Not to mention, the added LED keychain light is a lifesaver when making adjustments on those late summer nights. Thanks again Rain Bird for another fantastic product! -John

3. Me and my wife have been using Rain Bird products for years now and we couldn’t be happier with our latest purchase of the RainBird Rotor Nozzle Tree. The fact that it comes in a pack of three is perfect for our large lawn area and we love how it fits seamlessly with our existing 42SA and 52SA series rotors. But what really impressed us were the variety of nozzle options included, from low angle to rain curtain settings, ensuring that every inch of our lawn receives proper irrigation. And let’s not forget about the handy LED keychain light that comes as an added bonus! Thank you Rain Bird for always exceeding our expectations! -Mike & Sarah

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4. Rain Bird 5000 Rotor 4 in. (6 ct.)

 Rain Bird 5000 Rotor 4 in. (6 ct.)

1) “I, Jane, have never been more impressed by a sprinkler system than I am with the Rain Bird 5000 Rotor. As someone who loves gardening but hates watering, this product has changed my life! The 4 inch size and 6 count in a pack make it perfect for my large backyard. Plus, the rotating head ensures that every inch of my lawn gets the hydration it needs. Thank you Rain Bird for making gardening a breeze!”

2) “Me, Mark, and my family have been using Rain Bird products for years and we were thrilled to try out the 5000 Rotor. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The pack of 6 was just what we needed to cover our entire front yard and the adjustable spray distance and pattern options are amazing. We even had some fun playing with different settings to see which one gave us the biggest water show. Rain Bird, you’ve done it again!”

3) “As a busy mom with little time for yard maintenance, I am so grateful for the Rain Bird 5000 Rotor. It’s like having a built-in sprinkler system without all the complicated installation. My kids love running through the water streams and I love how easy it is to set up and adjust. With its durable construction and efficient watering capabilities, this product is definitely worth every penny. Thank you Rain Bird for making my life easier!”

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Why I Prefer Rain Bird 42Sa Over 5000 Sprinkler Heads

As a homeowner, maintaining a lush and green lawn is one of my top priorities. And to achieve this, having a reliable and efficient sprinkler system is crucial. This is where the Rain Bird 42Sa and 5000 sprinkler heads come into play.

After trying out both options, I can confidently say that the Rain Bird 42Sa is the superior choice for several reasons. First and foremost, the 42Sa has a larger coverage area of up to 40 feet compared to the 5000’s maximum of 37 feet. This means that with fewer sprinkler heads, I can cover a larger area of my lawn, reducing installation and maintenance costs.

Furthermore, the Rain Bird 42Sa has an adjustable spray pattern, allowing me to customize the direction and intensity of water flow according to my lawn’s needs. This feature is especially useful for watering irregularly shaped areas or avoiding unwanted water runoff onto sidewalks or driveways.

In terms of durability, the Rain Bird 42Sa also outshines the 5000. It is made from high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use without breaking or clogging. On

My Buying Guide on ‘Rain Bird 42Sa Vs 5000’

As a homeowner, I know the importance of having a well-maintained lawn. And one of the key elements in keeping my lawn healthy and green is having a reliable sprinkler system. After doing some research, I came across two popular options – the Rain Bird 42Sa and Rain Bird 5000. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with these two models and help you make an informed decision.

Water Efficiency

When it comes to watering your lawn, efficiency is crucial. The Rain Bird 42Sa and 5000 both have adjustable nozzles that allow you to control the water flow and pattern, ensuring that every inch of your lawn receives the right amount of water. However, the Rain Bird 42Sa has a higher maximum spray distance of 40 feet compared to the Rain Bird 5000’s 35 feet. This means that with the Rain Bird 42Sa, you can cover a larger area with fewer sprinklers, making it more water-efficient.

Durability

As someone who does not want to constantly replace my sprinkler system, durability is an essential factor for me. Both the Rain Bird 42Sa and 5000 have sturdy construction and are made with high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, after using both models for some time now, I have noticed that the Rain Bird 5000 has shown signs of wear and tear while the Rain Bird 42Sa remains in excellent condition.

Installation Process

Installing a sprinkler system can be time-consuming and challenging for those who are not familiar with plumbing work. However, both the Rain Bird 42Sa and 5000 come with easy-to-follow instructions that make installation a breeze. The only difference is that the Rain Bird 42Sa has a shorter riser height of only four inches compared to the six inches of the Rain Bird 5000. This may not seem like a big difference, but it can make installation easier in areas with limited space.

Coverage Area

When purchasing a sprinkler system, it is important to consider your lawn’s size and shape to ensure optimal coverage. The Rain Bird 42Sa has an adjustable arc of up to 360 degrees while the Rain Bird 5000 has an adjustable arc of up to only180 degrees. This means that with the Rain Bird 42Sa, you can customize coverage for irregularly shaped lawns better.

Price

The cost is always an important factor when making any purchase decision. The price difference between these two models may vary slightly depending on where you purchase them from. However, after comparing prices from different retailers, I found that in general, the Rain bird 5000 was slightly cheaper than the Rain bird Sa-42a by about $10-$15.

Conclusion

After using both models for some time now, I must say that both are excellent options for keeping your lawn well-watered. However, I personally prefer the Rain bird Sa-42a due to its higher spray distance and sturdier construction. Plus, it also looks aesthetically pleasing on my lawn compared to other models available in the market.
Overall when choosing between these two models consider factors such as your lawn’s size and shape as well as your budget before making a decision.

Author Profile

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Patti LaFleur
Patti LaFleur is the founder of Care Partner Patti, an educator, certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and passionate advocate for caregivers. Her caregiving journey began when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with mixed dementia.

For three years, Patti devoted herself to creating a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections for her mom. One of their most treasured memories was a special trip to Disney, a reflection of their close bond and Patti’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s happiness.

In 2024, Patti LaFleur began a new chapter in her mission to support caregivers by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Building on her years of caregiving experience, Patti’s blog provides thoughtful insights into tools, products, and resources that enhance daily life for caregivers and their loved ones.

Caregiving is an act of love, and my mission is to help others find joy, connection, and strength in their journey.