This sprayer is definitely a big step up from the ten dollar model that I purchased at the local home improvement store. The wand, connective parts, and trigger mechanism are all solid brass as opposed to the flimsy and leaking plastic pieces of the el cheapo model. The pressure release valve is a welcome addition, one not present on the most basic sprayers. The pump mechanism actuates and pressurizes the tank contents very quickly and efficiently. Still there are several issues with this sprayer that prevent me from giving it 5 stars. Firstly, the rubber connecting hose feels squishy, weak and cheap. An industrial grade hose with a spiral spring wound reinforcement would be much more durable and appropriate here. Secondly, the volume/calibration scale on the tank exterior is nearly impossible to see, the marks are slightly raised, but invisible. I took a black sharpie, and traced over the lines and numbers in order to assist in filling the sprayer—the scale should be raised, as well as overprinted in black ink to make the process of mixing and filling easier. Thirdly, the pump plunger handle appears to be simple uncoated steel, and according to many comments that I have read, appears to be prone to rust and deterioration. Replacing the shaft with either stainless steel, brass, or the cheapest alternative, a resin coated steel, would probably greatly extend the service life of this sprayer. And finally, the nozzles. My sprayer came with one that allowed for a narrow, highly concentrated stream (great if your shooting at weeds 30 feet away) but when an attempt was made to adjust it to a wider cone pattern, it just leaked all over the place. I then ordered a separate fan nozzle, that sprays a fixed 2 foot wide pattern that is great for spraying large sections of weeds, and I then also purchased an adjustable nozzle that sprayed a true cone shaped pattern without leaking. It seems to me that a small nozzle kit, with a varied selection of fixed size spray patterns should be available. (like vacuum cleaner attachments) Plastic would probably be adequate for the housings, as long as the actual nozzle openings were ceramic. This would keep the price way down compared to solid brass, and would be more than adequate for most applications. I think that all of my suggestions could be incorporated into this sprayer without significantly raising the manufacturing costs, so Chapin, take note!
