Rain Bird is one of the most popular sprinkler brands for both residential and commercial use. Two of their top models are the 52SA and 5000 series. While both offer excellent performance, they have some key differences.
This guide provides an overview of the 52SA and 5000, compares the critical features, and discusses the pros and cons of each to help you determine which is best for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Rain Bird 52SA | Rain Bird 5000 |
| Type | Rotary sprinkler | Rotary sprinkler |
| Range | 25-48 ft radius | 25-46 ft radius |
| Nozzle options | 7 standard, 4 low angle | 9 standard, 3 low angle |
| Arc adjustment | 40°-360° | 25°-360° |
| Flow control | Fixed | Adjustable |
| Install height | 3″-12″ above ground | 3″-14″ above ground |
| Inlet size | 3/4″ | 3/4″ female pipe thread |
| Check valve | No | Yes |
| Soil types | Sandy to clay | Sandy to clay |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Overview of the Rain Bird 52SA
The Rain Bird 52SA is a durable and versatile rotary sprinkler suitable for residential installations. Key features include:
- Rotary sprinkler design: Provides maximum uniform water coverage and distribution.
- 7 standard nozzles: Available in various GPM ratings from 2.5 up to 8.0 to match precipitation rate.
- 4 low angle nozzles: Provide 18-25° trajectory for watering areas with slope.
- Adjustable arc: Goes from 40° up to a full 360° circle.
- Durable construction: Heavy-duty zinc and stainless steel allow it to withstand tough conditions.
- Sandy to clay soil use: Versatile for most soil types.
- 25 to 48 ft radius: Covers up to 2,300 sq ft on a half circle setting.
- Flexible radius reduction: Special screw cap reduces radius 25%.
- Easy height adjustment: Riser stem telescopes from 3″ to 12″ above ground.
- 5 year warranty: Backed by Rain Bird’s strong warranty program.
With its durability, wide range of adjustable features, and 5 year warranty, the 52SA is an excellent choice for residential yards and gardens.
The rotary sprinkler design ensures uniform coverage across the spray radius. Plus the flexible arc, nozzle options, and radius adjustment allow customization for the exact watering pattern needed.
It performs well even in sandy soils or with low water pressure. Overall the 52SA provides reliable performance and flexibility at a reasonable price point.
Overview of the Rain Bird 5000
The Rain Bird 5000 is a professional grade rotary sprinkler built for durability and high performance watering. Key features include:
- Rotary action: Provides unmatched uniformity and efficient watering.
- 9 standard nozzles: Flows range from 2.5 up to 13 GPM for any scenario.
- 3 low angle nozzles: Trajectory angles of 25° for slope watering.
- Adjustable arc: Goes from 25° up to full circle of 360°.
- Flow control screw: Adjustable mechanism to fine-tune water flow.
- Check valve included: Prevents low head drainage.
- Durable brass and stainless: Withstands harsh conditions and resists corrosion.
- Sandy to clay soils: Versatile for most soil types.
- 25 to 46 ft radius: Covers up to 2,300 sq ft at half circle setting.
- Spring retraction system: For easy servicing of the sprinkler.
- 5 year warranty: Industry leading protection against defects.
With its all brass and stainless construction, flow control, check valve, and array of professional features, the 5000 is built to provide the highest efficiency and most uniform watering possible. It offers extreme durability even in the harshest environments.
The 5000 provides water savings and optimal performance for commercial applications, HOAs, golf courses, and residential yards alike. Though higher priced than residential models, its quality and features make it a wise investment for the right application.
Also Read: Is Rain Bird CP100 Better Than DV100?
Key Differences Between the 52SA and 5000
While both the 52SA and 5000 offer excellent performance, the 5000 does have some noticeable advantages that justify the higher price for professional use.
Build Construction
The 5000 has a full brass and stainless steel body while the 52SA uses more plastic and zinc. The all brass and stainless construction makes the 5000 extremely durable. It also resists any corrosion or jamming issues from dirt and debris over time.
Automatic Check Valve
The 5000 includes a factory installed check valve which prevents annoying low head drainage. This provides water savings and optimizes the sprinkler’s pressure. The 52SA does not have an internal check valve.
Water Flow Control
The 5000 has an adjustable flow control screw that allows fine tuning or reducing the water flow by up to 25% if desired. This provides precision performance and water savings by not overwatering. The 52SA does not include adjustable water flow control.
Specialized Low Angle Nozzles
Both have low angle nozzles, however the 5000 offers one extra 15° trajectory option that is tailored for steep slopes andhillside watering applications.
Spring Retraction System
The 5000 includes a spring loaded retraction system to quickly retract the riser when servicing. This makes adjusting or changing nozzles simple without having to completely unscrew the sprinkler. The 52SA does not have spring retraction.
Higher Flow Rates Available
The 5000 offers nozzle flow rates up to 13 GPM while the 52SA only goes up to 8 GPM. The 5000 can handle the pressure and volume needed for larger areas.
Wider High End Radius
On the high end, the 5000 can achieve a 46 ft radius compared to 48 ft on the 52SA. However the 5000 provides more consistent uniform coverage at those longer distances.
Also Read: Comparison Between Orbit 21004 and 21005 Irrigation Timer
Drainage Option
The 5000 Plus model offers a 3/4″ drain check valve built into the base to prevent puddling. This drain valve is not available on the 52SA.
Durability Reputation
The 5000 is proven to have a longer lifespan than the 52SA on average when used professionally. Its all brass and stainless build gives it longevity in harsh environments over time.
Also Watch This Review Video:
Pros and Cons of the Rain Bird 52SA
Pros
- More affordable price point
- Easier servicing without tools
- Radius reduction cap for low water needs
- sandy soil use
Cons
- Not made for fully commercial use
- Less durable plastic components
- No check valve or flow control
- Limited to 8 GPM nozzle
Pros and Cons of the Rain Bird 5000
Pros
- All brass and stainless construction
- Includes check valve
- Adjustable flow control
- Low angle nozzles for slopes
- Higher 13 GPM flow available
- Consistent coverage at max radius
- Drainage valve option available
Cons
- Higher price point
- Difficult to service without tools
- Not designed for rotor-to-rotor syncing
Also Read: Comparison Among Hunter, Orbit And Rain Bird.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, the 5000 and 42SA are different models designed for different applications. The 42SA is a mid-range residential rotor while the 5000 is a high-end professional grade rotor.
No. The 32SA is a discontinued older residential model while the 5000 is a current professional model with more features and higher performance.
The 5000+ adds a factory installed 3/4″ inline drain check valve to prevent puddling around the sprinkler. This is the only difference between the two models.
The 5000 has a range of 25 to 46 feet on the various nozzles. At a half-circle setting it can cover up to 2,300 square feet.
Also Read: Comparison Between Rain Bird 32SA and 42SA
Final Thoughts
For most residential applications, the Rain Bird 52SA provides an excellent balance of price, durability, and watering performance. However, for commercial use, HOAs, golf courses, and other professional applications, the Rain Bird 5000 is worth the additional investment.
Its all brass and stainless construction, included check valve and flow control, low angle nozzles, and precision performance at longer ranges make it the right choice for high-end needs.
Carefully consider your specific watering requirements and soil type before choosing between these two options.
