This hose really expands and stretches open when the water comes thru it. the shrinks back down when there is no water. this one appears much better quality and durable than previous materials that I have gotten in the past. I did purchase one of the first ones that first came out that was similar. It popped pretty quickly, not this one!  I like how long this one is. we have a really big yard. hope this one lasts a very long time.