hi,
I use 6mm micro bore and am very happy with it. I was thinking of changing to 8mm minibore but the general sensus is that there isn't much in it. I have split 100m into 50m x2 I know it's a little more expensive because you have to use two hose reels but I find it much easier to handle when reeling it in. It also means that I can use two hoses for two people if I need to.
The heavy duty hose reels (metal ones) are heavy to lift in and out but are easier to reel in. I have bought some hoselock reels which I have modified, they are so much lighter. The reason I have modified them is that when you buy them they are in kit form and you have to build them. instead of the reel being one cone they split it in two for packaging, which means you have to push the two halves of the cone together to make one reel. when the hose is on the reel and water builds up in the hose the hose expands and splits the reel in two. so I have drillied two holes as close as I can to the inner edge of both halves, of the cones, where they clip together ( four places )so 8 holes on one half and eight holes on the other half (two holes on each clip) I have then threaded some strong cable ties through the holes and pulled them really tight.
I have been using my reels now for four months and have had no problem with them. They are far cheaper far lighter and they dont rust.
hope this helps
Lee