50 ft vs. 65 ft Retractable Air Hose Reels: Which One Fits Your Workshop?

A retractable air hose reel can make a garage or workshop safer and easier to use, but choosing the right model involves more than picking the longest hose available.

A 50 ft reel may already cover a typical home garage. A 65 ft reel adds reach for a larger shop, a distant workbench, or multiple work zones. Mounting design matters too: a fixed single-arm reel works well at a dedicated station, while a dual-arm model with an optional 180° bracket provides more directional flexibility.

Quick Comparison

All three RELHOST RA-19 options have a 300 PSI maximum working pressure, a controlled retracting mechanism, an adjustable stop-ball, and an adjustable roller bracket. The important differences are hose length, hose construction, arm design, and mounting configuration.

Start with Distance: Is 50 ft Enough?

For many home garages, 50 ft provides enough coverage for a workbench, vehicle bay, tire inflation, detailing tools, and common pneumatic tasks. Before choosing, measure the real hose path rather than the straight-line distance. Include the distance from the compressor to the reel, the mounting height, turns around vehicles or benches, and the extra reach needed to use the tool comfortably.

Choose a 50 ft reel when the compressor and main work area are in the same garage bay, most tools are used near one workbench or vehicle, and the hose does not need to reach across a large shop.

Choose a 65 ft reel when the compressor is farther from the work area, one reel needs to serve multiple bays or work zones, or a 50 ft hose regularly reaches its limit.

Longer is useful only when the extra distance solves a real coverage problem. If 50 ft already reaches every normal task, the additional 15 ft may not improve the workflow.

Best for Fixed Wall Mounting: 50 ft Single Arm

The RELHOST 50 ft Single Arm Retractable Air Hose Reel is designed for a stable, dedicated wall-mounted position. Its flat-plate mounting base suits a compressor station or workbench area where the hose normally feeds in a consistent direction.

This model includes a 3/8 in × 50 ft hybrid air hose and a 5 ft lead hose. Its confirmed dimensions are 13.9 × 6.7 × 16.26 in, with a net weight of 21.4 lb. The mounting holes are spaced 5 × 7 in.

Choose it when you want a fixed reel near one primary work area, the hose usually leaves the reel in the same direction, and a 50 ft working hose provides enough coverage.

View the 50 ft Single Arm model

Best for Flexible Garage Coverage: 50 ft Dual Arm

The RELHOST 50 ft Dual Arm Retractable Air Hose Reel is a better fit when the hose needs to approach the work area from different angles. It uses a 3/8 in × 50 ft rubber air hose, includes a 5 ft lead hose, and is available in two configurations:

• With Bracket: Includes the 180° mounting bracket and wall-mounting hardware.
• Without Bracket: Intended for an existing or custom mounting setup.

The with-bracket model measures 13.9 × 6.7 × 18.7 in and weighs 25.1 lb. The confirmed mounting-hole spacing for the bracket is 2.95 × 2.95 in.

View the 50 ft Dual Arm model

Best for Larger Work Areas: 65 ft Dual Arm

The RELHOST 65 ft Dual Arm Retractable Air Hose Reel adds 15 ft of working hose for larger garages and workshops. It uses a 3/8 in rubber hose, includes a 5 ft lead hose, and offers the same with-bracket and without-bracket installation choices as the 50 ft dual-arm model.

Choose it when the compressor is farther from the normal work area, one reel needs to cover a larger floor plan, or a 50 ft hose would leave too little working slack.

The 65 ft model has different physical dimensions from the 50 ft version. Check the current product page and available installation information before planning the mounting space rather than assuming both reels have identical exterior measurements.

View the 65 ft Dual Arm model

With Bracket or Without Bracket?

For the dual-arm models, select With Bracket when you want the RELHOST 180° mounting bracket for wall installation. Select Without Bracket only when you already have a suitable existing or custom mounting setup.

The without-bracket option is not the same as a complete standard wall-mount kit. Confirm your installation plan before choosing the configuration.

Regardless of model, inspect the wall for wiring and plumbing before drilling. Use the supplied template where included, mount into a structurally suitable surface, and make sure the reel is secure before applying air pressure.

Safe Retraction and Everyday Use

A retractable reel should never be allowed to rewind uncontrolled. Slowly pull the hose to the required length and let it lock. To begin retraction, pull out approximately 100–200 mm and release while keeping hold of the hose.

• Keep control of the hose until it has fully retracted.
• Never exceed the 300 PSI maximum working pressure.
• Do not remove the side cover while the hose is under tension.
• Wear eye protection during installation and use.
• Adjust the stop-ball only when the reel is locked.
• Make sure the reel is firmly mounted before pressurizing the system.

Which RA-19 Should You Choose?

Choose the 50 ft Single Arm if you want a fixed wall-mounted reel for one dedicated station.

Choose the 50 ft Dual Arm if 50 ft provides enough reach but you need more flexibility around a garage bay or workbench.

Choose the 65 ft Dual Arm if the compressor-to-tool distance or workshop layout genuinely requires additional coverage.

Distance comes first. Directional flexibility comes second. Mounting configuration comes third.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 50 ft air hose long enough for a home garage?

For many single-bay and two-car home garages, 50 ft is sufficient. Measure the real path from the reel to the farthest work point, including turns around vehicles and benches.

When should I choose a 65 ft reel?

Choose 65 ft when the compressor is farther from the work area, the reel must serve multiple zones, or a 50 ft hose would regularly reach its limit.

What is the difference between the single-arm and dual-arm models?

The single-arm model uses a fixed flat-plate wall mount for a dedicated working direction. The dual-arm models support more flexible hose positioning and can be ordered with an optional 180° wall bracket.

Do all three models include a lead hose?

Yes. Each confirmed configuration includes a 5 ft lead hose.

What is the maximum working pressure?

All three models have a confirmed maximum working pressure of 300 PSI. Do not exceed the rating.

Does the without-bracket version include the 180° mounting bracket?

No. The without-bracket configuration is intended for an existing or custom mounting setup.