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rainhead vs. massaging shower head - any thoughts?

14 years ago

I am set on the style and the feel of a rain head showerhead (mounted on the wall, not the ceiling), but was wondering do any massaging shower heads still give you a similar feel of a larger spray-area? Some are so small (3-4" in diameter) where I am used to a 7" rainhead. I just know that now that we're not doing a jetted tub, that it would be nice to get some muscle massage...

Does such a product exist?

Thanks

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Comments (5)

jacobse
14 years ago
Why not get a multifunction showerhead that has both "rain" and "message" modes?

For example, these Hansgrohe 6" heads (one for a handshower, one for wall mount) have three modes:

It's not the same as a giant 14" rain-only head, but it seems to give something from both worlds.

-- Eric
User
14 years ago
We installed the Pulse Showerspa "Hana" model. It has
a tub spout (which is good for washing the dog in the shower), a big rainhead, a handheld with good action, two "wings" which fold out and have four jets for misting or jetting you. It also has a mirror. The rainhead is on a reticulated arm which adjusts several ways for your preferences in height and direction. Connection was super easy if you already have water into your shower. Other versions of the Pulse products can just about cover any situation in plumbing or in your personal preferences.

We've used ours since October. It was featured on HGTV, which is where I saw it, and I am so pleased with it.

I give you the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pulse Showerspa Hana model
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You can get a fine shower from a handheld. If I'm installing just one head in a shower, I recommend the user go with a handheld. They're more versatile, and there is no performance penalty. Understand that many manufacturers use the same shower head for fixed and handheld applications. Same head, just a different presentation. Example, here's the Grohe Relaxa Top4, which is what I have in my shower: Fixed: Handheld: I'll agree with raehelen too regarding the bench. I'll encourage you to eliminate the built-in bench and go with a movable wood stool or bench. Again, more versatile. And more comfortable to sit on. Two heads in a 65" shower is not excessive. Regarding the rainhead and pressure. You are correct, many people who use a rainhead as a daily shower head to shower an shampoo do indeed get frustrated with it. It's not really intended to function that way. But those who use a rainhead for the "rainhead experience", they love the rainhead. If your two heads will be used for functional showering, I'd recommend a fixed head on one wall and a handheld on the other wall. Make the handheld hose long enough so it can be used to wash down the walls. I probably install more Grohe than anything else. When you do change shower heads, there sometimes is a transition when going from what you're used to to what you now have. The new head isn't worse. It's simply different. For your plumbing layout, consider having the supply valve(s) located just inside the shower so you can turn the water on without having to step into the shower. The idea is to eliminate getting hit with a cold spray when you turn the shower on.
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Thanks Patricia. I do have both - I have the slider bar with the adjustable hand held thing and then the Rain CAn thing. I NEVER shower - always bathe - and this is for my husband not really me so I want him to enjoy it - do you think using the rain shower is ok and then if you need more force or a massage, etc. you can use the handheld thing? would you recommend it this way? I cannot see my husband taking the time to remove the adjustable thing and use it. So I am relying on the shower head for him getting clean, etc. WIll the rain shower do a good job of getting him clean in a jiffy?
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My mom has the Hansgrohe 27495001 Raindance S 150 AIR 3-Jet Shower Head in her bathroom. In addition to the handheld version. It's pretty nice. IMO the massage setting on our waterpik in the basement is superior to the massage setting on the hansgrohe, but the massage setting is acceptable/decent on the hansgrohe. And part of the issue could be that the water pressure is better in the basement vs. her bathroom. The regular spray of the hansgrohe is nice and will get your hair rinsed out in a normal amount of time; however, it's more spa-like and you won't feel pummelled (which is what I prefer and why I'm going to go with a 6-jet speakman in the hall bath and why I've kept the handheld waterpik in the basement bathroom I currently use). I like to feel really pummelled by water droplets and am hoping the speakman won't disappoint. The Hansgrohe isn't overly-gentle or a wimpy spray by any means but it doesn't quite do it for me. I guess I've just become too accustomed to the waterpik. I also like a hard mattress, as close to sleeping on a bare wooden floor as possible, so different strokes for different folks.
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planningnut
Original Author
14 years ago
Eric - love that shower head - what a great idea! I will get a quote on it from my dealer - thanks!

Moccasinlanding - beautiful system - more than we are doing, though - thank you for sharing :) Next reno ;)
pepperidge_farm
14 years ago
I have the above pictured Hansgrohe- love it!
jacobse
14 years ago
Planningnut, if you're going to buy from a local dealer, it often pays to get a quote or two from an online site to have with you when your local dealer write up the order. I like buying from a local dealer when I can, because without the local people providing the showrooms and their time and expertise, we'd never get to see products in person. I'll eat the local sales tax I wouldn't have to pay if I order online, but not a major price difference. With the bath supply dealer I've worked with locally, I've found that if I come in with my "online research", he'll often match the price, even though it's a steeper discount than I would have otherwise gotten. (I've had this at lighting stores, too.) Many people shop locally and buy online; I like it if I can shop locally, price online, and then leverage the online price to buy locally.

Anyway, it's a good idea to get a price or two online. IraWoods.com often has good or best pricing on the lines they carry; eFaucet and faucets.com are others to check -- or you can use a price comparison site like PriceGrabber.com. You may need to visit the manufacturer's web site to get the exact name or model number of the piece you're looking for; then make sure you're comparing prices for the actual finish you want (chrome, satin nickel, etc.). Happy shopping!

-- Eric

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