Another vote for rubber hoses. I have 2 Craftsman? Goodyear? rubber hoses from sears. They don't kink, stay flexible all year even in the cold, but yes can leave black but I don't notice it much. Mine are probably 4 years old and seem like new. You do need a hose reel to keep them wrapped up and they can be heavy if you have to carry them. I think Sears even has a lifetime warranty on them if they bust or have some other defect. The problem may be finding a Sears.