Summary: To prevent hose kinks while advancing through a front door, use a hose and nozzle setup that balances high flow, low reaction force, and kink resistance. A smooth bore nozzle with a 7/8” tip flowing 150 GPM at 50 PSI, paired with a lightweight, quality hose, offers excellent reach, manageable stream control, and reduced nozzle whip — all critical for smooth interior attacks.
Few things frustrate an engine crew like a kinked line right as you're making entry. TFT's Jeff Goarley offers a tip that simplifies fire attack and keeps your hose line moving — literally.
You’ve stretched to the front door, ready for an interior push — and boom — the line kinks. Now the stream is compromised, pressure drops, and so does your momentum. According to Jeff Goarley, this issue often comes down to the wrong combination of hose and nozzle setup.
Goarley recommends a stainless steel smooth bore nozzle with a 7/8” tip operating at 50 PSI. Pair this with a good lightweight hose. The goal is to flow 150 GPM at a low nozzle pressure while keeping reaction force manageable.
This configuration offers:
Strong, straight stream with solid reach
Minimal nozzle whip for better stream control
Reduced chance of line kinks due to improved hose flexibility and flow characteristics
Smooth bore nozzles are favored for their water mapping capabilities and rapid knockdown potential. With the right combo, the line stays open, the stream stays hard, and you keep advancing.
Maybe. Goarley makes it clear — what works great for one crew might not for another. That’s why a nozzle demo is worth your time. Get hands-on with your setup and find what clicks for your department.
If your hose line routinely kinks at the door, look at your equipment. A 150 GPM at 50 PSI smooth bore with quality hose could be the tweak that keeps your advance smooth and your suppression sharp.