Looking for new shower heads (x 2) that are energy efficient, have strong, generous flow and solid performance record. Any brands I should look at more than others?
Thanks in advance for good advice.
There are two that I like: the High Sierra 1.5 gpm variety and the 1.59 gpm Evolve Roadrunner shower heads. These are two different styles, both of them non-aerated. Aerated heads can give a higher flow feeling, but they are less energy efficient because they vaporize more of the water, cooling the stream, so you tend to run the water temp at the shower higher to compensate for the loss. Therefore, I limited my choices to non-aerated varieties.
The High Sierra is an interesting single port nozzle that sends out a single spray in a filled cone pattern. It works well in my kids' showers and I've used it as well and like it, though it is different. I helped the creator work out some flow problems at the higher pressure range on his heads and have been satisfied with the result. My wife prefers the Roadrunner that has a more conventional spray pattern (though also non-aerated.) The High Sierra has more of spray impingement feel while the Roadrunner feels fuller and gentler.
I've heard from others who like "vigorous" showers that the Oxygenics aerated style ultra low flow heads suit them. Some reviewers dislike them because they have more of pin-prick feel. I experienced the latter with the oxygenics in a hotel once, so it is not a fit for me.