I've never seen this product in any hardware store, so I didn't know there was a heavy-duty 3/4" hose. A 3/4" hose delivers almost twice as much water per minute as a 5/8" hose, so this is great for heavy watering, and essential if you need a long hose. The red rubber hoses commonly sold have been cheapened in the past several years and no longer last more than a couple of years. I presume that this hose is as tough as the 5/8" Flexogen hoses, in which case it's a good bargain despite the rather steep purchase price.