The one I received no reinforcements molded plastic at fittings, but springs (that prevent excessive bending when pulling on the hose). The hose is made of polyurethane (rubbery) and not hard plastic. The spiral is a little steep on the new product, and you have to pull hard on it to make it longer, but I think it's just the necessary evil to have a product that does not deform too (and so do nodes) after some use. That is why I invested in this model. See the use but I feel good.