AFW Filters Iron Pro 2
Score: 85/100
DuraWater Fleck 5600SXT
Score: 88/100Rankings
The DuraWater Fleck 5600 SXT is a whole-house water softener featuring a 48,000-grain capacity resin tank and the industry-standard Fleck 5600 control valve. It utilizes meter-based regeneration to adjust cleaning cycles based on actual water usage, offering improved efficiency over traditional time-based systems. It is best suited for whole-house applications requiring comprehensive hard water treatment with a focus on reliability and efficiency.
The AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 is a combination water softener and iron filter designed for whole-house treatment of hard water and ferrous iron. It utilizes fine mesh resin and a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered control valve to remove hardness minerals, iron, and manganese while regenerating on-demand based on actual water usage. It is best suited for homes with 2-5 people dealing with both hard water and ferrous iron contamination.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
64,000 grainsbest | 48,000 grains | |
16 GPMbest | 13 GPM | |
2 gallonsbest | 1.5 gallons | |
5 personsbest | 4 persons | |
| ↓ lower better | 62 inchesbest | 62 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 13 inchesbest | 28 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 14 inchesbest | 15 inches |
10 yearsbest | 10 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Tank Material | Unknown | Fiberglass |
Performance & Capacity(4) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 64000 grains | 48000 grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 16 GPM | 13 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | 2 gallons | 1.5 gallons |
Recommended Household Size (persons) | 5 persons | 4 persons |
System & Control(1) | ||
System Type | Combination Softener/Iron Filter | Single-Tank |
Physical & Installation(3) | ||
Width (inches) | 13 inches | 28 inches |
Depth (inches) | 14 inches | 15 inches |
Weight (lbs) | Unknown lbs | 53 lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional analysis highlights the system's efficiency in combining softening and iron removal with metered regeneration to reduce resource consumption. The fine mesh resin is noted for its durability in iron-rich conditions, though experts caution that it is strictly for ferrous iron and requires separate solutions for ferric iron issues.
Data indicates that users value the all-in-one nature of the system and the convenience of DIY installation. However, there is limited consumer feedback available, making it difficult to assess long-term user satisfaction or recurring maintenance complaints beyond the standard salt refill requirements.
Professional reviewers and industry guides widely recognize the Fleck 5600 SXT as a standard in the water softener industry. Experts highlight the valve's market dominance, attributed to its rigid Noryl construction, low power consumption, and efficient meter-based regeneration. The system's engineering simplicity, featuring only one internal moving part in the water stream, is cited as a key advantage for reliability. Documentation and service manuals are noted as comprehensive, supporting straightforward installation and maintenance.
Consumer feedback indicates strong satisfaction with the Fleck 5600 platform, driven by its reputation as the most popular control valve globally. Users commonly praise the system's ability to protect plumbing and appliances from hard water scale. The meter-based regeneration feature is frequently appreciated by cost-conscious consumers for its efficiency in reducing salt and water consumption compared to older time-clock systems.
