DF18FB Little Giant DuraFlex Advanced Rubber Flat Back Bucket

Due to freezing temps I bought this bucket (because rubber of course is easier to break ice out of), along with another Smartpak insulated bucket cozy cover. This rubber bucket is shaped a little differently from a standard 5 gallon flatback bucket so at first I thought the cozy wasn't going to work with it, but with some wrangling, it did! The cozy keeps the water from freezing as much (I would have just a film of ice instead of freezing solid) and in the worst weather, if I needed to kick ice out it, the rubber flexes and lets go, so it was a perfect combo for winter. :) I thought it was a little bit pricey for a bucket but I couldn't find any type of other rubber buckets (other stores sell this exact same bucket) so of course I chose to order it from Smartpak because of the awesome service and free shipping with my Smartpaks.

I had bought the "The Better Bucket" that SmartPak sells a couple of times and the first time the bucket wore out and cracked around the handle area but it did hold up for over a year. Then, I replaced that bucket and got another "The Better Bucket" and the bottom fell out after a couple of months. So, I went back to my favorite Rubber Flatback Bucket that I have used for years and they hold up. They are heavy buckets and they hold up in the winter if you need to chip ice out of them or if a horse gets ruthless with them. Sometimes you just can't improve rubber. If "The Better Bucket" ever gets made into rubber I may buy one but my horses will have to deal with these buckets until then.

These buckets are excellent and really do well. I have four and absolutely love them. They don't leave rub marks on my mare's face. She likes to scratch on the bucket lip and plastic buckets tend to break and cut her. GREAT VALUE!!

These rubber buckets are great in winter-just knock the ice out, no thawing required. You can kick them around & they won't break/crack. Only issue is they do have a strong smell when they first arrive-I let them sit outside for awhile.

I love this bucket and have many of them. They are indestructible and great to use in winter. Cold and snow don't bother them at all. A must have in every barn.

These rubber buckets last year after year. Especially in the cold months, they stand up to ice and don't split like lighter weight plastic buckets.

This is a great bucket. My horse will throw his shallow rubber feeders. This one (mostly) stays grounded. I would prefer he not eat dirt with his feed :) It's a nice heavy weight, and large size. Rubber will not crack like plastic. Great buy!

I bought three of these for my gelding that cribs hoping that he won't destroy them like he has other buckets. I am pleased with the durability but concerned about their strong rubber odor. I have let them sit outside in the air and rain for 2 weeks hoping the smell would mellow but so far it is still as strong. I am hoping this doesn't discourage him from drinking from them when finally put to use.

The bucket is a good size. The flat back keeps it from rolling around. The rim is still in tact even with my horse cribbing on it. It will be interesting to see how it holds up in the winter when the ice sets in. The rubber smell also goes away in a few hours of soaking in a mild bleach solution.

This bucket is amazing; I had one for 3 horses! It still doesn't have a single crack in it! Best bucket on the market!