Question
Hello Matt
We have 2 quotes for a 5 zone sprinkler system for our yard. One is a Hunter and the other is a Rainbird. I know very little about either system as far as which is better etc. One is $1500 dolars more than the other. Do you have any views or know were I might check.

Answer
What I tell my customers is:
1. Compare the number of sprinklers
2. Compare the company's reputation
3. Ask about service and guarantees
4. Who do you trust
5. Is the system complete (plumbing, electrical, permits)
My preference currently is Hunter. Not that the Rainbird products aren't good, it's more of the name recognition of Hunter in my area. "It's easier to sell".
$1500 difference is hugh. Someone figured wrong or missed something. The cost difference between irrigation products isn't more than 10%. The materials of a job are about 50% of the cost, so the actual difference between Hunter and Rainbird should only be 5%.
My suggestion is to get 1 more bid. Then you have some reference as to which company is giving you a reasonable price.
If you want to list the major materials in a reply back, I'll at least give you an idea of what I would price the job.

Matt