Soft PVC tube with polyester yarn braid reinforcement, in black rather than clear. Built to BS6066, rated 4-10 bar depending on bore over -10C to +65C, available in 6mm to 25mm internal diameter and cut from 1 metre to a 50 metre coil.

Two reasons. Black blocks light, which stops algae growing inside the hose when water stands in it - the usual reason a clear hose goes green and cloudy. It also looks considerably tidier in a visible installation, and hides staining and discolouration that would show through clear PVC.

Black pigment does give good UV stability, which helps where a hose is permanently outdoors. The bigger practical benefit is still the algae point - blocking light stops growth inside, which is what actually ruins a clear hose left in a garden or pond installation.

No. The braid gives pressure strength but no collapse resistance, so any real negative pressure draws it shut. For suction duty you need a hose with a steel helix - our PVC wire reinforced hose covers 10mm to 51mm and is designed for exactly that.

Water, air and light fluid transfer - garden and irrigation, pumps, workshop air at low pressure, general industrial and commercial use. It is not for fuel, oil or anything hot: PVC tops out at +65C and has no hydrocarbon resistance.

Yes - 4 to 10 bar depending on diameter, with smaller bores taking the higher pressure. Check the rating for the size you are ordering rather than assuming the top of the range applies, which catches people out on the larger bores.