The big box stores tend to have fairly limited selection. But, if they have what you want and the price is good I'd buy there for the convenience. Personally I like Hunter products and use sprinklerwarehouse.com. I generally won't buy from a local "professional" supply house (plumbing, irrigation, etc) as you tend to be treated like a second class citizen and pay top dollar, but you might have a different experiene.

Thanks for reminding me. I have to go the big box to see if the stuff went clearance yet! I mail order too, for stuff I don't find here.

well.. something you have to remember about your local "professional supply house" is that they deal with the contractors that do irrigation and plumbing for a living. Me and my dad did about $50,000 a year in parts at our local Rainbird store. And thats a good bit of money. So when I walked in the store for materials, it wasn't uncommon for me to get service before the regular joe who had come there just to ask a couple questions.

Is it fair? not really. But they are just trying to keep their contactors happy, because that is where they make their money at. But, to tell the truth, even if they didn't treat me well, i would still buy from them.. even at a higher price. It helps to have the connections and experience at a local place. Because it is about damn near impossible to get good advice over the phone anymore...