Spraysensations Distinctives Shower Massager, $30 in white

Problem: Most affordable hand showers are made of light plastic and are prone to leaks. Many tend to slip off the holder and onto the shower floor (or your head). Then there’s the daily struggle with the tangled hose.
Solution: This winner’s plastic head (with six settings, from rain mist to massage) is significantly sturdier than those of other handhelds tested. It sits snugly on a holder that screws onto the shower arm — no tile drilling required. And the springy, kink-free metal hose measures six feet (a foot longer than most), making it handy for extracurricular tasks, like rinsing plants and washing Spot.
To Buy: Bed Bath & Beyond, www.bedbathandbeyond.com. Also available in satin chrome ($40).