Thermobore has a double lining which makes it stronger and less prone to busting with hot water. As will happen with normal micro bore.I don't know were the bad smell comes from but I have never had a bad smelling hose.The only thing one needs to bare in mind with hot hoses don't allow stretching when rewinding up as it can get knotted when it cools down on the reel.It was not made to keep water warmer.