I think we have a brass nozzle fused to the hose. I plan to get a second hose since we have a large yard. What do you suggest for fittings? It sounds like I should stick with either aluminum or brass but I am not sure...suggestions are most welcome.

I wrap the male end with Teflon tape, have not had a problem

You could cut off the male and female hose fittings and replace with plastic or brass fittings.Today I went to our local swap meet/flea market and a seller had the plastic,male and female,for $1 each.He also had the brass ones for 2 for $5.I'm cheap,so will look for the brass nearing $1 each.Still a lot cheaper than buying a new hose.If you use teflon tape you need to put on both ends if you use a brass nozzle and if you take off the nozzle or hose then likely have to do teflon again.