Product Review: Vindicator Valve Handles

I had the opportunity to get my hands on a couple of the Vindicator Valve Handles made by Scuba Stik. I thought I would share my thoughts about them with everyone. First thing, these aren’t just simple replacements for you valve knobs. The ones I had gotten were for a Dive Rite valves and manifolds. They make them for almost any valve and manifold on the market today, you’ll just need to know which Vindicator handle will fit your valves, they have eight.

What is it?

The Vindicator Valve Handle is a new product to replace existing valve knobs. What it does is to provide a visual indication if the valve is open or closed. There are color coated pieces to indicate open or closed. When the valve is closed, the red piece extends below the knob. When you open the valve, a green piece slides over the top of the red piece as you turn the handle. Full green indicates that the valve is all the way open.

The Installation

Installing these things was simple. I just had to remove the existing valve knob and plastic washer. The red piece of the Vindicator goes on first. Then the Vindicator knob goes over the top of the red piece. Next, simple tighten down the Vindicator with the valves existing spring and nut. Like I said before, the installation was easy. Assuming you know how to use a screw driver that is.

My Opinion

I always hate to criticize other people’s hard work. But in my opinion, why fix something that isn’t broken? I have gotten into the habit of doing a flow check prior to going under the water. Since I can’t see the valve(s) on my back, this visual indicator is really no good. Divers should know which way an open valve turns. I can probably see when a dive master mistaken turns off a valve for a customer, thinking he/she turned it on, this indication would be a lifesaver. But as a thinking diver, we must verify all of our equipment is in working order prior to splashing into the water.

I’m also concerned about the material they are made from. From what I can tell, they are made from plastic. Plastic can become brittle in cold water. If one cracked and broke, then the diver may not be able to shut down their valves (assuming diving double tank configuration).

The think I did like about this product was the large knobs it has. When wearing thick dry gloves, it felt easier to grab my valves handles and manipulate them. Another benefit to these things are that if you were to come into contact with an overhead environment, an aware buddy will be able to see if your valve has rolled off. Of course, technical divers have a protocol to always perform a flow check whenever coming into contact with an overhead. Even though I like this feature, I will not be switching my valve handles over anytime soon.

Dive Safe,
Duane
Precision Diving