Hello Mike,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Here are some of the main differences :
Threads : Jobe Valves are NPT threads. When we say 1”, it’s American National Pipe Thread. We make specific threads for the American market. Apex Valves are still metric – when they state1”, it’s actually 25mm, and although it CAN thread into an NPT , but only a few turns before it binds up. ¾” (or their 20mm) is better, but still binds up and requires excess thread tape). Due to this fact, Apex only makes valves in the ¾” to 1.25” as they “sorta” thread into standard US fittings ; whereas Jobe Valves are sized ½” up to 2” – all are NPT threads.
Durability : the competitor valve has a flimsy inner diaphragm where the friction of the valve closing/opening is directly on the rubber diaphragm (the weakest part). The Jobe Valve diaphragm assembly only uses the rubber around the outside for movement – the friction part of opening/closing is on a built up thicker portion of the assembly – the neoprene seal area – which makes the inner diaphragm last WAY longer. Even the competitor’s replacement diaphragm comes with a lubricant, to try to make it last longer (which in water probably only lasts a few days).
Accessibility : the competition includes a custom tool to take the valve apart for servicing. The Jobe Valve has a patented Detach™ feature, where the valve can be removed from the base without tools for cleaning. Should the valve diaphragm need replaced, a standard #1 square drive bit and the valve pulls apart in seconds – and the inner assembly is all 1 piece, whereas the competition’s is several pieces you assemble.
Engineering ; While our competition uses ABS plastics, Jobe Valves uses GF Nylon. ABD is more prone to cracking and breaking, where GF Nylon is far stronger. Holding 1 of each valve in each hand, the Jobe Valve feels more substantial – because it is. One can easily see by physical examination, that the engineering and quality of the Jobe Valve is superior, and makes the competition look and feel like a cheap knock-off.
In conclusion – I handle the warranty for Jobe Valves for North America….. I spend my days helping in the warehouse, as I usually don’t have any warranty work. I get about 1-2 valves back per month, and 90+% of those are just some dirt in the valve ; Celan it out, they are back to working again. Most customers I deal with have the valves 10+ years before I get the question of what to do about a tiny leaking (the sign the diaphragm assembly is wearing out).
