Are Intermatic valve actuators any good?

[PondScum]

I want to add some automation to my pool. I've noticed that Intermatic valve actuators are about 40% of the price of Jandy actuators (I have Jandy Never-Lube valves). Are the Jandy actuators that much better that their considerable price premium is warranted, or are they not that much different?

 

[poolneophyte]

I was wondering about this also. I can't find any reviews of the Intermatic actuators. I found them online for $63.00 and, at that price, it seems like it is worth the gamble.

 

[jay_k]

I have almost a full season on a couple of them at customer pools. So far so good. I've been told by a rep of a competing brand that he actually likes the Intermatic valves better. If the actuator breaks or you loose power you can still turn the valve manually which is pretty cool. Also, the cams are marked and easy to set. It doesn't hurt that they are 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of the other brands.

They are now my actuator of choice.

Jay