This month's ranking
Open and close water flow per zone on the controller's command.
With over 2,400 reviews, it's by far the best-selling valve in this category — which also means more spare parts and installation guides are available if something fails. 3/4" FPT thread, normally closed like most residential valves, and compatible with any 24V AC controller, not just Orbit's own.
Important: this is NOT a complete valve, it's the replacement solenoid (the coil) for Irritrol valves in the 2400, 2500, 2600, and 700 series. It makes sense to buy this if your current valve stopped opening or closing but the valve body is still in good shape — replacing just the solenoid is cheaper than swapping the whole valve.
Unlike the in-line Orbit 57280 valve in this ranking (which goes underground), this is an 'anti-siphon' valve: it installs above ground level, typically screwed directly onto a spigot, with a built-in vacuum breaker — required by code in many areas when a valve sits near a potable water source. 3/4" thread, standard 24V AC, compatible with any controller. Nearly 900 bought in the past month.
It's the 'Pro' version of the Orbit 57280 in this same ranking: same thread size (3/4" FPT) and same voltage (24V AC), but adds two real upgrades — a flow control screw that lets you precisely adjust how much water passes through that zone, and an internal 'scrubber' filter that reduces the risk of clogging from dirty water or sediment. Amazon's Choice, but with far fewer reviews (70) than the 57280 (2,400+) since it's a newer product within the same family.
A polypropylene protective box for burying over solenoid valves — the part this catalog's valve guide recommends as best practice ("don't leave valves exposed to the weather") but that wasn't listed until now. Amazon Overall Pick, 400+ bought in the past month. Jumbo size (15"x22"x12"H): fits more than one valve, so if you only have one, the smaller 14"x19" version in the same line is cheaper.
Gel-filled splice connectors for the solenoid valve's electrical connections — this catalog's valve guide notes that most failures are electrical, not mechanical, and explicitly recommends "gel-type waterproof connectors" without one listed until now. Amazon Overall Pick, 300+ bought in the past month. Compatible with 12 to 22 AWG wire, direct-burial rated.
