Cheap Ball Valves are Evil

[Cnherrick]

Give me brass, no lead every time.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Give me stainless with a stainless handle.

 

[Zanne]

I don't see stainless steel on the list. But given the two options, I have to go with lead-free brass.

Edit. LoL. Twowaxhack beat me to it by seconds!

 

[Twowaxhack]

Pvc is better if you have acid water. Brass is better if you have neutral water.

The answer is situational.

 

[skeezix]

This ^^

Indoor plumbing = brass ball valves.

Outdoor irrigation = Plastic ball valves. I installed mine over 20 years ago. They get baked by the sun every summer, turned off and on for maintenance, and are still serviceable.