Poppets are used in all Colorflow Valves, instead of check balls. As the poppets are opened and closed, they move in precision-fitted cylinders that eliminate wobble and erratic travel.

Poppets also have hydraulic cushioning to soften the impact of the poppet against the valve spring and seat at the end of travel. By contrast, check balls (not used by Colorflow) have large mass that develops heavy impact on the seat and causes the spring to bottom. These hammer blows can peen the seat, roughen the ball, and eventually create a /eaker Springs that are bottomed frequently are susceptible to early fatigue and failure. Worn balls can develop chatter; and may shift position and not shut off tightly.

Balls cannot be decelerated at the end of their travel in the way poppets are slowed by hydraulic bleeding ports and cnannels.