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How to Use Validators.app to Choose the Right Validator

(And Why Vladika Gets a Perfect Score)

When it comes to staking your SOL, trust is everything. But how can you tell whether a validator is worthy of your stake?

One of the most reliable tools in the ecosystem is validators.app — a platform trusted by delegators and professionals alike. It offers clear, on-chain-based performance metrics and transparency indicators. Let’s break them down.

Performance Score: 13/13 or Nothing

At the top of every validator page, you’ll see their total score out of 13. This isn’t just a vanity metric — it’s based on real performance across seven key categories:

  • Root Distance Score — Measures how far behind a validator is from the chain tip. The lower, the better.
  • Vote Distance Score — Similar to root distance, it reflects how fast a validator votes.
  • Skipped Slot Score — Tracks how often the validator misses block production. Missed blocks = missed rewards for you.
  • Vote Latency Score — Measures how quickly votes are submitted.
  • Published Info Score — Whether the validator has properly published identity and contact info.
  • Software Version Score — Shows if they’re using up-to-date Solana software.
  • Bonus Point — Awarded if the validator has a public website with security disclosures.
Performance Score: 13/13 or Nothing

Vladika proudly holds a perfect 13/13. No shortcuts. No sloppiness. Just solid, transparent performance.

Admin Warnings: Red Flags You Can’t Ignore

Ever seen a red “Admin Warning” badge next to a validator’s name?

Admin Warnings: Red Flags You Can’t Ignore

This isn’t just cosmetic. It means the validator was flagged for malicious or harmful actions — like manipulative behavior, sandwich attacks, or other threats to the Solana cluster. If you hover over the warning, you’ll see the reason.

Validators with admin warnings automatically score 0, no matter how good their performance might seem. It’s a hard stop for trust.

Vladika? No warnings. Ever. That’s how we earn your trust — and your stake.

Commission Change History: The Hidden Danger

Not all 0% validators are created equal. Some start with zero commission to attract delegators — and then silently increase it after a few epochs.

At validators.app, you can see a validator’s full commission change history:

Search for a validator, scroll to the “Validator Details” section, click “See commission changes“.

This shows whether a validator has a steady and honest policy — or if they’re playing games with your rewards.

Commission Change History: The Hidden Danger

We’ve already covered this in more depth → Where your Staking Rewards come from

In Summary:

If you’re staking, don’t go in blind. Use validators.app to:

  • Verify validator performance (aim for 13/13)
  • Check for Admin Warnings
  • Review commission change history

And if you want one less thing to worry about, сhoose Vladika.

✅ 13/13 score
✅ 0% commission
✅ No warnings

We do the work. You keep the rewards.

Vladika