Choosing a validator

Before you stake, a few numbers are worth understanding.

The take is the share of staking rewards the validator keeps before paying nominators. The chain default is 18%, and 18% is also the highest a take can go. A validator can lower its take at any time, but it can only raise it about once every 30 days, so check it again from time to time.

Stake is how much is already behind the validator. More stake means its scores carry more weight, but it does not mean better rewards for you, since rewards are shared among everyone staked there.

Returns shown in wallets and explorers are based on recent results. They can change, especially on subnets where prices move a lot.

On root, you are also choosing whose basket your rewards build up in, so the validator's choices about that basket matter too.