I use the "SPEED BLEEDERS", the check valve type you mentioned, and they're fast and easy to use. No vacuum things needed, and it's fast to do. Also, get yourself some TYGON (brand) tubing at your local lawn equipment repair shop and use that instead of some kind of stiff rubber of vinyl. TYGON is used for fuel lines and that stuff is almost as resilient as silicone tubing. "Try it, you'll like it". You can also opt to get the Speed Bleeders bag for the old fluid to drain into, it comes with tubing attached.