My Review Process
How I test and score products for review.
Last updated: 22 July 2026
Every product on this site gets a score out of five. This page explains exactly how that number is worked out, so you know what’s behind it before you trust it.
This scoring system has been in place since 22 July 2026. Reviews published before this date may not follow the exact scoring framework outlined below, though the same core principles — direct testing and honest comparison against the market — have always applied. Older reviews are updated to reflect this system as they’re revisited.
What gets scored
I score four areas independently, then average them for the overall score:
Build Quality — Materials, construction, seams and welds, hardware, and finish. I’m looking at whether something is built to hold up to repeated use in real conditions, not just how it looks on day one.
Performance — How well the product does the job it’s designed for: stability, comfort, speed, warmth, or capacity, depending on the category. This is measured against what the price and category promise, not against an abstract ideal.
Accessories & Kit — What’s actually included in the box, and how good those extras are. A paddle board that comes with a flimsy pump and no repair kit scores lower here than one that gives you everything you need to get on the water straight away.
Value for Money — How the product stacks up against everything else available at a similar price. This is scored against the market, not in isolation. A product can outscore a rival on build and performance but still lose on value if it’s overpriced, or the other way round.
What the numbers mean
Each category is scored out of 5, in half-point increments only (5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, and so on) — no decimals beyond that, because a score should mean something specific enough to defend in a sentence.
| Score | What it means |
|---|---|
| 5 | Best in class. Nothing meaningful to improve — this sets the standard for its category. |
| 4.5 | Excellent, with one minor limitation I could point to in a single sentence. |
| 4 | Solid. Does the job well but has a limitation a buyer should know about before purchasing. |
| 3 | Usable and fit for purpose, but noticeably compromised somewhere. Not a standout. |
| 2 and below | Meaningful flaws that outweigh the positives, or better options exist at the same price. |
The overall score is the average of the four category scores. A product scoring 5 across the board is rare by design — it means I couldn’t find anything to hold against it after direct, hands-on use.
How I keep scores honest
Because I test a lot of gear from brands I already rate, there’s a natural risk that scores drift high over time. To guard against that, every score is checked against two questions before it’s finalised:
- How does this compare to the best two or three products in its category — not just the other gear that’s landed on my desk recently?
- What would have to be different for this to score half a point lower? If I can’t answer that clearly, I haven’t scrutinised it closely enough yet.
Testing and disclosure
Every product reviewed on this site is tested directly by me — on the water, on the trail, or in the field it’s designed for — before it’s scored. Where a product has been gifted, loaned, or provided as part of a paid partnership, that’s disclosed within the review itself. Affiliate links may earn a commission, but they have no bearing on the score a product receives.
If you have questions about how a specific review was scored, get in touch — I’m happy to explain the reasoning behind any number on this site.