How We Score Dive Gear

Every product reviewed on this site is rated using a consistent six-category system. Each category is scored from 0 to 10 and weighted by importance. Rather than defining all 10 numeric values, we group them into five meaningful tiers to make the system more useful, readable, and honest.

We assign a representative score within each tier rather than pretending there's a strict difference between, say, a 7.7 and a 7.8. The number gives transparency, but the tier is what matters.

Function & Performance (30%)

How well the product delivers on its core purpose in realistic diving conditions.

• Exceptional (9–10): Performs flawlessly across intended use cases, including challenging conditions. No functional compromises.
• Strong (7–8): Works reliably in most conditions with only minor quirks or edge-case issues.
• Acceptable (5–6): Gets the job done, but has clear performance limitations or design friction.
• Weak (3–4): May technically function, but introduces enough compromise to reduce trust or usability.
• Unacceptable (0–2): Consistently fails, creates risk, or doesn't perform its stated function.

Ease of Use (20%)

How intuitive, efficient, and hassle-free the item is to set up, operate, or adjust.

• Exceptional (9–10): Seamless experience. Operable one-handed, in gloves, or under pressure. No fiddling or workarounds needed.
• Strong (7–8): Mostly intuitive and smooth, with minor friction or occasional awkwardness.
• Acceptable (5–6): Usable, but requires frequent adjustment, manual consultation, or adaptation.
• Weak (3–4): Setup or operation is frustrating, time-consuming, or counterintuitive.
• Unacceptable (0–2): Unreliable interface, requires tools or hacks, or interferes with dive flow.

Versatility (15%)

The range of dive conditions, environments, or configurations the item adapts to.

• Exceptional (9–10): Works across multiple water types, dive modes, gear configurations, and environments.
• Strong (7–8): Adaptable to more than one context, though it has a clear strength area.
• Acceptable (5–6): Useful in specific situations, but limited outside its core design.
• Weak (3–4): Only viable in one narrow context.
• Unacceptable (0–2): Inflexible or not useful in any real-world scenario.

Durability & Build Quality (15%)

How well the product is constructed and how it holds up to dive travel, saltwater, and repeated use.

• Exceptional (9–10): Tough, precise, and clearly engineered for the long haul. Holds up in rough conditions without issue.
• Strong (7–8): Well-built and reliable with only minor signs of wear or weak points.
• Acceptable (5–6): Adequate build, but concerns may appear early or with certain stressors.
• Weak (3–4): Feels fragile or shows breakdown under normal use.
• Unacceptable (0–2): Fails quickly, breaks under basic handling, or shows serious QA issues.

Value (10%)

Whether the product justifies its cost based on real-world performance and alternatives.

• Exceptional (9–10): Excellent return on investment. Outperforms its price tier or lasts much longer than expected.
• Strong (7–8): Fairly priced for what it delivers. May not be cheap, but it's worth it.
• Acceptable (5–6): Usable, but you're likely paying for a name, gimmick, or design tax.
• Weak (3–4): Poor value relative to direct alternatives or performance level.
• Unacceptable (0–2): Overpriced and underperforming. Should be avoided at current price point.

Brand Trust & Transparency (10%)

How much confidence you can place in the company behind the product.

• Exceptional (9–10): Proven brand with strong product lineage, visible warranty/support structure, and public commitment to sustainability, sourcing clarity, or repairability.
• Strong (7–8): Well-known and respected brand with decent transparency and support practices.
• Acceptable (5–6): Neutral brand standing. Few complaints, but nothing exemplary.
• Weak (3–4): Limited history, vague documentation, or troubling user reports.
• Unacceptable (0–2): Documented reliability problems, unethical sourcing, or absent support structure.