How We Research & Recommend
Transparency builds trust. Here's exactly how we create our recommendations.
The Honest Truth
We don't personally test every product we recommend. That would require thousands of pounds in equipment and years of hands-on time. Instead, we do something we believe is more valuable: we aggregate and synthesize expert opinion.
Think of us as your research assistant. We spend hours reading expert reviews, watching YouTube comparisons, analysing community discussions, and distilling it all into clear recommendations you can trust.
Our Research Process
Expert Review Analysis
We study reviews from trusted scuba diving gear experts, prioritising reviewers with proven expertise, transparent methodology, and no obvious brand bias.
Community Consensus
We monitor Reddit (r/scuba), ScubaBoard forums to understand what real users experience over time. Marketing claims don't survive months of community discussion.
Cross-Reference & Verify
When multiple independent sources agree, we have confidence. When they disagree, we investigate why and present the nuance.
UK-Specific Validation
We verify availability, pricing, and warranty support for UK buyers. A great product that's impossible to buy or service in the UK isn't useful to our readers.
Sources We Trust
Not all reviews are equal. We weight sources based on expertise, transparency, and track record.
Tier 1: Primary Sources
Expert reviewers with demonstrated expertise, transparent methodology, and significant following.
- PADI (Organization) - World leading dive training organization
- DiveGearExpress (Website) - Expert gear reviews and comparisons
- Scuba Diving Magazine (Publication) - Industry-leading gear tests
Tier 2: Community Sources
Community consensus and specialist forums where real users share long-term experiences.
- r/scuba (Reddit) - Active diver community
- ScubaBoard (Forum) - Long-running enthusiast community
Tier 3: Supporting Sources
Aggregated user reviews and manufacturer specifications for verification.
- Amazon UK Reviews - 4+ stars with verified purchases
- Manufacturer Specifications - For technical verification
What We Don't Do
- ✗Claim to have "tested" products we haven't physically used
- ✗Accept payment to feature or rank products
- ✗Recommend products just because they have high affiliate commissions
- ✗Hide our affiliate relationships
- ✗Present opinions as facts without attribution
About Our Affiliate Links
Yes, we earn commissions when you buy through our links. This is how we keep the site running. But here's what matters:
- ✓We recommend products first, then find affiliate links (not the reverse)
- ✓Commission rates don't influence our rankings
- ✓We link to the best price, even if it means lower commission
- ✓We disclose affiliate relationships on every page
Keeping Content Current
The scuba diving gear market changes. New products launch, prices shift, community opinion evolves. We review and update our recommendations regularly:
- Major guides: Reviewed quarterly
- Product availability: Checked monthly
- Price changes: Links go to retailer for current pricing
- New product launches: Added when sufficient expert reviews exist
Questions or Corrections?
If you spot an error, have a correction, or want to suggest a source we should consider, we want to hear from you. Accuracy matters more than ego.
Contact us with any feedback.
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