How we review
Short version: we only write about things our editor bought with his own money, and we only claim what we can back up.
1. Only products we bought
Every product on The Gear Watcher comes from Ivan's own Amazon order history, which goes back to 2016. We do not accept free samples, loans or payment for coverage, and brands cannot buy a place on a list. When we compare a product we have not owned, we say so clearly and explain that the comparison is based on published specifications.
2. Specs checked at the source
Before a review goes live we open the current Amazon listing and, where available, the maker's own product page or manual, and we check the specifications we quote. Listings change over time: sometimes a product is revised, renamed or removed. When the listing no longer matches what was bought, or when it has disappeared, the review says so.
3. No invented results
We do not publish lab numbers we did not measure, scores we cannot justify or anecdotes that did not happen. Our reviews explain what the specs mean in practice, where the marketing overstates things, who the product suits and who should skip it. Ivan's own owner notes are being added to each review; pages show clearly whether those notes are there yet.
4. Prices and links
We never print prices, because Amazon prices change constantly and Amazon's rules only allow prices that come directly from its own systems. Every "Check price on Amazon" button is an affiliate link, marked as such next to the button. Buying through it costs you nothing extra and does not influence what we write.
5. Corrections
If you spot an error, email contact@thegearwatcher.com. We fix mistakes quickly and update the date at the top of the page.