GearVetted
All tools A–Z

Methodology

How GearVetted scoring works

Every tool uses a visible 0-100 model tuned to the question on that page.

Scale
0-100
Tools
7
Weight rows
53
Updated
July 1, 2026

Lab notes

How is each score calculated?

Each model publishes its weights, source list, update date, and scope statement. Each product is scored against its full published specification, standards-body context, and named outside measurements where available, so each number traces back to a source you can check. View the source hierarchy. Pay does not affect rank order.

Scores are computed on a 0-100 scale where each dimension carries a disclosed weight. The weight reflects how much that attribute matters for the typical buyer in a given category. For example, battery life carries a higher weight in a portable-use tool than in a bench-mounted one. Weights are set before data collection begins and are not adjusted after the fact to favor a particular product.

When two products land within two points of each other, we treat them as a practical tie and note that in the page copy. A numerical rank is still shown because it helps readers scan, but the recommendation text makes the margin explicit so no buyer over-reads a small gap.

Score-band legend

Score bands80+ strong60–79 solidBelow 60 limited fit

  • 80+: strong marks on the heaviest dimensions with few weak lines in the listed specs.
  • 60–79: competitive on most scored inputs, with at least one clearly weaker dimension.
  • Below 60: trails this field on the inputs weighted most; the product cards list exactly where.

Source hierarchy

  1. Primary source ruleThe source hierarchy starts with specifications published on the brand's own site or in the product manual, then standards records, then non-Amazon retail specification tables where those include measured dimensions or tested ratings, then named outside measurement sources where comparable data is published and the methodology is disclosed.
  2. Commerce source ruleManufacturer and retailer data are commercial source inputs: marketing claims and retailer copy are excluded unless a published specification, manual, standards record, or allowed source record supports them.
  3. Excluded from scoringRetailer review snippets, Reddit consensus, and unattributed blog posts are not scoring sources. Where a specification is contested across sources, the discrepancy is documented and the source hierarchy determines which value is used.
  4. Method scopeHow the method is applied: scoring can be run by automation against the published source records. These scores are a research aid, not a product-trial or real-world performance test; no testing lab or human review panel is used unless a page explicitly says otherwise.
  5. Freshness ruleEach product row includes a visible last-checked date. When that date is older than 90 days, the row is flagged internally for review. If a model has been discontinued, we remove it rather than leave a stale entry that could mislead a buyer.

How do affiliate relationships affect scores?

Affiliate relationships do not influence rank order. A product that earns us a commission is scored identically to one that does not. Our editorial standards page describes how we handle corrections, source disagreements, and discontinued models in more detail.

Weight ledgers by tool

Weight table

Trolling Motors

Trolling Motors scoring weights
DimensionWeightDefinition
Thrust26%Catalog rows list thrust from 30 lb to 86 lb; higher numbers score better, and a missing value stays neutral.
Mount Type15%This dimension maps listed mount type from Transom to Bow; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Steering And Control14%This dimension maps listed control type from Hand to GPS; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Shaft Length12%This dimension compares listed shaft length against a 42 in ideal; closer values score higher, and missing values stay neutral.
Battery System Voltage10%Across the catalog, listed voltage goes from 12 to 24; higher numbers score better, while a missing entry stays neutral.
Saltwater Rating8%This dimension checks whether saltwater rated is listed; yes earns full credit, while no or missing earns zero.
Weight (Lighter Is Better)6%This dimension reads listed weight from 18 lb to 50 lb; lower numbers score better, while a missing value scores neutral.
GPS Spot-Lock Anchor5%This dimension checks whether GPS anchor is listed; yes earns full credit, while no or missing earns zero.
Speed Settings4%Listed max speed settings feeds this dimension directly; higher listed values score better under the profile rule, while missing entries stay neutral.

Weight table

Cornhole Boards

Cornhole Boards scoring weights
DimensionWeightDefinition
Board Size22%This dimension maps listed board size from Mini to Regulation; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Rules Compliance18%This dimension checks listed regulation compliant; yes earns full credit, no earns zero, and missing stays neutral at 50.
Board Material Durability20%This dimension maps listed material from Plastic to Solid Wood; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Bags Included12%This dimension checks whether includes bags is listed; yes earns full credit, while no or missing earns zero.
Foldable Portability8%This dimension checks whether foldable is listed; yes earns full credit, while no or missing earns zero.
Bag Fill Type6%This dimension maps listed bag fill from Corn to Dual Sided; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
LED Lighting5%This dimension checks whether LED lights is listed; yes earns full credit, while no or missing earns zero.
Set Build Weight9%Across the catalog, listed weight goes from 15 lb to 62 lb; higher numbers score better, while a missing entry stays neutral.

Weight table

Fishing Rods

Fishing Rods scoring weights
DimensionWeightDefinition
Blank Material22%This dimension maps listed material from Composite to Carbon; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Power Rating20%This dimension maps listed power from Ultra Light to Medium Heavy; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Rod Action15%This dimension maps listed action from Slow to Extra Fast; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Rod Application12%This dimension maps listed rod type from Surf to Casting or Spinning; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Line Weight Range11%Listed line weight runs from 7 lb to 39.5 lb in the scored catalog; higher numbers score better, and unlisted values score neutral.
Rod Length8%Catalog rows list length from 6 ft to 12 ft; higher numbers score better, and a missing value stays neutral.
Saltwater Rating7%This dimension checks whether saltwater rated is listed; yes earns full credit, while no or missing earns zero.
Packability5%This dimension reads listed pieces from 1 to 2; higher numbers score better, while a missing value scores neutral.

Weight table

Personal Item Bags

Personal Item Bags scoring weights
DimensionWeightDefinition
Personal-Item Fit28%This dimension maps listed personal item fit from Common Underseat to Strict 18x14x8; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Packing Capacity22%This dimension reads listed capacity from 12.5 L to 48 L; higher numbers score better, while a missing value scores neutral.
Weight (Lighter Is Better)15%The scored range for listed weight spans 0.9 lb to 5.5 lb; lower numbers score better, with missing values held neutral.
Internal Organization13%This dimension maps listed organization from Low to High; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Laptop Fit12%Across the catalog, listed laptop fit goes from 13 in to 17 in; higher numbers score better, while a missing entry stays neutral.
Weather Resistance10%This dimension maps listed weather resistance from Dwr to Tpu Laminate; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.

Weight table

Soccer Goals

Soccer Goals scoring weights
DimensionWeightDefinition
Goal Width22%The scored range for listed width spans 4 ft to 18.5 ft; higher numbers score better, with missing values held neutral.
Portability18%This dimension maps listed portability from Stationary to Ultra Portable or Ultra Portable; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Frame Material Durability15%This dimension maps listed frame material from Fiberglass to Aerospace-grade aluminum; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Quick Setup12%This dimension maps listed assembly from Requires installation to No assembly required or Pop-up design; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Weather Resistance10%This dimension checks whether weather resistant is listed; yes earns full credit, while no or missing earns zero.
Net Material Durability8%This dimension maps listed net material from Polypropylene to 5mm UV-protected braided net; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Weight (Lighter Is Better)8%The scored range for listed weight spans 3 lb to 53 lb; lower numbers score better, with missing values held neutral.
Included Accessories7%This dimension maps listed includes from Carry bag to Net, frame, stakes, poles, carry bag; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.

Weight table

Skateboards

Skateboards scoring weights
DimensionWeightDefinition
Deck Width Fit28%This dimension maps listed width from 9.81 to 8.25; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Deck Construction20%This dimension maps listed construction from 7-Ply Maple to Carbon Fiber Foam Core; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Wheelbase Fit18%This dimension maps listed wheelbase from 14 to 14.25; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Concave Control13%This dimension maps listed concave from Mellow to K20; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Deck Length Fit9%This dimension maps listed length from 31.13 to 32; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Nose Size6%This dimension maps listed nose from 6.5 to 6.9; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Tail Size6%This dimension maps listed tail from 6.75 to 6.6; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.

Weight table

Compound Bows

Compound Bows scoring weights
DimensionWeightDefinition
IBO Arrow Speed26%Catalog rows list ibo speed fps from 290 to 348; higher numbers score better, and a missing value stays neutral.
Weight (Lighter Is Better)18%This dimension reads listed weight from 2.7 lb to 4.9 lb; lower numbers score better, while a missing value scores neutral.
Brace-Height Forgiveness18%This dimension maps listed brace height from 6 to 6.75; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Axle-To-Axle Handling14%This dimension maps listed axle to axle from 27 to 32; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Draw-Length Adjustability Span12%Listed draw length range runs from 4.5 in to 16 in in the scored catalog; higher numbers score better, and unlisted values score neutral.
Let-Off Comfort8%This dimension maps listed let off from 85% to 70-90%; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.
Cam System Quality4%This dimension maps listed cam system from Fluid Cam to Synchronized Binary Cam; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral.