Unfortately the magazine reviews are no longer relevant, regurgitated rhetoric and the ratings and awards correlate to the amount and size of the ads. I talked about this years ago in our
"Is Print Dead" thread. As far as comparing the Elan to a Porsche, I know that wasn't me, the Porsche referance is reserved for Kastle
. Yes, I use cars a lot because most people (sorry
@nemesis256, I said
most) because
most people have driven multiple styles and segments to have a basic understanding. I cannot think of another product that is universally understood by everyone, if anyone can suggest one, I am all ears. But on that note, this is also why we have multiple reviewers with diverse backgrounds that can convey their experiences with a product.
I think we do a good job the way we review, not because it is the way we do it but that I have been told that numerous times by more than a few product managers. I will stand by not giving a star or numbers rating because that does a diservise to a ski, the manufacturer and retailer who is stocking that ski because when they tested it they knew that ski that got a lovely 3.83 rating from a magazine test knows that ski has a certain skier in mind and not the ex- college racer or PSIA level 12 Instructor cannot understand what a 10 day a year skier who skids his turns needs to get to the next level and that ski is exaclty the tool. I stand by our "Who is the ski for" and "Who it it not for" because knowing who a ski isn't for is just as important, if not more important than knowing who it is for. We are in the process of revamping our review process and one of the things are are addressing how we review. Here is a tidbit....
- We review skis for every ability level by skiers of that ability. Our reviews are done by skiers like you, intermediates, experts and even some masters racers. Our reviewers are not professional reviewers, and not skiers who are paid by brands.
- Our reviews are independent, and do not mirror what the brands say about their product. We avoid regurgitating rhetoric or sales pitch buzzwords.
- We do not rank skis with stars or numbers. A certain ski could deserve a 4.34 rating for a given skier, and be a solid 5 to a different skier, if it fits their needs.
- While we have paid advertisers, we are clear with them that their reviews do not receive preferential treatment. All reviews are the independent thoughts of the reviewer.
- You have direct access to the reviewers to ask them questions. We listen to you the reader, we value your opinion and respect that we might not always agree.
- We believe that our unique review method allows the reader to discern what the best ski is for them.
- Product for our reviews are sourced from industry and consumer ski demos, and from the Pugski Test Fleet. The Pugski Test Fleet is made up of skis provided by manufacturers that expect honest and balanced feedback on their product.
Blister does a good job with their reviews but they are not the way we review..or other online sites. I am glad they are standing by their methods.
