Should we write our own product reviews?

[Vana2]

Should we write our own product reviews?

With little or no opportunity to actually handle airguns that I’m interested in, I do a lot of research before committing to an online purchase.

Unfortunately, once you filter out the advertising hype and biased reviews there’s not much real information left. In those shallow, glossy videos you never know what the reviewer inadvertently (or deliberately) missed in their rush to publish. Really, can anybody form an accurate assessment of a new airgun by shooting a couple of groups?

Usually, after I’ve done the best research I can, there’s still bunch of unanswered questions. To get honest, detailed answers, I turn to Air Gun Nation to ask people I know and trust for their comments. As a reciprocal, I help people when I can.

As airgunners, we love showing off and talking about our airguns almost as much as we do shooting them. I was thinking that we should post reviews of our airguns that others who are looking for information could benefit.

As an example, I bought a RAW HM1000x and shared my experiences (so far) in three posts: First Impressions; Detailed Inspection and the Honeymoon that were very well received.

I plan a Summary post once I’ve had a chance to do some detailed testing and shoot some “report cards” showing accuracy and groups. The idea is that people can view what a casual shooter like me can achieve with this airgun/projectile and decide if this is an airgun they might want.

https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hm1000x-first-impressions.1325932/

https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hm1000x-detailed-inspection.1326163/

https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hm1000x-honeymoon.1329199/



I’m thinking that casual real user product reviews might be something fun to make and useful to have.

Nothing fancy, just personal experiences as you setup and learn your new airgun…

- What did you buy the airgun for? Does it meet with your expectations?

- What feature do you particularly like or dislike about the airgun?

- How’s the fit/finish/smoothness of the machining and assembly?

- How are the ergonomics (weight, balance, feel)?

- What are the Baseline stats? What performance are you getting?

- What projectiles does it like or dislike?

- What shot-count are you getting?

- How’s the magazine?

- For scope mounts, how high is the magazine above the receiver?

- Will this be a permanent addition to the cabinet or will it be for sale soon?

Basically, any information that’s not in the sales literature would be of value to a new or potential owner to know. I’d be game to write up quick reviews of my airguns on those days when the weather is not suitable for shooting and I’d be interested in reading about your experiences as well.

So, what do you think? Is it worth while having a “Product Review” folder or a “Review” category, or just putting the word “REVIEW” in the post title?


Cheers!

 

[boscoebrea]

When I saw the title,I became a critic,after reading it,I thought your writing skills are spot -on.
The problem is almost all the FX guys write about their rifles already.
I like the form you put up...........now if that form is keep short and to the point and every poster used it ... then would be consistent; be easy to compare opinions,plus anyone should be able to follow it.
Facts and opinions are not the same,sometimes you may have a lemon.
The way you have put it forth is good and can work....
Truth is I been comparing for so many years about all things I am used to separating the BS and facts.
Make it simple,it is a good idea

 

[imtrigerhapy]

I think a new catagory with actual member reviews would be a great idea. I myself fell into my first pcp the avenger .25 thinking it was the best ever from reviews. At first i was impressed with the avenger. But i did not know the capabilities of a better airgun. Real honest reviews would be a gamechanger not sponsered hype or sales gimicks

 

[Struckat]

Good post and idea. I seldom look at anything that isn’t an actual user review.

 

[WoodWelder]

Before I purchase I review till I'm exhausted. LOL

AGN for sure is the best however, we all use our units either for a purpose or a hobby and we still are left to separate those issues on our own. Reviews take a lot of time and knowledge to complete accurately and I do appreciate those that take the time to do so.

 

[Motorhead]

Sadly the airing / sharing of such reviews that might put a make or model of an air gun in a bad light may get push back from the hosting site, as many AG sites are sponsored by the same company's
Spend any time on or near any forum that runs banner ads and if ones timing is right may read a less that shining review or comment or a strong negative viewpoint. These posts more times than not get removed !!

No different to the rules for political content, rules for personal attacks, rules of slander etc .... there is also rules set forth by the owners of such web sites that slander or talking poorly of there sponsors won't be tolerated either.

Even U-Tube and other hosting sites for content simply don't allow free press / uncensored content as we sometimes feel is not fair or being honest .... It is what it is and that's just sad, but also the truth in these modern times.

 

[trapdoor2]

Generally speaking, reviews should be plotted like velocities. Extreme spreads and SD, etc., give one a better overview of the products "tune". Very hard to do that with limited numbers and human subjectivity.

I always discount the obvious retailer/maker reviews...and also the obvious butt-hurt ones. Just cutting off the tails of the bell curve, so to speak.

Few humans express themselves well, even fewer are capable of damping their bias. Even fewer are wealthy enough to have the tools/training to provide adequate science content.

Sometimes all we can do is just flip that coin, throw that dart.

Hope for the best. Read everything. We have an Industry forum that allows reviews. The filters allow one to sort the main fora as well. I think reviews should be placed in their type specific forums.

 

[beerthief]

The problem i see is everybody thought on a given answer is different , I give an example :
"this gun is very accurate "
Accurate : as in hitting a soup can @ 30 yards
: as in 1/10 of an MOA @ 50 yards
: hit a 2 inch gong @ 270 Yards 5 shots in a row . . 22 @ 13 grain pellet ?

 

[Struckat]

When I read what others say about there new and try to apply the comments to my envisioned use of the product.

trapdoor, you are correct that many can’t hide their bias. There are a couple brands that I hate and try to never speak of them LOL.

Also it seems to me that most reviews are out of the box in nature. While that is fine for some, it may not reflect if the thing can be tuned to the way I want it.

I tend to stay away from tube reviews, although some are pretty objective.

Being close to retirement, I am plotting the purchase of a high end gun. It will be sight unseen and totally dependent on “Real“ reviews.

These real reviews definitely have kept me from buying certain brands in the past. Over time that has proven accurate to me, in my bubble.

Vana, RAW has been at the top of my list for some time. Your reviews have kept them there.

 

[L.Leon]

That some users of any particular PCPs may be bias in their experience is a given, its human nature. For me personally, I read and watch reviews for the initial introduction. Then I watch and read intently what actual users in the field have to write about their experiences. Then its all about the test of time. How often are these newest, latest, greatest appearing in the classifieds? How many are being used long term and how happy are their owners…? How many posts on problems with them from actual users crop up, etc. I am not into modifying or tweaking for higher power, running too many numbers, etc. Once I establish a baseline and role for any of my PCPs, all I want to do is send and have fun… It’s always going to be up to the prospective buyer to do their “due diligence“. I’ve learned to be pragmatic as to why I came to airguns in the first place and purchase accordingly…

 

[Vana2]

Before I purchase I review till I'm exhausted. LOL

AGN for sure is the best however, we all use our units either for a purpose or a hobby and we still are left to separate those issues on our own. Reviews take a lot of time and knowledge to complete accurately and I do appreciate those that take the time to do so.

Agreed - professional, detailed reviews (like those excellent ones from AEAC) take a lot of time and effort to do.

I'm suggesting more casual reviews where the owner notes likes, dislikes, concerns, pellets that group well and a couple of basic stats (like how many shots per fill). A quick review that could be done in a couple of minutes.

 

[Vana2]

Sadly the airing / sharing of such reviews that might put a make or model of an air gun in a bad light may get push back from the hosting site, as many AG sites are sponsored by the same company's
Spend any time on or near any forum that runs banner ads and if ones timing is right may read a less that shining review or comment or a strong negative viewpoint. These posts more times than not get removed !!

No different to the rules for political content, rules for personal attacks, rules of slander etc .... there is also rules set forth by the owners of such web sites that slander or talking poorly of there sponsors won't be tolerated either.

Even U-Tube and other hosting sites for content simply don't allow free press / uncensored content as we sometimes feel is not fair or being honest .... It is what it is and that's just sad, but also the truth in these modern times.

Understand what you are saying.

I would think that honest opinions from long time users would be a valuable resource to companies wanting to improve their products. Essentially they would be getting practical, real world product testing and performance information FOR FREE!

It would be concerning if we couldn't voice our opinions.

 

[Vana2]

That some users of any particular PCPs may be bias in their experience is a given, its human nature. For me personally, I read and watch reviews for the initial introduction. Then I watch and read intently what actual users in the field have to write about their experiences. Then its all about the test of time. How often are these newest, latest, greatest appearing in the classifieds? How many are being used long term and how happy are their owners…? How many posts on problems with them from actual users crop up, etc. I am not into modifying or tweaking for higher power, running too many numbers, etc. Once I establish a baseline and role for any of my PCPs, all I want to do is send and have fun… It’s always going to be up to the prospective buyer to do their “due diligence“. I’ve learned to be pragmatic as to why I came to airguns in the first place and purchase accordingly…

I have the same approach as you do... and it seems, the same attitude as well!