A "Quick Rating" is RoguePaddler's three-fold rating of Quality (Q), Value (V), and Usability (U) on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest and most desirable rating for each category. This scale is designed to offer a quick, useful assessment of products at a glance. The approximate meaning of particular ratings is provided below for the sake of clarification and consistency. When you read our reviews, you can refer back to this scale to get a better sense of what each product's Quick Rating means.
How well-made is this product in terms of durability and aesthetics?
1 complete junk; maybe you could burn it to warm up on a cold night 3 someone might want one, but I sure don't, and you probably don't either 5 pretty well made, but I have a few minor reservations or one large complaint 7 very nice, but I've seen better 9 outstanding quality; one of the best-made products on the market 10 flawless, beautiful, and more reliable than my trusty dog
How fair is the price you paid for this product?
1 only buy it if you regularly burn money in your fireplace 3 buy it if your wallet needs thinning or your paddling-jacket is a custom Armani 5 pretty pricey, but a decent product; search or wait for a better deal 7 a reasonable or tempting deal; if it comes down a few bucks, I'll buy one 9 snatch this one up, you'll never be sorry; comparable products cost more 10 the manufacturer hasn't yet realized this product is worth twice the price; buy two
How likely are you to use this product, and how much does it contribute to your convenience and/or safety?
1 it might make a decent paperweight or prop up an uneven table 3 you might find it useful once or twice a decade 5 I can see some uses, but it might not be worth the hassle 7 useful enough that most people should consider owning one 9 if you don't have one, you're really cheating yourself 10 you can't live without it; you'll use it every day, or it might save your life