How we test and rate products at 220 Triathlon

Our experienced team do their best to bring you product reviews that are fair and accurate. Here’s how…

We do our upmost to ensure that all 220 Triathlon product reviews are fair and accurate. This is our manifesto about how we test and rate products on 220triathlon.com and within the pages of the monthly print magazine.

We understand that investing in the gear you need to compete in a triathlon can be a big decision (and a big investment). From bikes to wetsuits, run shoes to goggles, we’re fortunate enough to get hands on with all the latest market releases.

In testing, we want to fairly and accurately explain what you will get for your money and the benefits and suitability of the product for your training and racing.

We score products from 1 star to 5 stars as well as as a percentage score out of 100 and also have some other awards we can bestow on a product – the criteria for each star rating and our other awards are outlined below.

How we find our products

Most products tested in the magazine are supplied by brands or PR companies – though sometimes if one of the team buys a product that they think is worth shouting about, we will include that too.

We have good industry contacts but we will be fair and honest when reviewing a product. If it has limitations, we’ll tell you – but we will also be mindful of price point and value for money. If a product is faulty or poor enough that we don’t consider it fit for purpose, we will let the brand know rather than continue reviewing it.

Our test team are all experienced and have years’ of experience in sport and coaching. They use the products they are writing about week in, week out and understand the features and technology included. Our test team are independent and not affiliated to a specific brand, or sponsored by any brands.

If you see one of our team racing at an event, they will be wearing products they have personally chosen as the best for their needs.

Manufacturers and advertisers do not have any visibility on reviews or verdicts before they appear on 220 Triathlon online or in 220 Triathlon Magazine.

If you buy a product via a 220 Triathlon review or buying guide online, usually we will receive a commission on this purchase. This helps fund the site and means we can review more gear. The writers don’t have any oversight of the commissions received and this never influences our review product choices. 

Our star ratings and review badges

Every review we do is accompanied by a star rating. These range from one to five stars as well as a percentage out of 100%. Using stars gives a quick visual cue and badge, while the percentage scores allows us to be more nuanced in our reviews and award half stars. A verdict and a list of pros and cons helps you see quickly whether a product is for you.

One star (0-30%) = Very poor product, we don’t think it’s worth buying

Two stars (30-49%) = Average, it’ll do the job well enough

Three stars (50-69%) = Good. A decent performer

Four stars (70-89%) = Impressive. One of the best you can buy

Five stars (90%+) = Buy now, a genuine class leader

Cutting edge = A product offering something which truly moves the category forward

Highly rated = A great product that deserves a highlight

Best on test = The best performer and our tester’s choice in this category

Budget buy = A decent product if you don’t want to spend too much

Best value = Not necessarily the cheapest, but great value for the RRP

Read More

• Find out more about the 220 Triathlon editorial and test team
• Go to our gear testing section