How We Test & Score

We take our review process seriously. Every product that earns a review on Under Par Reviews goes through a consistent, thorough evaluation designed to cut through marketing noise and give you an honest picture of real-world performance.

Our Testing Process

Extended use, not first impressions.

We don't publish reviews after one range session. Every product is tested over multiple rounds and practice sessions in real playing conditions — different courses, different weather, different lies. First impressions can be misleading; performance over time tells the real story.

On-course, not just on the range.

Range sessions are part of the process, but they're not the whole story. We test every club, ball, and piece of gear on the course, where it actually matters. Conditions you can't replicate on a mat — tight fairways, firm greens, wind, pressure — reveal things that a controlled environment can't.

Head-to-head context.

Whenever possible, we test products alongside direct competitors and the models they're replacing. Knowing that a driver is "long" doesn't mean much without context. Knowing it's measurably longer than the three other options in its price range does.

Our Scoring System

We use a X.X / 10 rating scale. Every review's final score appears in bold at the end of the Verdict section.

Here's how to interpret the scores:

9.0 – 10.0 — Exceptional. Best-in-class performance with very few compromises. A product we'd confidently recommend to almost anyone it's designed for.
8.0 – 8.9 — Excellent. Strong performer that does most things very well. Minor drawbacks exist but don't undermine the overall package.
7.0 – 7.9 — Good. Solid option with clear strengths, but notable weaknesses or better alternatives in the category keep it from standing out.
6.0 – 6.9 — Average. Does the job but doesn't distinguish itself. You can find better value or performance elsewhere.
Below 6.0 — Below average. Significant issues with performance, value, or quality that make it hard to recommend.

We don't use a 5-star scale and we don't use star characters. The X.X / 10 format gives us the granularity to distinguish between products that are close in quality — the difference between a 7.8 and an 8.3 matters when you're deciding where to spend your money.

What We Evaluate

The specific criteria vary by category, but our reviews generally assess:

Performance — Does it do what it's supposed to do, and how well? Distance, accuracy, consistency, spin control — the measurable stuff that shows up in your scores.
Feel & Sound — How does it feel at impact? Is the feedback useful? Is the sound satisfying or distracting? This is subjective but matters enormously to most golfers.
Forgiveness — How much does performance drop off on mishits? This is where a lot of premium products separate themselves from the pack.
Build Quality & Design — Materials, finish, aesthetics, durability. Does it look and feel like it's worth the price?
Value — What are you getting for your money relative to the competition? A $600 driver that performs like an $800 one scores well here. A $500 putter that performs like a $200 one doesn't.

What We Don't Do

We don't accept payment for reviews.
We don't let manufacturers approve or edit our content.
We don't guarantee favorable coverage in exchange for product access.
We don't inflate scores to maintain relationships.

Our job is to help you make better buying decisions. Everything about our process is designed around that goal.