How do you judge or form an opinion on gear you have not tried?

[Teamcasa]

In a recent thread about the Omega Amphibian Flip Fin, there were some people who expressed opinions on the fins without ever using them. This seems to be a common occurrence and I’m not sure how effective or credible these opinions may be.

OTOH, I find myself doing the same thing on gear I have not used. So, the questions is, can you have a credible opinion on gear without using it? I would say, It would depend on the gear and the basis of the opinion.

 

[JeffG]

OTOH, I find myself doing the same thing on gear I have not used. So, the questions is, can you have a credible opinion on gear without using it? I would say, It would depend on the gear and the basis of the opinion.

I always ask myself "What problem are they trying to solve." If I see the "problem" as a non-issue, then the gear gets lumped into the gizmo POS category. Also...if it is meant to solve an above water issue, I would think twice before even trying it.

 

[Walter]

Well, it is possible to base an opinion on observing the particular item. For example, I can examine a BC and tell if it will trap air and in what positions. If it does trap air, I'll form a low opinion of it and I won't need to try the BC to know it isn't something I'd use. If it doesn't trap air, I'll look at other parts of its design and perhaps I will try it to see if I might like it.

OTOH, in the thread you are referencing, people who have not used the fins are asking questions and expressing the opinon they have no need of the flip feature. They've also said how it preforms in the water is very important. They have not, for the most part, expressed opinions about those fins.

 

[24940]

I don't need to stick a pen in my eye to know it's a bad idea.

Sometimes, a keen sense of the obvious negates the need to personally experience something to determine its worth.

 

[PhilEllis]

I think you can have opinions on a variety of items you have never used. In the case of the flip fin, many people may think that there is no point in that innovation. As a result, they might have a negative opinion of it. It doesn't require use. Simply observation...very possibly an observation different from that of others.

I do think it is less than informative if you are looking for every new product innovation to "solve a problem" that already exists. The redesign of the 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 didn't really solve a problem over the existing 1968 Chevelle SS. That didn't, in and of itself, make it a POS. Oh well, just my opinion.

Phil Ellis

 

[rollerboi]

If one understands the fundamental principles behind something, I don't see why a preliminary opinion cannot be formed. They don't necessarily have to be correct opinions, do they? And is "correct" an absolute, or simply a relative description?

 

[darylm74]

If something is a particular style of something that I used before, and moved onto something I feel is better, then obviously my opinion will be that the other style is inferior due to general design. Another issue is if there is an obvious failure point that will wear with time and is not easily replaceable (I didn't comment on the thread mentioned above but the hinge might be something to think about). Some things might be environment specific. It is all based on our own experiences along with our ideals. The question from the OP can be answered in as probably many different ways as the opinions held by those here on the board.

 

[diver 85]

Karnack would be great @ this.........

 

[Luis H]

I base it on previous experience and over all knowledge of similar equipment.

As an engineer I often have to analyze and evaluate equipment that if I am lucky I may see drawings, but only a few times will I actually see the hardware.

Testing something can have as many flaws as performing an analysis. In my line of work a test has to be carefully design to get good results. In Scuba equipment evaluation very few individuals will obtain anything more than an impression of equipment performance and then it is only valid for the conditions that day.

Opinions and perceptions are formed in many ways…I do totally believe on keeping an open mind and take in as much information as available…if it is something I could be interested in.


Added:
In the case of the fins in question: my impression…interesting idea, it unquestionably adds complexity. As a believer on the beauty of simplicity the next question is, can the complexity be justified? There are always a compromise.

 

[Gombessa]

I ask myself if I currently use it. When I answer that I don't, I then post something akin to "It's a solution in search of a problem."

I then ask myself if the product makes doing something easier. If I answer that it does, I then say "it's using equipment/gear to solve a skill issue."

At that point, the product is fully reviewed, and I triumphantly return to the solace of my lair.