Editorial standards
How we research a guide, what a number on this site means, and the claims we refuse to make.
1. Every measurement has a source and a tolerance
A figure is published only with an accept range and a confidence label. High means measured on three or more confirmed units. Low means a single unit or a secondary source, and we say so on the card.
2. We do not produce comparison photographs
We do not own most of the products we write about, and a generated or borrowed "fake label" image is misinformation dressed as evidence. Where a photo would help and we do not have one, we describe what to measure instead.
3. A code lookup is a format check, nothing more
Serial and date-code tools tell you whether a code is shaped correctly for a production era. Counterfeiters copy valid codes. No result on this site is evidence of authenticity.
4. What we don't claim
We are not an authentication service and issue no certificates. Legitly pre-screens a photograph to tell you whether to walk away or look closer; it does not deliver a verdict, and we will not describe it as if it does.
5. Seller reviews name the risk, not the company
A marketplace can be a legitimate business and still carry a high counterfeit rate in some categories. We say which categories and why. We do not call a legal business a scam.
Found a number you can disprove? Send the measurement and we will correct or retract, with a dated note on the guide.
Submit a correction