Step 1: We buy it ourselves
Every product reviewed on RecoveryStack is purchased at full retail price by us, through normal consumer channels. We do not accept free units, press samples, or "review loaners." When manufacturers offer them, we decline or pay them after testing.
This costs us real money — six figures over the course of a year — but it's the only way to give you reviews you can actually trust.
Step 2: We use it long enough to know
Minimum testing periods before we publish a full review:
- Cold plunges, ice baths: 30 days minimum, often longer for climate testing
- Saunas: 60 days (we want to see your power bill swing)
- Light therapy panels: 21 days of consistent protocol
- Sleep wearables (rings, watches): 30 nights minimum
- Smart mattresses: 60+ nights
- Supplements: 30 days of consistent use
- At-home health tests: Full result cycle + follow-up panel where applicable
- Software / subscriptions: 14 days of active feature use
Step 3: We measure, not just feel
For every product we review, we document specific quantitative data — water temperatures, time-to-cool, energy consumption in kWh, sound levels in dB, irradiance measurements, sleep stage accuracy comparisons, and more. We disclose every measurement we made, including ones that don't support the manufacturer's claims.
Step 4: We photograph everything ourselves
Every product review includes 6-12 original photographs taken by us. We do not use manufacturer marketing photos, stock photography, or AI-generated images as primary product visuals.
Step 5: We compare against alternatives
For every product, we compare against 2-3 direct competitors, 1-2 budget alternatives (including DIY where applicable), and 1 premium alternative if we're reviewing mid-tier gear.
Step 6: We write the verdict before the puff
Every review opens with a verdict: a specific recommendation, who it's right for, who should skip it, and a price/value assessment. Then we get into the supporting detail.
Step 7: We update
Reviews on RecoveryStack are not write-once-forget. Major reviews are re-verified every 6 months. Comparison articles quarterly. Pillar guides annually + when underlying research changes.
Step 8: We disclose conflicts
If we have any conflict of interest related to a product we're reviewing, we disclose it.