LeelineSports maintains absolute editorial distance from the manufacturers of the gear we cover. Our loyalty lies with the athlete, the coach, and the parent.
1. Mandatory Financial Disclosures
Our contributors must disclose any relationship that could compromise their objectivity. This includes:
- Sponsorships: Any current or past (within 24 months) individual athlete sponsorships from brands mentioned.
- Industry Ties: Any consulting fees paid by sports manufacturers for product development or “wear testing.”
- Stock Ownership: Significant equity in parent companies (e.g., Amer Sports, Vista Outdoor, or Nike Inc.).
2. Gear Handling & “Loaner” Policy
To maintain the integrity of our reviews, we follow strict procurement rules:
- Transparency of Origin: We clearly state whether a product was purchased at retail by Leeline Sports or provided as a “media sample” for review.
- No “Cherry-Picking”: We do not accept “golden samples” (specially tuned products sent by brands). We often perform “Secret Shopper” audits to ensure the gear we test matches the gear in the box at your local store.
- Return Policy: Any high-value equipment (e.g., $500+ smart trainers, premium golf clubs) provided for review is returned to the manufacturer or auctioned for charity after the testing window to prevent “ownership bias.”
3. Dogmatic Independence from Brands
We do not allow “Pre-Publication Approval.” While we may contact a brand to clarify a technical spec or a warranty clause, no manufacturer is ever permitted to read a review before it is published. We frequently publish “Not Recommended” ratings for products from our largest affiliate partners. Our revenue model is built on long-term reader trust; we will never sacrifice an athlete’s safety or a parent’s budget to appease a brand’s marketing department.