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Methodology

Every Rogue Gunfighter review ends with a Gear Score between 0 and 100. This page documents how that score is calculated, how we report NIJ armor ratings, and how we measure weight. We revise this page when the methodology changes.

Gear Score components

A Gear Score is a weighted composite of five component scores. Durability and weight carry the most weight; value and modularity are meaningful secondary signals; warranty is a tiebreaker.

  • Durability — 25%. Stitching quality, bar-tack density, grommet integrity, fastener reliability, UV resistance, known failure modes in the field. Assessed via observed use and documented long-term reports.
  • Weight — 25%. Empty weight in grams on a calibrated digital scale, compared to the median for the category. Lighter in-class products score better than heavier ones.
  • Value — 20%. Current street price (not MSRP) against feature parity. A $200 carrier with $300 features scores well here; a $400 carrier with $200 features does not.
  • Modularity — 20%. Platform standards (MOLLE, QASM, placard ecosystems), cross-brand compatibility, configuration range. Proprietary lock-in hurts this component.
  • Warranty — 10%. Length, transferability, observed responsiveness. Lifetime-original-owner is industry standard; lifetime-transferable is best-in-class; limited warranties earn partial credit.

How we test

  • Hands-on. Every scored product has been physically handled by a reviewer. Desk-review scores are not published.
  • Weight. Every item is weighed on a 0.1-gram digital scale before and after soft-goods saturation testing. We report both dry and field weights in the spec table.
  • Wear. Plate carriers, belts, and harnesses get a minimum of 10 hours of sustained field wear across three sessions before we publish a score.
  • Stress testing. Hardware is cycled to failure on a separate sample when possible (buckles, quick-releases, retention mechanisms).
  • Failure replication. We document reported failures from credible user reports and, where possible, replicate them under controlled conditions before citing them.

NIJ rating methodology

We cite armor ratings only when the manufacturer publishes a current NIJ 0101.06 (or newer) test report. We do not repeat marketing-only ratings like "Level III++" without referencing the underlying certified level plus any special-threat testing.

  • Certified NIJ level is reported exactly as the test report states.
  • Special-threat extensions (e.g., M855, M855A1) are reported separately when the manufacturer has a documented test.
  • Weight is reported for the specific size and configuration tested; 10"×12" single-curve SAPI cut unless otherwise noted.
  • We link to the NIJ Compliant Products List when applicable.

Weight measurement standards

Every product's weight is reported in ounces, measured dry, on a calibrated scale. Carrier weights include the empty carrier with shoulder straps and cummerbund but exclude plates and pouches. Plate weights are for a single plate unless noted otherwise.

What the Gear Score does NOT cover

The Gear Score is a comparative tool, not a personal recommendation. It does not factor in your specific mission profile, body type, plate system, or threat environment. Listed weights and ratings are starting points; your kit needs to be sized and stress-tested on your body, by you, before it earns a spot in your loadout. Always verify NIJ certification on the manufacturer's current test report before relying on any armor for a real engagement.

Editorial process

Research and drafting are AI-assisted. Every guide and every score is reviewed by the Rogue Gunfighter editorial team before publication, and corrections are issued when evidence warrants it. Source citations and stats are linked inline within each article where the claim is made.

Versioning

This methodology is versioned. When we change how we score or what we measure, we note the revision date here and update all affected reviews with a footer note. Current methodology version: 2026-04-16.

Feedback and corrections

If you think we scored something wrong, or you have documentation that would change a score, contact us. We issue corrections when the evidence warrants it.