Puckmugger on epinions

[rinkrat94 1]

He seems to have some knowledge but doesn't seem to know the difference between pp and a actual weakness is a product. Just curios what some of you think of his reviews.

[Cavs019 708]

Idiot?

[pat19 0]

I wouldn't listen to him

[TBLfan 25]

I'm not a big fan of reviews from just one person, no matter who it is. That's one of the best things MSH offers; more than one opinion on a product.

[technophile 0]

I like reading his reviews; they're at least amusing and well-written, which is a million times better than most internet reviews.

Can't say whether I agree with him or not; I don't think I've ever bought anything he's purchased. :P

[notquitedeadyet 13]

Try a search, I think some people of known quality from here have given their opinion of his reviews. It was a while ago, but I think he even posted here a couple of times.

[Drewhunz 3]

Yeah, he got shot down REAL quick.

[Doctor Hook 0]

Like with anything, reviews must be taken with a grain of celery salt.

[Chadd 916]

I think he lost any remaining credibility with me when he gave the Hefter helmet rave reviews despite it never being manufactured.

[BK 0]

I think he lost any remaining credibility with me when he gave the Hefter helmet rave reviews despite it never being manufactured.

That and I remember a few reviews he has done on skates where he openly admits to have never even put them on his feet or have them in his possession. <_<

[notquitedeadyet 13]

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index...p;hl=Puckmugger

[Sticks of Fury 0]

I like his reviews. Sometimes I just need any new information/review on hockey products. He usually comes out with a review on new model skates after half a year and I find he includes some useful tidbits.

[JR Boucicaut 3799]

I like his reviews. Sometimes I just need any new information/review on hockey products. He usually comes out with a review on new model skates after half a year and I find he includes some useful tidbits.

Yes, but what's the point of a "review" when you don't even skate in it?

The messed-up thing is that I get customers coming in and say that they read a review on the Internet - the first thing I ask (and hope) is that they read it on MSH (even though they don't know my involvement) and it always ends up being his reviews, so 10 more minutes added on the sale :P

[sds 0]

I like him because his writing is geared towards me - the guy who took up hockey as an adult. He has spoken to me on the phone and answered my emails. I think he is sincerely honest in his advice.

[JR Boucicaut 3799]

And that's all well and good, but I don't think anyone can dispute the fact that he did a review for a product that was never made.

[althoma1 574]

He put together a very thorough skate fitting article and I do find the articles he writes entertaining, however; I don't put much stock in a review if the reviewer hasn't used the product. If he's reviewing a product he's actually used I'll certainly take what he says into consideration, but I'll also try the product on for myself and do further research here before making a decision.

I have forwarded his skate fitting article to friends and family who I know are looking for new skates or other fitting articles for other equipment so they can be informed before going and trying things on (sometimes they'll end up being helped by a knowledgable employee at a LHS and other times they'll end up being helped by a not so knowledgable person so having a general foundation of knowledge is helpful before getting the new equipment or skates). Of course I'll also tell them to read reviews and threads here and offer to go with them to look at things if possible, but I do think his fitting articles are detailed and well written.

I think he genuinely tries to help people, has a good base of knowledge and a good sense of humour. He should simply avoid reviewing products he hasn't used himself.

[sds 0]

And that's all well and good, but I don't think anyone can dispute the fact that he did a review for a product that was never made.

he did a preview and never claimed to have used it. He claimed to have seen a preview, said as much, and did some research on the new material that was supposed to used as the liner. I read the "preview" and I didn't see him make any claims about durability, fit, etc... that would lead someone to believe he used the product.

Now, it can be debated how useful this is beyond a "head's up", but maybe someone who deeply cares about head injuries would have been willing to wait a month or two for new technology? (which I know never actually materialized)

Personally, I think you are been a little hard on him.

[Jim A 4]

I know that when I look towards someone for a hockey opinion his reviews on Cheese Slicers and old cars weigh in my decision... :o

[JR Boucicaut 3799]

And that's all well and good, but I don't think anyone can dispute the fact that he did a review for a product that was never made.

he did a preview and never claimed to have used it. He claimed to have seen a preview, said as much, and did some research on the new material that was supposed to used as the liner. I read the "preview" and I didn't see him make any claims about durability, fit, etc... that would lead someone to believe he used the product.

Now, it can be debated how useful this is beyond a "head's up", but maybe someone who deeply cares about head injuries would have been willing to wait a month or two for new technology? (which I know never actually materialized)

Personally, I think you are been a little hard on him.

He did Hefter a favor - they knew each other. That's all it was, just carried the hype machine to another level.

I have talked to him as well and he seems like a nice guy, and I know he means well. However, couple that with the obvious slight against certain brands, I just can't see him as a trusted source. And that's okay.

[Jason Harris 31]

I stand by him. I met him two-and-a-half years ago and have had a couple of lunches and phone calls in between. I don't believe he oversells his experience with equipment; i.e., "I haven't taken it on the ice, but this is my impression...."

I understand that is different than the requirements MSH has for reviews, but I think it's fair to give an opinion based on initial overview. For instance, my recollection on the helmet is he stated he was previewing a prototype. By the way, he was a manager at one of the larger stores in Denver, so it's not like he doesn't have experience.

[Chadd 916]

I stand by him. I met him two-and-a-half years ago and have had a couple of lunches and phone calls in between. I don't believe he oversells his experience with equipment; i.e., "I haven't taken it on the ice, but this is my impression...."

I understand that is different than the requirements MSH has for reviews, but I think it's fair to give an opinion based on initial overview. For instance, my recollection on the helmet is he stated he was previewing a prototype. By the way, he was a manager at one of the larger stores in Denver, so it's not like he doesn't have experience.

Giving a detailed 400 word review on a stick he used for two shifts is absolutely overselling the experience. He has gone back to change several of the topics that had blatantly false information after he was called out and I give him credit for that.

My issue with his reviews is that he feels he needs to say something about every product. I feel that experience with a product is far more important than reading the spec sheet and flexing it in the locker room.

At MSH we want people to check out hockey gear, go to your LHS and actually try to find products that fit and work for you. His reviews often misinform people and result in ill-fitting online purchases. Not always, but as often as not this has been the case with the people that I know who have read his reviews.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

Well, before I came across MSH, I read his reviews regularly and even comment on a handful. (I use the same user name for everything... it's my real name, btw) For the "Average consumer", his Epinions page is great. I've read his book, and it's pretty insightful if you don't play hockey, don't have siblings/family who play (having a younger brother, an uncle, and 2 cousins... I was lucky enough to know a lot of it already)... if you're completely naive to the game... it's great, and very light hearted (let's face it, hockey isn't the easiest of sports to pick up when your in your late 20's and up).

Scott's epinions site/book instills a light hearted confidence in older guys picking up hockey. Discovering MSH brought my knowledge, and thirst for it- to a completely different level. This is basically for hockey players, by hockey players. Where his epinions site is a 'local pro shop manager' for the average consumer.

A "User review" based on word of mouth, etc is obviously going to be questionable... but it also gives a 3rd person perspective so to speak. If (random LHS owner) reports he's seeing more than his fair share of (Model A hockey skate) brought in due to manufacturing defects... it again helps the 'average consumer'. A lot of us on this sight are aware that you sometimes sacrifice durability for performance... a beginner, or one naive to the sport wouldn't know that

[Doctor Hook 0]

I read his book as well. I knew most of it, some things were new, and it's definitely a good read for a rookie beer leaguer or newbie hockey parent. I'll read anything hockey-related.

[JR Boucicaut 3799]

This is basically for hockey players, by hockey players.

No, we're not. MSH is more detailed - and is why there is a higher sense of maturity. For hockey players by hockey players would be GongShow and the like...

Where his epinions site is a 'local pro shop manager' for the average consumer.

I don't think he has been a manager for a long time now - I believe he works in a record store.

Like I said, I've talked to him and he registered - he was more interested in pimping his book more than anything else.

All being said, it is what it is - I'd rather keep on consulting with product managers and handling this little site of ours. :)

[Jason Harris 31]

I don't think he has been a manager for a long time now - I believe he works in a record store.

No, he owns his own shop now.