The Smith Family

We're the Smith Family — Florida homeowners building out the backyard we actually want to live in. At the front of it are two discerning, frugal parents who run the showdowns; behind us is the rest of the crew, five kids and a dog, who put every pick through the kind of use no lab and no brand demo ever will.

The household is led by a 22-year military veteran and helicopter pilot, and that background sets how we judge gear: methodically, skeptically, and with zero patience for marketing that doesn't survive contact with reality. We do the homework ourselves, pit the real contenders against each other, and put the winner up front — plainly.

Florida is its own proving ground: full sun, humidity and salt air that eat cheap hardware, and a pool that runs year round. If something survives our backyard, it'll hold up just about anywhere.

• 96showdowns authored
• 8backyard categories
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How we pick winners, test gear, and keep it honest: our full methodology →