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.

We work hard for our money like everyone else, and when our family spends it, we want solid facts and other owners' experience behind the decision. This site is where we gather all of it, for us and for you.

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.

• 142showdowns authored
• 9backyard categories
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How we pick winners, test gear, and keep it honest: our full methodology →