Short answer: LeafGuard scored 2 out of 5 overall, with the same 1 out of 5 reputation score NCR gave Gutter Helmet.
Scores
Price3 / 5
Protection2 / 5
Reputation1 / 5
Strength4 / 5
Water throughput2 / 5
Durability3 / 5
- Manufacturer
- LeafGuard Gutter Systems, Inc.
- Type
- Metal reverse curve
What NCR wrote, in their words
NCR's category write-up for LeafGuard is nearly identical to what they wrote for K-Guard and the Original GutterGuard — see our sources.
Price w/ Installation — 3/5.
“Price is dependent on the commissioned sales representative.”
Effective Protection Coefficient — 2/5.
“LeafGuard is relatively poor due to the lack of surface tension effectiveness in low velocity rains. Debris is dragged into the gutter.”
Industry Reputation — 1/5.
“This product was developed over 35 years ago by a seamless gutter machine company and was re-invented by another seamless gutter machine company as K-Guard and also Gutter Guard... using the reverse curve technology that was patented in 1908 by George Cassens.”
Strength — 4/5.
“The strength of this system is fairly decent compared to thin sheet metal systems, but to clean the system one must either pull down the bottom half and bend back or lift the top and bend back.”
Water Throughput — 2/5.
“In heavy rains, over-shooting will occur. There is no way that surface tension can roll the water in the open slot.”
Durability — 3/5.
“Leafguard is fairly durable. It is about the same thickness as a typical K-Style gutter – 0.27" or 0.32".”— NCR Consumer Advocacy Group, archived January 5, 2018
Ratings from other sources, as NCR quoted them (updated June 2010)
NCR included these as reader complaints from Pissed Consumer, not from their own testing:
“We have had Leaf Guard gutters for nearly ten years. We have to call them every year to come and clean out the gutters which are clogged with leaves and debris. In addition, this causes huge ice dams on the roof.”Pissed Consumer reader quote, via NCR