Short answer: NCR crossed out its own 2 out of 5 rating for these guards after the manufacturer, Quality Edge Inc., disputed the review by letter. NCR said it was re-testing GutterMagic, GutterGuardian, ClearWater and TruGuard separately, but this site's archive shows no finished replacement review.
What happened, in NCR's words
“We are in the process of revising this review. GutterMagic, GutterGuardian, ClearWater and TruGuard are made by Quality Edge Inc. The Company has written us a few letters stating that the products are very different from each-other (we assume in performance and structure). Although at the time we wrote the review the information seemed to be relevant we would like to take the time to revisit Quality Edge’s product offerings and do a more thorough review that you have come to expect from us.”
The ratings NCR struck through (shown crossed out on the original page)
- Manufacturer
- Quality Edge Inc.
- Brands covered
- GutterMagic, GutterGuardian, ClearWater, TruGuard
- Type
- Metal reverse curve
Scores (struck through by NCR, pending re-review)
Price5 / 5
Protection2 / 5
Reputation2 / 5
Strength2 / 5
Water throughput2 / 5
Durability2 / 5
Price w/ Installation.
“Price is heavily dependent on the commissioned sales representative. The ‘one call close’ is almost always attempted.”
Effective Protection Coefficient.
“All are relatively poor due to the lack of surface tension effectiveness in low velocity rains. Debris is dragged into the gutter.”
Industry Reputation.
“Poor industry reputation due to complaints, price, product ineffectiveness and pressure selling tactics.”
Strength.
“Tree limbs will bend or damage panels. During the heat of the summer the brackets are prone to fail and panels have been known to become detached from the gutter.”
Water Throughput.
“In heavy rains, over-shooting will occur. There is no way that surface tension can roll the water in the open slot.”
Durability.
“These systems' sheet metal construction are rather flimsy and will be blown off gutters in heat and high winds.”— NCR Consumer Advocacy Group, archived October 11, 2016 (struck through on the original page, pending re-review)
NCR's own later comment, found in reader replies on this page: “As new and better products enter the market we must adjust our ratings based on the improved performance characteristics of the new products.” We’re showing you the dispute itself because it's a real, documented example of a manufacturer pushing back on a published rating — not something we're speculating about.
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