Example, I read reviews on say, TW for rods, sometimes for reels. However I read between the lines, some are from people for one reason or another don't like a certain manufacture and will give a negative review, while others that really have no long term experience with a product, may give it rave reviews, based solely on a very short term experience, or they just bough the product but haven't used it yet.
I also will ask certain BR members their opinion of a product, those I ask I have confidence that they have enough experience and expertise to give me an honest answer.
I will admit that I bought a rod on a recommendation from a well known YT'r, I was really let down on the performance of the rod, so I tend to stay away from those types of reviews.