Everyone
seems to have their own definition of what constitutes "waterproof.” For that
reason, this rating system was created to present you with a simple way to
compare the level of water-tightness across products and manufacturers. After
all, a rain-coat can be waterproof, right? But will it keep you dry if you jump
in a lake? Originally developed by ROC Gear, Inc. for use at
The Waterproof Store, but quickly becoming the accepted standard for all
types of waterproof containers (cases, bags, backpacks, etc.) These ratings in
no way constitute a guarantee from ROC Gear, but rather offers the consumer a
way to quickly and easily understand the level of water-tightness among various
products from various manufacturers, and present them all together on one common
sliding scale... class 1 being the least waterproof, and class 5 being the
greatest. The official Waterproof Store Rating System classes are defined as
follows:
Class 1 – Water resistant for light rain or light splash
applications.
The product could be permeated by water in any of the following
situations: prolonged water exposure, heavy top-down watering,
forceful water pressure applications, or submersion.
Class 2 – Waterproof in top-down watering applications.
The product could be permeated by water in any of the following
applications: forceful water pressure, water injected from odd
angles, or submersion.
Class 3 – Waterproof so tight it floats or can handle quick submersions.
The product could be permeated by water in any of the following
applications: prolonged submersion, submersions greater than 3 feet
in depth, high water pressure applications.
Class 4 – Waterproof and submersible to at least 3 feet, but no more than 12
feet
(maximum depth varies by manufacturer). This is the first class we
refer to as truly submersible. Suitable for underwater sports such
as swimming and snorkeling, where great depths are not common. The
product could be permeated by water in any of the following
applications: submersion greater than manufacturers recommended
depth rating, constant submersion longer than 24 hours, extremely
high water pressure applications where seals could be damaged.
Class 5 – Waterproof and submersible to depths greater than 12 feet (often as much
as 100 feet – but varies by product and manufacturer). Suitable for
any underwater sport of less depth than the manufacturer’s maximum
depth rating. Common applications include scuba diving, snorkeling,
search & rescue, and white water rafting. The product could be
permeated by water in any of the following applications: depths
greater than the manufacturer’s maximum depth rating or any physical
force that could jeopardize the water-tight seal.
Disclaimer: ROC Gear, Inc. has created this WSRS rating systemTM
to be used by licensed manufacturers and dealers as a way for consumers to
quickly understand the claims being made by any manufacturer or dealer, but the
rating claims of the manufacturers or dealers are in fact claims from the
manufacturer or dealer, and in no way represent any guarantee from ROC Gear,
Inc. Direct product questions should be directed to the product manufacturer.
Perceived mis-representations and/or mis-use of the WSRS rating systemTM
should be reported to
wsrsabuse@rocgear.com.
