questionable_definitions's definitions

absentee gear

The type of gear that looks good to a person without much experience in the hobby but is actually bad quality, usually bought by beginners.

The kind that a more experienced person (such as a present father figure) would prevent you from buying by showing you what to get instead.

Commonly, but not always, involves some form of "50 features in 1" and gimmicks that have little practical application.
Originates in the outdoor community, but is applicable to all sorts of hobbies.

Jeremy got a survival axe with a built-in compass, signal whistle and magnifying glass from walmart. Unfortunately the handle was made from cheap plastic and broke within a week. Had he had a good role model, he'd not have fallen for such absentee gear.

by questionable_definitions February 22, 2026

Absentee gear

Absentee gear is gear which looks good to a beginner who isn't familiar with a hobby yet, but is actually low quality.
The kind that a good role model (such as a present father figure) would prevent you from buying, as they'd tell you to do better.

Often, but not always, associated with "50 features in 1", gimmicks with little practical application, and cheaper materials.
Originates in the outdoor community, but is applicable for a broad range of hobbies.

Jeremy bought a survival axe from walmart with a built-in compass, survival whistle and magnifying glass. Unfortunately the handle was made from cheap plastic, so it broke within a week.

Had he had someone to show him what to look for instead, he'd not have fallen for such absentee gear.

by questionable_definitions February 22, 2026