User Guide
Getting Started
Learn how to use RiderReady's features to find, compare, and review professional production equipment.
Quick Start
Get Up and Running
1. Browse Equipment
Explore the database with powerful filters.
2. Compare Side-by-Side
Add equipment to compare specs visually.
3. Create Account
Unlock reviews, lists, and AI features.
Browse
Browsing & Searching
Equipment Database
Use the Equipment page to browse our database of professional production equipment across 7 departments. Filter by manufacturer, type, weight, and more. Click any item to view detailed specifications.
Quick Search (Cmd+K / Ctrl+K)
Press Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+K (Windows) anywhere to open the search modal. Search by equipment name, manufacturer, or use the AI Consultant for natural language queries.
Advanced Filters
All registered users have access to advanced filters including specific wattage ranges, throw distances, zoom ratios, and more.
Compare
Comparing Equipment
Add to Compare
Click the compare icon on any equipment card to add it to your comparison. You can add multiple items from different pages -- your compare list persists as you browse.
Compare View
Visit the Compare page to see equipment side-by-side. Toggle specs on/off, reorder columns, and highlight differences.
Export & Share
Export your comparison to CSV for spreadsheets, print a formatted comparison sheet, or share a link with colleagues.
Note: Unlimited equipment comparison is available for all registered users.
Organize
Lists & Organization
Creating Lists
Organize your favorite equipment into custom lists. Use checkboxes on equipment cards to add to lists, favorites, or compare. Great for projects, gear inventories, or wish lists.
Favorites
Heart any item to add it to your Favorites for quick access later. Access your favorites from your profile page.
Bulk Operations
Drag a box around multiple equipment cards to select them for bulk operations like adding to lists or compare.
AI
AI Equipment Consultant
Our AI Consultant helps you find the right equipment using natural language. Instead of browsing filters, just describe what you need:
Example queries:
- "Bright outdoor wash for festivals under 20kg"
- "Quiet spot fixture for broadcast with high CRI"
- "Line array system for 2000-cap venue"
- "Something like a MAC Aura but with gobos"
The AI understands production terminology across all departments and applies the right filters automatically. Each query costs approximately $0.01-0.02 in API fees, which RiderReady covers for you.
Requires a free account to use.
Reviews
Writing Reviews
Help the community by sharing your experience with equipment you've used. Good reviews include:
Context
What type of show or venue did you use it for?
Specifics
Mention brightness, color quality, noise, reliability, etc.
Comparison
How does it compare to similar equipment you've used?
Honesty
Include both pros and cons.
Note: Reviews must be based on real experience. Fake, paid, or incentivized reviews are prohibited and will result in account suspension.
Community
Community & XP
Leaderboard
Visit the Community Hub to see top contributors ranked by XP. Earn XP by adding equipment, reviewing submissions, and answering questions.
Open Mic
Head to Open Mic to answer community questions and earn XP. Pick the ones you care about, dismiss the rest, and revisit completed or dismissed questions anytime.
XP System
Learn how XP works and what activities earn the most on the Earn XP page. During surge periods, all XP rewards are multiplied.
Tips
Power Tips
Right-Click Menu
Right-click on equipment cards for quick actions like add to compare, add to list, or view details.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Use number keys 1-6 to quickly switch tabs on equipment detail pages.
Community & XP
Earn XP by contributing data, answering Open Mic questions, and reviewing submissions. Climb the leaderboard.
Equipment Requests
Can't find what you need? Request it on the Equipment page and our contributors will add it.
Guides
In-Depth Guides
Detailed guides for specific roles and workflows:
Next
Next Steps
Ready to Explore?
Start browsing professional production equipment or create a free account to unlock all features.