Cookie Policy
How we use cookies and similar technologies on our site.
Effective Date: March 10, 2026 | Last Updated: March 10, 2026
Our Approach in Plain English
We keep our use of cookies minimal and transparent. Here is the short version:
- We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site — all data is anonymized
- We use affiliate tracking cookies so that purchases made through our links are correctly attributed to us
- We use infrastructure cookies that are strictly necessary for the site to function
- We do not display ads on this website
- We do not use advertising or targeting cookies
- We do not use social media tracking pixels
- We do not use session recording or heatmap tools
- We do not sell your cookie data to third parties
For the full details, read on.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognize your device on return visits and remember certain information about your session or preferences.
- First-party cookies — set directly by thebestgears.com
- Third-party cookies — set by external services we use, such as analytics or affiliate networks
- Session cookies — temporary; deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies — remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
Web beacons, pixels, local storage, and similar technologies are also covered by this policy where they serve the same purposes as cookies.
2. Cookies We Use
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Required for the website to load and operate. These cannot be disabled and contain no personally identifiable information.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| preferred-locale | Stores your regional preference (US/UK/AU) for localized content | 1 year |
| sidebar_state | Remembers whether the sidebar is open or closed | 7 days |
2.2 Analytics Cookies
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with the site. All data collected is aggregated and anonymized — no individual user is identified.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Assigns a randomly generated ID to distinguish unique visitors | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Maintains session state for analytics | 2 years |
| _gid | Distinguishes users between sessions | 24 hours |
| _gat | Throttles the rate of analytics requests | 1 minute |
Google Analytics is configured to anonymize IP addresses. No personally identifiable information is passed to it.
You can opt out of Google Analytics across all websites using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
2.3 Affiliate Tracking Cookies
When you click a product link on our site, an affiliate cookie may be set to attribute any resulting purchase to thebestgears.com. This is how we earn commissions — at no extra cost to you. We do not control these cookies; they are set by the affiliate networks we participate in.
| Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|
| Track clicks and purchases through product links | 30–90 days (varies by network) |
This table will be updated with specific cookie names as we join individual affiliate programs.
2.4 Infrastructure & Performance Cookies
Set by the services that deliver and optimize our site content. These ensure fast, reliable page loading.
| Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|
| Content delivery and image optimization | Session |
3. Managing Your Cookies
Browser settings
You can instruct your browser to refuse, limit, or delete cookies at any time. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect how the site functions.
Google Analytics opt-out
4. Regional Rules
EU / EEA — GDPR & ePrivacy Directive
Non-essential cookies require your prior consent. A cookie consent banner will be shown to EU/EEA visitors before analytics and affiliate cookies are placed. Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent.
United Kingdom — PECR & UK GDPR
The same prior consent requirement applies to UK visitors under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
Turkey — KVKK
Cookies that process personal data require a valid legal basis under Turkish law. Analytics and affiliate cookies are only placed for Turkish visitors following consent or another lawful basis under KVKK.
United States — CCPA (California)
California residents may opt out of cookie-based data sharing that may qualify as a "sale" of personal information under the CCPA. Contact us directly to exercise this right.
Canada, Australia & Other Regions
We follow the principle of informed consent and transparency for all users. Cookie preferences can be managed using the browser controls in Section 3 at any time.
5. Updates to This Policy
This policy will be updated when we add or change cookie usage — for example, when joining new affiliate programs or adding new tools. The "Last Updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.
6. Contact
Questions about how we use cookies?
The Best Gears
Website: https://thebestgears.com