StryctBeta
INDEPENDENT BENCHMARKING RUBRIC

Prop Firm Evaluation Methodology.

At Stryct, every prop firm recommendation is scored through a formulaic mathematical rubric. We evaluate real drawdown formulas, consistency caps, payout latency, and rulebook fine print to protect your capital.

100% Objective
Formula-driven scoring
Zero Sponsored Bias
Commissions never buy rank
Client-Side First
No trade tracking data sent
Daily Verified
Constant rulebook audits

Our 4 Evaluation Pillars

Every prop firm is benchmarked across these 4 weighted pillars before earning a Stryct Trust Score.

DRAWDOWN MECHANICS
35% Weight

Drawdown Calculation & Loss Buffer Architecture

How a prop firm calculates drawdown is the #1 factor determining whether a trader keeps their funded account. We prioritize mathematical fairness and predictable breach boundaries.

Static Drawdown (Highest Score)Floor permanently fixed to initial starting balance. Never increases as equity grows.
Optimal
End-of-Day (EOD) TrailingDrawdown floor updates only at daily market close based on settled balance. Intraday swings are protected.
Acceptable
Intraday Trailing Equity (Severe Penalty)Floor trails open unrealized profits tick-by-tick. Triggers premature liquidations on normal pullbacks.
High Risk
Daily Loss Limit MechanicsEvaluated against initial balance vs. start-of-day balance. Strict rollover reset times must be published.
Audited
CONSISTENCY RULES
25% Weight

Consistency Caps & Dilution Requirements

Firms often insert restrictive consistency clauses to prevent payouts after a profitable day. We evaluate how much freedom you have to size your winning days.

No Consistency Rule (Highest Score)Traders can withdraw profits regardless of single-day profit distribution.
Optimal
40% - 50% Profit CapRequires extra trading days to dilute high-profit sessions. Must be clearly displayed before purchase.
Acceptable
Hidden Lot-Size Step LimitsDisqualifying payouts if lot sizes deviate by more than 2x between trades. We flag and penalize these clauses.
High Risk
Minimum Trading DaysMust be realistic (0 to 5 days). Mandates beyond 10 days on evaluation are penalized.
Audited
PAYOUT RELIABILITY
25% Weight

Payout Frequency, Splits & Withdrawal Velocity

A prop firm evaluation is meaningless if payouts are delayed, disputed, or heavily taxed with hidden intermediary fees.

First Payout SpeedEligibility within 5 to 14 days of funded phase. Rapid cycles receive priority rank.
Optimal
Profit Split BaselineMinimum 80/20 split required; scaling up to 90% or 100% on subsequent cycles.
Audited
Payment Methods & Gateway FeesAvailability of fee-free direct wire, Deel, Rise, and crypto (USDT/USDC).
Audited
Buffer Retention ClausesFirms requiring a mandatory cash buffer left behind before payout must clearly state formulas.
Audited
RULE TRANSPARENCY
15% Weight

Platform Execution, Spreads & Prohibited Strategies

We audit the rulebook fine print for arbitrary denial clauses that catch profitable traders by surprise.

News Trading AllowanceFull freedom to hold or execute during Tier-1 economic news releases (CPI, NFP, FOMC).
Audited
Weekend & Overnight HoldingUnrestricted holding over market closes without mandatory flat position liquidations.
Audited
EA & Trade Copier FreedomFull support for custom algorithmic trading, risk managers, and personal copy trading.
Audited
Spreads & Commission ClarityRaw spreads on majors and honest contract specs on Gold (100 oz standard).
Audited

Trust Score Classification Scale

How we categorize evaluated prop firms based on their composite weighted score (out of 10.0).

9.0 - 10.0
Tier 1: Elite Recommended

Static or EOD trailing drawdown, 80%+ split, rapid payout turnaround, transparent rules.

8.0 - 8.9
Tier 2: Competitive Standard

Standard 2-step evaluation with 40-50% consistency cap or bi-weekly payouts. Predictable terms.

< 8.0
Tier 3: High Caution

Intraday trailing equity, restrictive news/EA bans, or prolonged payout processing times.

⚖️

Commercial Independence & Affiliate Transparency

Some links on Stryct are affiliate links routed through /go/[slug]. If you purchase a challenge through our links, we may receive compensation at zero extra cost to you.

However, affiliate partnerships never influence our evaluation scores, mathematical formulas, or tier rankings. If a firm utilizes predatory intraday trailing equity or enforces abusive payout denials, they receive low marks regardless of affiliate payouts.

Ready to find a firm that fits your exact trading rules?

Compare verified firms with objective rule breakdowns and exclusive discount codes.

Compare Prop Firms →Calculators