The typical superannuation fund balance is down about 11 per cent since the peak late last year. Some funds have done better than others and many people will be wondering whether it's time to change.

Or they may sleep better at night if they switch to a less aggressive portfolio within their super fund.

Either way, good research is handy.

Several researchers now make their information available online to the general public. They provide reports that compare investment performance, fees, insurance and other member benefits. There is, however, a big variation on what is on offer as well as the price charged for such reports.

SuperRatings is making the biggest splash, with the researcher's website averaging 5000 hits a week. Last week when the bad news on market turmoil was at its peak, SuperRatings saw a record 9000 visitors (including many from the media) looking for the latest performance data on super funds.

SuperRatings has recently started what it calls a "club" for super investors. Called SuperSavvy, the club will provide members with research that, it says, is unavailable elsewhere.

The annual subscription is $80 but SuperRatings is offering an introductory subscription for $39.95. For that amount club members get access to SuperRatings' full range of research, news and tools. SuperRatings founder Jeff Bresnahan says the club already has several hundred members.

Members can compare funds by returns, fees and insurance. Fund ratings (platinum, gold or silver) are included and any number of funds can be compared. Reports on individual funds are also available. Paying members can get as many reports as often as they like.

Soon members will be able to chat online with other members about their super strategies. They also have access to retirement savings calculators, to do projections, and a newsletter.

Chant West is another researcher informing and educating consumers about superannuation.

Its AppleCheck report compares up to three funds. The report costs $55 but is available free to anyone who goes onto one of 12 industry super fund websites, including AustralianSuper, Host Plus and Sunsuper.

One of the funds being compared must be the industry fund of the website through which the consumer is accessing the report but the other two funds can be any fund that is covered by Chant West.

The founder of Chant West, Warren Chant, says about 60,000 reports a year are being generated. Consumers have to supply Chant West with an email address and must enter a few personal details before the report is emailed.

The non-profit industry funds are paying Chant West to provide the research because they know they compare well with commercial funds. As you would expect of a free service, the report is fairly brief but the key information is there. It does not, however, include corporate funds.

The third researcher to make its research available to the public is Rainmaker. Its SelectingSuper Comparative Report Card compares any two funds nominated by the consumer. It compares funds by investment performance, fees, charges and insurance. At $69 a report it is costly but, according to Alex Dunnin, the research director at Rainmaker, the reports are detailed, include educational material and run to 70 pages.

Each report is prepared by a SelectingSuper analyst. Reports are pitched at those who are interested in super but do not have a financial planner.

For self-directed investors who want to take control of their super, the researchers are making it easier than ever for them to maximise their retirement savings.

Funds researcher Morningstar also has performance data of retail superannuation funds.

SuperRatings: superratings.com.au.

SelectingSuper Comparative Report Card: selectingsuper.com.au.

Chant West AppleCheck: chantwest.com.au.