Did COVID-19 change the way you exercise? Though most people value an active lifestyle, 2020 saw folks unable to go to the gym or gather in indoor spaces. Due to mitigation efforts and quarantine, people took to the outdoors to run, walk, and hike in record numbers.
If you’re one of those people who went from the gym to the hiking trail during COVID-19 and fell in love, you know you need adequate eye protection. Unlike in the gym, the sun is a constant factor. A pair of sports sunglasses is a must.
You may think they’re not for you, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Read this guide and learn how to pick fashionable, functional, and lightweight sunglasses.
The sunglasses you need for a round of golf are far different than for a long bike ride. Golfers need clarity and glare reduction as they stare out into manicured fairways and deep green rough.
Anglers need lenses that allow for the best vision into deep water, while cyclists will want eye protection along with Bluetooth capability.
Bluetooth glasses give cyclists and runners the option of comfortable frames without the need for uncomfortable headphones. Stream music, podcasts, or lectures through these high-quality frames and leave the earbuds at home.
LENS MATERIAL
If you’re spending a considerable sum, you want to make sure your lenses are strong and durable.Glass and polycarbonate are the two most common lens materials.Glass offers more clarity than polycarbonate and is less likely to scratch. The downside to glass is its inability to withstand impact. Lenses made from polycarbonate are far less likely to shatter during high-impact scenarios.
WEIGHT
You also want lenses that won’t weigh too much. Weighty glasses during outdoor exercise inhibit performance. Glass lenses weigh far more than polycarbonate.Frame materials also contribute to weight. Lightweight frames made from flexible plastics will make it feel as though you’re not wearing glasses at all.
LENS TYPE
Sports sunglasses, like all other types of sunglasses, feature different types of lenses. These lenses all serve different purposes and tend to match with a variety of outdoor activities.The best thing about them? The lenses, no matter the type, offer the same amount of UV protection.
POLARIZED
Polarized lenses are perfect for activities where you need glare reduction.Water sports, fishing, and boating are all instances where glare reduction is necessary. Glare reduction is also beneficial in sports like golf, baseball, and softball. These lenses are the difference between hitting the pin or catching that fly ball for a third out. Be aware, though, that polarized lenses can interact poorly with some windshield tint. If you have a tinted windshield on your car or motorcycle, you may experience blind spots or lose the ability to see some LCD signs.
PHOTOCHROMATIC
These lenses adjust to light conditions. The lenses grow darker in bright light and lighter in lower-light conditions. These lenses work great for cyclists who experience a variety of light conditions while on the trail. Photochromatic lenses are not for cold-weather activities like skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling. They don’t adjust to cold climates as rapidly. Use polarized lenses for these outdoor diversions. Please note that they also will not transition while you’re driving. Car windshields restrict the UVB rays that trigger the photochromatic transition.
INTERCHANGEABLE
Some sports sunglasses come with a set of lenses you can swap. These lenses allow you to choose what color and tint type you’ll need. These are wise investments. Rather than buying multiple pairs, you can utilize one for every possible light.
TINT
The colour of your lens affects how much light reaches your eye. The tint will also affect the contrast and how your eyes perceive other colors. The lens tint you should choose depends on the visibility conditions.
DARK COLOURS
Brown, green, and grey tints are suitable for most everyday outdoor activities. These tints cut glare and shield your eyes from bright light. Green and grey tint won’t distort colors, though you should expect minor distortion from brown lenses.
LIGHT COLOURS
Yellow, gold, and amber tints are perfect for lower light conditions. They also provide the wearer with excellent depth perception.Use them for moving outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and motorcycling where you need high contrast and enhanced visibility.
THE FIT
No matter their purpose, the best sports sunglasses must fit perfectly. You don’t need them sliding from the bridge of your nose or reducing visibility when they’re supposed to enhance it. Here’s how to make sure your sunglasses fit:
Tight fit on nose and ears without pinching
Even weight distribution
Eyelashes shouldn’t touch the lenses
It’s best to wear a pair before you buy them, but most people love the convenience of online shopping. Look for face size fit descriptions when choosing.
SMART CAPABILITY
We love our smart devices, and these days, most of what we own has smart capabilities. Sports sunglasses are no different. Modern sports sunglasses come with a variety of features that suit an active outdoor lifestyle:
Bluetooth connection
Built-in speakers that eliminate the need for earbuds
Camera on frames
Controls on arms
