Review: GUNNAR Optiks Weezer Advanced Outdoor Eyeware

Review:  GUNNAR Optiks Weezer Advanced Outdoor Eyeware

By: Christopher “Synther” Wilson

 As a follow up to my review of the GUNNAR Optiks Stylus Advanced Computer Eyeware, I’ve decided to do a review on the Weezer Advanced Outdoor Eyeware.  It should be noted that Gunnar has discontinued this style of glasses, but the fact remains that they make fantastic sunglasses in addition to their other digital eyeware.  I loved my Stylus glasses so much that when I wanted to replace my aging Nike sunglasses, I immediately went to Gunnar to order sunglasses from them.  And I've seriously considered upgrading my Weezer's to the newer Gunnar RPG outdoor glasses.

Anymore, our digital experience doesn’t end when we leave the office, the gaming cave, or home.  A lot of times, you’ll find yourself outside looking at your smartphone, tablet, netbook, or notebook.  It is for these times that Gunnar has created their Advanced Outdoor Eyeware line.  Gunnar’s Advanced Outdoor Eyeware uses a technology they call IONIK and comes in two tints: Gradient Grey for bright direct light outdoor viewing and Gradient Gold for indirect or medium lit environments.  Unlike the Advanced Gaming Eyeware or Advanced Computer Eyeware lines, the Advanced Outdoor Eyeware line does not come with diopted lenses.  It should also be noted that many of the styles in the Advanced Outdoor Eyeware line can be ordered with RX prescription for those that normally wear glasses! 

As you can see, the Weezer glasses that I’m reviewing come in the Gradient Grey.  While there are several styles in the Advanced Outdoor Eyeware line, many follow more of the styling that you might find in Gunnar’s Advanced Gaming Eyeware line or the style of really chic sunglasses as opposed to those in the Advanced Computer Eyeware line.  The Weezer frames are very similar in design and weight, for instance, to the Gunnar PPK.

The first thing I noticed about these glasses is how light they are.  As in…WOW…these are light.  Almost so light that you wonder if they’ll actually stay on your face!  But after awhile, you literally don’t even feel that they’re on.  The gel nose pads are exceptionally comfortable.  Though, I find that if you sweat they seem to slide a bit.  Or perhaps my nose is just weird.  Overall I find that these glasses are the most comfortable sunglasses I’ve ever owned.  The earpieces on the Weezer are attached with small tabs instead of the micro screws you would normally find.  This is quite handy in that you don’t have to ever worry about the screws coming loose.  But I have noticed that the arms sometimes pop out if you put them in a duffle bag or cargo pocket.  However, they’re exceptionally easy to put back into place.

We all know how sunlight can make it difficult to view an LCD screen.  Wearing the Weezer significantly reduces that glare and makes the screen much easier to view.  It’s not perfect, and increasing the brightness of the screen helps, but it is definitely much better than without the glasses.  The Gradient Grey tint is dark enough to make bright sunny days comfortable while being tame enough to continue wearing them while you’re in the grocery store or shopping mall without impeding your vision.

Like all Gunnar glasses, they come with a carrying bag to keep the lenses from getting scratched and smudged that also doubles as a microfiber cleaning cloth.  The bag is quite adequate and makes a great cleaning cloth.  But if you take your eyeware seriously, I again recommend spending the $10 for the Gunnar hard case.  The hard case would likely solve my problem with earpieces popping out as well!

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Gunnar Advanced Outdoor Eyeware line.  We usually spend quite a bit of money on good sunglasses as it is and I find that these are comparable to other high end brands, if not better in a lot of ways.  If you’re reading this review, you’re probably a geek in some way…why not get some sunglasses that are both functional and make you look good?