Blenders Eyewear Review: Are These Trendy Sunglasses, Goggles & Glasses Worth the Hype?
When it comes to stylish eyewear with a youthful, active vibe, Blenders Eyewear is making waves. This San Diego-based brand specializes in trendy sunglasses, snow goggles, and blue light glasses that aim to "inspire people to live in forward motion."
Targeted towards millennials and Gen Z, Blenders has amassed a following of over 477,000 on Instagram. Their shades, goggles and glasses feature vibrant colors, modern silhouettes, and affordable prices compared to many designer eyewear brands.
I‘ll admit, I was drawn to Blenders‘ cool California style and their promise of shades that could keep up with my active lifestyle. But beyond the appealing aesthetics, I wanted to know – how‘s the quality and performance? Are they worth the hype?
In this comprehensive Blenders Eyewear review, I‘ll share my honest experience after trying several of their most popular sunglasses, snow goggles, and blue light glasses. I‘ll cover the good, the bad, and help you decide if Blenders is right for your eyewear needs and style.
Let‘s dive in!
Blenders Sunglasses Review
First up, I tested three styles from Blenders‘ expansive sunglasses collection: the North Park, L Series Ryder, and M Class Whiskey.
The North Park Sunglasses in "Lively Tortoise" immediately caught my eye with the trendy tortoise shell frames. Putting them on, I was impressed by the clear optics of the polarized lenses. They cut down on glare and enhanced contrast, making colors pop.
I have a medium-sized face, and the North Park fit well – not too tight or loose. The frames are lightweight but feel sturdy and well-made. After wearing them for a 2-hour hike, I had no issues with slipping or discomfort.
Next, I took the L Series Ryder for a spin. I chose the "Desert Dusk" color which features a matte black frame with subtle brown tortoise temple tips. The polarized lenses have a cool pink/purple hue that adds a fun pop of color.
These definitely have a sportier look and fit than the North Park. They hug the face a bit more snugly, making them ideal for running, biking, or any activity where you want your shades to stay put.
While I loved the lens color of the Ryder, I did notice minor distortion in the periphery – not a huge deal, but something to note if you‘re picky about optics.
Finally, I tried the M Class Whiskey Sunglasses, which have a classic wayfarer-inspired shape. The "Rogue" colorway I chose has a dark grey tortoise frame and icy blue polarized lenses.
The Whiskey felt the most comfortable and well-balanced of the three styles I tried. The frames have a soft rubberized finish that‘s pleasant to the touch. I could easily see these becoming my everyday go-to shades.
Starting at $48 for non-polarized and $58 for polarized, Blenders sunglasses are very fairly priced for the style and quality you get. They‘re significantly less expensive than premium brands like Ray-Ban or Oakley, but don‘t feel cheap.
Across all three sunglasses, I was happy with the overall craftsmanship. The hinges moved smoothly, and I didn‘t notice any defects or irregularities in the frames or lenses. All Blenders sunglasses have 100% UV protection too, which is a must to keep your eyes safe in the sun.
Blenders Snow Goggles Review
For the snow bunnies out there, I checked out two of Blenders‘ snow goggle options: the Aura Pacific and Nebula styles.
Let‘s start with the Aura Pacific Snow Goggles. These beauties have a pink to yellow ombre lens that‘s striking and unique. The cylindrical lens shape provides a wide field of vision, and I found the anti-fog coating worked well in mixed weather conditions.
Comfort-wise, the Aura Pacific was a winner in my book. The triple-layer foam cushioning provides a soft, cozy seal against the face without feeling suffocating. Even after a full day on the slopes, I didn‘t experience any hot spots or irritation.
Another feature I appreciated was the easy lens swap system. I was able to quickly switch to a low-light lens in overcast conditions without tools.
Moving on to the Nebula Snow Goggles, these definitely make a statement with the bright green to blue ombre lens. While I personally preferred the more understated look of the Aura Pacific, the Nebula would be a great choice for anyone wanting to stand out from the snow crowd.
Performance-wise, the Nebula was on par with the Aura Pacific in terms of anti-fog, UV protection, and visual clarity. They also have the quick-change lens system, which is especially handy if you‘re someone who skis from first chair to last across varying light conditions.
One minor gripe – I found the Nebula frame felt slightly stiffer and harsher against my face compared to the ultra-plush Aura Pacific. Not uncomfortable by any means, just something to consider if you‘re sensitive.
Blenders snow goggles range from $95-120, which is very reasonable considering the features and quality. Many comparable goggle styles from brands like Smith or Oakley will run you $150+.
Overall, I think Blenders snow goggles are a solid choice for both casual and avid skiers/snowboarders. The fun, vibrant lens designs add style, while the technical features keep your eyes protected and your vision sharp on the mountain.
Blenders Blue Light Glasses Review
As someone who spends hours in front of a computer screen, I was excited to see Blenders offers a collection of blue light blocking glasses. Blue light exposure from digital devices has been linked to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns – no bueno!
I tried the Hustle Project Gunmetal Clear Blue Light Glasses, which have a timeless rounded frame shape in a sleek gunmetal color. The lenses appear clear and don‘t distort colors like some amber-tinted blue light glasses can.
After wearing the Hustle Project glasses consistently for a week during my workdays, I did notice a reduction in my usual end-of-day eye fatigue and headaches. The glasses were comfortable to wear for extended periods, with flexible spring hinges and nose pads that kept them in place without pinching.
As far as blue light filtration goes, Blenders doesn‘t specify the exact percentage their lenses block. Some brands use special coatings or amber lenses that filter up to 90% of blue light. I‘d be curious to see lab tests comparing Blenders to other blue light glasses on the market.
Looks-wise, I dig the modern yet professional vibe of the Hustle Project frames. They‘re stylish enough to wear outside the office too, without screaming "computer glasses."
At $48, Blenders blue light glasses are very affordable. You could easily spend $80+ on blue light glasses from brands like Felix Gray or Warby Parker.
One thing to note – Blenders doesn‘t currently offer a prescription lens option for their blue light glasses. If you need vision correction, you‘ll have to wear them over your contacts.
Ordering, Shipping & Customer Service
As for the overall shopping experience, I found the Blenders website easy to navigate with a user-friendly layout. I appreciated being able to filter sunglasses by frame shape, lens color, size, and more.
One nifty feature is the virtual try-on, which uses your phone or computer camera to show how different frames would look on your face. It‘s not a perfect representation, but it does help narrow down your choices.
For shipping, all orders over $40 qualify for free standard shipping (5-7 business days). If you‘re in a rush, you can upgrade to priority 3-day or expedited 2-day shipping for an extra charge.
My order arrived within the estimated timeframe with no issues. The sunglasses and goggles were each packed securely in a microfiber drawstring pouch inside a protective box.
Blenders offers a 45-day return or exchange window for most items, as long as they‘re in unused condition with original packaging. I didn‘t have a reason to make a return, but it‘s good peace of mind.
I did reach out to Blenders‘ customer service with a couple questions, and received prompt, friendly responses over email within 24 hours. They also have an FAQ section that covers common topics like order tracking, prescription lenses, and warranty info.
Final Thoughts
So, is Blenders Eyewear worth the hype?
All in all, I‘m impressed with the style, quality, and value Blenders delivers across their sunglasses, snow goggles, and blue light glasses.
While there were a couple very minor nitpicks (i.e. the lens distortion on the L Series Ryder, the stiffer frame on the Nebula goggles), I think the pros far outweigh the cons – especially considering the wallet-friendly prices.
I‘d recommend Blenders to anyone seeking trendy, eye-catching designs that hold up performance-wise. The sunglasses and goggles are ideal for active individuals who want to look good without babying their eyewear. The blue light glasses are a smart buy for digital screen users.
Compared to pricier brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, or Smith, I think Blenders provides similar quality and style at a more palatable price point – without feeling cheap.
Of course, style is subjective, and Blenders‘ young, vibrant aesthetics won‘t be for everyone. And if you‘re looking for the absolute pinnacle of optical quality or technical features, you may want to invest in high-end eyewear.
But for most people seeking fashionable, functional shades, goggles and glasses, Blenders is a brand well worth checking out. With free shipping and easy returns, it‘s low-risk to give ‘em a shot!
