Pit Viper Sunglasses Review: An In-Depth Look at the Boldest Shades Around
Hey there, sunglasses aficionados! If you‘re on the hunt for a new pair of shades that scream "rad" and laugh in the face of conformity, you‘ve come to the right place. As a total Pit Viper fangirl and self-proclaimed fashionista, I‘m here to give you the full scoop on these audacious sunglasses that have taken the action sports and festival scenes by storm.
In this ultimate Pit Viper sunglasses review, we‘ll dive into the brand‘s history, sizing & fit, standout features, and of course, all the juicy details on their most popular models. I‘ll also share some styling tips and outfit ideas to help you rock your Pit Vipers like a true boss. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a wild ride into the world of Pit Viper!
Pit Viper 101: The Backstory
Founded in 2012 by a couple of ski bums in Salt Lake City, Pit Viper has quickly become one of the most recognizable and controversial sunglass brands on the market. Chuck Mumford and Chris Garcin started the company with a simple mission: to create high-performance, ultra-durable shades that could keep up with their adrenaline-fueled lifestyles and make a bold statement at the same time.
The story goes that Chuck and Chris were fed up with flimsy, boring sunglasses that would easily break during their epic wipeouts on the slopes. They wanted something that looked rad but also offered all-day comfort, crystal-clear vision, and bulletproof protection. And so, after countless nights tinkering in their garage, the first pair of Pit Vipers was born.
Fast forward a decade later and Pit Viper has grown from a scrappy startup to a global phenomenon with a cult-like following. To put things in perspective, the brand has:
- Over 1 million sunglasses sold worldwide
- 830K+ followers on Instagram
- 350% year-over-year growth since 2017
- Collaborations with major brands like Bud Light, Mountain Dew, and Coors Light
- Celebrity fans like Post Malone, Kylie Jenner, and Charlie Sheen
But even with all the hype and accolades, Pit Viper hasn‘t forgotten its renegade roots. The brand still prides itself on being the antithesis of "cool" and not taking life too seriously. As they say on their website, "If you‘re not having fun, then what the heck is the point?"
What Sets Pit Viper Apart
Now, you might be thinking, "Why should I drop a Benjamin on a pair of Pit Vipers when I can get sunglasses for $20 at the gas station?" Well my friend, let me tell you, Pit Vipers are not your average shades. Here‘s what makes them so special:
Crazy Durability
I‘m convinced that Pit Vipers are actually indestructible. Seriously, I‘ve put mine through hell and back – from getting sat on and stepped on to yarding sales on the slopes – and they‘ve never so much as scratched. That‘s because every pair is made with ultra-tough, shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses and rugged thermoplastic frames that are designed to take a beating.
Fun fact: Pit Viper puts their sunglasses through a rigorous testing process that includes getting shot with a shotgun, run over by a truck, and submerged in boiling water. And if you do somehow manage to break them (kudos to you), Pit Viper will replace them for free under their "You Break It, We Fix It" lifetime warranty. Can your gas station sunnies do that? Didn‘t think so.
Next-Level Optics
Pit Vipers aren‘t just tough, they also offer some of the clearest, most high-definition vision you‘ll ever experience. That‘s thanks to their premium polarized lenses that block 100% of UVA/UVB rays and eliminate glare for enhanced color, contrast, and clarity.
According to a study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, polarized lenses can reduce eye strain and improve visual acuity by up to 30% compared to non-polarized lenses. So not only do Pit Vipers look cool, they‘re also scientifically proven to help you see better.
But Pit Viper takes things a step further with their advanced lens coatings and treatments:
- Oleophobic coating to repel oil and fingerprints
- Hydrophobic coating to bead away water and sweat
- Anti-reflective coating to minimize distracting glare
- Double-hard scratch resistance to keep lenses looking fresh
- Impact-resistant polycarbonate for unbeatable strength
In other words, Pit Vipers are basically like a superhero suit for your eyes. Whether you‘re shredding powder, reeling in a big catch, or just cruising around town, you can trust that your PVs will keep your vision on point.
Customizable Fit
One of the coolest things about Pit Vipers is their signature three-way adjustable frames. Using a simple push-pull motion, you can fine-tune the temples and nose piece to get a truly custom fit that stays locked in place all day.
I have a pretty small noggin, so I love that I can adjust my Pit Vipers to sit perfectly on my face without slipping or bouncing around. And if you have a wider head or higher cheekbones, no worries – just slide the temples out a notch or two for a more comfortable fit.
Pit Viper also offers a variety of frame sizes to accommodate different face shapes and preferences. The Original frame comes in both a Regular and DOUBLE WIDE size, while the Execs, Nightfalls, and Mythicals are all single-sized. Here‘s a quick breakdown of how the Regular and DOUBLE WIDE compare:
| Feature | Original (Regular) | DOUBLE WIDE |
|---|---|---|
| Lens width | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Nose bridge width | 22 mm | 25 mm |
| Arm length | 135 mm | 140 mm |
| Weight | 41 g | 45 g |
As you can see, the DOUBLE WIDE is quite a bit larger than the Regular, with a wider lens, nose bridge, and slightly longer arms. Personally, I rock the Regular size for a more low-key look, but if you really want to go big, the DOUBLE WIDE is the way to go.
Unmistakable Style
Last but certainly not least, let‘s talk about the elephant in the room: Pit Viper‘s bold, in-your-face style. These shades are not for the faint of heart or those who prefer to blend in with the crowd. With their angular frames, flashy colorways, and oversized lenses, Pit Vipers are designed to turn heads and start conversations.
Honestly, when I first saw Pit Vipers, I wasn‘t sure what to make of them. Were they cool? Were they kitschy? Were they a joke? But the more I saw them popping up on the faces of pro athletes, festival-goers, and even A-list celebs, the more I realized that Pit Vipers are more than just a passing trend – they‘re a lifestyle.
Rocking a pair of PVs is like a secret handshake that says "I don‘t take myself too seriously, I‘m here for a good time, and IDGAF what anyone thinks." It‘s a vibe that resonates with a lot of people, especially in today‘s Instagram-obsessed culture where everyone is trying so hard to project a perfectly curated image.
With Pit Viper, there are no rules or pretenses – just raw, unfiltered fun. And isn‘t that what life‘s all about? So whether you opt for a classic black-on-black Original or go full send with a neon Midnight model, wear your Pit Vipers with pride and watch the good times roll.
Pit Viper vs. Other Popular Sunglasses Brands
Of course, Pit Viper isn‘t the only player in the performance sunglasses game. So how do they stack up against some of the other big names in the biz? Let‘s take a look:
Oakley
Oakley is probably the closest competitor to Pit Viper in terms of style and performance. Both brands offer a range of sporty, wraparound frames with high-tech lenses and premium materials. However, Oakleys tend to be a bit more sleek and streamlined, while Pit Vipers lean into the chunky, retro-futuristic vibe.
Price-wise, Oakleys are generally more expensive than Pit Vipers, with most models starting around $150-$200+. Pit Vipers, on the other hand, top out around $130-$140 for their most premium polarized models.
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban is another iconic sunglasses brand, but they‘re more known for their classic, timeless styles like the Wayfarer and Aviator. While Ray-Ban does offer some sportier models like the Chromance and Liteforce, they don‘t quite have the same high-octane energy as Pit Vipers.
In terms of price, Ray-Bans are pretty comparable to Pit Vipers, with most models falling in the $100-$200 range. However, Ray-Bans don‘t offer the same customizable fit or crazy durability as Pit Vipers.
Goodr
Goodr is a newer sunglasses brand that‘s been making waves in the running and fitness community. Like Pit Viper, Goodr is all about fun, irreverent styles and punny names (think "Flamingos on a Booze Cruise" and "Whiskey Shots with Satan").
However, Goodr sunglasses are much more affordable than Pit Vipers, with most models priced under $30. They‘re also designed more for casual wear and light activity, whereas Pit Vipers are built to withstand extreme conditions.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference and what you‘re looking for in a pair of sunglasses. If you want the most durable, high-performance shades on the market with a bold, take-no-prisoners attitude, Pit Viper is tough to beat. But if you‘re on a budget or prefer a more low-key style, there are plenty of other great options out there.
My Personal Experience with Pit Vipers
Alright, storytime! I‘ll never forget the first time I saw someone rocking a pair of Pit Vipers in the wild. It was at a music festival a few summers ago, and this guy walked by in the most obnoxious neon green PVs I‘d ever seen. At first, I was like "Wow, those are… a choice." But the more I saw him bobbing and weaving through the crowd with a big grin on his face, the more I realized how freakin‘ rad he looked.
Fast forward a few months, and I finally caved and bought my first pair of Pit Vipers – the 1993 Polarized in a fun confetti colorway. Let me tell you, it was love at first wear. The adjustable frames fit my face like a glove, and the polarized lenses made everything look so crisp and vivid. I wore them everywhere – hiking, beach trips, outdoor concerts – and got so many compliments from random strangers.
But the real test came when I took my PVs skiing for the first time. I‘ll admit, I was a little nervous about how they‘d hold up in the cold and snow. But holy moly, they exceeded all my expectations and then some. Not only did they stay put on my face even during the gnarliest wipeouts, but they also kept my eyes totally protected from the glare and wind. I even managed to face-plant directly onto my PVs at one point (oops), but they didn‘t even scratch!
Since then, I‘ve added a few more Pit Vipers to my collection – including a pair of DOUBLE WIDE Originals for those extra saucy days – and I can honestly say they‘re the best sunglasses I‘ve ever owned. Sure, they‘re not the cheapest shades on the block, but for the level of quality, performance, and style you get, I think they‘re worth every penny.
The Final Verdict
So, are Pit Vipers right for you? If you‘re looking for a pair of ultra-durable, high-performance sunglasses that scream personality and won‘t break the bank, then I say 100% yes. These shades are built to keep up with your wildest adventures and make a bold statement everywhere you go.
But don‘t just take it from me – here are a few more rave reviews from satisfied Pit Viper customers:
"I love my Pit Vipers! They‘re so lightweight and comfortable, and the polarized lenses are a game-changer. I wear them all the time – hiking, fishing, even just running errands. And the fact that they‘re practically indestructible is just icing on the cake." – James D., avid outdoorsman
"I was a little intimidated by the bold style at first, but once I put them on, I felt like a total boss. I get so many compliments on my Pit Vipers, and they‘re so easy to adjust for a perfect fit. Plus, the lifetime warranty gives me total peace of mind." – Sarah T., festival fanatic
"I‘ve had my Pit Vipers for over a year now, and they still look brand new. I‘ve put them through the wringer – snow, surf, sand, you name it – and they haven‘t let me down yet. And the customer service is top-notch too. When I accidentally lost a nose pad, they sent me a free replacement right away." – Miguel R., action sports athlete
At the end of the day, Pit Vipers are so much more than just a pair of sunglasses – they‘re a lifestyle. A way of saying "I‘m here to have a good time and look damn good doing it." So if you‘re ready to join the Pit Viper party and demand respect and authority everywhere you go, head on over to their website and snag a pair for yourself. Trust me, you won‘t regret it.
And if you‘re still not convinced, just remember what the wise prophets of Pit Viper once said: "Put on some Pit Vipers and get pitted, because you‘re here for a good time, not a long time." Amen to that.
