Callaway Golf Eyewear Review
Great sunglasses for any occasion, not just the golf course
With sunglasses companies like Oakley and Maui Jim already dominant, it seems Callaway has an uphill battle. Top-quality sunglasses and technology will make a difference.
Many companies who are known for other products get into the sunglasses game. One of those, Callaway Golf, is best known for golf clubs; however, if quality is the prime determining factor, they should be equally successful with their sunglasses.
Suite 101 Golf has completed an extensive review of the Callaway Golf Eyewear sunglasses. We were quite surprised with the results.
Information from the Company - According to Marcel Schiro, Callaway Golf Eyewear VP of Sales and Marketing, people experience the WFVA from the first time they try Callaway golf sunglasses. WFVA stands for Wow Factor Visual Awakening and it is achieved by their patent pending Neox™ lens technology. The Neox lenses block more of the damaging light and less of the light needed to see clearly, which reportedly provides golf sunglasses that dramatically reduces eyestrain.
The Neox™ lenses are engineered to adjust to the decreased depth of field of most other sunglasses. Neox™ lenses also counteract the displacement often caused by wrap-around models. The result is the sharpest, most accurate vision you can get for your golf game.
As for ultra-violet protection, Callaway boasts their golf sunglasses' Neox™ lenses block many of the harmful rays that cause age-related macular degeneration that other brands don’t block. Toss in a non-distracting, non-slip nosepad, non-slip ear tip, ergonomic styling, flexible fit and frames that are up to 25% lighter than conventional frames and you have a fantastic pair of sunglasses. Suggested prices for Callaway sunglasses range from around $70 to $195, depending on the style.
Suite 101 Testing and Results
We chose the black, S205 style from the Sport Series. The S205 golf sunglasses have wrap-around lenses and a MSRP of $95.
Performance - Many of Callaway’s claims proved to be true. The WFVA was certainly there, because all the wearer could say was "Wow." The clarity of thes sunglasses was astonishing. They performed best in the brightest of sunlight. Where glare is often a problem without golf sunglasses or with some other brands, it was significantly reduced with the Callaway S205's. Also, just as Callaway claimed, the distortion often caused by wrap-around lenses was not present with the Callaway glasses. Golfers would not be forced to adapt to the distortion or remove the sunglasses on each shot; they could safely elect to leave them in place. Best of all, after several hours of wear, the eyes were not tired or strained.
The weight of the Callaway’s was pleasing. They were noticeably lighter than some other brands. They were comfortable and well fitting. Performance Rating: 9.5 (out of a possible 10)
Style/Appearance - Many brands of wrap-around lenses use bulky, often showy or gaudy frames that are simply too heavy. Even though they are from the Callaway Sport Series, which might seem to tend toward the "showy," the S205's were relatively stylish and very comfortable. These golf sunglasses were clearly intended for sports, but their design will make the wearer comfortable in virtually any outdoor situation. Style/Appearance Rating: 8.5
Price - Compared to most other designer sunglasses, Callaway Golf Eyewear offers relatively inexpensive styles. The S205 style can be found for less than $100. Considering the other positive aspects of the Callaway sunglasses, they are well worth the money. Price Rating: 9.0
Rating Summary - Based upon Suite 101 Golf’s testing, Callaway should be very successful in both the golf sunglasses and general sunglasses sector. They offer a technologically advanced, high performing brand of eyewear. Apart from the S205 style, there are several styles of frames and lenses for even the most discerning connoisseur. They offer appropriate sunglasses for women and men. The Callaway glasses are an excellent choice for everyone, golfers included. Overall Golf Sunglasses Rating: 9.0
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