When we decided to put together our best new sunglasses for golf 2021/2022 list, we realised although the majority of our group do wear sunglasses on the course we seldom spend much time in discussions about them. Be it our individual preferences or the key factors in making our selection decisions until now had gone unspoken.
For the less serious golfer sunglasses may be less about performance as opposed to making a fashion statement. For others the fit, weight and lenses weighed significantly in their decision-making process. What is clear though is there is an absolute divide on those golfers who prefer polarized lenses or not. That said the there is no right or wrong when it comes to the debate on polarisation. Instead polarisation is a very personal decision based on how a golfers’ eyes react to the differences in light emission from each type of lens.
Personally, I can tell you that I gave up on trying to wear sunglasses while golfing for years. Because of depth perception issues while wearing polarised sunglasses tracking the ball became more difficult. Moreover, I also really struggled to make as clean of contact with the ball. Many of you will most likely think I am crazy unless you happen to have experienced similar. I do have very sensitive eyes and who knows how that factors in. Nonetheless I can confirm that for the last few years using non polarized sunglasses none of those issues persist. Additionally, I often found the nuances of the lay of the green to be much harder to interpret with a polarized lens as well.
Golfers who really struggle with bright light will generally find greater eye comfort and squint less with polarised lenses. Depending on just how bright it gets or the courses proximity to water there may be additional selling points for getting yourself a polarized lenses. And from what we have seen the market is definitely trending more in this direction.
As for the reasoning on the list’s timeline…. We recently came to the conclusion that, since the golf industry does not limit its product launches to the first quarter for the upcoming golf season, aligning our articles to the calendar year makes less and less sense. Instead, we are now seeing more and more product launches during mid to late season. Perhaps it is to satisfy holiday seasons demands or the fact golf has become so global with deviating calendar seasons. Regardless of the reasoning we decided to shift gears and move a little away from calendar year alignment. Our aim is to give you an idea of what is new on the market from mid to late season for the year forward. Then as products become available and we have had the chance to give them a try we will add them where appropriate to our rankings.
This of course means that our lists will become a little more dynamic. So check back from time to time to see if the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL keeps a top of our rankings and view what new products find their way into our listing. Hopefully our best new sunglasses for golf 2021/2022 will already help you find what you are looking for. We also are wishing you sunny weather so you can put them to good use.
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
The Oakley flak 2.0 xl are another leading model from arguably the most present sunglasses producer in sport today. Like many of the other Oakley sporting frames the Flak 2.0 XL supports interchangeable replacement lenses allowing you to find the perfect fit to align with your preferences on color, contrast and matching the demands of the current weather conditions.
Where we found the Flak 2.0 XL to excel on the golf course in comparison to some other models is there larger lens width that reduces the amount your eye will stray from looking outside the contours of the lens as well as reduce the amount of unfiltered light that will come into your eyes when standing over the ball for example. We also found that the arm length to be a little more comfortable, especially for those golfers with slightly larger heads.
While the frame is not new to the market Oakley is constantly keeping the lens offerings up to date and are available in both polarized and non-polarized options. Oakley is also now offering some accessories bundled into the package so that you will have everything to keep your glasses protected when not in use.
There is no mistake that the Flak 2.0 XL is still a geared towards active sport wear but they are slightly less sport only glasses than some of the other models as well. Our whole group here at thebeastgolfgear.com are very high on the Flak 2.0 XL and they are currently the go to glasses being worn by a couple of us so we have no hesitation in recommending them to you.
- Case included
- Lenses are prescription ready (rx-able)
- FLAK 2.0 XL is a durable yet lightweight frame that takes performance to the next level. It is also a stylish frame created by Oakley.
Oakley Holbrook
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The Oakley Holbrook’s are perfectly described as the equilibrium between style and performance. Oakley has incorporated the style and pizzazz of the circa 50’s American iconic frame design with its most modern lens technology to create a great pair of sunglasses for on and off the course. They eliminate the need for the golfer not only to invest in a second pair of sunglasses but to also carry them around. And if any of our readers are like me, the easiest way not to lose my sunglasses are to wear them.
Like most of Oakley’s performance sunglasses there are ample frame and lens options available to suit your tastes and visual preferences. The only slight comparative drawback being, that while the Holbrook does facilitate replaceable lenses, we found them not to be as easily interchangeable as some of the other frame and lens options Oakley manufactures. The Plutonite lenses block 100 percent of all UV, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light. Iridium lens coating is available in some models to reduce glare and tune light transmissions. There are also polarised lens options for enhanced glare reduction and the ultimate in visual quality
We found that while the fit did remain surprisingly stable during even the most aggressive of golf swings the Holbrook’s do not give the same level of facial integration that the sportier Oakley sunglasses do. But given the design this would normally be understood and expected. For those golfers with larger heads there is a XL version also available. If you are looking for a pair of sunglasses to gift your favorite golfer, we all felt that the Holbrook’s would be a safe bet as well.
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Maui Jim WANA Sport
My first experience with Maui Jim sunglasses was a couple of years back when I had forgotten my sunglasses on a boating trip and a friend let me borrow a pair of his. I loved them and have since gone on to own a couple of pairs including the WANA Sport’s which are my go-to sunglasses for a casual day on the golf course. It is worth stating right from the start that, unlike my colleague and co-writer I do not have any issues with polarized lenses on the golf course and currently there are no options for non-polarized lenses. So, if this is not a show stopper for you read on.
As mentioned, I use the WANA Sport’s for my fun days on the course which also usually includes a visit to the 19th after the round. I feel that they have a great balance as far as sporty enough for the course but don’t look out of place when sitting around after for some drinks and chatter.
On the course they work very well. I have a big head on my shoulders and the fit is not restrictive but does stay firmly in place while over the ball and during the golf swing. I use the neutral grey lenses and find despite the polarization the contrasts and light still allow me to navigate the nuances of the green very well unlike some other polarized lenses I have tried in the past. I have found the size and curvature of the lenses optimum for keeping out unfiltered light and keep my eyes looking through the lenses in all situations on the golf course.
There are currently 3 different smart looking frame and lens options available. While it may not be as many as some brands, especially those with replaceable lenses, I have no doubts that there is something there that will fit most golfers’ tastes. So for those who are not familiar or have not ever tried Maui Jim sunglasses I would recommend the WANA Sport’s as a good place to start.
- Click the Maui Jim link above to visit our brand store, where you can find our entire catalog of sunglasses
- All Maui Jim sunglasses feature PolarizedPlus2 lens technology that go beyond shielding your eyes from glare and harmful UV rays by enhancing colors to reveal the true beauty of the world around you
- Enjoy ultimate UV protection combined with premuim style, incredible durability, glare-free vision, and color-boosting patented technologies
- Neutral Grey lenses offer the highest available light reduction and are most useful in bright, direct sunlight
- Frames constructed from lightweight, corrosion-resistant monel metal, designed for extreme comfort and durability
Callaway Atlas sunglasses
As of late there has been a trend for sporting sunglasses to incorporate frame styles that were popular in the 50’s and 60’s and the Callaway Atlas is another take on just that. We actually got our first look at the Atlas while playing with a golf buddy who had recently purchased them. The look and feel of the glasses do have the feel that they were made with care and attention to detail and they are advertised as constructed of handmade acetate frames and metal hingesso maybe there is a level of craftsmanship not found in all sunglasses.
We did give them a try on the course and since only polarized lens options are available it was a little problematic for me. Instead for my colleague he really found the color and clarity of the lenses optimal. The drawback is that there are not currently any alternate lens or frame options so hopefully the current offering meets your tastes.
The Callaway Atlas does come with a sturdy hard-shell carrying case that clips securely to your golf bag so they never need be out of reach. Also included is a carry pouch and lens cloth to keep your sunglasses clean and protected when not in use.
As mentioned, the atlas did perform well on the course trial and there was no actual problem with the frames staying secure when over the ball or during a full swing. It is clear that the design of the Atlas is geared as much if not more towards talking about the round on the clubhouse terrace as their performance on the course, where image and style are as important to some as how they played.
The bottom line is they are a nice pair of golf sunglasses which will appeal instantly to the golfer who is looking to go in this direction, and we have no doubts that once he tries them out he will be happy he did.
- Polarized lenses reduce glare and better manage light for enhanced depth perception
- Provides 100% protection from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays
- Ultra light frames maximize wear comfort
- 8 Base lens configuration design provides maximum eye coverage
- Includes lens cloth, carry pouch, & hard case with hanging clip
Oakley Radar EV Path
It is actually hard to put a timeline on the Oakley Radar EV Path sunglasses since Oakley continuously is updating their lens selection to one of the most popular sunglasses frames in golf and sport today. This makes the Radar EV Pathextremely adaptable to the preferences of the golfers and keeps the glasses always current.
With countless lenses of varying light transmission, contrast, lens color and target light conditions you are able to customize the Radar EV Path to not only your preferences but adapt them to the current playing conditions. The lenses are easily interchanged so just one frame can support all playing conditions.
Since the Radar EV are designed to support multi-sport applications in goes without saying that these sunglasses most likely are best suited for the course and not the terrace so for those looking for a more casual pair on sun glasses other options might be worth considering. But on the course, they really are a pleasure to use. While there are several variations of the Radar frame the “EV” (extended vision) lenses feature an extra 5 mm above the nose bridge extending the golfers upper field of view. While it may not seem like a lot, I do find myself checking my alignment and position often on the course so an expanded field of view is only a benefit.
We did find that the standard fit combined with the Radar EV lens shape was comfortable and provided adequate view staying within the confines of the lens it may be true that for those with larger head sizes the Radar EV may feel a little restrictive. But if you are looking for a very flexible frame that will support a multitude of sporting activities including golf the Oakley Radar EV Path may be perfect for you.
- PATENTED HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS (HDO): Oakley's high definition optics provide superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision at every angle as well as clarity and protection against impact and UV light, filtering 100% of UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400mm.
- OAKLEY PRIZM BLACK LENSES: These Prizm lenses are designed to enhance color, contrast and detail - coming in a range of color hues to match any style look. The grey tint on these lenses make it perfect to use when there's strong sunlight or intensified light that is reflected off water or snow.
- O-MATTER STRESS RESISTANT TECHNOLOGY: O-Matter Oakley frames are lightweight and durable for all-day comfort and protection. They're injected with molded thermoplastic O-Matter frame that provides improved strength and flexibility, and is designed to withstand shifting or deforming over time.
- VISIT THE OAKLEY BRAND SHOP: Click on the Oakley link above to shop the entire Oakley collection.
- CASE AND CLEANING CLOTH INCLUDED: Packaged in a soft case with a cleaning cloth to clean and store your Oakley eyewear.
- VISIT THE OAKLEY BRAND SHOP: Click on the Oakley link above the product title to shop the entire Oakley sunglass and eyeglass assortment.