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Recglasses

How We Review

Our Approach to Reviews

Sports eyewear isn't just a fashion accessory — it's safety equipment. A pair of baseball sunglasses needs to cut glare so you can track a fly ball. Ski goggles need to handle whiteout conditions at speed. A basketball face mask needs to protect a healing fracture without limiting your court vision.

Because the stakes are real, we hold every product to a high standard. Our reviews combine hands-on testing with thorough product research, and every evaluation follows the same consistent framework so you can compare products across categories with confidence.

Our Review Process

Every product we cover goes through a four-step process:

1. Research

Before we test anything, we dig into the details. We study manufacturer specifications, lens technologies, frame materials, and certifications. We review what other athletes and publications say about the product. This gives us a baseline understanding of what the product claims to offer and where it sits in the market.

2. Hands-On Testing

We wear and use products in real sport conditions — on the field, on the slopes, in the pool, on the water. We assess how they perform during actual activity, not just sitting on a desk. We pay attention to things you only notice through use: how a pair of sunglasses fogs after a sprint, how a goggle strap interacts with a helmet, how nose pads hold up when you're sweating.

3. Comparative Analysis

No product exists in a vacuum. We benchmark every product against competitors in the same price range and sport category. A $200 pair of fishing sunglasses gets compared to other premium polarized options, not to budget frames. This context helps you understand whether a product is genuinely good or just good on paper.

4. Scoring & Writing

We apply our five rating criteria (detailed below), assign an overall score, and write an honest assessment. Every review includes a clear pros and cons list, a spec table with key measurements and features, and a straightforward verdict on who should — and shouldn't — buy it.

What We Evaluate

Every product is scored across five dimensions. These criteria apply whether we're reviewing a $30 pair of swim goggles or a $250 pair of ski goggles.

Optical Clarity

How well can you see through the lens? We evaluate lens quality, optical distortion, color accuracy, contrast enhancement, and field of view. For sport-specific lenses (like polarized fishing lenses or high-contrast ski lenses), we assess how well the tinting performs in its intended conditions.

Fit & Comfort

Will it stay put during intense activity? We look at frame weight, nose pad grip, temple pressure, adjustability, and how the eyewear feels during extended wear. A product that's uncomfortable after 20 minutes isn't getting a high score here, no matter how good the optics are.

Durability & Build Quality

Can it handle the demands of your sport? We assess frame material quality, lens scratch resistance, hinge construction, and overall build integrity. We note whether a product feels like it'll last multiple seasons or if it's showing wear early.

Protection

Does it keep your eyes safe? We check UV protection ratings, impact certifications (such as ANSI Z87.1 for high-impact resistance), and sport-specific safety features. For goggles and masks, we evaluate seal quality, ventilation, and coverage area. Protection isn't optional — it's the baseline requirement.

Value

Is the performance worth the price? A budget product that delivers solid performance scores well here. A premium product that doesn't meaningfully outperform mid-range options doesn't. We factor in warranty coverage, included accessories (cases, extra lenses, cleaning cloths), and long-term cost of ownership.

Our Rating Scale

We rate products on a 5-point scale:

  • 5 out of 5 — Exceptional. Best in class. No significant drawbacks. We'd recommend this without hesitation to any athlete in its target sport.
  • 4 out of 5 — Excellent. Highly recommended with only minor trade-offs. A great choice for most athletes.
  • 3 out of 5 — Good. A solid option, but with notable compromises in one or more areas. Worth considering depending on your priorities and budget.
  • 2 out of 5 — Below Average. Significant issues limit our ability to recommend this product. Better alternatives exist at this price point.
  • 1 out of 5 — Poor. Not recommended. Fundamental problems with quality, performance, or safety.

Most products we review fall in the 3–5 range because we focus on products that are popular and widely available. If a product scores below a 3, we'll tell you exactly why and suggest better alternatives.

Types of Content We Publish

Our content serves athletes at every stage of the buying process:

  • Product Reviews — In-depth evaluations of individual products with spec tables, pros/cons, and ratings
  • Buyer's Guides — "How to choose" articles that explain what to look for in eyewear for a specific sport
  • Comparisons — Head-to-head matchups and roundups comparing multiple products in the same category
  • Informational Articles — Sport-specific eyewear topics like lens technology, fit guides, and safety standards

Editorial Independence

We earn commissions when you purchase through our Amazon affiliate links. This is how we fund the site and keep our content free. However, our ratings and recommendations are never influenced by commission potential.

Here's what that means in practice:

  • We don't accept payment from brands in exchange for reviews or guaranteed positive coverage.
  • Products that don't meet our standards get honest assessments, including low scores when warranted.
  • We recommend the best product for the reader, even when a competitor offers a higher commission rate.
  • Our affiliate relationships are fully disclosed on every page that contains affiliate links.

For full details, read our Affiliate Disclosure.

Keeping Content Current

Product lines change. New models launch. Prices shift. Stale reviews aren't helpful, so we work to keep our content accurate:

  • Reviews are updated when manufacturers release new product versions or make significant changes.
  • We re-evaluate products periodically and adjust ratings if quality has changed.
  • Every article displays an "Updated" date so you know how recent the information is.
  • Products that are discontinued or no longer widely available are clearly marked.

Have Feedback?

We want to get this right. If you spot an error, think we've missed something, or want to suggest a product for review, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our contact page to get in touch.