Serengeti's has long been a leader in high-quality optics, and they've earned a reputation for making some of the best driving glasses in the world. Slip on their new-for-2008 Ramone ($250) or classic Carini ($240) shades, and you'll see why.
There's only a slight reduction in the amount of light coming through the lens, though a reddish brown tint is apparent- as well as a complete lack of the colors that typically strain your eyes on bright or overcast days.
Serengeti's Driver's Lens goes a step above simple polarization and actually fine-tunes light transmission. This results in enhanced color contrast and increased detail visible farther away. The Polar Max lenses are also photochromatic- meaning that they lighten and darken on their own, automatically. It all works towards a sense of high-definition vision.
Dr. Chisholm explains. "Most driving sunglasses are brown rather than grey. The brown tint works best for improving contrast because it eliminates blue tones that cause eye fatigue. Often it's not the brightness that causes eye fatigue- but poor contrast that forces our eyes to strain to see details."
The Serengeti glasses boast thin, high-mounted arms which are ideal in a driver's frame as they don't impede peripheral vision during shoulder-checks. Both pairs were very light and comfortable, but their smaller lenses let in the most unfiltered light around the edges. They lack the youthful edge of the Dragon glasses, though their optical performance was the most impressive of the group. They also look killer with a suit and tie.
With the Serengeti models focused on dazzling optics and the Dragons focused on appealing to a youthful and active buyer, the Kanaha shades from Maui Jim ($159 USD) occupied a space somewhere in the middle. Their light-filtering technology is nearly as impressive as the Serengeti lenses, designed for sports and outdoor activities - especially near water.
The polarization is particularly effective, and they're the least likely in the group to slide off of your face. Though not as stylin' as the Dragon frames, the Kanaha's represented a nice blend of high-quality optics and lightweight but grippy frames at a great price.
Dozens and dozens more styles and brands exist to choose from- so spend a little time finding a pair that offers a comfortable fit and matches your style. Your eyes will thank you!
photo:Justin Pritchard
There's only a slight reduction in the amount of light coming through the lens, though a reddish brown tint is apparent- as well as a complete lack of the colors that typically strain your eyes on bright or overcast days.
Serengeti's Driver's Lens goes a step above simple polarization and actually fine-tunes light transmission. This results in enhanced color contrast and increased detail visible farther away. The Polar Max lenses are also photochromatic- meaning that they lighten and darken on their own, automatically. It all works towards a sense of high-definition vision.
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| Serengeti Carini (left) and Ramone. |
Dr. Chisholm explains. "Most driving sunglasses are brown rather than grey. The brown tint works best for improving contrast because it eliminates blue tones that cause eye fatigue. Often it's not the brightness that causes eye fatigue- but poor contrast that forces our eyes to strain to see details."
The Serengeti glasses boast thin, high-mounted arms which are ideal in a driver's frame as they don't impede peripheral vision during shoulder-checks. Both pairs were very light and comfortable, but their smaller lenses let in the most unfiltered light around the edges. They lack the youthful edge of the Dragon glasses, though their optical performance was the most impressive of the group. They also look killer with a suit and tie.
With the Serengeti models focused on dazzling optics and the Dragons focused on appealing to a youthful and active buyer, the Kanaha shades from Maui Jim ($159 USD) occupied a space somewhere in the middle. Their light-filtering technology is nearly as impressive as the Serengeti lenses, designed for sports and outdoor activities - especially near water.
The polarization is particularly effective, and they're the least likely in the group to slide off of your face. Though not as stylin' as the Dragon frames, the Kanaha's represented a nice blend of high-quality optics and lightweight but grippy frames at a great price.
Dozens and dozens more styles and brands exist to choose from- so spend a little time finding a pair that offers a comfortable fit and matches your style. Your eyes will thank you!
photo:Justin Pritchard