Zenni Performance Sunglasses: Weeklong Test and Review
As an athlete, I have a love-hate relationship with sunglasses. When I’m working out, they often start to slip off my face the moment I begin to sweat. Yet as a triathlete, I rely on performance sunglasses to keep my eyes safe and prevent the sun from negatively affecting my performance. So when I was asked to test out Zenni Optical’s new ApexRacer Pro sports performance eyewear, I was both excited and a bit apprehensive. I knew how cool they looked—after all, professional beach-volleyball players Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth contributed their expertise to the design, and these internationally renowned athletes definitely know what it takes to perform at the highest level. But I wasn’t completely sure how they’d work when I took them out for a spin (and a run, and a hike…). Well, it didn’t take long for them to make an impression.
Day 1
My pair of ApexRacer Pro sunglasses—a sharp shade of fire-engine red frames with gray lenses—arrive about one week before I’m due to compete in a sprint triathlon in West Point, New York. When I take them out of their case (which comes with a cute and colorful microfiber cloth) and place them on my face, they feel extremely light and comfortable. I immediately appreciate the way the curved wrap design offers full peripheral vision. I head out the door for my morning ride, marveling at how the lenses reduce glare as I pedal past parked cars and sun-reflecting buildings. By the time I get to the park, I forget I even have the glasses on—although when a bug flies straight at my eye and bounces right off, I’m happily reminded of their protective presence.
Day 2
I’m up early for a training run along the river. I often don’t wear glasses when I run, because they start to slide or bounce around and end up more hindrance than help. But it’s particularly sunny outside today, so I give them a try. As I warm up, I notice that everything seems a little clearer and brighter—kind of like I’m looking at the world through a vivid camera filter. And even with sunscreen and sweat dripping off my face, the ApexRacers stay firmly in place—credit the rubberized tips on the temples and the adjustable nose bridge.
Day 3
Today’s my swim day, but I throw on the glasses to take my dog to the park before work. It’s off-leash hours, and as we pass a beach-volleyball court Trixie—a Lab mix who counts digging in the sand as a favorite hobby—goes in for a roll. I take these few moments to run about the court, channeling Nuss and Kloth as I pretend to spike and set. From the neck up, at least, I imagine I look the part. And I appreciate the 100 percent UVA and UVB coatings in the polycarbonate lenses—because even if I’m only a professional volleyball player in my daydreams, I still need reliable eye protection.
Day 4
I’m due for a long bike ride and the day is hot, so I start my ride early, helmet and glasses already on. Today’s route takes me over the Hudson River, where there’s bright sunlight reflecting off the water and a stiff breeze. The headwind feels strong as I pedal forward, and I feel thankful for the additional eye protection from both the front and side. And when I look down on the river to admire some small boats bobbing below me, my polarized lenses eliminate the glare off the water.
Day 5
It’s hot again, so on this morning’s run I decide to head for a path in the park where there’s plenty of shade—along with a couple of tunnels where the light quickly alternates between bright and dark. I’m halfway through the first tunnel before I even remember that I’m wearing sunglasses: As my eyes adjust to the changing light, it never feels too dark to see. Even better, the glasses don’t fog up or get blurry as I breathe hard on the final stretch, thanks to the ventilated temple design.
Day 6
One day until the race, so I take a day off (kinda) from training: We find a short hike to do near a lake. Trixie’s halfway down the path to the water, and I jog to keep up. The light keeps changing as we move in and out of shadow and sunlight, but I can still see every rock, rut, and root on the trail. At the edge of the lake, I take the glasses off to wash my face, and before I can catch them, they’ve fallen lens-side-down onto some rocks. I pick them up, shake off the water, and observe there’s not a scratch on the surface. Whew!
Day 7
It’s race day! I hear the rain on the window before I even get out of bed, so I know this is going to be a challenging morning. After my hour-long drive to the starting line, the weather hasn’t improved. Still, there’s no use putting my training to waste. Out of the swim—where it doesn’t much matter how wet I get!—and onto the bike, I slip on my shoes, strap on my helmet, grab my sunglasses, and go. Happily the rain seems to have mostly stopped by now, and while the day is still gray and the lenses are tinted, the world remains surprisingly clear. The full eye protection also quickly comes in handy when the cyclist in front of me sprays up water from the road. After several big climbs—and luckily no flat tires—I dismount at transition, rack my bike, do a quick shoe change, and head out for the run. By now the sun has started to peek through the clouds, but I’m so focused on getting through the hills and keeping my legs moving that I don’t even remember that I have the glasses on. I cross the finish line, hands up and head high.
As I head home, I feel happy with my performance, and also confident that I’ve found the performance sunglasses for me. The ApexRacer Pros more than proved their worth when put to the test in both training and racing. And while I may never really be a professional athlete, with the ApexRacers, I certainly feel like one.
Performance and Comfort
The Zenni Optical ApexRacer Pro sunglasses truly shine in terms of performance and comfort. Designed with input from professional beach-volleyball players Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth, these sunglasses are engineered to meet the demands of high-intensity sports. The curved wrap design offers full peripheral vision, allowing athletes to maintain awareness of their surroundings during activities. Additionally, the lightweight construction of the sunglasses ensures that they are comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing any discomfort or irritation.
Protection and Durability
One of the key features of the Zenni ApexRacer Pro sunglasses is their exceptional protection and durability. The polycarbonate lenses are equipped with 100 percent UVA and UVB coatings, ensuring that athletes’ eyes are shielded from harmful sun rays. Moreover, the lenses are polarized, reducing glare and enhancing visibility in bright conditions. The sunglasses are also designed to withstand impact and scratches, making them a reliable choice for athletes engaging in outdoor sports.
Functionality and Versatility
The functionality and versatility of the Zenni ApexRacer Pro sunglasses make them a versatile accessory for athletes across various disciplines. Whether cycling, running, swimming, or hiking, these sunglasses provide consistent performance and protection in diverse environments. The adjustable nose bridge and rubberized temple tips ensure a secure fit during intense activities, while the ventilated temple design prevents fogging and maintains clarity in changing light conditions. Overall, the Zenni ApexRacer Pro sunglasses offer a blend of style, functionality, and durability that caters to the needs of active individuals.
In conclusion, the Zenni Optical ApexRacer Pro sports performance eyewear has proven to be a reliable and effective choice for athletes seeking high-quality sunglasses for their training and competition needs. With a focus on performance, comfort, protection, and durability, these sunglasses offer a comprehensive solution for athletes across various sports. Whether cycling, running, swimming, or hiking, the Zenni ApexRacer Pro sunglasses deliver consistent performance and reliability in demanding conditions. As a versatile and functional accessory, these sunglasses are a valuable addition to any athlete’s gear collection.
