Mike Weir Golf Sundog Sunglasses are "Inspired by the PGA Tour pro and Masters Champion Mike Weir. This series of Sundog sports eyewear features the 'Grinder' - like Mike's tenacious ethic towards golf; 'Vision' - complimenting Mike's vision to be the best in the world, and 'Balance'- a celebration of Mike's game and his approach to life. "All Mike Weir Golf Sundog sunglasses feature "Cristec" polycarbonate polarized de-centered distortion free lenses with high-contrast lens tints for enhancing the views on-course and everywhere you go off-course."
Ok, that's the official line. Now, how do they measure up?
Over the past several years I've been exposed to a number of brands of high-end, sports eyewear. Some of them live up to the hype; some I wouldn't wear if I was paid to do so; some are downright dangerous. That being so, I was somewhat less than enthusiastic about what I figured was probably just another pair of sunglasses. After all, one pair is much like another, right?
Well, I decided to put Mike's line of Sundogs to my own personal test, as laid out in my own guide, "Four Tips On How To Buy A Pair Of Sunglasses." Here's the result:
- Ultra Violet Light: - "UV rays are particularly hazardous to our eyesight. They cause cataracts, macular degeneration and host of other ailments including skin cancer." The Sundog lenses featured in Mike's glasses block 100% of Ultra Violet rays: UVA, UVB and UVC.
- Polarization: "Polarized lenses permit only vertical light rays to pass through them, not horizontal, and thus they reduce glare." I found the "Cristec" lenses to be highly polarized (Sundog claims 97%) which at times can be a little disconcerting - blue skies turn almost black when looking at right angles to the source of light. Still, if you're spending four to six hours out on the course, this is a good thing, and I quickly became accustomed to the effect.
- Color of the Lens: "Most sunglasses have grey lenses. That’s not an accident. Grey is THE neutral color: it does not distort color or effect contrast." Mike's glasses are available in a choice of colors, including "Light Smoke" which is actually grey, and the color featured in my "Grinder" version.
- Frames: "There are several things to consider here – weight, durability and style." All three of Mike's glasses feature Sundog's new Rilsan® Clear G350 technology. "Rilsan® Clear G350 delivers excellent performance at nearly 20% lighter weight than PolyCarbonate and Polymethylmethacrylate." It's true, these sunglasses are extremely light. They are also extremely strong and - very important - they look good.
Finally, high-end sunglasses are expensive - I've seen some brands retailing for prices in excess of $500. I just don't believe any brand of sunglasses can be worth that kind of price tag. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find Mike's Sundogs retail for less that $100.
Rating: Mike Weir's Sundog Eyewear, despite its low price point, is every bit as functional, comfortable and fashionable as any of it's higher priced competitors. Recommended!
To find a retailer near you, please go to the Sundog Eyewear website.