Are you an adrenaline junkie, high-octane, do-it-all kind of man? If you fit the bill, you need sunglasses that can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle.
Okay, maybe you’re not Tom Cruise jumping between skyscrapers, but whether you’re shredding the snow or the waves, you need to protect your eyes.
That’s why today I’m reviewing Heat Wave Visual’s sunglasses. I’ll give you insights into the brand so you can decide if they’ll keep up with you!
Are Heat Wave Sunglasses Hot Stuff?
If you’re in the sporting or outdoor adventure world, maybe one of your buddies has told you about Heat Wave sunglasses. But there are so many eyewear brands out there today, I don’t blame you if you can’t tell one from the next.
That’s why I’ll break down the brand’s backstory and key models so you can decide if they live up to the hype.
Heat Wave Visual was founded by Justin Hertel and Doug Karlson in 2012 as an answer to their busy, California, outdoorsy lifestyles (sounds very West Coast). The independent brand focuses on affordable, functional eyewear that combines cool street-style aesthetics with practical shapes.
The result?
A collection of everything from goggles to mask-shaped wrap-around sunglasses. Along with their sunglasses, they also sell some branded shirts, hoodies, hats, and more.
This brand isn’t about being quiet or creating subtle everyday shades. No.
Heat Wave sunglasses are out there, and they’re made to be noticed. They also win some originality points by being customizable. You can choose the frame color from a range of prints and tones.
Some sunglasses even come with replacement lenses so you can try out different colors without having to buy new frames. It’s a good option for those with a distinct sense of style who want sunglasses that match their persona.
Top Heat Wave Sunglasses Products
Heat Wave sells oversized, mask-shaped models that wrap around the face for extra protection.
When you click on a pair, you can customize every detail, from the shape to the color of the nose pads and even the lenses.
These are the customizable models:
- Lazer Face
- Future Tech
- Vector
- Quatro
- Vise
There are the Future Tech sunglasses, which are, well, futuristic. The Lazer Face is less angular and features clean lines.
The Vector has an interesting ridged bridge and semi-teardrop-shaped lenses. Then the Quatro and Vise are more like standard square-shaped sunglasses that you could wear day-to-day.
So, in short, some styles, like Future Tech, look more suited to biking and skiing. Other styles, like the Vise model, could be worn to run errands around town without looking like you just stepped out of a racing car.
Then there are the goggles, which feature an adjustable strap that wraps around your head or helmet. They are designed for motocross riders, and they use patented RAM-JET technology in their goggles for improved ventilation. They also offer anti-fog and polarized lenses.
Just like the sunglasses, the goggles also come in several colors, from fluorescent orange to royal blue, although they’re not individually customizable. In short, they are designed to be practical and useful, not just to look good.
Do Heat Wave Live Up to the Hype?
Now, let’s get down to business. Are Heat Wave sunglasses all talk?
Do they look cool?
Yes.
Do they perform well?
That depends on who you’re asking. I scrolled through the sunglasses feedback bible, AKA Reddit, so you don’t have to.
Redditors from a few years ago criticized how the sunglasses often did not last very long, citing broken parts and other issues. However, the experiences seem mixed. Of course, brands improve over time as well.
A more recent review on Reddit noted some issues, but the Redditor overall thought the sunglasses were a good choice for casual use.
How much do Heat Wave Sunglasses cost?
The sunglasses start at around $50. They go up from there depending on the model and the customization. But overall, the brand has stuck to its ethos of offering affordable styles.
They cost significantly less than a pair of designer sunglasses. They’re also less than some other sports-focused specialized eyewear brands.
Alternative Sports-Focused Eyewear Brands
Speaking of other sports eyewear brands, how does Heat Wave stack up against the competition?
They are certainly cheaper than Maui Jim, Oakley, and Costa Del Mar, so they do offer a solution for those who can’t fork out over $100 for shades.
However, when you pay for Costa and Maui Jim, you’re getting unrivalled quality, polarization, and fit. These brands aren’t the flashiest or the most fashion-forward, but they have a reputation (and patented technology) for performing well, especially on water.
Both brands are ideal for fishing, driving, and snow sports when glare could be a major issue. The frames are sturdy and known for their durability.
If you’re looking for sunglasses that go the extra mile, maybe it’s worth increasing your budget for a pair of Costas or Maui Jims. If you want a customizable pair of shades, Heat Wave could be your answer.
Heat Wave is also a good option for gifts since they’re so customizable. You can select the colors and prints and create your loved one’s perfect pair of sunglasses!
TL;DR
Heat Wave Visual sunglasses are on the minds of adrenaline lovers and sports enthusiasts. It’s natural that you’re wondering whether they’re worth it or just a hype brand.
- Heat Wave Visual was founded by a California-based duo in 2012. They’re all about high-octane inspired shades, from the construction to the design.
- Heat Wave sunglasses are bold, and the core styles are customizable. You can mix-and-match your nose pads, lenses, and frames.
- Heat Wave is affordable compared to other similar brands. They have options under $100.
- Compared to Maui Jim and Costa, their construction isn’t quite as sturdy. However, Heat Wave does offer a good amount of fun styles, goggles, and bold colorways to try.
