Whether you love playing singles or doubles, finding the right pair of prescription sunglasses is sure to advance your game. In this guide we will dive into the specifics of what makes a good pair of tennis sunglasses. If you already know what you are looking for check out our Best Tennis Sunglasses of 2019 blog post for a more extensive list. Keep reading to learn more; let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Frame Technology
1.1. Fit
1.2 Coverage
1.3 Grip
2. Lens Technology
2.1 Contrast Enhancement
2.2 Should you get polarized lenses?
2.3 Transition Lens
3. Top Tennis Sunglass Picks
Frame Technology
Frame technology is all about supporting the lens through three main features: fit, coverage and grip. When the lens is properly supported, you are able to focus on the match and the oncoming serves, not your eyewear.
Fit
Fit plays a crucial role in how the sunglasses sit on the face, and how compatible they are with your other equipment, ie hats or visors. Choosing a pair with straight temples is one way to ensure visor compatibility.
Finding a pair of sunglasses that are not only a snug fit that doesn’t give pressure headaches 10 minutes into the set, but also provides good ventilation can be challenging. Selecting a semi-rimless frame is one way to ensure airflow is high while still providing full protection.
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Coverage
Coverage is achieved through two main features, lens size and base wrap. Lens size refers to the width and height of the lens. A wider and longer lens will give more coverage and thus giving more UV protection.
Base wrap refers to how curved the frame is as it sits on your face. The higher the base wrap the more curve it has. A high wrap is desirable since it provides the most coverage of the entire field of vision. Uninterrupted pristine vision allows you to make those quick decisions to win the point.
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Grip
As you volley the ball, the last thing you want to be thinking in about is whether your sunglasses are going to stay in place. Grip helps to solve this problem. By utilizing hydrophilic rubber nose pieces and temples, the frames will stay put throughout the entire game. As your intensity increases, so will the grippiness of the rubber since it is activated with water and skin oils.
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Lens Technology
Lens technology is all about providing you with the best UV protection and enhancing your vision. Clearer vision of the court can help quicken your reaction time, and thus keep you at the top of your game. In this section we will be going over different lens features such as contrast enhancement, polarization, and transition lens. These features work together to provide you with the support you need to take your game to the next level.
Contrast Enhancement
Contrast enhancement brings depth to color and highlights texture differences. This can help bring more Choose from either brand specific lens technology such as Oakley Prizms or from SportRx’s prebuilt lenses that have been optimized for specific light conditions.
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Should you get polarized lenses?
The short answer? It depends. If you play somewhere that is sunny most days, then a polarized lens would help counteract the glare from the court. If, however, you are primarily playing at night or in low light conditions, a non polarized lens would be a better fit.
Polarized lenses work by filtering out reflected horizontal wavelengths. Light waves typically going in every direction. However, when the waves hit a flat surface they are reflected and begin to travel in the same direction. This causes an intense glare, which can be problematic when needed to make split second decisions.
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Transitions Lens
Transitions lenses are a great feature to consider when it comes to varying light conditions. As UV rays hit the lens, the lens darkens. The more UV the darker the lens. As the UV lessens the lense will lighten. Transition lenses can either have a grey base tint or a copper or brown base tint.
As discussed above, a colored lens is more desirable for tennis. Try SportRx’s Advantage: Clay lens from the prebuilt lens guide. They transition from a light to dark smoke green, and provide enhanced color and performance on the court.
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Top Tennis Sunglass Picks
Below is a selection of top performing prescription tennis sunglasses. For a more complete list, checkout the Best Tennis Sunglasses of 2019 blog post.
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
Shop Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
100% Speedcoupe
Shop 100% Speedcoupe
Tifosi Vero
Tifosi Vero is a sleek and compact frame with great style and performance. Vero is durable, lightweight and comfortable. With rubber nose pads and adjustable rubber temples, you can create a customized fit that stays with you. The vented lenses not only improve air circulation but also prevent fog formation.
Shop Tifosi Vero
Get Prescription Tennis Sunglasses at SportRx
Need prescription Tennis Sunglasses? Done. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tooltips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, Contact Us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription Tennis Sunglasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your Sunglasses for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription Tennis Sunglasses at SportRx today!
Thanks for the education on tennis glasses. A fellow tennis player has sunglasses from you and likes them very much. At this point (post cataract surgery on both eyes), I don't need prescription lenses. Do you sell any non-Rx lenses?
Andy
Thank you for reaching out to us! We do sell non-prescription tennis sunglasses. Please feel free to Contact Us or give us a call at 888.831.5817 if you'd like any help.
Have a wonderful day!