Whether you are an avid player of Pickleball or just a casual visitor to the court, facing problems due to the sun is something you must have faced in the court.
Unlike most other games, Pickleball does not have a fixed time limit on the set of games to be played. This means that the shifting sun will cause problems with shadows in the court when you are playing outdoors.
The most viable solution for such a problem in court is a good pair of sunglasses. When you are playing Pickleball, you need to provide adequate protection to your eyes.
And when it comes to playing the game outdoors in the summer, your safest bet is choosing one of these options from this list.
I have analyzed the scenario based on my expertise and hand-picked the best sunglasses for Pickleball that will suit you. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Our Top Picks:
1. HULISLEM S1 Sport Polarized – Best Overall
2. Maui Jim Rectangular Sunglasses – Best Quality
3. Tourna Blue Tint Sports Glasses – Budget Pick
9 Best Sunglasses for Pickleball Players
1. HULISLEM S1 Sport Polarized Sunglasses
With a unique dual-lens polar ellipsoid geometry, the lens in these sunglasses is specially cut from a single Toric lens.
Moreover, it can give you an excellent perception of depth and clarity. The patented S1 coloring system also preserves all-natural colors with minimal distortion.
Design & Quality:
The frame is made of lightweight polycarbonate, and the lens uses German raw materials. It offers protection from all sorts of UV rays with its mirror flash coated lenses.
The Stress Resistant O Matter frames can withstand impact on the most significant scale. As a result, you’ll be able to enjoy the game without being worried about the sun rays.
Verdict:
If you want sunglasses that ensure functionality with performance, the HULISLEM S1 Sport Polarized Sunglasses is your best bet. The super-lightweight design will feel like you are not even wearing any sunglasses!
2. Oakley Men’s Oo9154 Half Jacket 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses
Proudly made in the USA, these sunglasses have lenses made of Plutonite that give 100% filtration against harmful UV rays.
The manufacturer has patented the high-definition optics technology along with the interchangeable lens system.
Design & Quality:
The stress-resistant O Matter frame is made of thermoplastic and is very durable compared to traditional acetate. The nose pads and ear socks are made of Unobtanium for ensuring performance and comfort.
Verdict:
If a comfortable fit with full protection from UV rays is your goal, You can choose this best Oakley sunglasses for tennis or pickleball.
3. Unique Tourna Specs Blue Tint Sports Glasses
The imported polycarbonate lens and ultra-lightweight plastic frame meet ASTM F803 standards.
First of all, it is ideal for sports to offer an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating on the lens. This offers supreme visibility, and you don’t need to worry about it at all.
Design & Quality:
Interestingly, it has a shatter-proof distortion-free blue lens with 10x impact resistance. The adjustable temples with soft elastomer make it a comfortable fit that minimizes any gap between the lens and the eyes.
Verdict:
The wrap-around design and stylish blue lens of the Unique Tourna Specs Blue Tint Sports Glasses is your best choice if you want clear visibility on a sunny day.
4. Oakley Flak Jacket 43 Polarized Replacement Sunglasses
The US-made O-matter frame in these sunglasses is very durable and lightweight. They are oriented towards an all-day use.
Moreover, it can withstand stress and impact against high mass or high velocity very well. Beneficial, right?
Design & Quality:
The nose pads and ear socks are designed with signature Unobtanium. It helps maintain grip even in a sweaty climate.
Verdict:
If you want sunglasses that you can wear all day while ensuring eye protection, the Oakley Flak Jacket 43 Polarized Replacement Sunglasses are perfect for you.
5. Maui Jim Ho’okipa Rectangular Sunglasses
These sunglasses feature color-boosting patented lenses that protect your eyes from glasses. Besides, it will also not make any compromise over revealing true colors in your vision.
The rose-toning is extremely helpful in overcasting any poor lighting conditions. As a result, you can rely on it to produce an excellent performance in low light conditions.
Design & Quality:
Made with imported acetate materials, these sunglasses use trademark PolarizedPlus2 technology for enhanced protection from harmful UV rays.
The ManiPure lenses give your crisp visibility while injected nylon frames feature extended use and supreme comfort.
Verdict:
If you want a pair of modern minimalistic sunglasses with stylish pink lenses, the Maui Jim Ho’okipa Rectangular Sunglasses can be a safe choice for you.
6. Nike Skylon Ace Sunglasses
The non-polarized glass lens in this stylish pair of sunglasses is extensive, with an extended arm and reinforced bridges.
There is even an interchangeable microfiber pouch included with the packaging for traveling purposes.
Design & Quality:
The frames are made of plastoc, making it a bit lightweight and soft. The nose bridge is well ventilated, meaning it will reduce the amount of fogging in the lenses while also ensuring comfort.
There is a one-year dedicated company warranty from the manufacturers too. So, if you face any problem within the warranty period, you can replace it!
Verdict:
If you are worried about warranty and need legal documents ensuring durability, you can go with the Nike Men’s Skylon Ace Rectangular Sunglasses.
7. Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 Sunglasses
The non-polarized lenses in these sunglasses are optically decent and made of polycarbonate plastic.
You can rest assured of its durability as it is shatter-proof and can withstand light impact. It is a widely popular, affordable choice for players.
Design & Quality:
The plastic frames may feel a bit cheap in these sunglasses, but they have an adequate arm length and bridge gap.
The lenses are also ergonomically positioned to give you maximum comfort in your field of vision. Moreover, the outer part is sturdy and offers you maximum comfort.
Verdict:
Affordability and satisfactory performance are the two main goals that the manufacturers had in mind for this product. You can be an absolute winner in these sectors if you buy this pickleball protective eyewear.
8. Under Armour Igniter Sunglasses Oval
Manufacturers specially engineer the imported pair of sunglasses with superior visual clarity in mind.
They are suitable for playing in sunny conditions. Moreover, it is also protective of the eyes against all harmful UV rays of the sun.
Design & Quality:
With polycarbonate Grilamid lenses and titanium frames, these sunglasses are super sturdy and resistant to a massive impact.
The rubber nose pads are co-molded for a comfortable fit preventing accidental slips. Also, the temple and arms are stylish in design too.
Verdict:
If you want a comfortable grip and maximum optical clarity in a pair of sunglasses, the Under Armour Igniter Sunglasses Oval will be your best bet.
9. Duduma Tr8116 Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Oriented towards avid players and sports enthusiasts, these trendy pairs of sunglasses are perfect for any outdoor activity like running, fishing, skiing, or trekking.
The lightweight fit is comfortable on your nose and ears while being designed with adequate dimensions.
Design & Quality:
The lenses are polarized and made with high-definition impact. It can effectively eliminate scattered or reflected light while also protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays of the sun.
The high-quality polycarbonate frames are unbreakable and resistant to scratches. They provide superb comfort and ensure performance too.
Verdict:
If you want an aesthetically pleasing design and full functionality for your outdoor sports activities, you can choose the Duduma Tr8116 Polarized Sports Sunglasses without any second thought.
Related Read:
Things to Consider before buying the best sunglasses for Tennis
The best sunglasses for Pickleball are ones that are designed with a wrap-around style with enough sturdy shatter-proof polycarbonate material.
Moreover, it should also be lightweight with UV-protected lenses that also filter out 75% of visible light.
Here are some specific criteria that I think you should look out for when buying a suitable pair of pickleball sunglasses.
Durability & Scratch Resistance of the Material
The best sunglasses for Pickleball are made of a combination of materials like plastic, nylon, and metal alloy. Of them, nylon is the most popular because of its lightweight scratch resistance and durable texture.
The sunglasses also need to have flexibility so that they can bend on impact without breaking.
Style & Fit
This factor solely depends on your taste and comfort. You can go for a pair of sunglasses with an athletic fit for the best performance.
Or you can choose one that is more stylish and looks sleeker even when you put them on outside the court.
Frames
The Temples
These are the arms of the sunglasses that keep them positioned on top of your ears. They need to be sturdy and rigid enough.
The Bridge
Well, this is the little junction between the two lenses. It connects the rims of the lenses while keeping the sunglasses positions on top of your nose. It needs to have a comfortable grip.
The Rims
These are the metal or plastic frames that generally go around the lenses. They hold the lenses in place right in front of your eyes. They also need to be sturdy but lightweight.
Lens Features – Visible Light Transmission & UV coverage
Optical lens features are another thing you should consider before choosing Pickleball sunglasses.
There are photochromic lenses that can lighten or darken, depending on the available light. It is excellent for longer games that might start while there is light and end in the evening when it is dark outside.
Even during the day, if the weather suddenly shifts to cloudy, your photochromic lenses will automatically adjust themselves to the surrounding. You will not have to change to a different pair in the middle of the game.
Mirror coatings are beneficial and an outstanding feature in sunglasses for very sunny climates.
When you are playing Pickleball outdoors in the court, a mirror coated lens will deflect more than 75% of the light that might otherwise come through.
This will help you focus a lot more on the ball while playing and improve your performance.
Lens Color & Light Control
There are a variety of colors that manufacturers use in sunglasses for Pickleball. Each color has a specific aim in mind.
When choosing pickleball glasses for yourself, be sure to keep the particular aim of the color in mind.
Green lenses are suitable for a low-light condition when playing in the evening. The brown or amber ones improve depth perception when you want to judge distances accurately.
The red element is suitable for aiming towards the ball. Yellow lenses help when playing in slightly foggy or hazy conditions. Blue and pink lenses technically offer no specific advantage other than the style factor.
Above all, I would recommend the grey lenses for the highest utility as they give you the best tint to perceive color correctly and maximize light reduction when playing.
Functionality
The best sunglasses for Pickleball will prioritize functionality over anything else. They might end up looking like goggles, but they will protect you from any harmful glares.
The most functional sunglasses offer as much coverage as goggles rather than traditional stylish models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do I need sunglasses for playing Pickleball?
Wearing sunglasses whenever you are outside in the sun is a good idea. Whether you are playing sports like Pickleball or not, sunglasses offer you protection from UV rays and blue light.
Moreover, it also gives you a comfortable vision while adapting nicely to the dark. Furthermore, sunglasses also act as protective eyewear.
They help deflect any tiny dirt particle that might enter into your eyes while playing and damage your vision permanently.
Why don’t pro tennis players wear sunglasses?
Professional players are playing high stakes games where the ball would be moving extremely fast. Sudden changes in in-depth perception or visual clarity can be a considerable drawback in those cases.
Even the narrow frames of the sunglasses can block out a part of their field of vision. Although very subtle, these drawbacks can cost a lot in the case of professional games.
Most players try to overlook the advantages of sunglasses in exchange for the caveats of playing with direct vision. In casual players like us, the pros are much more than the most subtle cons.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a crazy hustler on the court, or you like to take it easy, you will sometimes end up playing all day. The game of Pickleball can be very addictive and enjoyable.
So, a good pair of sunglasses is not just an accessory but a necessity. Fortunately, this list of best sunglasses for pickleball that I have curated for you will hopefully improve your game while protecting your eyes from any further damage.
With all that being said, I hope you will make a wise and knowledgeable decision on choosing the most suitable pair of sunglasses for yourself from this list. Here’s to a happy and enjoyable game of Pickleball!
KUDOS FROM NORTH CAROLINA! Thank you for this greatly informative article! I was very pleasantly surprised to see you’re overall best pick are only $25, hence I just ordered a one. If they workout well for me, I will be passing the info along to others is my Carolina PickleBallers Meetup group.
Thank you much!
Bryan Kalentek