Review: Gunnar’s Call of Duty Ghost Edition sunglasses has style and some function
Gunnar has been making gaming glasses for years based on studies that reportedly show that blue-light blocking glasses help with eye fatigue. With that selling point, the company has carved a niche for itself in the space though further studies challenged those conclusions.
Since then, Gunnar has been changing its position, focusing on becoming more of a lifestyle brand focused on eyewear. It has created frames inspired by games such as “Overwatch” and “Fallout,” but one of its oldest collaborations is with “Call of Duty.” One of the company’s latest releases over the past few months is the Call of Duty Ghost Edition, which features its signature amber-tint lenses.
The medical community is mixed on the effectiveness of blue-light blocking glasses, and the Mayo Clinic has said, “No significant improvement in vision performance or sleep quality has been found.” Still, experts said more studies need to be done. That’s partly why Gunnar has pivoted and has emphasized being more of a lifestyle brand rather than the other part of its product.
Blue-light blocking lenses are now more about personal preference, with some users vouching for how they make them feel. With the Call of Duty Ghost Edition, the glasses have a retro cool factor with their military-inspired aviator glasses. They remind me of shades that Bruce Lee wore in the 1970s with a notable top bar and a bridge.
In terms of build quality, the plastic is light but lacks sturdiness, while the metal temples are solid. It has sturdy multibarrel hinges that give way easily. Gunnar put thought into the design to make it more gamer-friendly. The shape of the frames keeps moisture out of the lenses while the flattened metal on the temples make it more comfortable when wearing over-the-ear headphones. It creates less awkward pressure on parts of the head as the glasses stay flush.
For “Call of Duty” fans, players will note the branding on the temple and the inside of the frames while the extras will make fans happy. The glasses come with a special case inspired by the series along with a pouch for the glasses and a microfiber cloth with similar touches. For fans, the glasses also include a code for an in-game item.
The most notable feature of the Ghost Edition glasses is that they come with special photochromatic lenses that change color when in the sun. It goes from an amber tint to a darker color in 15 seconds. Again, it’s a feature that makes the shades something more than a product worn in front of a monitor. It can easily transition out of the office or gaming space, just as long as it fits a user’s style.
It’s a set of lenses that can satisfy hard-core “Call of Duty” fans, who are willing to pay the price comparable to a game. For others, the cost of the glasses may give them pause.
Call of Duty Ghost Edition
Two and a half starsManufacturer: GunnarPrice: $74