The MyGolfSpy Forum offers all types of golfing products for our members to test, review and keep. However, the opportunity to have our members review golf-specific sunglasses from Sundog was a first.
About Sundog
A Calgary-based company founded in 1983, Sundog is dedicated to providing high-quality, performance-driven sunglasses for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Sundog focuses on superior protection, clarity and comfort. Their products are designed to meet the specific needs of golfers, runners and cyclists, as well as those who enjoy other outdoor activities.
Sundog works to advance their technologies and materials in their eyewear. This is highlighted by their proprietary TrueBlue and Polarized lenses. Sundog says these lenses “reduce glare and provide crystal-clear vision, allowing you to see more clearly and comfortably in bright sunlight.”
With more than 40 years of experience, Sundog has earned a reputation for excellence in design, innovation and customer service. Its products are sold worldwide and the company continues to expand its reach while staying true to its core values of performance, quality, and innovation.
Yet, despite their years of experience, many of our Forum members were unaware of Sundog and what they have to offer, making this the perfect testing opportunity.
The Testing Opportunity
For this testing opportunity, Sundog offered each tester (six in total) a pair of TrueBlue Polarized lenses and a pair of non-polarized lenses for comparison.
For this review, we wanted our testers to review all aspects of the Sundog eyewear, including how they fit and feel, whether they helped them shoot better scores and whether they would continue using them.
What Testers Said: First Impressions
Once the testers were selected, Sundog promptly sent the eyewear to our testers. Included in the package was a little surprise—a new product that was just released. This surprise was a headcover sunglass case built for the TrueBlue Polarized collection.
The aesthetic is that of a hybrid headcover, which the testers raved about. Then the testers dove into their first impressions of the eyewear they received.
Jeff In The Mitten: “Out of the box these fit well and I LOVE that they have a modern fashion-based style so I can wear them off the 18th green after missing a birdie putt and straight to the bar to forget about that putt…all while looking good! Jokes aside, they seemed really solid and I did notice the lighter tint or (VLT Visible light transmission). Then my first range session confirmed that for me, here in Michigan where clouds can come and go even in the summer, the lighter tint was just what I needed. The only downside I saw was that after an hour or so at the range I could sort of “feel” the arms on top of my ear. It wasn’t a pain, but more like just there with the shorter arm length and light pressure.”
Coulter: “When first putting on both models, they seemed a tiny bit (and I mean a tiny bit) tight, but after putting them on I was delighted to find how comfortable these sunglasses are! The quality of these sunglasses is very easy to see when wearing them! The most awesome case I’ve ever seen, though, only adds to the experience! The Sundog Eyewear driver headcover sunglasses case!”
What Testers Said: On The Course
While the testers commented on the fit and aesthetic off the course, these sunglasses were meant to be used on-course and ideally help them shoot better scores. With two options, testers were able to provide feedback on both and determine what worked best for them.
Wicki: “The lenses are darker than other sunglasses I have. Tracking the ball was better. I could not wear them when the sun was behind clouds because of the darkness of the lenses. Spotting the ball in the rough was better than the previous pair of sunglasses, and let me tell you, it is no picnic looking in our rough to find your ball. We still at times have to literally step on the ball to find it. I have to say that it is better reading the greens, but still have difficulty picking up the contour of the slight breaks in them.”
Complete Round Performance?
Jeff In The Mitten: “These are my first pair of sunglasses that I will ACTUALLY wear for a full round. Maybe I was shopping for the wrong stuff all along, but regardless, these things rock for just enough light reduction and sun protection playing golf. Biggest indication of personal quality is if I’d use them time and time again…and I already am!”
Injectedcutty: “Since receiving these sunglasses to test, I’ve had ample time on the course to really evaluate the benefits of the polarized tech in the lenses. The first day I actually topped a couple of balls as my depth perception was off, however, I quickly adjusted my setup and got everything under control quickly and felt normal again. The Billy83 did really well in sunny and gray sky conditions, but at dusk, they weren’t as effective. These glasses are lightweight, and the arms can be bent to adjust if needed, however, they fit my head just fine.”
Key Highlights from Testers
We already mentioned the case but it was quite special for the group. That said, a couple did mention they would prefer a harder case for added protection. Given the price point of $149 for the polarized model, it would give them added peace of mind.
At this time, Sundog does not offer prescription models. While not an issue for any of our testers, it did limit some of the applicants and was something they would like to see in the future.
Sizing for the sunglasses varied (as expected), with some testers noting a perfect fit and others feeling they were a bit tight or, for two testers, the arms not being long enough to sit all the way back on their ears properly.
For a few models that were tested, particularly the Billy83 and Genius models, testers found the lenses a bit on the dark side. While this was great for bright conditions, overcast or changeable weather meant they needed to remove them in order to feel comfortable.
Testers highlighted the quality of the frames and lenses.
Make The Bag?
Not all the testers used sunglasses on the course prior to the test. Did these change their minds? For those who did previously, would the Sundog eyewear replace their current sunglasses?
The end result was very much mixed. A total of five models were tested among the six testers (Propel, Stack, Billy83, GENIUS, Zenith).
All the testers agreed on the overall build quality and all will be putting at least one model in play. The shortcomings in the models which are being left out have to do with fit or darkness of the lens which didn’t displace them from everyday use but will not be used on-course for those testers.
Final Grades
We had our testers grade each model they received out of 100. They were asked to grade different aspects separately, breaking down fit, feel, aesthetics and on-course performance. Here is how the models performed at the end of testing.
The most played model was the Billy83 which four testers used. They gave it final scores of 95, 92, 80 and 61.
The Propel was the next most played with three testers choosing it. It received final grades of 76, 81 and 92.
The Stack and Genius both had two testers review them with the former getting 85 and 96 grades and the latter receiving two 93 scores.
The final model that was reviewed was the Zenith. It was graded at an 80 by the single tester.
Final Quotes From Testers
Injectedcutty: “In short, the Billy83 TrueBlue Polarized model from Sundog is a great addition to the golf sunglass market. They’re priced fair, look great, they’re lightweight, which is important for long-term wearing intervals, and the lenses clean easily. The polarized tech infused into the lenses really does a great job for clarity and glare reduction. I highly recommend trying these sunglasses if someone is looking for a new brand or pair to wear while golfing, fishing, driving, or just casual use. Overall, they tick all the boxes for me, and I’m sure others as well.”
Alan Scalzi: “I never knew about wearing polarized sunglasses while playing, but I’m a big fan now and will always wear them on the course!”
Comfort and Quality?
Jeff In The Mitten: “I golf in Michigan where lighting conditions can be highly variable. I’ve had corrected vision via glasses or contacts my whole life. I also struggle with allergies making my eyes sometimes very uncomfortable while golfing. I choose NOT to wear sunglasses when golfing as I’ve never found a pair that blocked the sun, but when looking down at address didn’t reduce the clarity of the ball. Sundogs changed all that! The Genius with the TrueBlue Polarized Plus lenses are perfect in my opinion. They have a lighter tint so it doesn’t interfere with things like contrast or reading greens. I’ve used them a lot over the past month or so and have found them very comfortable for long periods of time.”
Coulter: “I have never had a pair of sunglasses that I was able to actually golf in comfortably and still be able to see the ball until now. The quality and clarity of these shades are unmatched in my admittedly limited experience. However, I do think Sundog has done a phenomenal job. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone looking for a quality pair of sunglasses!”
Find out more about our testers’ experiences, and see photos and videos they posted here in their full Forum Member Review of Sundog Eyewear.
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