Showing posts with label Gunnar Optiks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gunnar Optiks. Show all posts

28 May 2026

REVIEW: GUNNAR Optiks Gaming/Office Glasses - Style MAMMOTH - Frame Onyx - Lens Amber

 

Review by Jon Donnis

There comes a point during a long gaming session where your eyes start fighting back. Colours feel harsher, brightness becomes tiring, and after a few hours you end up rubbing your eyes more than focusing on the game itself. That was exactly why I decided to put the GUNNAR Optiks Mammoth glasses to the test, and after several lengthy gaming sessions, I came away seriously impressed.

The Mammoth glasses sit within GUNNAR’s King Collection, and the name fits perfectly. These are bold, masculine glasses with a thick rectangular frame that instantly stands out without looking over the top. The Onyx frame colour keeps things stylish and professional enough for office use, but they still carry enough personality to feel right at home in front of a gaming setup.


Fit is one of the biggest selling points here. I have a slightly larger head, or so I keep getting told, and finding glasses that do not pinch around the temples can sometimes be frustrating. The extra wide dimensions on the Mammoth frame made a huge difference. They sit comfortably without feeling tight, and even after hours of use they never became uncomfortable. The lightweight polymer frame also helps more than expected. Despite the chunkier appearance, they never feel heavy on the face.

The amber lens tint works brilliantly during gaming sessions. I tested these while playing several colourful modern games on a large television, exactly the kind of setup that would normally leave me with noticeable eye strain after a few hours. The difference was immediately noticeable. Bright effects felt softer, menus were easier to focus on, and my eyes simply felt more relaxed throughout. Most importantly, I finished long sessions feeling exactly as I had when I started, with no tiredness or irritation creeping in later.

GUNNAR’s lens technology continues to be one of the strongest parts of the package. The claimed 65 percent blue light blocking feels genuinely useful in real world use, especially during late evening gaming. The anti reflective and smudge resistant coating also deserves praise because the lenses stay cleaner than expected, even after regular daily use.


Build quality is excellent throughout. The sturdy multi barrel hinges give the glasses a reassuringly durable feel, and nothing about them comes across as cheap or flimsy. These feel like glasses designed to last, which is exactly what you want from something you may end up wearing every single day.

As for negatives, honestly there are none worth mentioning here. They are comfortable, well made, stylish, and most importantly they actually do what they promise. Considering the quality on offer, they also feel reasonably affordable.

At this stage, most people probably already know I am a big fan of GUNNAR glasses, and the Mammoth model only reinforced that opinion further. The quality is exactly what you would expect from the brand, but the standout feature here is definitely the design and fit. They look fantastic, feel fantastic, and genuinely improve comfort during long gaming sessions.

Another excellent pair of glasses from GUNNAR Optiks.

Out now for under £50

Thanks as always to the great Gunnar Optiks for providing the glasses for review.


26 May 2026

REVIEW: Gunnar Pinnacles in Onyx/Silver with the Amber Lens


Review by Jon Donnis

Gunnar Optiks have been in this space long enough that expectations tend to be high, and the Pinnacles in Onyx/Silver with the Amber tint slot neatly into that reputation. The first thing that stands out is the design. The modified navigator style has a clean, modern edge without trying too hard, and the layered magnesium aluminium and stainless-steel frame gives it a more premium feel than many rivals in the same category. They sit lightly on the face at 29 grams, and that matters more than it sounds when you are several hours into a working day. The flexible spring hinges help them settle comfortably without constant adjustment, which is one of those small details that quickly becomes noticeable when it is missing.


Performance is where these glasses do their most convincing work. I tested them across a full day in a hot UK office, (Yes I am working during the UK heatwave!) with strong sunlight pushing through a side window and long screen exposure, they handled eye strain better than expected. By the afternoon there was a clear absence of the usual headache build up that tends to creep in during extended computer use. The Amber lens tint does its job without overly distorting the screen, and the G Shield Plus coating keeps reflections and smudging under control, which helps maintain visual clarity throughout the day. It feels like a straightforward case of the technology doing what it claims rather than overpromising.


There is also the practical side of the package that should not be overlooked. The included quad fold case, microfiber pouch and cleaning cloth give it a more complete presentation than many competitors, and it reinforces the sense that this is a product designed for regular daily use rather than occasional wear. The UV protection and blue light filtering are now expected at this level, but they are still reassuring to have working quietly in the background.


The negatives are difficult to find in any meaningful sense. The design will not suit every face shape, particularly if someone prefers a more subtle or traditional frame, and the navigator style does carry a slightly more pronounced visual profile than minimalist alternatives. That said, this is more about personal preference than an actual flaw in the build or performance. Personally I loved the shape and design of the frame, and I got a few compliments on them too.

Overall, the Pinnacles feel like Gunnar Optiks operating at full confidence. They are comfortable, effective, and visually sharp enough to double as both office and casual wear. In practical terms, they do exactly what they are meant to do, and they do it without fuss.


Thanks again to GUNNAR for providing the glasses for review.


23 May 2026

REVIEW: GUNNAR Monterey Office/Gaming Glasses


Review by Jon Donnis

GUNNAR have spent years building a reputation as one of the biggest names in gaming and office eyewear, and the Monterey glasses continue that trend with a product that feels premium from the moment you pick them up. Designed for people who spend long hours in front of screens, whether gaming late into the night or working through endless office tasks, the Monterey model combines comfort, style and practicality in a way that feels genuinely well thought out.


The Monterey style itself is one of the strongest aspects of the glasses. The sophisticated extra wide wayfarer inspired design gives them a modern, versatile appearance that works equally well at a gaming setup or out in public. Finished in a matte gunmetal titanium frame, they avoid the overly flashy look that often plagues gaming accessories. Instead, they come across as sleek, understated and surprisingly fashionable.

Comfort is another area where these glasses excel. The lightweight titanium construction makes them easy to wear for extended periods without becoming irritating or heavy. During long gaming sessions or full days sat in front of a PC screen, they remain comfortable throughout. The adjustable nose pads also help create a secure fit, which makes a noticeable difference over time.



As expected from GUNNAR, the lenses are the real focus here. The company’s patented blue light blocking technology is designed to reduce eye strain, headaches and poor sleep caused by excessive screen exposure, and in day to day use the effect is noticeable. After several hours in front of bright monitors, your eyes simply feel less fatigued. The amber lens tint may take a little getting used to initially, but it quickly becomes natural and helps improve contrast and visual clarity during extended use.

Text appears easier to focus on and long stretches of gaming feel more comfortable than they normally would without protection. Anyone who spends most of their day switching between monitors, phones and tablets will likely appreciate the reduction in eye stress. There is also something reassuring about wearing a product from a company that has specialised in this area since 2006 and remains one of the few gaming eyewear brands recommended by doctors.


The premium lens coatings add another layer of quality. Reflections are reduced nicely thanks to the anti reflective G Shield coating, while the smudge resistant finish keeps the lenses looking cleaner for longer. It all contributes to the sense that these are a genuinely premium pair of glasses rather than a cheap novelty item cashing in on the blue light trend.

Ultimately, the GUNNAR Monterey glasses deliver exactly what they promise. They look fantastic, feel genuinely premium and make long hours in front of screens far more comfortable. Whether for gaming, office work or everyday screen use, they tick virtually every box imaginable.

Once again, GUNNAR have produced an excellent pair of glasses that are very difficult to fault, and they are our go to brand for long sessions of reviewing the latest video games.

Available now at https://amzn.to/43p897b
Or through Gunnar's own site https://gunnar.com/products/monterey

Thanks to Gunnar for sending us the pair to review.

17 Dec 2025

NEWS: Fallout Meets Function with GUNNAR’s Brotherhood of Steel Glasses

By Jon Donnis

GUNNAR Optiks has teamed up with Amazon Studios to launch a new officially licensed Fallout eyewear release, with pre orders for the Fallout Brotherhood of Steel Glasses opening on 16 December 2025. Priced at $99 MSRP, the glasses draw directly from the look and ethos of the Brotherhood, blending in world design with everyday eye protection.


The frames take their cues from the Brotherhood's iconic Power Armour, adopting a rounded aviator shape finished in weathered gunmetal. The styling is deliberately worn and industrial, echoing steel plating rather than sleek modern fashion. Flexible spring hinges are built in for comfort and durability, while the wraparound fit is designed to sit securely whether you are gaming, working, or simply wearing them day to day.

At the heart of the glasses is GUNNAR's patented lens technology. The lenses are engineered to block harmful blue light and provide 100 percent UV protection, supported by the G Shield Plus coating that helps reduce reflections while resisting smudges and scratches. A subtle +0.2 diopter is included to enhance focus, staying true to GUNNAR's long standing approach to reducing digital eye strain without turning the frames into traditional prescription eyewear.


Fallout fans will notice carefully placed details throughout the design. The Brotherhood of Steel emblem is engraved on the lens, while the rallying cry "Ad Victoriam" is etched along the temple, quietly marking allegiance to the faction. These touches are complemented by hidden Easter eggs, reinforcing that this is a collector focused release rather than a simple branding exercise.

Each pair arrives in premium collectible packaging. Included are a metal Area 51 collector's case, a microfiber pouch featuring Brotherhood artwork, and a custom Fallout themed microfiber cleaning cloth. A 12 month warranty is also included. The glasses are offered in multiple lens options, including Amber, Amber Sun shift, Sun, and Amber Max, giving wearers a choice of tint depending on their preferred level of protection.


While pre orders open in December, the full launch is expected in mid January. To mark the pre order window, GUNNAR is offering a limited time promotion. Customers who purchase either a Fallout Vault 33 or Brotherhood of Steel frame will receive a free GUNNAR mystery box, with no additional requirements attached.

Designed for fans of the series and for anyone spending long hours in front of screens, the Fallout x GUNNAR Brotherhood of Steel Glasses aim to balance fandom, function, and durability, all while staying firmly within the visual language of the wasteland.

Pre-Order now at

Based on one of the greatest video games of all time, Fallout is the story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. 200 years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the incredibly complex, gleefully weird, and highly violent universe waiting for them above.

Watch Fallout Series 2 on Prime Video at


11 Oct 2025

NEWS: GUNNAR Optiks Celebrates Fallout’s 28th Anniversary with Vault 33 Glasses

By Jon Donnis

If there's one thing Fallout fans love as much as looting a Super Duper Mart or listening to "I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire" on the Pip-Boy radio, it's the mix of retro style and high-tech survival gear. GUNNAR Optiks seems to understand that perfectly. To celebrate the 28th anniversary of Fallout, the company has launched a special collaboration inspired by Vault 33, complete with a generous anniversary deal. From October 10 to 12, players, collectors, and wanderers alike can grab a pair of Fallout Vault 33 Glasses or Sunglasses for just $69.30 instead of the usual $99, simply by using the promo code FALLOUT28 at checkout. There's no fine print or purchase limit, just straight-up savings that feel almost too good for the post-apocalypse.


The Vault 33 Glasses are clearly designed with gamers in mind. Built from a combination of stainless steel and nylon, the square frame has a smart, retro-futuristic look that feels like it could have been pulled straight from a Vault-Tec prototype lab. The olive metal temples add a touch of authenticity that fans will recognise instantly. It's the kind of style that feels perfectly at home whether you're grinding through Fallout 4's Commonwealth wasteland or binge-watching the Fallout TV adaptation on Prime Video. Flexible spring hinges make the fit comfortable for long sessions, while the built-in side shields subtly cut out peripheral glare. These aren't novelty items; they're practical, well-engineered glasses that merge form and function in the way the Fallout universe always hinted technology should.


Under the hood (or rather, behind the lenses), GUNNAR's signature technology does the heavy lifting. The patented lens design reduces digital eye strain, which is a blessing for anyone who spends hours in front of a screen, whether you're modding Fallout: New Vegas or raiding in 76. The G-Shield® Plus coating adds a double layer of defence, providing anti-reflective and smudge-resistant protection while blocking 100% of UV rays and harmful blue light. This means sharper focus, less eye fatigue, and fewer headaches after long sessions, something every gamer and late-night Vault Dweller can appreciate.

There's also a sense of collectability here. Each pair comes with a collector's case, microfibre pouch, cleaning cloth, and a 12-month warranty, all stamped with official Fallout and Amazon Studios branding. It's a nice touch for fans who take pride in owning official memorabilia from their favourite franchise. It feels like something you'd find tucked away in a Vault locker, carefully preserved, practical, and unmistakably cool.


What's particularly clever about this collaboration is how seamlessly it ties into the Fallout world. The Vault 33 branding gives the glasses a sense of belonging, like standard-issue eyewear for explorers of the wasteland. They strike that perfect balance between nostalgia and modernity, appealing not only to hardcore gamers but also to those who simply love the design aesthetic that's made Fallout endure for nearly three decades.

In a gaming landscape full of crossover gimmicks, this one genuinely hits the mark. It's more than a marketing tie-in; it's a product that serves a real purpose. Whether you're crafting settlements, dodging Deathclaws, or working long hours in front of a screen, the Vault 33 Glasses bring a touch of Fallout style and serious functionality to your daily grind. For fans of the series, it's the closest thing to equipping a wearable perk, one that protects your eyes instead of just boosting your Charisma.

GUNNAR's Fallout Vault 33 Glasses are the kind of gear any Vault Dweller would be proud to add to their loadout. They're sleek, practical, and unmistakably Fallout, bridging the gap between the game's imaginative world and real-life comfort. And with the limited-time anniversary discount, there's never been a better excuse to treat your eyes, or your inner gamer, to something special before venturing back into the wasteland.

But be quick if you want the discount, don't forget to use the promo code FALLOUT28 at checkout.

Thanks as always to GUNNAR Optiks, our favourite glasses maker!

24 Sept 2025

Eyes of the Banshee Queen: GUNNAR and Blizzard Unveil Sylvanas Glasses

By Jon Donnis

For anyone who has spent late nights chasing raid bosses across Azeroth, the idea of wearing a slice of World of Warcraft in everyday life feels like loot worth rolling on. GUNNAR Optiks and Blizzard Entertainment clearly understand that thrill, teaming up to create a pair of glasses that mix style with lore. The World of Warcraft: Sylvanas glasses are here, and they look as if they could have come straight from the Banshee Queen's own armoury.


The frame follows a slimmer Wayfarer style (basically a smart round style) with a sharp, refined edge that suits Sylvanas Windrunner's deadly elegance. Built from premium engineered polymer, it carries a deep battle-worn colour that feels fit for the Horde. Sleek silver accents flash like the glint of her arrows, and sturdy multi-barrel hinges give a sense of quiet strength worthy of the former Warchief.

Slip them on and the signature GUNNAR amber lens tint stands out. The patented technology blocks harmful blue light and helps guard against digital fatigue, so you can grind mythic dungeons or tackle long work sessions without feeling as if you have stared into the Maw for hours. The lenses also feature G-Shield coating to resist smudges and reflections, keeping your view of Azeroth or your inbox crisp.


Each pair arrives with a Sylvanas collectors case, pouch and soft cleaning cloth, all officially licensed by Blizzard. A prescription option is available for those who need it.

Priced at $84, the World of Warcraft x GUNNAR Sylvanas glasses capture the spirit of one of Warcraft's most complex leaders while giving your eyes serious protection. Stylish enough for city streets and practical for long nights in front of a raid frame, they carry just enough drama to remind you who once stood atop the Frozen Throne.

More details at

Thanks once again to GUNNAR Optiks.

Please check out our new Toy review website at www.playwithtoys.co.uk


21 Aug 2025

NEWS: GUNNAR Optiks Raises the Bar Again with the Stunning Tioga Glasses

Tioga Glasses

By Jon Donnis

GUNNAR Optiks has outdone itself again with the Tioga, and it is the kind of pair that makes you sit up and take notice. From the moment you pick them up, you can tell these are designed for people who care about both style and performance. They feel solid yet light in the hand, and once you put them on, the fit just clicks. It is easy to forget you are even wearing them, which is exactly what you want from glasses you plan to use all day.

The inspiration comes from Lake Tioga, and the clarity and purity of that image are reflected in the design. The frames are a modern round shape that manages to look bold without feeling flashy. Italian acetate combined with lightweight carbon fibre reinforced wood gives them a premium feel. The finishes, Maroon Rosewood and Gray Crystal Walnut, are rich and sophisticated, the kind of colours you notice but in a subtle way. You can imagine wearing them at work, in a cafe, or walking around the city. Flexible spring hinges make them comfortable on the nose and behind the ears, and at just over an ounce, you quickly forget they are even there.


Then there are the lenses. GUNNAR has long been known for its lens technology, and Tioga delivers it in full force. Optically pure mineral glass is incredibly scratch-resistant and durable, which is a relief if you are clumsy or like to toss your glasses in a bag. The G-Shield coating blocks blue light and UV rays, which makes a real difference for anyone who spends long hours at a computer or gaming late into the night. Whether you are streaming your favourite game, writing emails, or scrolling through social media, your eyes are under less strain, and everything looks sharper.

The lens options make them even more appealing. The 65 GBLF Amber lenses help reduce eye fatigue and glare for longer comfort, while the 20 GBLF Clear Pro lenses give unmatched clarity and colour fidelity. It is the kind of choice that feels like it was designed for real people with real lives, not just for the sake of a marketing claim.


The real highlight for me is that Tioga can be fitted with prescription lenses. That changes everything. These are not just gaming or office glasses anymore. They can become your everyday eyewear. You get the benefits of GUNNAR technology combined with your exact prescription, which means you do not have to compromise style for vision. You can wear them at work, at home, or out on the town and get the same comfort, clarity, and protection. That versatility is rare, and it is something GUNNAR has clearly considered.

It is also worth noting the attention to detail. Every curve, every angle, and every material feels carefully chosen. The frames are lightweight but strong, the hinges are responsive without feeling stiff, and the lens coating is smooth and effective. You do not have to fight with these glasses; they feel natural. They are functional, but also undeniably stylish.


After wearing the Tioga for a while, you start to appreciate how much thought has gone into making them feel premium in every sense. It is not just about looking good; it is about feeling good, seeing better, and reducing strain in ways that you notice almost immediately. That combination of practicality and elegance is hard to find.

GUNNAR has proven once again why they are number one on the field. The Tioga is more than just a pair of glasses. It is a tool, a fashion statement, and a reliable companion for gaming sessions, office hours, or everyday life. For anyone who cares about both performance and style, these glasses are an easy choice. They are versatile, protective, and genuinely exciting to wear. After seeing and trying the Tioga, it is hard to imagine wanting any other pair of glasses.

For more info check out https://gunnar.com/products/tioga