Popticals PopGun

Popticals sunglasses provide excellent optics. The unique folding design makes them easy to store and carry.

I confess that I have a weakness for sunglasses. I have sensitive eyes so I wear sunglasses 365 days a year. I own a lot of different types of sunglasses produced by a number of companies. I like different types for different activities.

That being said I have never owned a pair of sunglasses anything like the Popticals Popgun sunglasses. Packed into a very small hard case with a swivel catch and small carabiner the Popgun uses Popticals unique folding sunglass design. The following pictures will show you what I mean.

Note the size difference next to a standard sunglass case, very small package.

Pop open the case and look how small the folded glasses are—amazing.

Here you can see the stainless steel sliding hinge and locating stud.

The magnetic stud is inserted into the metal socket and the glasses start to take shape.

The second set of frame hinges are ready to open.

The Popgun sunglasses are fully assembled and ready to wear.

The Popguns are ultra-light coming in at just 1 ounce thanks to the Carl Zeiss Vision manufactured NYDEF Nylon Lenses that are much lighter than polycarbonate lens. They ride really well and stay in place thanks to a rubberized nose piece and temples. The magnetic stainless steel stud and socket keep the frames together really well. Once on my face, they feel totally secure.

While the lens from the outside appears to be blue they are actually a soothing grey and they protect my eyes from 100% of UVA and UVB rays from the sun and are impact and shatter resistant. The Hydrophobic and oleophobic lens technology repels water, oil, sweat, and dust.

The lens are available in both polarized and nonpolarized so they can be customized for specific activities. They even offer a special lens just for golfers. Personally, I use them for driving, skiing, hiking, and just about anything else you can do while traveling. Visual equity is first rate providing really crisp clear vision. 

So far after five months of use, they are holding up well, the hinges and magnetic catch still work as new, and the lens still look like new.

Engineered in the U.S. these Popticals are handmade in Italy. An unusual design that I have found to work really well. The Popgun model is available in 13 colors in addition to the three lens types. Models range in price from $199 to $209, not cheap but really well made.