Let's face it, pickleball is a blast! But it can also be a little nerve-wracking, especially when you think about getting hit in the face with the ball. I know I was constantly worried about it, which actually affected my game. I decided I needed to find some reliable eye protection. My quest for the perfect pickleball eyewear began, and I'm excited to share what I learned!
I'll admit, I’ve had a couple of close calls on the pickleball court. Both times, the ball ricocheted off my paddle and headed straight for my face. Thankfully, I was wearing eye protection both times, so I ended up with just a bruise, nothing serious. Those experiences really drove home the importance of wearing protective eyewear. It’s not just about avoiding serious injury; it’s about playing with confidence and peace of mind.
Before investing in specific pickleball eyewear, I tried playing without any protection. I quickly realized this wasn't a sustainable option. The glare from the sun, especially during outdoor games, was distracting and actually hindered my performance. I was constantly squinting, which made it harder to track the ball. I knew I needed a solution that would protect my eyes from both impact and the elements.
I started my search by trying out a few different options. I initially tried the Gearbox Vision eyewear. I actually paid around $40 for them, but I've seen them on sale for a lot less. They’re definitely worth considering, but I found I needed something more versatile. I also looked into lensless options, which are great for glare. Genie Bouchard uses Kitchen Blockers which are lensless after she got hit in the eye, so it is a popular option for many.
I spent some time experimenting with different tints and lens types. I even tried yellow-tinted glasses from RIA eyewear. The lens quality was really impressive, and the fit was comfortable. My girlfriend uses the clear lens version and loves them. She had to go to urgent care once before she wore glasses, so we knew we needed to find something that we really liked the look and feel of. Finding eyewear that you enjoy wearing is half the battle!
Then, I discovered CRBN glasses. The big selling point for me was that they don't fog up. That's a huge deal, especially during intense matches. Plus, they're photochromatic, so they automatically adjust to different light conditions. This means I don't have to carry around two sets of glasses for indoor and outdoor play. I've even been hit in the face a few times while wearing them, and my eyes were perfectly fine. They are a bit on the pricier side, but they're a solid investment in your safety and performance.
I also wanted something that looked stylish, so I found MERRYS DESIGN Women Retro Cat Eye Glasses Frame Ladies Eyeglasses. I love the retro look and they are very comfortable. They also offer great protection.
Currently, I use Tifosi Crit Fototec glasses for daytime play. They're transition lenses, so they automatically darken in bright sunlight. For indoor games and nighttime play, I switch to Tifosi Intense clear lenses. This combination works perfectly for me, providing the right level of protection and visibility in all conditions.
Based on my experiences, here are some key factors to consider when choosing pickleball eyewear: