Zunnies vs. ROKA: The Best Prescription Sunglasses for Athletes
Do the differences between Zunnies and ROKA prescription sunglasses justify the costs? Have a look!
When I had LASIK vision correction, I knew that as I approached my 40s, my vision would start to fade once again. That day has come, and it just so happens that I came to that realization while on the golf course.
I noticed I was having a harder time tracking tee shots, so I got my eyes checked, and sure enough, my nearsightedness was slowly but surely creeping back.
That nearsightedness is only noticeable at long distances, like tracking tee shots, and since my prescription isn't nearly strong enough to even consider fussing with contacts, it made me consider prescription sunglasses for the first time.
Since I need them specifically for activities like golf and hiking, I started checking out the best prescription sunglasses for sports and outdoor activities.
Here’s my comparison of two of the best I’ve found, Zunnies and ROKA.
A Quick Look at Zunnies
SHOP Zunnies
Price: $58 and up
Prescription Range: -10.00 - +4.00
Zunnies is the active sunglasses line from optical giant Zenni. They’re made for running or other sports, so there’s a huge emphasis on being bounce and slip-free. That means they can hold up to any golf swing without shaking.
You can get them with or without a prescription and with polarized or non-polarized lenses. Since I prefer not to use polarized lenses for golf – they hinder depth perception – I’m zeroing in on the prescription, non-polarized lenses.
When you purchase Zunnies prescription sunglasses, you may be eligible for reimbursement, depending on your vision insurance, or you may be able to use FSA or HSA funds.
A Quick Look at ROKA
SHOP ROKA
Price: $245 and up
Prescription Range: -10.00 - +4.00
Built for active lifestyles, ROKA eyewear is made to be lightweight and locked in, no matter what you do while wearing it. Lightweight materials paired with weight-saving design results in frames you might not even feel. That’s why ROKA coined its technology FloatFit.
Like Zunnies, you may be eligible for reimbursement for prescription eyewear from ROKA, or you may be able to use FSA or HSA funds.
Zunnies vs. ROKA: Head-to-Head Comparison
You probably noticed that Zunnies and ROKA offer the same product from a high-level view, prescription sunglasses made for active lifestyles. You probably also noticed that ROKA prescription sunglasses cost about four times as much as Zunnies.
So there must be some pretty stark differences below the surface between the two, right? Let’s check it out.
|
Zunnies |
ROKA |
|
|
Price |
$58+ |
$245+ |
|
Lens |
Polycarbonate, anti-reflective, anti-fog, high-impact resistant |
Anti-reflective, anti-scratch, fog-resistant polycarbonate lenses standard. Upgrades available. |
|
Prescription Range |
-10.00 - +4.00 |
-10.00 - +4.00 |
|
Frames |
Plastic, 15 grams, anti-slip, variety of shapes and colors |
TR 90 nylon, 24 grams, no-slip, variety of shapes and colors |
|
Warranty |
Essential coverage for glasses, including manufacturing defects, for 30 days from delivery. Lens coating and photochromic films covered for 1 year. Extended warranty available for purchase. |
Original owner covered for material defects or workmanship issues for 1,000 days from purchase date |
Zunnies vs. ROKA: Lens
Both prescription sunglasses come standard with polycarbonate lenses. Both are anti-reflective and fog-resistant. Both come non-polarized standard, but you can upgrade to polarized lenses with both brands for an extra charge.
Zunnies and ROKA both offer protections for active lifestyles in their lenses. Zunnies lenses are high-impact resistant while ROKA’s are anti-scratch. Either way, they’re built to stand up to anything the active individual will put them through.
From a prescription perspective, both ROKA and Zunnies can handle prescriptions ranging from -10.00 to +4.00.
Both brands also offer premium lens upgrades that deliver things like a thinner lens, more clarity, or enhanced durability.
All in all, it’s tough to find much if any difference between the standard polycarbonate lenses from either brand.
Zunnies Vs. ROKA: Frames
ROKA highlights its lightweight frames as an appeal to active people, yet Zunnies frames actually weigh in lighter than ROKA’s.
Between two comparable frames, ROKA’s Barton frame 2.0 weighs 24 grams, while Zunnies Rectangle Sports Sunglasses frame is just 15 grams.
Zunnies frames are plastic, however, while ROKA frames are injection-molded TR 90 nylon. That boosts their comfort and durability.
Both brands offer anti-slip nose pads and perform well, even during intense activity.
With a premium TR 90 nylon material, ROKA frames beat Zunnies head-to-head, which can partially explain the price difference between the two.
Warranty
You’re more likely to want a reassuring warranty on a $275 pair of prescription sunglasses than a $58 pair, and that’s exactly what you get.
While Zunnies’ standard warranty covers manufacturing defects for 30 days plus lens coating and photochromic films for a year, you need to purchase an extended warranty for coverage beyond that.
ROKA, on the other hand, has a far superior warranty. The ROKA warranty covers the original owner from material defects or workmanship issues for 1,000 days from the original purchase date. In case you don’t have a calculator handy, that’s almost three years.
The Final Score
Despite offering the same high-level product – prescription sunglasses made for active lifestyles – at vastly different price points, it’s clear upon further examination that there are some stark differences between Zunnies and ROKA prescription sunglasses.
So which is better? Well, that’s up to you.
Are you okay with plastic frames and a lean warranty in exchange for saving a couple hundred dollars? Or do you want premium frames and a reassuring warranty at a premium price?
There’s no right or wrong answer, just one that fits your preferences best.