Product Review: Uswing Sunglasses

When the folks at Uswing asked me to review their sunglasses, I thought somebody was pulling my leg. You see, I’m the worst with sunglasses. I forget them, lose them, break them, have lenses pop out and generally forget to wear them, even when they’re conveniently located on my golf cap.

I understand the need for sunglasses but anything I’ve tried on the golf course in the past was generally too dark and caused distortion or added an unnatural tint. They were even worse when I tried reading greens, usually flattening any contour that might be there.

So, my normal practice was to put my sunglasses on after I hit my first drive, take them off to hit my second shot, put them back on while walking, take them off to putt, and so on. By about the third hole, I usually forgot to put them on again and by the end of a round, my eyes were sore from squinting into the glare.

Uswing sent me a pair of their Birdie 001 model sunglasses. Out of the box, my first impression was how lightweight they are. The frames are thin and made of metal while the earpiece is flexible plastic. They easily mold to my head and feel quite comfortable. The lenses are slightly tinted a grey green colour.

I vowed to give the new sunglasses a full workout, so prior to my first game, I donned my Uswings and proceeded to the range. At first it was awkward swinging with sunglasses on because I wasn’t used to it but after a few minutes, that awkwardness disappeared, and I basically forgot about them.

On the course, I left the glasses on for the entire round and was very pleasantly surprised to find I had no trouble reading putts and my eyes still felt fresh even after nearly five hours in the bright sun. Everything looked sharp and in focus. Even when I wore them into the clubhouse, they weren’t too dark.

I did a little bit of follow-up on Uswing and watched a video of some guy beating on the polycarbonate lenses with a hammer and they didn’t break, crack or shatter. I’ll accept that and don’t plan on trying it at home.

Uswing sunglasses are made in China and endorsed by C.T. Pan and Rose Zhang. Phil Mickelson has also worn them for several years, although the company says they don’t pay him a dime. Phil just wears them because they work. I suppose a win at the 2021 PGA Championship and a T2 at last year’s Masters is a pretty strong testament.

Oddly, Mickelson wears his Uswing glasses on cloudy days and even when it’s raining. They obviously provide some protection from adverse weather conditions like wind and rain and presumably Phil has found they perform in those conditions too.

Uswing sunglasses are not cheap – the pair I have retail for $599 US which puts them over $800 CDN. Given my history with sunglasses, I should probably lock them away in a vault but having worn them now for a couple of rounds, I don’t want to play without them. They work and I like the benefits they provide.

Here’s what the company says:

Considering the competitive nature of professional sports, every advantage counts. Uswing sunglasses are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that wearers experience not only unparalleled clarity but also a strategic edge over their competition. The price point reflects the investment in research, development, and the use of premium materials to create a product that excels in both form and function.

In essence, Uswing sunglasses transcend the realm of fashion accessories and emerge as essential tools for those who demand the best. The endorsements from top athletes like Phil Mickelson underscore the performance-driven nature of these sunglasses, making them a worthy investment for individuals who value quality, technology, and a competitive edge in their pursuits.

Uswing sunglasses come in quite a variety of shapes and sizes, including aviator styles and a Signature Series for C.T. Pan and Rose Zhang. Price points vary too.

For more information on Uswing, click HERE.