Innovation drives progress, and solving problems paves the way forward. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door.” Today, that idea applies to eyewear, thanks to Ombraz, a brand with sharp vision (pun intended) for pickleball players and active folks alike.
Ombraz reimagined sunglasses by replacing rigid sidearms with an adjustable, wrap-around strap. This smart design solves common eyewear issues, especially during fast-paced pickleball play.
Perfect for everyone? Not quite—but it earns a solid 4.75 out of 5 balls for pickleball performance.
Timeless Style: Keyhole bridge, circular lenses, and mini visors for glare.
Built to Last: Arm-free design that won’t break or fall off.
Clear Vision: Zeiss lenses for top-notch optics.
Lifetime Warranty: Quality guaranteed for life.
By The Numbers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Models and Styles | 6 |
| Frame Sizes | 2 |
| Lens Colors | 3 |
| Frame Colors | 3 |
| UV Protection | 100% UVA/UVB |
| Price | $160 |
Nuts And Bolts
- Zeiss Optics
- Hard coated and oleophobic lenses
- Indestructible TR-90 frames
- Polarized versions available
- Recycled adjustable cord
- Prescription lens option
- Lifetime frame/strap warranty
- Made in Italy
- Patented
First Impressions
The glasses arrived in sleek packaging, complete with a soft, lightweight neoprene sleeve for storage. Ombraz added a clever touch I’ve never seen in my 40 years of wearing glasses—a soft lens-cleaning cloth attached to the case. For someone like me who loves spotless lenses but constantly misplaces cleaning cloths, this was a perfect solution.
I initially chose the Ombraz Dolomite frames in tortoise with brown tortoise lenses (regular width). However, they didn’t quite suit my face. After reaching out to my Ombraz contact, she quickly sent a replacement: the narrower, smaller Viale frames in tortoise with brown polarized lenses.
In hand, the glasses felt compact and incredibly lightweight. The design is sophisticated, and the construction appeared high-quality. A thoughtful addition is the small side shields, designed to block light from entering at the sides. Adjusting the glasses was intuitive, thanks to the two compression slide beads on the strap. Ombraz’s advice to keep a ½” gap from your nose—and avoid overtightening—is spot on. They stayed secure without being tight.
I tested them during a half-hour of yard work, making a few minor adjustments for the best fit. As others have noted, once adjusted, you barely notice them.
As for the optics? The clarity of the Zeiss lenses was excellent—sharp and consistent across the entire lens. But the real test remained: how would they perform during pickleball play, and were they worth the $160 price tag?
Game on… The Play Testing
A warm, sunny, windless fall afternoon set the stage for some outdoor rec play and a perfect opportunity to test the Ombraz sunglasses. After a quick adjustment, I dove into 75 minutes of intense games. Here’s how they performed:
- Stayed Secure: The glasses stayed firmly in place, no matter how physical the gameplay got.
- No Sliding: Even with profuse sweating, there was no slipping or movement.
- Great Vision: The brown polarized lenses cut glare effectively and provided excellent clarity.
- Comfortable Fit: Unlike my usual Smith sunglasses, the Ombraz caused no ear pain or discomfort since there are no hard sidearms—a huge, unexpected bonus.
- Easy to Remove: Temporarily taking them off to wipe my face was simple, though it required both hands. The strap kept them handy, which was ideal (I already use Croakies on my regular sunglasses for this purpose).
- Extra Protection: They also doubled as eye protection against impacts, thanks to their durable design.
- Easy Cleaning: A quick wash with hand soap on the lenses and strap was all it took to clean them after sweaty play.
Following this first outing, I wore the Ombraz during two more rec sessions and had the same positive experience. Durable, comfortable, and reliable—they performed exceptionally well on the court.
What Ombraz Had to Say
The Ombraz team was communicative and incredibly helpful from the start. I also learned about their commitment to sustainability and product value.
They highlighted numerous awards from Backpacker Magazine, Men’s Health, and Popular Mechanics. With Zeiss optics, options for polarized or regular lenses, durable frames with a lifetime guarantee, and an edge over big brands like Maui, Oakley, and Smith, the value is clear.
Sustainability efforts include planting 20 mangrove trees per pair sold, straps made from recycled fishing net, and a claim of being the world’s most carbon-negative product.
Prescription eyewear is easy to order through their integrated partner, Lens & Frame Co., with a two-week turnaround and a one-year lens warranty. Optional accessories include side shields, nose pads, and a floatable strap for water use.
With no hinges or screws to fail, Ombraz checks all the boxes!
The Final Score
| Category | Rating (1 out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Design/Build | 5.0 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Fit | 4.75 |
| Size/Color Options | 5.0 |
| Sustainability Commitment | 5.0 |
| Price Point/Value | 4.75 |
| Overall | 4.75 |
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. If you’re like me, you probably have specific must-haves for sunglasses, especially for active sports like pickleball. But Ombraz’s innovative design checks all the boxes for performance and fit. Their sunglasses not only stay put but also offer a range of frame and lens options, plus accessories to enhance fit and function. Add in the affordability of prescription lenses, and they stand out as a solid investment compared to top brands.
The only potential challenge? They can be tricky at first for those with longer hair—a fact my wife confirmed. However, Ombraz addresses this with a helpful fit tutorial, and once you get the hang of it, they work just fine.
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
