Sunglasses are an essential fashion accessory that will complete your image and style.ย Jack Nicholson once said; โWith my sunglasses on, Iโm Jack Nicholson.ย Without them, Iโm fat and 60.โ
Finding the right pair of sunglasses is key, and there is a lot of choice out there. One quality brand that you will not be sorry to invest in is Serengeti.
PROS
- Serengeti Photochromic-Light Adjusting Lenses
- New Shiny Bold Goldโฆ
- Fits Well on Mostโฆ
CONS
- Details below
PROS
- Non-Polarized Drivers Gradient Lensesโฆ
- Medium/Med-Small Fit, 61x36mm, Bridgeโฆ
- Serengeti Light-Weight Photochromic Glassโฆ
- Silicon Gel Nose Pads,โฆ
CONS
- Details below
PROS
- Ultra-light Mineral lens
CONS
- Details below
PROS
- Lenses: Polarized drivers
- Photochromic lenses
- Mineral Polarized lenses
CONS
- Details below
PROS
- Mineral lens
- Handcrafted Acetate
- Metal Embellishments
CONS
- Details below
The Serengeti Eyewear brand has a reputation for high performance, innovation, and superior craftsmanship.
It is no small wonder that there are some notable names associated with Serengeti; from 24โs Jack Bauer (played by Keifer Sutherland) to professional racing driver, Sabine Schmitz.
But who are Serengeti Eyewear and how do they match up against other designer sunglasses brands?
Well, The Highest Fashion is going to answer just that for youโฆ..
What is the Serengeti Eyewear Company?
Serengeti Eyewear is a high quality brand of sunglasses that are traditionally recommended for and by drivers and pilots.ย
The History of Serengeti Eyeglasses
Serengeti Eyewear has been producing superior eye protection for over 45 years.
Corning Incorporated is a materials science innovation company that research and apply their knowledge to optical physics, glass science, and ceramics science.
The Serengeti brand was created by Corning, as they developed their photochromic technology, in the early 1980s. Serengeti applied photochromic technology to the sunglass market and further promoted the idea of sunglasses as eye care.
In the 1980s, Serengeti had renowned Product Designer Tucker Viemaster worked on the look of Serengetiโs aviator/pilot style sunglasses. Tucker applied sepia coloured lenses which filter out blue shades, making green/red/yellow shades appear bolder.ย This makes it easier to see traffic lights and signage whilst driving.
Those lighter hued colours introduced by Viemaster are still popular today!
Who Owns Serengeti Sunglasses?
Serengeti are a subsidiary of Bolle brands, which were acquired from Vista Outdoor Inc. in 2018 by Antelope Brands Bidco Inc.
Are All Serengeti Sunglasses Photochromic?
Serengeti molecularly infuses photochromic technology into EVERY ONE of their lenses.
Furthermore, Serengeti combine another two technologies into many of their lenses โ Spectral Controlยฎ Technology and Polarization Technology โ to make world class, market defining lenses.
What is Photochromic?
Serengeti states that Photochromic technology allows your eyes to โadapt to any light condition, in any setting.โ
According to the Free Dictionary Photochromic is;
(General Physics) (of glass) changing colour with the intensity of incident light, used, for example, in sunglasses that darken as the sunlight becomes brighter
Photochromic glasses are also known as Transition glasses
Where Are Serengeti Sunglasses Made?
Serengeti sunglasses are made exclusively by premium eyewear specialists in Italy and Japan.
How Good Are Serengeti Sunglasses?
Serengeti sunglasses are recommended by drivers and pilots for a reason!
The precision eyewear that Serengeti produces provides drivers and pilots with protection from harmful UV whilst reducing eye strain and fatigue.
Also, the three in one technology manages light wavelengths, reduces glare and adjusts to current light conditions.ย This technology helps to keep the wearer and their eyes safe and well.
The beauty of Serengeti sunglasses is that they are not just an aesthetic quality brand but the technological investment in them adds further value.
The continual investments in frame materials, anti-fog treatment, and water repelling coatings to name a few, means that you not only have a stylish pair of sunglasses that protect your eyes, but you can be sure that they are manufactured with care and comfort in mind.ย
How do Serengeti Sunglasses Compare to Other Well Known Sunglasses Brands?
Serengeti Sunglasses VS Maui Jim?
Hawaiian born sunglasses firm, Maui Jim Inc., are probably the closest in quality and performance to Serengeti, so they often vie for pole position as the best sunglasses to buy.
Like Serengeti, Maui Jim offer patented polarised lenses and anti-scratch coatings, but they donโt have the triple technology unique to every pair of sunglasses that Serengeti offers.
Maui Jim generally come in at a higher price to Serengeti yet do not have the same reputation for a continuous investment in technology that Serengeti is recognised for.ย
Maui Jim, like Serengeti, are long lasting and high quality sunglasses.
Serengeti Sunglasses VS Ray-Ban?
Ray-Ban have been around for over seventy years now. Founded by Bausch and Lomb, they are best known for their patented Ray-Ban Aviator glasses. Like Oakley and Costa, Ray-Ban are now owned by the Italian firm Luxottica.
Ray-Ban are now mass made in the Luxottica factory whereas the frames for Serengeti are still hand made.ย
Ray-Ban receive good reviews for many of their products however the investment in technology is not as apparent when compared to Serengeti.
Ray-Ban photochromic technology is available only in the ambermatic lenses whereas Serengeti offer photochromic technology in all of their lenses.
Serengeti Sunglasses VS Vuarnet?
Vuarnet are based in France and owned by Sporoptic Pouilloux S.A. Developed initially as an eyewear brand for skiers, Vuarnet sponsored the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics where the phrase โItโs a Vuarnet Day, todayโ, meaning itโs a sunny day, was coined.ย
Like Serengeti, Vuarnet produces glass lenses as well as polycarbonate, with a choice of polarised or non-polarised.
Some Vuarnet brands are described as heavy to wear with arms too wide set to be comfortable whilst Serengeti are generally found to be comfortable with a hard carry case to keep them safe when not being worn.
Serengeti Sunglasses VS Oakley?
Nowadays, Oakley are more often associated with snowboarding but actually started out as a brand for motocross and BMX.ย The sports label hasnโt left and Oakley are still marketed as a Sports Performance brand, with plenty of wrap around models available.
Oakley offers polarised lenses with their own Prizmโข technology to amplify what the wearer is seeing.ย It offers a marked improvement in visual clarity than previously provided by Oakley.
Much like the Ray-Ban, nowadays Oakley are no longer known first for their progressive innovation and research into sunglasses lenses, unlike Serengeti who are pioneers in sunglasses and lens research.
What Types of Serengeti Sunglasses Are There To Choose From?
In a word, loads!
Needless to say, Serengeti have the timeless and classic aviators and wayfarer styles. They also have their own signature and sports lines; all fused with Serengetiโs photochromic technology and all of the highest quality.
The Highest Fashion will explain some of the Serengeti terms and technology to help you make the right choiceโฆ
What Is An Ultra-Mineral Lens?
Serengetiโs Ultra Mineral Lens is constructed with borosilicate optical glass, which makes Serengeti Ultra Mineral lenses finer than other glass lenses.
Ultra-Mineral lenses are also chemically tempered to ensure scratch and impact resistance and an anti-reflective coating is applied to the back side of the lens.
Serengeti Sunglasses Drivers Lens
Undoubtedly, the Serengeti Drivers Lens is the original and symbolic lens of Serengetiยฎ.
The contrast and definition of the surrounding environment is augmented by the amber hued Drivers lenses. Yellow, red, and green โpopโ whilst optimal light transmission is assured using the photochromic technology.
Serengeti Drivers lenses are available in polarised and non-polarised ultra-light mineral and PhDโข 2.0 lenses.
The Drivers lenses can be further classified into Drivers Gold and Driverโs Gradient.ย
What Are The Best Serengeti Sunglasses for Driving?
Drivers Gold Lens
Serengeti Carrara 8546, Shiny Bold Gold with Polarized Drivers Gold Lenses
View in Amazon- Serengeti Photochromic-Light Adjusting Lenses
- New Shiny Bold Gold is very Sharp!
- Fits Well on Most Faces
With all the benefits of the Drivers lenses, the Drivers Gold also has a gold-flash mirror which gives an additional layer of protection and goes further to improve visual clarity.ย These lenses are good for very bright conditions, which makes them perfect for driving.
Drivers Gradient Lens
Serengeti Matera Sunglasses -Mineral Glass Drivers Gradient Lenses -Medium
View in Amazon- Non-Polarized Drivers Gradient Lenses -Perfect for Aviation & Driving, Pilot Favorite
- Medium/Med-Small Fit, 61x36mm, Bridge 14mm, 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Serengeti Light-Weight Photochromic Glass Lens -Darkens in Bright Sunlight
- Silicon Gel Nose Pads, Spring Hinges -Better Comfort & Grip
The Drivers Gradient are specifically designed with drivers and pilots in mind. These lenses are darker at the top to protect from the sun but have a lighter hue at the bottom as they help pilots and drivers read their instruments. These lenses are suitable for medium and overcast conditions.
Pilots usually opt for the Drivers Gradient non-polarised finish.
Serengeti Sunglasses 555nmยฎ Lens
Serengetiโs 555nm lens is suitable for very bright light conditions and for those with sensitive eyes. The mirror coating that is available on mineral lenses helps to reduce glare and helps the eye โrelaxโ.
According to Serengeti โ555 nanometres marks the centre of lightโs visible colour spectrum, right on the border of yellow and greenโ. It is at this point that the human eye can see best.ย
Serengeti 555nm lenses are available in polarised and non-polarised ultra-light mineral and PhDโข 2.0 lenses.
Serengeti Sunglasses 555nmยฎ Blue Lens
The 555nm lenses also have the 555nm Blue which will block up to 94% of blue light and adds more contrast. They allow the eye to relax and are suitable for overcast and medium light conditions
Serengeti Sunglasses Sedona Lens
Serengeti Sunglasses Sedona are very much a sporting lens. They are great for bright light and are often recommended by golfers and mountaineers because they have a high contrast view even in harsh light.
With a silver mirror, the rose coloured Sedona lens can absorb up to 92% of visible light.
Serengeti Sedona lenses are available in polarised ultra-light mineral and PhDโข 2.0 lensesย ย
Serengeti Sunglasses Sedona Bi-Mirror Lens
The Sedona Bi-Mirror has a silver-flash bi-mirror which gives excellent all round protection whilst providing exceptional clarity in very bright light conditions. Serengeti recommends them for boating and mountain activities.
Serengeti Sunglasses Cool Photo Grey (CPG) Lens
For every day wear, Serengeti CPG Lenses reduce unforgiving glare in all types of weather conditions without any artificial colour enhancement.
The Serengeti CPG lenses block up to 91% of blue light, making them a great everyday lens to wear.
Serengeti CPG lenses are available polarised and in PhDโข 2.0 lenses.
What Are The Frames Of Serengeti Sunglasses Made From?
The quality that youโve come to expect with Serengeti is not confined to its innovative lenses but also to their unique and stylish frames.
Metal Frame Serengeti
Thin and lightweight frames handcrafted for supreme comfort and a wide fit range.
Nylon Frame Serengeti
Extremely durable and light, nylon frames are typically chemical resistant yet still comfortable.
Acetate Frame Serengeti
Acetate is not just lightweight but also can be created to have beautiful patterns and finishes.
Acetate Metal Frame Serengeti
Handcrafted acetate metal frames have the acetate finished and enhanced with premium metals.
So, that is the Serengeti Sunglasses lenses and frames explained, letโs take a look at a few of the sunglasses themselvesโฆ
Serengeti Sunglasses Review
Serengeti Sunglasses Livio
Serengeti Livio Sunglasses Sanded Black/Blue Unisex-Adult Medium
View in Amazon- Ultra-light Mineral lens
The classic Serengeti Livio have a traditional wayfarer style to them, which never fades out of fashion. With amber coloured Drivers Lenses, the Livio are perfect for everyday use and driving due to their suitability for overcast and medium light conditions.
Serengeti Sunglasses Corleone
Serengeti Corleone Sunglasses Shiny Gunmetal Unisex-Adult Small/Medium
View in Amazon- Ultra-Light
Serengeti Sunglasses Corleone offer a daring yet classic style. The lightweight metal frame, with contemporary slim temples, ensures comfort. The Corleone come with polarised 555nm lenses.
Serengeti Sunglasses Leandro Glacier
Serengeti Leandro Glacier Satin Dark Gun Polarized Drivers, Satin Tortoise
View in Amazon- Lenses: Polarized drivers
- Photochromic lenses
- Mineral Polarized lenses
If youโre heading for the slopes and want to style yourself like Daniel Craig in James Bondโs Spectre, then look no further as the Leandro Glacier offer a polarised Sedona lens in a stainless steel frame with removable side shields.
Serengeti Sunglasses Anteo
Serengeti Anteo Sunglasses Matte Black Medium Large Unisex
View in Amazon- Lens: Mineral Polarized 555Nm Blue
- Lens category: 2 โ 3
- Features: Serengeti Photochromic, spectral control and Polarized mineral lenses
These unisex sunglasses, available in matt black or tortoiseshell, have an ultrathin and light weight frame that makes them very comfortable. Fitted with ultra-light mineral polarised 555nm lenses, they are great for everyday use.
Serengeti Sunglasses Raffaele
Serengeti Unisex-Adult Raffaele Sunglasses, Shiny Wood Grain, Small-Medium
View in Amazon- Mineral lens
- Handcrafted Acetate
- Metal Embellishments
Serengetiโs Raffaele sunglasses combine a shiny wooden frame with retro panto rounded lenses in polarised 555nm. Panto (panto is taken from the word pantoscopic) round lenses give a broad field of vision to the wearer. And panto round glasses are very trendy right now!
So, What Are The Best Serengeti Sunglasses?
The Highest Fashionโs jury is still out on which are THE best Serengeti Sunglasses.ย However, in a nod to investing in quality pieces that do not go out of style, it would have to be the Serengeti Sunglasses Carrara
Serengeti Sunglasses Carrara
It is a bit of a clichรฉ to plump for pilot style sunglasses but the Serengeti Carrara have that timeless look and feel to them.
Serengeti Carrara Polarized 555Nm Blue, Shiny Silver
View in Amazon- Lenses: Polarized 555Nm Blue
- Photochromic lenses
- Mineral Polarized lenses
As far as investments go, like all Serengeti sunglasses, they are of a superior quality ensuring value for money, and not only because they have the Serengeti โ3 in 1โ technology.
The Carrera have a double flex spring hinge and adjustable nose pads, meaning you can be sure they will always fit well. The light weight metal frame, in gun metal grey, means that you will barely feel as though they are on your face.
Using Ultra-Light mineral Drivers lenses in warm amber, Carrara are perfect driving glasses, effectively cutting glare whilst ensuring clarity and contrast, especially when on a road stretching into the distance.
The colours yellow, red, and green โ used in nearly all traffic related infrastructure worldwide โ are easily distinguishable.
So if you want the look of Jack Bauer, without the drama, then Serengetiโs Carrara are where you will find that!
What About Serengeti Sunglasses Accessories?
One of the best things about purchasing a pair of Serengeti sunglasses is that they ALL come with a hard covered case โ not just a soft bag like some brands.
After investing in a high quality pair of sunglasses, the long lasting case keeps them safe when you are not wearing them.
Needless to say, a soft polishing cloth is included also.
We hope that we have answered those burning questions about Serengeti sunglasses so that you can make the right purchase for you.
The Highest Fashion knows that with so much choice of quality Serengeti sunglasses, itโll be hard to make a decision.
If that truly is the case, then consider buying more than one pair.ย After all, in the words of Bon Joviโs Richie Sambora ย โA man can never have too many pairs of sunglassesโฆor too many guitarsโ
